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Waight JL, Arias N, Jiménez-García AM, Martini M. From functional neuroimaging to neurostimulation: fNIRS devices as cognitive enhancers. Behav Res Methods 2024; 56:2227-2242. [PMID: 37507648 PMCID: PMC10990990 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02144-y] [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] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) relies on near-infrared (NIR) light for changes in tissue oxygenation. For decades, this technique has been used in neuroscience to measure cortical activity. However, recent research suggests that NIR light directed to neural populations can modulate their activity through "photobiomodulation" (PBM). Yet, fNIRS is being used exclusively as a measurement tool. By adopting cognitive tests sensitive to prefrontal functioning, we show that a 'classical' fNIRS device, placed in correspondence of the prefrontal cortices of healthy participants, induces faster RTs and better accuracy in some of the indexes considered. A well-matched control group, wearing the same but inactive device, did not show any improvement. Hence, our findings indicate that the 'standard' use of fNIRS devices generates PBM impacting cognition. The neuromodulatory power intrinsic in that technique has been so far completely overlooked, and future studies will need to take this into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lee Waight
- School of Psychology, University of East London, E15 4LZ, London, UK
| | - Natalia Arias
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33005, Oviedo, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), 33011, Oviedo, Spain.
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, 28248, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana M Jiménez-García
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, 28248, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matteo Martini
- School of Psychology, University of East London, E15 4LZ, London, UK.
- Department of Humanities, Letters, Cultural Heritage and Educational Studies, via Arpi, 71121, Foggia, Italy.
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Yang X, Wang M, Liu W, Hou M, Zhao J, Huang X, Wang M, Zheng J, Wang X. Quantitative susceptibility mapping in rats with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: Does iron overload aggravate cognitive impairment by promoting neuroinflammation? Neuroimage 2023; 283:120418. [PMID: 37866757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120418] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a mild form of hepatic encephalopathy that lacks observable signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, MHE can cause neurocognitive dysfunction, although the neurobiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, the effects of hippocampal iron deposition on cognitive function and its role in MHE were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen rats were assigned to experimental and control groups. MHE was induced by thioacetamide. Spatial memory and exploratory behavior were assessed by the Morris water and elevated plus mazes. Hippocampal susceptibility was measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping, iron deposition in the hippocampus and liver by Prussian blue staining, and inflammatory cytokine and ferritin levels in the hippocampus were measured by ELISA. RESULTS MHE rats showed impaired spatial memory and exploratory behavior (P < 0.05 for all parameters). The bilateral hippocampal susceptibility values were significantly raised in MHE rats, together with evidence of neuroinflammation (increased pro-inflammatory and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (all P < 0.05). Further analysis indicated good correlations between hippocampal susceptibility values with latency time and inflammatory cytokine levels in MHE but not in control rats. CONCLUSION MHE induced by thioacetamide was associated with hippocampal iron deposition and inflammation, suggesting that iron overload may be an important driver of neuroinflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhong Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minglei Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wenxiao Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Mingli Hou
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minxing Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiarui Zheng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Gutiérrez-Menéndez A, Martínez JA, Méndez M, Arias JL. No Effects of Photobiomodulation on Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampal Cytochrome C Oxidase Activity and Expression of c-Fos Protein of Young Male and Female Rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:897225. [PMID: 35600629 PMCID: PMC9120528 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.897225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of light in our biological processes and systems is extensively known. In addition, the use of light devices has been introduced in the field of healthcare as an opportunity to administer power light at specific wavelengths to improve our body functions and counteract light deficiency. One of these techniques is photobiomodulation (PBM), which uses red to infrared light in a non-invasive way to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue. The main proposed mechanism of action is the stimulation of the cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. PBM has achieved positive effects on brain activity and behavioral function of several adult animal models of health and disease, the potential use of this technique in developing stages is not surprising. This research aims to examine the effects of PBM on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of 23 day-old healthy male (n = 31) and female (n = 30) Wistar rats. Three groups of each sex were used: a PBM group which received 5 days of PBM, a device group submitted to the same conditions but without light radiation, and a control basal group. CCO histochemistry and c-Fos immunostaining were used to analyze brain metabolic activity and immediate early genes activation, respectively. Results displayed no metabolic differences between the three groups in both sexes. The same results were found in the analysis of c-Fos positive cells, reporting no differences between groups. This research, in contrast to the PBM consequences reported in healthy adult subjects, showed a lack of PBM effects in the brain markers we examined in young healthy rat brains. At this stage, brain function, specifically brain mitochondrial function, is not disturbed so it could be that the action of PBM in the mitochondria may not be detectable using the analysis of CCO activity and c-Fos protein expression. Further studies are needed to examine in depth the effects of PBM in brain development, cognitive functions and postnatal disorders, along with the exploration of the optimal light parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Gutiérrez-Menéndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan A. Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Electronic Technology Area, University of Oviedo, Gijón, Spain
| | - Marta Méndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Zorzo C, Méndez M, Pernía AM, Arias JL. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during a spatial memory task leads to a decrease in brain metabolic activity. Brain Res 2021; 1769:147610. [PMID: 34380023 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that is able to generate causal-based interferences between brain networks and cognitive or behavioral responses. It has been used to improve cognition in several disease models. However, although its exploration in healthy animals is essential to attribute its pure effect in learning and memory processes, studies in this regard are scarce. We aimed to evaluate whether rTMS leads to memory facilitation in healthy rats, and to explore the brain-related oxidative metabolism. We stimulated healthy Wistar rats with a high-frequency (100 Hz) and low-intensity (0.33 T) protocol during three consecutive days and evaluated the effect on the performance of an allocentric spatial reference learning and memory task. Following the last day of learning, we assessed oxidative brain metabolism through quantitative cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) histochemistry. The results showed that rTMS did not improve spatial memory in healthy rats, but the behavioral outcome was accompanied by a CCO reduction in the prefrontal, retrosplenial, parietal, and rhinal cortices, as well as in the striatum, amygdala, septum, mammillary bodies, and the hippocampus, reflecting a lower metabolic activity. In conclusion, rTMS induces a highly efficient use of brain regions associated with spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Zorzo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Marta Méndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Alberto M Pernía
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain; Electronic Technology Area, University of Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo, s/n, E-33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo, Spain.
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Markoulli M, Chandramohan N, Papas EB. Photobiomodulation (low-level light therapy) and dry eye disease. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 104:561-566. [PMID: 33689636 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1878866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease is one of the most common, chief-complaints presenting in clinical practice, with a prevalence of up to 50%. Evaporative dry eye, as a result of meibomian gland dysfunction, is thought to be the biggest component factor. Treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction aim to restore tear film homoeostasis and include warm compress therapy, eyelid hygiene, in-office meibomian gland expression and lipid-containing, artificial tears. A recent introduction to the in-office treatments available for meibomian gland dysfunction has been low-level light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. The technique involves applying red, or near infra-red, radiation using low-power light sources and is suggested to promote tissue repair, decrease inflammation, and relieve pain. This work aims to review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation in meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease, as well as what is currently known about its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nivaasheni Chandramohan
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Macular Degeneration Foundation Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eric B Papas
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Pernia AM, Zorzo C, Prieto MJ, Martinez JA, Higarza SG, Mendez M, Arias JL. Equipment for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2020; 14:525-534. [PMID: 32175874 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2020.2981012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique used for the treatment of a great variety of neurological disorders. The technique involves applying a magnetic field in certain areas of the cerebral cortex in order to modify neuronal excitability outside the skull. However, the exact brain mechanisms underlying rTMS effects are not completely elucidated. For that purpose, and in order to generate a pulsed magnetic field, a half-bridge converter controlled by a microcontroller has been designed to apply rTMS in small animals. Moreover, the small size of the rodent head makes it necessary to design a magnetic transducer, with the aim of focusing the magnetic field on selected brain areas using a specific and a small magnetic head. Using such devices, our purpose was to compare the effects of five different rTMS dosages on rat brain metabolic activity. The experimental results showed that one day of stimulation leads to an enhancement of brain metabolic activity in cortical areas, meanwhile with three days of stimulation it is possible to also modify subcortical zones, results that were not found when extending the number of rTMS applications up to seven days. In consequence, the number of pulses delivered might be an important parameter in rTMS protocols, highlighting its importance in rTMS impact.
