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Kon T, Ichimata S, Di Luca DG, Martinez-Valbuena I, Kim A, Yoshida K, Alruwaita AA, Kleiner G, Strafella AP, Forrest SL, Sato C, Rogaeva E, Fox SH, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Multiple system atrophy with amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae141. [PMID: 38712319 PMCID: PMC11073746 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease with α-synuclein pathology predominating in the striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems. Mixed pathologies are considered to be of low frequency and mostly comprise primary age-related tauopathy or low levels of Alzheimer's disease-related neuropathologic change. Therefore, the concomitant presence of different misfolded proteins in the same brain region is less likely in multiple system atrophy. During the neuropathological evaluation of 21 consecutive multiple system atrophy cases, we identified four cases exhibiting an unusual discrepancy between high Thal amyloid-β phase and low transentorhinal Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage. We mapped α-synuclein pathology, measured the size and number of glial cytoplasmic inclusions and compared the amyloid-β peptides between multiple system atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we performed α-synuclein seeding assay from the affected putamen samples. We performed genetic testing for APOE, MAPT, PSEN1, PSEN2 and APP. We refer to the four multiple system atrophy cases with discrepancy between amyloid-β and tau pathology as 'amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy' to distinguish these from multiple system atrophy with primary age-related tauopathy or multiple system atrophy with typical Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. As most multiple system atrophy cases with mixed pathologies reported in the literature, these cases did not show a peculiar clinical or MRI profile. Three amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy cases were available for genetic testing, and all carried the APOE ɛ4 allele. The extent and severity of neuronal loss and α-synuclein pathology were not different compared with typical multiple system atrophy cases. Analysis of amyloid-β peptides revealed more premature amyloid-β plaques in amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy compared with Alzheimer's disease. α-Synuclein seeding amplification assay showed differences in the kinetics in two cases. This study highlights a rare mixed pathology variant of multiple system atrophy in which there is an anatomical meeting point of amyloid-β and α-synuclein, i.e. the striatum or cerebellum. Since biomarkers are entering clinical practice, these cases will be recognized, and the clinicians have to be informed that the prognosis is not necessarily different than in pure multiple system atrophy cases but that the effect of potential α-synuclein-based therapies might be influenced by the co-presence of amyloid-β in regions where α-synuclein also aggregates. We propose that mixed pathologies should be interpreted not only based on differences in the clinical phenotype but also on whether protein depositions regionally overlap, potentially leading to a different response to α-synuclein-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Shojiro Ichimata
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daniel G Di Luca
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Koji Yoshida
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Abdullah A Alruwaita
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Neurology Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Galit Kleiner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Movement Disorders and Spasticity Management Clinic, Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioral Support, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, ON M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Antonio P Strafella
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Christine Sato
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Rogaeva
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Susan H Fox
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Sekiya H, Koga S, Murakami A, DeTure M, Ross OA, Uitti RJ, Cheshire WP, Wszolek ZK, Dickson DW. Frequency of Comorbid Pathologies and Their Clinical Impact in Multiple System Atrophy. Mov Disord 2024; 39:380-390. [PMID: 37986699 PMCID: PMC10922743 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed pathology is common at autopsy for a number of age-associated neurodegenerative disorders; however, the frequency of comorbid pathologies in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and their clinical correlations are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE We determined the frequency of comorbid pathologic processes in autopsy-confirmed MSA and assessed their clinical correlates. METHODS This study included 160 neuropathologically established MSA from the Mayo Clinic brain bank. Clinical information, including age at onset or death, clinical subtype, initial symptoms, antemortem clinical diagnosis, and cognitive dysfunction was collected. We assessed comorbid pathologies including Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change, Lewy-related pathology, argyrophilic grain