1
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Belimezi M, Kalliaropoulos A, Mentis AFA, Chrousos GP. Diagnostic significance of IgG and albumin indices versus oligoclonal band types in demyelinating disorders. J Clin Pathol 2023; 76:166-171. [PMID: 34526372 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207766] [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: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The laboratory diagnosis of demyelinating inflammatory disorders (DIDs) relies on both intrathecal oligoclonal band (OCB) positivity and IgG index. Although OCB typing remains the gold-standard test for DIDs, it can be laborious and ambiguous, complicating diagnostics, and unduly increasing diagnostic time. We examined whether serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters can classify OCB types and, thus, be used as a replacement test to standard OCB typing. METHODS We retrospectively analysed >1000 prospectively collected samples of patients with DIDs and quantified albumin and IgG levels in the CSF and serum. We determined OCB types by isoelectric focusing combined with immunofixation and evaluated the diagnostic accuracies of IgG and albumin indices in discriminating OCB types by receiver operating characteristic curves and multinomial regression. RESULTS An IgG index cut-off of 0.589 differentiated types 2/3 from types 1/4 (area under the curve 0.780, 95% CI 0.761 to 0.812, p<0.001; specificity: 71.10%, sensitivity: 73.45%). Albumin quotient cut-off values of 6.625 and of 6.707 discriminated type 1 from type 4 and type 2 from type 3, respectively (specificity: <55%, sensitivity: <75%). Female sex, age, IgG index, CSF IgG and serum albumin were associated with different OCB types. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that IgG and albumin index can differentiate OCB types with adequate accuracy, especially if refined by age and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belimezi
- Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece .,University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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2
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Bianchi A, Aprile M, Schirò G, Gasparro C, Iacono S, Andolina M, Marrale M, Gattuso I, La Tona G, Midiri M, Gagliardo C, Salemi G, Ragonese P. Microchimerism in multiple sclerosis: The association between sex of offspring and MRI features in women with multiple sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1091955. [PMID: 36824218 PMCID: PMC9941336 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1091955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims During pregnancy, fetal cells can migrate to the mother via blood circulation. A percentage of these cells survive in maternal tissues for decades generating a population of fetal microchimeric cells (fMCs), whose biological role is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the sex of offspring, an indirect marker of fMCs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in women with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We recruited 26 nulliparous MS patients (NPp), 20 patients with at least one male son (XYp), and 8 patients with only daughters (XXp). Each patient underwent brain MR scan to acquire 3D-T2w FLAIR FatSat and 3D-T1w FSPGR/TFE. Lesion Segmentation Tool (LST) and FreeSurfer were used to obtain quantitative data from MRI. Additional data were collected using medical records. Multiple regression models were applied to evaluate the association between sex of offspring and MS data. Results Comparing NPp and XXp, we found that NPp had larger 4th ventricle volume (2.02 ± 0.59 vs. 1.70 ± 0.41; p = 0.022), smaller left entorhinal volume (0.55 ± 0.17 vs. 0.68 ± 0.25; p = 0.028), and lower thickness in the following cortical areas: left paracentral (2.34 ± 0.16 vs. 2.39 ± 0.17; p = 0.043), left precuneus (2.27 ± 0.11 vs. 2.34 ± 0.16; p = 0.046), right lateral occipital (2.14 ± 0.11 vs. 2.25 ± 0.08; p = 0.006). NPp also had lower thickness in left paracentral cortex (2.34 ± 0.16 vs. 2.46 ± 0.17; p = 0.004), left precalcarine cortex (1.64 ± 0.14 vs. 1.72 ± 0.12; p = 0.041), and right paracentral cortex (2.34 ± 0.17 vs. 2.42 ± 0.14; p = 0.015) when compared to XYp. Comparing XYp and XXp, we found that XYp had higher thickness in left cuneus (1.80 ± 0.14 vs. 1.93 ± 0.10; p = 0.042) and left pericalcarine areas (1.59 ± 0.19 vs. 1.72 ± 0.12; p = 0.032) and lower thickness in right lateral occipital cortex (2.25 ± 0.08 vs. 2.18 ± 0.13; p = 0.027). Discussion Our findings suggested an association between the sex of offspring and brain atrophy. Considering the sex of offspring as an indirect marker of fMCs, we speculated that fMCs could accumulate in different brain areas modulating MS neuropathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bianchi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy,Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Alessia Bianchi,
| | - Maria Aprile
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Gasparro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iacono
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michele Andolina
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Marrale
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Gattuso
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Tona
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cesare Gagliardo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salemi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Ragonese
