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Riboni-Verri G, Chen BS, McMurran CE, Halliwell GJ, Brown JWL, Coles AJ, Cunniffe NG. Visual outcome measures in clinical trials of remyelinating drugs. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000560. [PMID: 38389586 PMCID: PMC10882304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000560] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most promising approaches to delay, prevent or reverse disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is to enhance endogenous remyelination and limit axonal degeneration. In clinical trials of remyelinating drugs, there is a need for reliable, sensitive and clinically relevant outcome measures. The visual pathway, which is frequently affected by MS, provides a unique model system to evaluate remyelination of acute and chronic MS lesions in vivo and non-invasively. In this review, we discuss the different measures that have been used and scrutinise visual outcome measure selection in current and future remyelination trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioia Riboni-Verri
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benson S Chen
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher E McMurran
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gregory J Halliwell
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J William L Brown
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Clinical Outcomes Research Unit (CORe), University of Melbourne, Melborune, Melborune, Australia
| | - Alasdair J Coles
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nick G Cunniffe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge Clinical Vision Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Nij Bijvank JA, Hof SN, Prouskas SE, Schoonheim MM, Uitdehaag BMJ, van Rijn LJ, Petzold A. A novel eye-movement impairment in multiple sclerosis indicating widespread cortical damage. Brain 2023; 146:2476-2488. [PMID: 36535900 PMCID: PMC10232247 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis, remyelination trials have yet to deliver success like that achieved for relapse rates with disease course modifying treatment trials. The challenge is to have a clinical, functional outcome measure. Currently, there are none that have been validated, other than visual evoked potentials in optic neuritis. Like vision, quick eye movements (saccades) are heavily dependent on myelination. We proposed that it is possible to extrapolate from demyelination of the medial longitudinal fasciculus in the brainstem to quantitative assessment of cortical networks governing saccadic eye movements in multiple sclerosis. We have developed and validated a double-step saccadic test, which consists of a pair of eye movements towards two stimuli presented in quick succession (the demonstrate eye movement networks with saccades protocol). In this single-centre, cross-sectional cohort study we interrogated the structural and functional relationships of double-step saccades in multiple sclerosis. Data were collected for double-step saccades, cognitive function (extended Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery), disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale) and visual functioning in daily life (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire). MRI was used to quantify grey matter atrophy and multiple sclerosis lesion load. Multivariable linear regression models were used for analysis of the relationships between double-step saccades and clinical and MRI metrics. We included 209 individuals with multiple sclerosis (mean age 54.3 ± 10.5 years, 58% female, 63% relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis) and 60 healthy control subjects (mean age 52.1 ± 9.2 years, 53% female). The proportion of correct double-step saccades was significantly reduced in multiple sclerosis (mean 0.29 ± 0.22) compared to controls (0.45 ± 0.22, P < 0.001). Consistent with this, there was a significantly larger double-step dysmetric saccadic error in multiple sclerosis (mean vertical error -1.18 ± 1.20°) compared to controls (-0.54 ± 0.86°, P < 0.001). Impaired double-step saccadic metrics were consistently associated with more severe global and local grey matter atrophy (correct responses-cortical grey matter: β = 0.42, P < 0.001), lesion load (vertical error: β = -0.28, P < 0.001), progressive phenotypes, more severe physical and cognitive impairment (correct responses-information processing: β = 0.46, P < 0.001) and visual functioning. In conclusion, double-step saccades represent a robust metric that revealed a novel eye-movement impairment in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Double-step saccades outperformed other saccadic tasks in their statistical relationship with clinical, cognitive and visual functioning, as well as global and local grey matter atrophy. Double-step saccades should be evaluated longitudinally and tested as a potential novel outcome measure for remyelination trials in multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Nij Bijvank
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Ophthalmology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sam N Hof
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanos E Prouskas
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard M J Uitdehaag
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurentius J van Rijn
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Ophthalmology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, 1091 AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Petzold