disease, age-related τ astrogliopathy, transactive DNA-binding protein 43 pathology, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and cerebrovascular small vessel disease and examined their clinical impact. RESULTS The majority of MSA patients (62%) had no significant comorbid pathologies. There was a positive correlation between age at onset or death with the number of comorbid pathologies; however, even in the highest quartile group (average age at death 78 ± 6 years), the average number of comorbid pathologies was <2. Logistic regression analysis revealed that none of the assessed variables, including sex, age at onset, and the presence or absence of each comorbid pathology, were significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS The majority of MSA patients do not have comorbid pathologies, even in advanced age, indicating that MSA is unique among neurodegenerative disorders in this regard. There was minimal clinical impact of comorbid pathologies in MSA. These findings warrant focusing on α-synuclein for the treatment strategy for MSA. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Sekiya
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Aya Murakami
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Michael DeTure
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Owen A Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Ryan J Uitti
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
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Jellinger KA. Pathomechanisms of cognitive and behavioral impairment in corticobasal degeneration. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1509-1522. [PMID: 37659990 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02691-w] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rare, sporadic, late-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology, clinically characterized by an akinetic-rigid syndrome, behavior and personality disorders, language problems (aphasias), apraxia, executive and cognitive abnormalities and limb dystonia. The syndrome is not specific, as clinical features of pathologically proven CBD include several phenotypes. This 4-repeat (4R) tauopathy is morphologically featured by often asymmetric frontoparietal atrophy, ballooned/achromatic neurons containing filamentous 4R-tau aggregates in cortex and striatum, thread-like processes that are more widespread than in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), pathognomonic "astroglial plaques", and numerous inclusions in both astrocytes and oligodendroglia ("coiled bodies") in the white matter. Cognitive deficits in CBD are frequent initial presentations before onset of motor symptoms, depending on the phenotypic variant. They predominantly include executive and visuospatial dysfunction, sleep disorders and language deficits with usually preserved memory domains. Neuroimaging studies showed heterogenous locations of brain atrophy, particularly contralateral to the dominant symptoms, with disruption of striatal connections to prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia circuitry. Asymmetric hypometabolism, mainly involving frontal and parietal regions, is associated with brain cholinergic deficits, and dopaminergic nigrostriatal degeneration. Widespread alteration of cortical and subcortical structures causing heterogenous changes in various brain functional networks support the concept that CBD, similar to PSP, is a brain network disruption disorder. Putative pathogenic factors are hyperphosphorylated tau-pathology, neuroinflammation and oxidative injury, but the basic mechanisms of cognitive impairment in CBD, as in other degenerative movement disorders, are complex and deserve further elucidation as a basis for early diagnosis and adequate treatment of this fatal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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Jellinger KA. Mild cognitive impairment in multiple system atrophy: a brain network disorder. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1231-1240. [PMID: 37581647 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02682-x] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI), previously considered as a non-supporting feature of multiple system atrophy (MSA), according to the second consensus criteria, is not uncommon in this neurodegenerative disorder that is clinically characterized by a variable combination of autonomic failure, levodopa-unresponsive parkinsonism, motor and cerebellar signs. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a risk factor for dementia, has been reported in up to 44% of MSA patients, with predominant impairment of executive functions/attention, visuospatial and verbal deficits, and a variety of non-cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Despite changing concept of CI in this synucleinopathy, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain controversial. Recent neuroimaging studies revealed volume reduction in the left temporal gyrus, and in the dopaminergic nucleus accumbens, while other morphometric studies did not find any gray matter atrophy, in particular in the frontal cortex. Functional analyses detected decreased functional connectivity in the left parietal lobe, bilateral cuneus, left precuneus, limbic structures, and cerebello-cerebral circuit, suggesting