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Melamed E, Palmer JL, Fonken C. Advantages and limitations of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in breaking down the role of the gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1019877. [PMID: 36407764 PMCID: PMC9672668 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1019877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was introduced almost a century ago, there has been an ongoing scientific debate about the risks and benefits of using EAE as a model of multiple sclerosis (MS). While there are notable limitations of translating EAE studies directly to human patients, EAE continues to be the most widely used model of MS, and EAE studies have contributed to multiple key breakthroughs in our understanding of MS pathogenesis and discovery of MS therapeutics. In addition, insights from EAE have led to a better understanding of modifiable environmental factors that can influence MS initiation and progression. In this review, we discuss how MS patient and EAE studies compare in our learning about the role of gut microbiome, diet, alcohol, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiome transplant in neuroinflammation. Ultimately, the combination of rigorous EAE animal studies, novel bioinformatic approaches, use of human cell lines, and implementation of well-powered, age- and sex-matched randomized controlled MS patient trials will be essential for improving MS patient outcomes and developing novel MS therapeutics to prevent and revert MS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Melamed
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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4
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Looking Beyond Physical Disability: Cognitive Impairment in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis. Rehabil Nurs 2022; 47:179-186. [PMID: 35833886 DOI: 10.1097/rnj.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive impairment (CI) is an underestimated part of disability in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The purpose of this evidence-based project was to influence clinicians treating PwMS by education of the current guidelines on cognition and multiple sclerosis and to screen CI with a valid neuropsychological tool. METHODS Staff were educated on the 2018 National Multiple Sclerosis Society guidelines about CI in PwMS. The Processing Speed Test (PST) measured CI. RESULTS Of 50 eligible patients in a 3-month period, 21 (42%) PwMS were cognitively screened. Of the 21 enrolled patients, nine (42.9%) patients were cognitively impaired. Employed patients' PST scores tended to be higher than unemployed patients. As age increased, PST raw scores decreased. CONCLUSIONS In this project, less than half of eligible patients received cognitive screening after an extensive education program. Thus, education alone was not sufficient to change behavior. Other strategies to influence change may be more effective.
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5
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Umair M, Fazazi MR, Rangachari M. Biological Sex As a Critical Variable in CD4 + Effector T Cell Function in Preclinical Models of Multiple Sclerosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:135-149. [PMID: 34538129 PMCID: PMC9293683 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining adaptive immune responses against pathogens. However, misdirected T cell responses against self-tissues may lead to autoimmune disease. Biological sex has profound effects on T cell function and is an important determinant of disease incidence and severity in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent Advances: Many autoimmune diseases skew toward higher female incidence, including MS; however, it is has become increasingly more accepted that men living with MS are more prone to developing a progressive disease course and to having worsened disease outcomes. Critical Issues: In this review, we discuss what is known about the role of biological sex on T cell development and differentiation, examining evidence that male sex can augment T helper 17 (Th17) responses. Next, we outline what is known about sex differences in animal models of MS, and about the distinct roles played by sex hormones versus sex chromosomes in pathogenesis in these models. Finally, we discuss recent advances that examine the molecular basis for worsened disease outcomes in males, with a particular focus on the role played by Th17 cells in these models. Future Directions: Better understanding the role of biological sex in T cell function may pave the way to effective personalized treatment strategies in MS and other autoimmune diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 135-149.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umair
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mohamed Reda Fazazi
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manu Rangachari
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Immune Cell Contributors to the Female Sex Bias in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 62:333-373. [PMID: 35467295 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to axonal damage and accumulation of disability. Relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) is the most frequent presentation of MS and this form of MS is three times more prevalent in females than in males. This female bias in MS is apparent only after puberty, suggesting a role for sex hormones in this regulation; however, very little is known of the biological mechanisms that underpin the sex difference in MS onset. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of RR-MS that presents more severely in females in certain mouse strains and thus has been useful to study sex differences in CNS autoimmunity. Here, we overview the immunopathogenesis of MS and EAE and how immune mechanisms in these diseases differ between a male and female. We further describe how females exhibit more robust myelin-specific T helper (Th) 1 immunity in MS and EAE and how this sex bias in Th cells is conveyed by sex hormone effects on the T cells, antigen presenting cells, regulatory T cells, and innate lymphoid cell populations.