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MS Centre and Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Ophthalmology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuro-ophthalmology Expertise Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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Mey GM, DeSilva TM. Utility of the visual system to monitor neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1125115. [PMID: 37063369 PMCID: PMC10090562 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1125115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration occurs early in the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease course and is an important driver of permanent disability. Current immunomodulatory therapies do not directly target neuronal health; thus, there is a critical need to develop neuroprotective strategies in MS. Outcome measures in clinical trials primarily evaluate disease activity and clinical disability scores rather than measures of neurodegeneration. The visual system provides a noninvasive correlate of brain atrophy and neuronal function through structural and functional exams. Furthermore, optic nerve axons and their respective neuronal cell bodies in the retina, in addition to their synaptic input to the thalamus, provide a distinct anatomy to investigate neurodegenerative processes. This review discusses the utility of the visual system as an early output measure of neurodegeneration in MS as well as an important platform to evaluate neuroprotective strategies in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tara M. DeSilva
- Department of Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Nogo-A and LINGO-1: Two Important Targets for Remyelination and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054479. [PMID: 36901909 PMCID: PMC10003089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054479] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes progressive neurological disability in most patients due to neurodegeneration. Activated immune cells infiltrate the CNS, triggering an inflammatory cascade that leads to demyelination and axonal injury. Non-inflammatory mechanisms are also involved in axonal degeneration, although they are not fully elucidated yet. Current therapies focus on immunosuppression; however, no therapies to promote regeneration, myelin repair, or maintenance are currently available. Two different negative regulators of myelination have been proposed as promising targets to induce remyelination and regeneration, namely the Nogo-A and LINGO-1 proteins. Although Nogo-A was first discovered as a potent neurite outgrowth inhibitor in the CNS, it has emerged as a multifunctional protein. It is involved in numerous developmental processes and is necessary for shaping and later maintaining CNS structure and functionality. However, the growth-restricting properties of Nogo-A have negative effects on CNS injury or disease. LINGO-1 is also an inhibitor of neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation, and myelin production. Inhibiting the actions of Nogo-A or LINGO-1 promotes remyelination both in vitro and in vivo, while Nogo-A or LINGO-1 antagonists have been suggested as promising therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases. In this review, we focus on these two negative regulators of myelination while also providing an overview of the available data on the effects of Nogo-A and LINGO-1 inhibition on oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination.
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Individual differences in visual evoked potential latency are associated with variance in brain tissue volume in people with multiple sclerosis: An analysis of brain function-structure correlates. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104116. [PMID: 36041331 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Visual evoked potentials (VEP) index visual pathway functioning, and are often used for clinical assessment and as outcome measures in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). VEPs may also reflect broader neural disturbances that extend beyond the visual system, but this possibility requires further investigation. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that delayed latency of the P100 component of the VEP would be associated with broader structural changes in the brain in PwMS. We obtained VEP latency for a standard pattern-reversal checkerboard stimulus paradigm, in addition to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measures of whole brain volume (WBV), gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), and T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) white matter lesion volume (FLV). Correlation analyses indicated that prolonged VEP latency was significantly associated with lower WBV, GMV, and WMV, and greater FLV. VEP latency remained significantly associated with WBV, GMV, and WMV even after controlling for the variance associated with inter-ocular latency, age, time between VEP and MRI assessments, and other MRI variables. VEP latency delays were most pronounced in PwMS that exhibited low volume in both white and gray matter simultaneously. Furthermore, PwMS that had delayed VEP latency based on a clinically relevant cutoff (VEP latency ≥ 113 ms) in both eyes had lower WBV, GMV, and WMV and greater FLV in comparison to PwMS that had normal VEP latency in one or both eyes. The findings suggest that PwMS that have delayed latency in both eyes may be particularly at risk for exhibiting greater brain atrophy and lesion volume. These analyses also indicate that VEP latency may index combined gray matter and white matter disturbances, and therefore broader network connectivity and efficiency. VEP latency may therefore provide a surrogate marker of broader structural disturbances in the brain in MS.