that structural and functional changes in the subcortical limbic structures and disrupted cerebello-cerebral networks may be associated with early cognitive decline in MSA. Whereas moderate to severe CI in MSA in addition to prefrontal-striatal degeneration is frequently associated with cortical Alzheimer and Lewy co-pathologies, neuropathological studies of the MCI stage of MSA are unfortunately not available. In view of the limited structural and functional findings in MSA cases with MCI, further neuroimaging and neuropathological studies are warranted in order to better elucidate its pathophysiological mechanisms and to develop validated biomarkers as basis for early diagnosis and future adequate treatment modalities in order to prevent progression of this debilitating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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Jellinger KA. Morphological differences between the two major subtypes of multiple system atrophy with cognitive impairment. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 107:105273. [PMID: 36603328 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2022.105273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the neuropathology between two types of multiple system atrophy - parkinsonism-predominant (MSA-P) and cerebellar ataxia-predominant (MSA-C) with cognitive impairment. MATERIAL & METHODS 35 cases of MSA-P (mean age at death 60.5 ± 7.8 years) and 15 cases of MSA-C (mean age at death 61.3 ± 6.8 years), 35.% of which associated with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and one with severe dementia, were examined neuropathologically with semiquantitative evaluation of both α-synuclein and Alzheimer pathologies, including cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and other co-pathologies. RESULTS While the mean age at death of both MSA subgroups was similar, the age at onset and duration of disease were slightly higher in the MSA-C group. In line with the classification, the αSyn pathology glial and neuronal inclusions in both the cortex and brainstem were significantly higher in the MSA-P group. With regard to the Alzheimer disease pathology, tau load in cases with mild to moderate cognitive impairment was slightly but not significantly higher in the MSA-P group, one with severe dementia showing fully developed Alzheimer co-pathology, while the amyloid-β (Aβ) load including the CAA was higher in the MSA-C group. The presence of Lewy co-pathology in this series (20%), being similar to that of other MSA cohorts, was more frequent in MSA cases with mild to severe cognitive impairment, but did not differ between the two subgroups and seems not essentially important for MCI in MSA. CONCLUSIONS In agreement with previous clinical studies that reported more severe cognitive dysfunction in patients with MSA-P, the present neuropathological study showed increased tau pathology in MSA-P and one with severe Alzheimer co-pathology, but only slightly increased amyloid pathology in the MSA-C group. Lewy co-pathology was more frequent in MSA-P cases with cognitive decline. In view of the limited data about the pathobiological basis of cognitive impairment in MSA, further studies to elucidate the differences between the two phenotypes are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, A-1150, Vienna, Austria.
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Cui Y, Cao S, Li F, Feng T. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Dementia and Cognitive Impairment in Multiple System Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:2383-2395. [PMID: 36336940 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a clinical feature of multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, the prevalence and factors influencing the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in MSA patients remain unclear. OBJECTIVE We aim to provide an estimate of the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in patients with MSA and to evaluate the possible effect of demographic, clinical and methodological factors on the prevalence. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of science databases to identify studies that report the prevalence of cognitive impairment or dementia in MSA published up to February 2022. We computed the estimates of the pooled prevalence using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was investigated by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Differences between MSA patients with and without cognitive impairment in demographic and clinical features were explored. RESULTS A total of 23 studies comprising 2064 MSA patients were included in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment in MSA patients was 37% (95% CI: 29% -45%), the prevalence of dementia was 11% (95% CI: 7% -15%). The subgroup analyses showed the prevalence of dementia in pathologically-confirmed MSA was 7% (95% CI: 0% -12%), in clinically diagnosed MSA was 14% (95% CI: 10% -18%). Cognitive impairment in MSA patients was associated with older age, lower education, longer disease duration and more severe motor symptoms. CONCLUSION Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom in MSA. Dementia can develop in a few patients with MSA as well, but usually in the late stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusha Cui