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7
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Batzdorf CS, Morr AS, Bertalan G, Sack I, Silva RV, Infante-Duarte C. Sexual Dimorphism in Extracellular Matrix Composition and Viscoelasticity of the Healthy and Inflamed Mouse Brain. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020230. [PMID: 35205095 PMCID: PMC8869215 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that primarily affects women, gender differences in disease course and in brain softening have been reported. It has been shown that the molecular network found between the cells of the tissue, the extracellular matrix (ECM), influences tissue stiffness. However, it is still unclear if sex influences ECM composition. Therefore, here we investigated how brain ECM and stiffness differ between sexes in the healthy mouse, and in an MS mouse model. We applied multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography and gene expression analysis for associating in vivo brain stiffness with ECM protein content in the brain, such as collagen and laminin. We found that the cortex was softer in males than in females in both healthy and sick mice. Softening was associated with sex differences in expression levels of collagen and laminin. Our findings underscore the importance of considering sex when studying the constitution of brain tissue in health and disease, particularly when investigating the processes underlying gender differences in MS. Abstract Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has revealed sexual dimorphism in brain stiffness in healthy individuals and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In an animal model of MS, named experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we have previously shown that inflammation-induced brain softening was associated with alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, it remained unclear whether the brain ECM presents sex-specific properties that can be visualized by MRE. Therefore, here we aimed at quantifying sexual dimorphism in brain viscoelasticity in association with ECM changes in healthy and inflamed brains. Multifrequency MRE was applied to the midbrain of healthy and EAE mice of both sexes to quantitatively map regional stiffness. To define differences in brain ECM composition, the gene expression of the key basement membrane components laminin (Lama4, Lama5), collagen (Col4a1, Col1a1), and fibronectin (Fn1) were investigated by RT-qPCR. We showed that the healthy male cortex expressed less Lama4, Lama5, and Col4a1, but more Fn1 (all p < 0.05) than the healthy female cortex, which was associated with 9% softer properties (p = 0.044) in that region. At peak EAE cortical softening was similar in both sexes compared to healthy tissue, with an 8% difference remaining between males and females (p = 0.006). Cortical Lama4, Lama5 and Col4a1 expression increased 2 to 3-fold in EAE in both sexes while Fn1 decreased only in males (all p < 0.05). No significant sex differences in stiffness were detected in other brain regions. In conclusion, sexual dimorphism in the ECM composition of cortical tissue in the mouse brain is reflected by in vivo stiffness measured with MRE and should be considered in future studies by sex-specific reference values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Sophie Batzdorf
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
| | - Anna Sophie Morr
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Gergely Bertalan
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.M.); (G.B.); (I.S.)
| | - Rafaela Vieira Silva
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante-Duarte
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.B.); (R.V.S.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Zhang M, Zhou Y, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Xiao X, Ning J, Sun H, Zhang X, Luo H, Can D, Lu J, Xu H, Zhang YW. Profiling of Sexually Dimorphic Genes in Neural Cells to Identify Eif2s3y, Whose Overexpression Causes Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669798. [PMID: 34307355 PMCID: PMC8292149 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurological disorders exhibit sex differences and sex-specific therapeutic responses. Unfortunately, significant amounts of studies investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these neurological disorders use primary cell cultures with undetermined sexes; and this may be a source for contradictory results among different studies and impair the validity of study conclusion. Herein, we comprehensively compared sexual dimorphism of gene expression in primary neurons, astrocytes, and microglia derived from neonatal mouse brains. We found that overall sexually dimorphic gene numbers were relatively low in these primary cells, with microglia possessing the most (264 genes), neurons possessing the medium (69 genes), and astrocytes possessing the least (30 genes). KEGG analysis indicated that sexually dimorphic genes in these three cell types were strongly enriched for the immune system and immune-related diseases. Furthermore, we identified that sexually dimorphic genes shared by these primary cells dominantly located on the Y chromosome, including Ddx3y, Eif2s3y, Kdm5d, and Uty. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of Eif2s3y increased synaptic transmission specifically in male neurons and caused autism-like behaviors specifically in male mice. Together, our results demonstrate that the sex of primary cells should be considered when these cells are used for studying the molecular mechanism underlying neurological disorders with sex-biased susceptibility, especially those related to immune dysfunction. Moreover, our findings indicate that dysregulation of sexually dimorphic genes on the Y chromosome may also result in autism and possibly other neurological disorders, providing new insights into the genetic driver of sex differences in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muxian Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunqiang Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yiru Jiang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Emergency Department, Xiang'an Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhancheng Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xiaoxia Xiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinhuan Ning
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dan Can
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinsheng Lu
- Emergency Department, Xiang'an Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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9