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New, diagnostic flicker test for optic neuritis shows specific stages following disease onset. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104254. [PMID: 36544316 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, results of the digital flicker test (DFT) have shown distinct patterns in acute optic neuritis (ON) and healthy eyes. We aimed to examine the diagnostic potential of the DFT in acute ON and to investigate the temporal development of the DFT response following ON while comparing with visual evoked potentials (VEP). METHODS The DFT examines the subjective brightness of a flickering field, varied in 11 different frequencies from 0 to 60 Hz, compared to a steady field. Previous studies have indicated a pronounced darkness enhancement at medial frequencies in acute ON eyes. Darkness enhancement at medial frequencies was expressed as a quantitative covariate (DFTDE). Results were compared with healthy controls and follow-up measurements were compared with VEP. RESULTS 112 patients were examined <31 days of onset (median 14.0 days (IQR:12.25)). 104 of 112 patients showed an abnormal flicker test (sensitivity 93%). DFT was abnormal in 2 of 55 healthy controls. The DFT showed normalization in 34% at 3 months, 36.4% at 6 months and 71.4% at >8 months from ON onset compared to 13.3%, 22.4% and 28.6% for VEP. Changes to the pattern of the DFT results were shown at specific stages during and following ON. CONCLUSIONS The DFT is an easy-to-use and sensitive diagnostic test for acute ON. The flicker test shows a more pronounced temporal evolution following ON than VEP and may be of use monitoring the course of ON.
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Hill M, Cunniffe N, Franklin R. Seeing is believing: Identifying remyelination in the central nervous system. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 66:102269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Havla J, Hohlfeld R. Antibody Therapies for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and for Promoting Repair. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:774-784. [PMID: 35289375 PMCID: PMC9294105 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01214-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) is clinically distinct from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). In PMS, clinical disability progression occurs independently of relapse activity. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that the pathological mechanisms of PMS and RRMS are different. Current therapeutic options for the treatment of PMS remain inadequate, although ocrelizumab, a B-cell-depleting antibody, is now available as the first approved therapeutic option for primary progressive MS. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of PMS provide hope for new innovative therapeutic options: these include antibody therapies with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and/or remyelination-fostering effects. In this review, we summarize the relevant trial data relating to antibody therapy and consider future antibody options for treating PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany.
- Data Integration for Future Medicine (DIFUTURE) Consortium, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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Klistorner S, Eghtedari M, Graham SL, Klistorner A. Analysis of Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:10. [PMID: 35006263 PMCID: PMC8762715 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.1.10] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Clinical trials for remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) require an imaging biomarker. The multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) is an accurate technique for measuring axonal conduction; however, it produces large datasets requiring lengthy analysis by human experts to detect measurable responses versus noisy traces. This study aimed to develop a machine-learning approach for the identification of true responses versus noisy traces and the detection of latency peaks in measurable signals. Methods We obtained 2240 mfVEP traces from 10 MS patients using the VS-1 mfVEP machine, and they were classified by a skilled expert twice with an interval of 1 week. Of these, 2025 (90%) were classified consistently and used for the study. ResNet-50 and VGG16 models were trained and tested to produce three outputs: no signal, up-sloped signal, or down-sloped signal. Each model ran 1000 iterations with a stochastic gradient descent optimizer with a learning rate of 0.0001. Results ResNet-50 and VGG16 had false-positive rates of 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively, when the testing dataset was analyzed (n = 612). The false-negative rates were 8.2% and 6.5%, respectively, against the same dataset. The latency measurements in the validation and testing cohorts in the study were similar. Conclusions Our models efficiently analyze mfVEPs with <2% false positives compared with human false positives of <8%. Translational Relevance mfVEP, a safe neurophysiological technique, analyzed using artificial intelligence, can serve as an efficient biomarker in MS clinical trials and signal latency measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Klistorner
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Eghtedari
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Klistorner
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Graves JS, Oertel FC, Van der Walt A, Collorone S, Sotirchos ES, Pihl-Jensen G, Albrecht P, Yeh EA, Saidha S, Frederiksen J, Newsome SD, Paul F. Leveraging Visual Outcome Measures to Advance Therapy Development in Neuroimmunologic Disorders. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 9:9/2/e1126. [PMID: 34955459 PMCID: PMC8711076 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The visual system offers unparalleled precision in the assessment of neuroaxonal damage. With the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiencing afferent and efferent visual dysfunction, outcome measures capturing these deficits provide insight into neuroaxonal injury, even in those with minimal disability. Ideal for use in clinical trials, visual measures are generally inexpensive, accessible, and reproducible. Quantification of visual acuity, visual fields, visual quality of life, and electrophysiologic parameters allows assessment of function, whereas optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides reliable measures of the structural integrity of the anterior afferent visual pathway. The technology of oculomotor biometrics continues to advance, and discrete measures of fixation, smooth pursuit, and saccadic eye movement abnormalities are ready for inclusion in future trials of MS progression. Visual outcomes allow tracking of neuroaxonal injury and aid in distinguishing MS from diseases such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD). OCT has also provided unique insights into pathophysiology, including the identification of foveal pitting in NMOSD, possibly from damage to Müller cells, which carry an abundance of aquaporin-4 channels. For some study designs, the cost-benefit ratio favors visual outcomes over more expensive MRI outcomes. With the next frontier of therapeutics focused on remyelination and neuroprotection, visual outcomes are likely to take center stage. As an international community of collaborative, committed, vision scientists, this review by the International MS Visual System Consortium (IMSVISUAL) outlines the quality standards, informatics, and framework needed to routinely incorporate vision outcomes into MS and NMOSD trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Frederike Cosima Oertel
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anneke Van der Walt
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sara Collorone
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elias S Sotirchos
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gorm Pihl-Jensen
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - E Ann Yeh
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shiv Saidha
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jette Frederiksen
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Scott Douglas Newsome
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Department of Neurosciences (J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (F.C.O., F.P.), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin & NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Department of neuroscience (A.V.D.W.), Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation (S.C.), UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology (E.S.S., S.S., S.D.N.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Rigshospitalet (J.F.), Denmark; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany; Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics (E.A.Y.), Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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11
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Wang C, Barton J, Kyle K, Ly L, Barnett Y, Hartung HP, Reddel SW, Beadnall H, Taha M, Klistorner A, Barnett MH. Multiple sclerosis: structural and functional integrity of the visual system following alemtuzumab therapy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:1319-1324. [PMID: 34187865 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential neuroprotective and pro-remyelinating effects of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis (MS), using the visual pathway as a model. METHODS We monitored clinical, multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) and MRI outcomes in 30 patients commencing alemtuzumab for relapsing MS, and a reference group of 20 healthy controls (HCs), over 24 months. Change in mfVEP latency was the primary endpoint; change in optic radiation (OR) lesion diffusion metrics and Mars letter contrast sensitivity over the course of the study were secondary endpoints. RESULTS In patients, we observed a mean shortening of mfVEP latency of 1.21 ms over the course of the study (95% CI 0.21 to 2.21, p=0.013), not altered by correction for age, gender, disease duration or change in OR T2 lesion volume. Mean mfVEP latency in the HC group increased over the course of the study by 0.72 ms (not significant). Analysis of chronic OR T2 lesions (patients) showed an increase in normalised fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity between baseline and 24 months (both p<0.01). Mean Mars letter contrast sensitivity was improved at 24 months vs baseline (p<0.001), and driven by an early improvement, in both patients and HC. CONCLUSION We found evidence of partial lesion remyelination after alemtuzumab therapy, indicating either natural restoration in the context of a 'permissive' local milieu; or potentially an independent, pro-reparative mechanism of action. The visual system presents a unique opportunity to study function-structure specific effects of therapy and inform the design of future phase 2 MS remyelination trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Barton
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kain Kyle
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda Ly
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yael Barnett
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Radiology Department, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Clinic for Neurology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephen W Reddel
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heidi Beadnall
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marinda Taha
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Klistorner
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Harry Barnett
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia .,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Neurology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Klistorner A, Barnett M. Remyelination Trials: Are We Expecting the Unexpected? NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 8:e1066. [PMID: 34376551 PMCID: PMC8356700 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuroaxonal loss is believed to underpin the progressive disability that characterizes multiple sclerosis (MS). While focal inflammatory demyelination is a principal cause of acute axonal transection and subsequent axonal degeneration, the gradual attrition of permanently demyelinated axons may also contribute to tissue damage, particularly in the progressive phase of the disease. Therefore, remyelination is considered a putative neuroprotective strategy. In this article, we review the potential pitfalls of remyelination trials, provide a framework for their appropriate design and temper the expectations, at times unrealistic, of researchers, regulators and the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Klistorner
- From the Sydney University (A.K., M.B.); Maquarie University (A.K.); and Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Center (M.B.), Australia.