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Eftekar M. The association between hepatic encephalopathy/minimal hepatic encephalopathy and depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review. Australas Psychiatry 2020; 28:61-65. [PMID: 31868516 DOI: 10.1177/1039856219875054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This review examined the currently available evidence of the association between liver encephalopathy and mood/anxiety disorders. METHOD English-language studies using the keywords "hepatic encephalopathy," "depression," and "anxiety" were searched through PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases. A total of 135 articles were considered for this review, of which 9 were qualitative and quantitative research papers regarding depression and anxiety in hepatic encephalopathy (HE). RESULTS There is a significant discrepancy between the research method of the studies and their outcomes. The number of studies suggesting a relationship between HE and mood/anxiety disorders is slightly higher than that of studies with opposite results; however, based on the current evidence, it is difficult to conclude a significant association between these two conditions. CONCLUSION More longitudinal studies that include face-to-face psychiatric assessments are required to highlight any possible association between depressive/anxiety disorders and HE.
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Zorzo C, Higarza SG, Méndez M, Martínez JA, Pernía AM, Arias JL. High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves neuronal activity without affecting astrocytes and microglia density. Brain Res Bull 2019; 150:13-20. [PMID: 31082456 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique capable of producing changes in the electrical potential of neurons. Currently, the application of rTMS in clinical practice and as a neurophysiological tool is increasing. However, the exact cellular mechanisms underlying rTMS-based therapies are not completely clear. Additionally, glial cells have been studied less. Our aim was to investigate the effect of three days of high-frequency rTMS on neuronal metabolism and neuronal activation, in addition to its effect on glial cells. For this purpose, we performed histochemistry and immunohistochemistry procedures: the histochemistry of cytochrome oxidase (COx) to assess neuronal metabolic activity, and the immunohistochemistry of c-Fos (marker of neuronal activity), GFAP (marker of astrocytic reactivity), and Iba1 (selective marker of reactive microglia). Our results showed enhanced metabolic activity after rTMS in the retrosplenial and parietal cortex and CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. Moreover, higher c-Fos activity was found in the agranular retrosplenial cortex. Finally, we did not find changes between groups in the induction of astrocyte and microglia reactivity in any of the immunostained regions. In conclusion, we can assume that three days of high-frequency rTMS applied in healthy rats does not alter astroglia reactivity or inflammatory responses, such as microglia proliferation. Because we have shown an upregulation of neuronal metabolic activity in many limbic brain structures, in addition to higher c-Fos levels in the nearest cortical area to the rTMS, our work provides novel insight into the effectiveness and safety of rTMS as a brain modulation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candela Zorzo
- Departamento de Psicología, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain.
| | - Sara G Higarza
- Departamento de Psicología, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain.
| | - Marta Méndez
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain.
| | - Juan A Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain; Electronic Technology Area, University of Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain.
| | - Alberto M Pernía
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain; Electronic Technology Area, University of Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain.
| | - Jorge L Arias
- Departamento de Psicología, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Plaza Feijoo s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Spain; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Spain.
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Santamaria MP, Fernandes-Dias SB, Araújo CF, Lucas da Silva Neves F, Mathias IF, Rebelato Bechara Andere NM, Neves Jardini MA. 2-Year Assessment of Tissue Biostimulation With Low-Level Laser on the Outcomes of Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Single Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Periodontol 2017; 88:320-328. [DOI: 10.1902/jop.2016.160391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Pedrine Santamaria
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Botti Fernandes-Dias
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Cassia Fernandes Araújo
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Felipe Lucas da Silva Neves
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Aparecida Neves Jardini
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University - UNESP, São José dos Campos, Brazil
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