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Kahl O, Wierzbicka E, Dębińska M, Mraz M, Mraz M. Compensatory image of the stability of people with multiple sclerosis and atrial vertigo based on posturography examination. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7027. [PMID: 33782416 PMCID: PMC8007820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathophysiology of balance disorders due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and atrial vertigo (AV) is different. We evaluated posture stability when maintaining balance in people with MS presenting symptoms of ataxia and those with AV. We included 45 women (15 with MS; 15 with AV; 15 controls). A posturography platform was used to measure balance parameters. To characterize the image of stability and the compensation of balance disorders, the surface area of the stabilogram (SAS), vision control index (VCI) and the vision-motion control index (VMCI) were used. The stability image of people with MS and AV with eyes open (p = 0.002), with eyes closed (p = 0.080) and with visual biofeedback (p = 0.0008) differed significantly. SAS depended on visual biofeedback regardless of the occurrence of balance disorders and was the basis for determining the compensatory share of vision-motor coordination. Differences in VCI between groups were insignificant. VMCI was significantly higher in people with balance disorders than in those without, but similar in the MS and AV groups. The image of stability is different in people with MS and AV. Thanks to visual biofeedback, it becomes possible to launch effective vision-motor coordination when compensating balance disorders. VCI may become the measure of compensation for balance disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwer Kahl
- Physiotherapy Department, University School of Physical Education, al. I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 52-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wierzbicka
- Physiotherapy Department, University School of Physical Education, al. I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 52-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Dębińska
- Physiotherapy Department, University School of Physical Education, al. I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 52-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Mraz
- Physiotherapy Department, University School of Physical Education, al. I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 52-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Mraz
- Physiotherapy Department, University School of Physical Education, al. I. J. Paderewskiego 35, 52-612, Wrocław, Poland.
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10
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Doss PMIA, Umair M, Baillargeon J, Fazazi R, Fudge N, Akbar I, Yeola AP, Williams JB, Leclercq M, Joly-Beauparlant C, Beauchemin P, Ruda GF, Alpaugh M, Anderson AC, Brennan PE, Droit A, Lassmann H, Moore CS, Rangachari M. Male sex chromosomal complement exacerbates the pathogenicity of Th17 cells in a chronic model of central nervous system autoimmunity. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108833. [PMID: 33691111 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence and severity have long been recognized. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms for why male sex is associated with more aggressive disease remain poorly defined. Using a T cell adoptive transfer model of chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we find that male Th17 cells induce disease of increased severity relative to female Th17 cells, irrespective of whether transferred to male or female recipients. Throughout the disease course, a greater frequency of male Th17 cells produce IFNγ, a hallmark of pathogenic Th17 responses. Intriguingly, XY chromosomal complement increases the pathogenicity of male Th17 cells. An X-linked immune regulator, Jarid1c, is downregulated in pathogenic male murine Th17 cells, and functional experiments reveal that it represses the severity of Th17-mediated EAE. Furthermore, Jarid1c expression is downregulated in CD4+ T cells from MS-affected individuals. Our data indicate that male sex chromosomal complement critically regulates Th17 cell pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prenitha Mercy Ignatius Arokia Doss
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Muhammad Umair
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Joanie Baillargeon
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Reda Fazazi
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Neva Fudge
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Irshad Akbar
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Asmita Pradeep Yeola
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - John B Williams
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Mickael Leclercq
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Charles Joly-Beauparlant
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Philippe Beauchemin
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050 ave de la Médecine, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gian Filipo Ruda
- Target Discovery Institute and NIHR, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Melanie Alpaugh
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Target Discovery Institute and NIHR, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK; Alzheimer's Research UK, Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Arnaud Droit
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050 ave de la Médecine, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Craig S Moore
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Manu Rangachari
- axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050 ave de la Médecine, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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11
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Manera C, Bertini S. Cannabinoid-Based Medicines and Multiple Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1264:111-129. [PMID: 33332007 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The emerging role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the control of symptoms and disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been highlighted by recent studies. MS is a chronic, immune-mediated, and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with no cure so far. It is widely reported that cannabinoids might be used to control MS symptoms and that they also might exert neuroprotective effects and slow down disease progression. The aim of this chapter is to give an overview of the main endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids used for the symptomatic amelioration of MS and their beneficial outcomes, providing new possible perspectives for the treatment of this disease.