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Cao
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Feng
- Center for Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
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Maass F, Hermann P, Varges D, Nuhn S, van Riesen C, Jamous A, Focke NK, Hewitt M, Leha A, Bähr M, Zerr I. Prospective CERAD Neuropsychological Assessment in Patients With Multiple System Atrophy. Front Neurol 2022; 13:881369. [PMID: 35928131 PMCID: PMC9344909 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.881369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to characterize the pattern of cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) applying a standardized neuropsychological assessment. A total of 20 patients with the diagnosis of probable or possible MSA were enrolled for neuropsychological assessment applying the CERAD plus battery. All patients were tested at baseline and 14/20 patients received additional follow-up assessments (median follow-up of 24 months). Additionally, relationship between cortical thickness values/subcortical gray matter volumes and CERAD subitems was evaluated at baseline in a subgroup of 13/20 patients. Trail Making Test (TMT) was the most sensitive CERAD item at baseline with abnormal performance (z-score < −1.28) in one or both pathological TMT items (TMT-A, TMT-B) in 60% of patients with MSA. Additionally, there was a significant inverse correlation between the volume of the left and the right accumbens area and the TMT A item after adjusting for age (left side: p = 0.0009; right side p = 0.003). Comparing both subtypes, patients with MSA-C had significant lower values in phonemic verbal fluency (p = 0.04) and a trend for lower values in semantic verbal fluency (p = 0.06) compared to MSA-P. Additionally, patients with MSA-C showed significantly worse performance in the TMT-B task (p = 0.04) and a trend for worse performance in the TMT-A task (p = 0.06). Concerning longitudinal follow-up, a significant worsening in the TMT-B (p = 0.03) can be reported in MSA. In conclusion, frontal-executive dysfunction presents the hallmark of cognitive impairment in MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Maass
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Fabian Maass
| | - Peter Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Varges
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Nuhn
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph van Riesen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ala Jamous
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niels K. Focke
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Hewitt
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Leha
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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Jellinger KA. Late-onset MSA differs from younger-onset MSA. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022:jnnp-2022-328793. [PMID: 35654583 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-328793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Jellinger KA. Multiple system atrophy with hippocampal pathology. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13067. [PMID: 35259772 PMCID: PMC9048509 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Heterogeneity of Multiple System Atrophy: An Update. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030599. [PMID: 35327402 PMCID: PMC8945102 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease of uncertain etiology, clinically characterized by various combinations of Levodopa unresponsive parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic and motor dysfunctions. The morphological hallmark of this α-synucleinopathy is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in both glia, mainly oligodendroglia (glial cytoplasmic inclusions /GCIs/) and neurons, associated with glioneuronal degeneration of the striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar and many other neuronal systems. Typical phenotypes are MSA with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) and a cerebellar variant (MSA-C) with olivocerebellar atrophy. However, MSA can present with a wider range of clinical and pathological features than previously thought. In addition to rare combined or “mixed” MSA, there is a broad spectrum of atypical MSA variants, such as those with a different age at onset and disease duration, “minimal change” or prodromal forms, MSA variants with Lewy body disease or severe hippocampal pathology, rare forms with an unusual tau pathology or spinal myoclonus, an increasing number of MSA cases with cognitive impairment/dementia, rare familial forms, and questionable conjugal MSA. These variants that do not fit into the current classification of MSA are a major challenge for the diagnosis of this unique proteinopathy. Although the clinical diagnostic accuracy and differential diagnosis of MSA have improved by using combined biomarkers, its distinction from clinically similar extrapyramidal disorders with other pathologies and etiologies may be difficult. These aspects should be taken into consideration when revising the current diagnostic criteria. This appears important given that disease-modifying treatment strategies for this hitherto incurable disorder are under investigation.