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12
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The contribution of thymic tolerance to central nervous system autoimmunity. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:135-157. [PMID: 33108502 PMCID: PMC7925481 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are associated with high levels of morbidity and economic cost. Research efforts have previously focused on the contribution of the peripheral adaptive and innate immune systems to CNS autoimmunity. However, a failure of thymic negative selection is a necessary step in CNS-reactive T cells escaping into the periphery. Even with defective thymic or peripheral tolerance, the development of CNS inflammation is rare. The reasons underlying this are currently poorly understood. In this review, we examine evidence implicating thymic selection in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity. Animal models suggest that thymic negative selection is an important factor in determining susceptibility to and severity of CNS inflammation. There are indirect clinical data that suggest thymic function is also important in human CNS autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association between thymoma and paraneoplastic encephalitis and changes in T cell receptor excision circles in multiple sclerosis implicate thymic tolerance in these diseases. We identify potential associations between CNS autoimmunity susceptibility factors and thymic tolerance. The therapeutic manipulation of thymopoiesis has the potential to open up new treatment modalities, but a better understanding of thymic tolerance in CNS autoimmunity is required before this can be realised.
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13
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Gilli F, DiSano KD, Pachner AR. SeXX Matters in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:616. [PMID: 32719651 PMCID: PMC7347971 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). An interesting feature that this debilitating disease shares with many other inflammatory disorders is that susceptibility is higher in females than in males, with the risk of MS being three times higher in women compared to men. Nonetheless, while men have a decreased risk of developing MS, many studies suggest that males have a worse clinical outcome. MS exhibits an apparent sexual dimorphism in both the immune response and the pathophysiology of the CNS damage, ultimately affecting disease susceptibility and progression differently. Overall, women are predisposed to higher rates of inflammatory relapses than men, but men are more likely to manifest signs of disease progression and worse CNS damage. The observed sexual dimorphism in MS may be due to sex hormones and sex chromosomes, acting in parallel or combination. In this review, we outline current knowledge on the sexual dimorphism in MS and discuss the interplay of sex chromosomes, sex hormones, and the immune system in driving MS disease susceptibility and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gilli
- Department of Neurology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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14
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Aged hind-limb clasping experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models aspects of the neurodegenerative process seen in multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22710-22720. [PMID: 31641069 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915141116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most common model of multiple sclerosis (MS). This model has been instrumental in understanding the events that lead to the initiation of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. Though EAE has been an effective screening tool for identifying novel therapies for relapsing-remitting MS, it has proven to be less successful in identifying therapies for progressive forms of this disease. Though axon injury occurs in EAE, it is rapid and acute, making it difficult to intervene for the purpose of evaluating neuroprotective therapies. Here, we describe a variant of spontaneous EAE in the 2D2 T cell receptor transgenic mouse (2D2+ mouse) that presents with hind-limb clasping upon tail suspension and is associated with T cell-mediated inflammation in the posterior spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Due to the mild nature of clinical signs in this model, we were able to maintain cohorts of mice into middle age. Over 9 mo, these mice exhibited a relapsing-remitting course of hind-limb clasping with the development of progressive motor deficits. Using a combined approach of ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histopathological analysis, we observed neurological progression to associate with spinal cord atrophy, synapse degradation, and neuron loss in the gray matter, as well as ongoing axon injury in the white matter of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that mild EAE coupled with natural aging may be a solution to better modeling the neurodegenerative processes seen in MS.
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15
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Kodama L, Gan L. Do Microglial Sex Differences Contribute to Sex Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases? Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:741-749. [PMID: 31171460 PMCID: PMC7338035 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences have been clinically documented in numerous neurodegenerative diseases and yet the reasons for these differences are not well understood. Recent studies have found that microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system, are a key cell type involved in neurodegenerative diseases. This cell type displays sex differences in their expression profiles and function. Could these sex differences in microglia explain the sex differences seen in neurodegenerative diseases? How can we further probe these differences to better understand disease mechanisms? In this Opinion, we highlight the recent evidence that microglia have sex differences, factors that contribute to these differences, and how these differences could shed new light on the pathophysiology of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay Kodama
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Desai MK, Brinton RD. Autoimmune Disease in Women: Endocrine Transition and Risk Across the Lifespan. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:265. [PMID: 31110493 PMCID: PMC6501433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Women have a higher incidence and prevalence of autoimmune diseases than men, and 85% or more patients of multiple autoimmune diseases are female. Women undergo sweeping endocrinological changes at least twice during their lifetime, puberty and menopause, with many women undergoing an additional transition: pregnancy, which may or may not be accompanied by breastfeeding. These endocrinological transitions exert significant effects on the immune system due to interactions between the hormonal milieu, innate, and adaptive immune systems as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and thereby modulate the susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases. Conversely, pre-existing autoimmune diseases themselves impact endocrine transitions. Concentration-dependent effects of estrogen on the immune system; the role of progesterone, androgens, leptin, oxytocin, and prolactin; and the interplay between Th1 and Th2 immune responses together maintain a delicate balance between host defense, immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. In this review, multiple autoimmune diseases have been analyzed in the context of each of the three endocrinological transitions in women. We provide evidence from human epidemiological data and animal studies that endocrine transitions exert profound impact on the development of autoimmune diseases in women through complex mechanisms. Greater understanding of endocrine transitions and their role in autoimmune diseases could aid in prediction, prevention, and cures of these debilitating diseases in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maunil K. Desai
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Departments of Pharmacology and Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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17
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Marschallinger R, Mühlau M, Pongratz V, Kirschke JS, Marschallinger S, Schmidt P, Sellner J. Geostatistical Analysis of White Matter Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis Identifies Gender Differences in Lesion Evolution. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:460. [PMID: 30618611 PMCID: PMC6305114 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with presumed autoimmune origin. The development of lesions within the gray matter and white matter, which are highly variable with respect to number, total volume, morphology and spatial evolution and which only show a limited correlation with clinical disability, is a hallmark of the disease. Population-based studies indicate a distinct outcome depending on gender. Here, we studied gender-related differences in the evolution of white matter MS-lesions (MS-WML) in early MS by using geostatistical methods. Within a 3 years observation period, a female and a male MS patient group received disease modifying drugs and underwent standardized annual brain magnetic resonance imaging, accompanied by neurological examination. MS-WML were automatically extracted and the derived binary lesion masks were subject to geostatistical analysis, yielding quantitative spatial-statistics metrics on MS-WML pattern morphology and total lesion volume (TLV). Through the MS-lesion pattern discrimination plot, the following differences were disclosed: corresponding to gender and MS-WML pattern morphology at baseline, two female subgroups (F1, F2) and two male subgroups (M1, M2) are discerned that follow a distinct MS-WML pattern evolution in space and time. F1 and M1 start with medium-level MS-WML pattern smoothness and TLV, both behave longitudinally quasi-static. By contrast, F2 and M2 start with high-level MS-WML pattern smoothness and medium-level TLV. F2 and M2 longitudinal development is characterized by strongly diminishing MS-WML pattern smoothness and TLV, i.e., continued shrinking and break-up of MS-WML. As compared to the male subgroup M2, the female subgroup F2 shows continued, increased MS-WML pattern smoothness and TLV. Data from neurological examination suggest a correlation of MS-WML pattern morphology metrics and EDSS. Our results justify detailed studies on gender-related differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Marschallinger
- Geoinformatics Z_GIS, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,TUM Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Viola Pongratz
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,TUM Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- TUM Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Neuroradiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Paul Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,TUM Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Johann Sellner
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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18
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Gold SM, Willing A, Leypoldt F, Paul F, Friese MA. Sex differences in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:177-188. [PMID: 30361800 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stronger adaptive immune responses in females can be observed in different mammals, resulting in better control of infections compared to males. However, this presumably evolutionary difference likely also drives higher incidence of autoimmune diseases observed in humans. Here, we summarize sex differences in the most common autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and discuss recent advances in the understanding of possible underlying immunological and CNS intrinsic mechanisms. In multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common inflammatory disease of the CNS, but also in rarer conditions, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or neuronal autoantibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE), sex is one of the top risk factors, with women being more often affected than men. Immunological mechanisms driving the sex bias in autoimmune CNS diseases are complex and include hormonal as well as genetic and epigenetic effects, which could also be exerted indirectly via modulation of the microbiome. Furthermore, CNS intrinsic differences could underlie the sex bias in autoimmunity by differential responses to injury. The strong effects of sex on incidence and possibly also activity and progression of autoimmune CNS disorders suggest that treatments need to be tailored to each sex to optimize efficacy. To date, however, due to a lack of systematic studies on treatment responses in males versus females, evidence in this area is still sparse. We argue that studies taking sex differences into account could pave the way for sex-specific and therefore personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Gold
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Cooperate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Willing
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Neuroimmunology Section, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel A Friese
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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19
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Traditional Uses of Cannabinoids and New Perspectives in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. MEDICINES 2018; 5:medicines5030091. [PMID: 30111755 PMCID: PMC6164967 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings highlight the emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in the control of symptoms and disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic, immune-mediated, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system with no cure so far. It is widely reported in the literature that cannabinoids might be used to control MS symptoms and that they also might exert neuroprotective effects and slow down disease progression. This review aims to give an overview of the principal cannabinoids (synthetic and endogenous) used for the symptomatic amelioration of MS and their beneficial outcomes, providing new potentially possible perspectives for the treatment of this disease.