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Shen C, Chen QS, Zuo CT, Liu FT, Wang J. The Frontal and Cerebellar Metabolism Related to Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple System Atrophy. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:788166. [PMID: 35221987 PMCID: PMC8871713 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.788166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive dysfunctions have been reported in multiple system atrophy (MSA). However the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the possible cerebral metabolism associated with domain-specific cognitive performances in MSA. Methods A total of 84 patients were diagnosed as probable or possible MSA, comprised of 27 patients as MSA with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) and 57 patients as MSA with predominant cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C). The comprehensive neuropsychological tests and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging were performed. Z-score was calculated to non-dimensionalize and unify indicators of different tests in the domains of executive function, attention, language, memory, and visuospatial function. Correlations between specific Z-score and cerebral 18F-FDG uptake were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. The cognition-related metabolic differences between patients with MSA-P and MSA-C were analyzed using the post-hoc test. Results Z-scores of the domains including attention, executive function, and language correlated positively with the metabolism in the superior/inferior frontal gyrus and cerebellum, but negatively with that in the insula and fusiform gyrus (p < 0.001). No significant differences in neuropsychological performances and frontal metabolism were found between patients with MSA-P and MSA-C. Only lower metabolism in the cerebellum was observed in MSA-C. Conclusion Metabolic changes in the frontal lobe and cerebellum may participate in the cognitive impairments of patients with MSA. Nevertheless, cognitive and corresponding metabolic differences between the two subtypes of MSA still need more exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Shen
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Si Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Tao Zuo
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Feng-Tao Liu,
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology and National Research Center for Aging and Medicine & National Center for Neurological Disorders, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Jian Wang,
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Jellinger KA, Wenning GK, Stefanova N. Is Multiple System Atrophy a Prion-like Disorder? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10093. [PMID: 34576255 PMCID: PMC8472631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease of uncertain aetiology that belongs to the family of α-synucleinopathies. It clinically presents with parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic, and motor impairment in variable combinations. Pathological hallmarks are fibrillary α-synuclein (αSyn)-rich glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) mainly involving oligodendroglia and to a lesser extent neurons, inducing a multisystem neurodegeneration, glial activation, and widespread demyelinization. The neuronal αSyn pathology of MSA has molecular properties different from Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD), both of which could serve as a pool of αSyn (prion) seeds that could initiate and drive the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies. The molecular cascade leading to the "prion-like" transfer of "strains" of aggregated αSyn contributing to the progression of the disease is poorly understood, while some presented evidence that MSA is a prion disease. However, this hypothesis is difficult to reconcile with postmortem analysis of human brains and the fact that MSA-like pathology was induced by intracerebral inoculation of human MSA brain homogenates only in homozygous mutant 53T mice, without production of disease-specific GCIs, or with replication of MSA prions in primary astrocyte cultures from transgenic mice expressing human αSyn. Whereas recent intrastriatal injection of Lewy body-derived or synthetic human αSyn fibrils induced PD-like pathology including neuronal αSyn aggregates in macaques, no such transmission of αSyn pathology in non-human primates by MSA brain lysate has been reported until now. Given the similarities between αSyn and prions, there is a considerable debate whether they should be referred to as "prions", "prion-like", "prionoids", or something else. Here, the findings supporting the proposed nature of αSyn as a prion and its self-propagation through seeding as well as the transmissibility of neurodegenerative disorders are discussed. The proof of disease causation rests on the concordance of scientific evidence, none of which has provided convincing evidence for the classification of MSA as a prion disease or its human transmission until now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregor K. Wenning
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.K.W.); (N.S.)
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (G.K.W.); (N.S.)
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Campese N, Fanciulli A, Stefanova N, Haybaeck J, Kiechl S, Wenning GK. Neuropathology of multiple system atrophy: Kurt Jellinger`s legacy. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1481-1494. [PMID: 34319460 PMCID: PMC8528766 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Its etiology and exact pathogenesis still remain poorly understood and currently no disease-modifying therapy is available to halt or slow down this detrimental neurodegenerative process. Hallmarks of the disease are α-synuclein rich glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Neuropathologically, various degrees of striatonigral degeneration (SND) and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) can be observed. Since the original descriptions of this multifaceted disorder, several steps forward have been made to clarify its neuropathological hallmarks and key pathophysiological mechanisms. The Austrian neuropathologist Kurt Jellinger substantially contributed to the understanding of the underlying neuropathology of this disease, to its standardized assessment and to a broad systematical clinic-pathological correlation. On the occasion of his 90th birthday, we reviewed the current state of the art in the field of MSA neuropathology, highlighting Prof. Jellinger’s substantial contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Campese
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alessandra Fanciulli
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Müllerstrasse 44, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.,Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gregor K Wenning
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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