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20
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Gubbels Bupp MR, Jorgensen TN. Androgen-Induced Immunosuppression. Front Immunol 2018; 9:794. [PMID: 29755457 PMCID: PMC5932344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to determining biological sex, sex hormones are known to influence health and disease via regulation of immune cell activities and modulation of target-organ susceptibility to immune-mediated damage. Systemic autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are more prevalent in females, while cancer shows the opposite pattern. Sex hormones have been repeatedly suggested to play a part in these biases. In this review, we will discuss how androgens and the expression of functional androgen receptor affect immune cells and how this may dampen or alter immune response(s) and affect autoimmune disease incidences and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trine N Jorgensen
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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21
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Kocovski P, Dang PT, D'Souza CS, Stamper CE, Hale MW, Orian JM. Differential anxiety-like responses in NOD/ShiLtJ and C57BL/6J mice following experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction and oral gavage. Lab Anim 2018; 52:470-478. [PMID: 29444620 DOI: 10.1177/0023677218756156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral gavage is commonly used in pre-clinical drug evaluation, but is potentially aversive and may induce behavioral effects independent of compounds under investigation. This study examined the combined effects of repeated oral gavage and disease induction on anxiety-like behavior in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. The C57BL/6J and NOD/ShiLtJ EAE variants were exposed to sham-EAE induction or untreated control conditions, and either daily oral gavage or home cage conditions. Anxiety-like behavior was subsequently assessed in the elevated plus maze. C57BL/6J mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior, relative to NOD/ShiLtJ mice, in response to repeated gavage, whereas sham-EAE induction and repeated gavage were associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Thus, exposure to the induction procedure and repeated gavage differentially altered subsequent anxiety-like behavior in the two EAE variants. Future pre-clinical studies should rely on prior evaluation of parameters of the experimental design using sham-EAE mice. Additionally, less aversive administration routes should be utilized wherever possible to ensure that procedures do not distort effects of the therapeutic under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pece Kocovski
- 1 School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia.,2 Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Phuc T Dang
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Claretta S D'Souza
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Christopher E Stamper
- 3 Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
| | - Matthew W Hale
- 1 School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Orian
- 2 Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Australia
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22
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Lavery AM, Collins BN, Waldman AT, Hart CN, Bar-Or A, Marrie RA, Arnold D, O'Mahony J, Banwell B. The contribution of secondhand tobacco smoke exposure to pediatric multiple sclerosis risk. Mult Scler 2018; 25:515-522. [PMID: 29393768 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518757089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADSs) are monophasic (mono-ADS) in 70% of cases and represent the first attack of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 30%. Secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure has been implicated as a risk factor for adult-onset MS. Little is known about whether SHS presents an additive risk beyond genetic factors and other environmental exposures associated with pediatric MS. METHODS This study examined SHS exposure in 216 children with mono-ADS and 81 children with MS. Interactions between SHS, HLA-DRB1*15 alleles, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, and serological evidence of remote Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exposure were evaluated. RESULTS SHS exposure was more common in children with MS (37% exposed) compared to mono-ADS (29.5% exposed). Compared to mono-ADS, SHS exposure was not an independent risk factor for MS. When both SHS exposure and HLA-DRB1*15 were present, the odds for MS increased (odds ratio (OR) = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-11.9) compared to mono-ADS. Interactions between SHS and vitamin D or EBV did not associate with MS. CONCLUSION Exposure to SHS is a risk factor for central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Results suggest that SHS exposure and HLA-DRB1*15 interact to increase risk for MS in children diagnosed with mono-ADS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Lavery
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA/Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bradley N Collins
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy T Waldman
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chantelle N Hart
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA/Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada/Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Douglas Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia O'Mahony
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda Banwell
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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23
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Impairment of acquired color vision in multiple sclerosis: an early diagnostic sign linked to the greatness of disease. Int Ophthalmol 2018; 39:671-676. [DOI: 10.1007/s10792-018-0838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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24
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Murta V, Ferrari C. Peripheral Inflammation and Demyelinating Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 949:263-285. [PMID: 27714694 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-40764-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, several neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to be exacerbated by systemic inflammatory processes. There is a wide range of literature that demonstrates a clear but complex relationship between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immunological system, both under naïve or pathological conditions. In diseased brains, peripheral inflammation can transform "primed" microglia into an "active" state, which can trigger stronger pathological responses. Demyelinating diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by inflammatory lesions associated with demyelination, which in turn induces axonal damage, neurodegeneration, and progressive loss of function. Among them, the most important are multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO). In this review, we will analyze the effect of specific peripheral inflammatory stimuli in the progression of demyelinating diseases and discuss their animal models. In most cases, peripheral immune stimuli are exacerbating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Murta
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carina Ferrari
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Experimental, Instituto Universitario del Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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25
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Gestational bisphenol-A exposure lowers the threshold for autoimmunity in a model of multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:4999-5004. [PMID: 28439012 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620774114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and hormonal factors are implicated in dysimmunity in multiple sclerosis. We investigated whether bisphenol-A, a prominent contaminant with endocrine-disrupting capabilities, altered susceptibility in an inflammatory model of multiple sclerosis. We found that gestational, but not adult, exposure to bisphenol-A increased the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in adulthood in male, but not female, mice when a suboptimal disease-inducing immunization was used. Gestational bisphenol-A in male mice primed macrophages in adulthood and raised granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and neutrophil counts/activity postsuboptimal immunization. Neutralizing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor blocked susceptibility to disease in bisphenol-A mice. Early life exposure to bisphenol-A may represent an environmental consideration in multiple sclerosis.
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The choroid plexus in health and in disease: dialogues into and out of the brain. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 107:32-40. [PMID: 27546055 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This article brings the choroid plexus into the context of health and disease. It is remarkable that the choroid plexus, composed by a monolayer of epithelial cells that lie in a highly vascularized stroma, floating within the brain ventricles, gets so little attention in major physiology and medicine text books and in the scientific literature in general. Consider that it is responsible for producing most of the about 150mL of cerebrospinal fluid that fills the brain ventricles and the subarachnoid space and surrounds the spinal cord in the adult human central nervous system, which is renewed approximately 2-3 times daily. As such, its activity influences brain metabolism and function, which will be addressed. Reflect that it contains an impressive number of receptors and transporters, both in the apical and basolateral sides of the epithelial cells, and as such is a key structure for the communication between the brain and the periphery. This will be highlighted in the context of neonatal jaundice, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Realize that the capillaries that irrigate the choroid plexus stroma do not possess tight junctions and that the blood flow to the choroid plexus is five times higher than that in the brain parenchyma, allowing for a rapid sensing system and delivery of molecules such as nutrients and metals as will be revised. Recognize that certain drugs reach the brain parenchyma solely through the choroid plexus epithelia, which has potential to be manipulated in diseases such as neonatal jaundice and Alzheimer's disease as will be discussed. Without further notice, it must be now clear that understanding the choroid plexus is necessary for comprehending the brain and how the brain is modulated and modulates all other systems, in health and in disease. This review article intends to address current knowledge on the choroid plexus, and to motivate the scientific community to consider it when studying normal brain physiology and diseases of the central nervous system. It will guide the reader through several aspects of the choroid plexus in normal physiology, in diseases characteristic of various periods of life (newborns-kernicterus, young adults-multiple sclerosis and the elder-Alzheimer's disease), and how sex-differences may relate to disease susceptibility.
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Pakravan N, Ghaffarinia A, Parvaneh S, Yaslianifard S, Jalili C, Riazi-Rad F. Neuroimmunomodulation by allogeneic seminal vesicle fluid in CNS is sex-independent. Neurol Res 2016; 38:103-9. [DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2015.1136116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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