| | - Michael Barnett
- From the Sydney University (A.K., M.B.); Maquarie University (A.K.); and Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Center (M.B.), Australia
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13
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Klistorner A, Graham SL. Role of Multifocal Visually Evoked Potential as a Biomarker of Demyelination, Spontaneous Remyelination, and Myelin Repair in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:725187. [PMID: 34776840 PMCID: PMC8586643 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.725187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by inflammation, demyelination, neuro-axonal loss, and gliosis. Inflammatory demyelinating lesions are a hallmark of the disease. Spontaneous remyelination, however, is often incomplete and strategies that promote remyelination are needed. As a result, accurate and sensitive in vivo measures of remyelination are necessary. The visual pathway provides a unique opportunity for in vivo assessment of myelin damage and repair in the MS-affected brain since it is highly susceptible to damage in MS and is a very frequent site of MS lesions. The visually evoked potential (VEP), an event-related potential generated by the striate cortex in response to visual stimulation, is uniquely placed to serve as a biomarker of the myelination along the visual pathway. The multifocal VEP (mfVEP) represents a most recent addition to the array of VEP stimulations. This article provides a current view on the role of mfVEP as a biomarker of demyelination, spontaneous remyelination, and myelin repair in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Klistorner
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Department of Ophthalmology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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14
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Pihl-Jensen G, Wanscher B, Frederiksen JL. Multifocal visual evoked potential evaluation for diagnosis of acute optic neuritis and for prediction of visual outcome and ganglion cell layer thinning following optic neuritis. Mult Scler 2021; 27:1717-1726. [PMID: 34558326 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520975732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While damage to the optic nerve following optic neuritis (ON) is readily quantifiable, the evaluation of prognosis for visual function and neuroaxonal loss in the acute ON is challenging. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate the value of multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) in acute ON, diagnostically for acute ON and prognostically for visual outcome and subsequent ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer thickness (GCLIPLt). METHODS A prospective cohort study of mfVEP and full-field visual evoked potential (ffVEP) in acute, unilateral ON (onset < 31 days) was conducted. Comparisons with healthy controls (n = 30) and association analysis with follow-up optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements (of the GCLIPLt) and visual function (Sloan low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA)) were conducted. RESULTS Seventy-nine ON patients were included (mean: 17 days from onset). Excluding measurements with conduction block, ffVEP (n = 54) and mfVEP (n = 44) showed sensitivities of 89% and 84% to a specificity of 97%. 65/79 patients were re-examined (mean: 200 days follow-up). mfVEP amplitude and latency inter-eye asymmetry in acute ON correlated with GCLIPLt (r = 0.587 and Spearman's ρ = 0.597, for both, p < 0.001). mfVEP amplitude correlated with LCVA inter-eye asymmetry at follow-up (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), mfVEP latency did not. CONCLUSION mfVEP may support the prognostic evaluation of acute ON patients and prove valuable in future neuroprotective and remyelinating trials. In acute ON, the increase in diagnostic value of mfVEP to ffVEP may be limited due to widespread conduction block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorm Pihl-Jensen
- Clinic of Optic Neuritis and Clinic of Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Wanscher
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jette Lautrup Frederiksen
- Clinic of Optic Neuritis and Clinic of Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Failed, Interrupted, or Inconclusive Trials on Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Treatment Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis: Update 2015-2020. Drugs 2021; 81:1031-1063. [PMID: 34086251 PMCID: PMC8217012 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01526-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the recent past, a plethora of drugs have been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). These therapeutics are mainly confined to immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive strategies but do not sufficiently address remyelination and neuroprotection. However, several neuroregenerative agents have shown potential in pre-clinical research and entered Phase I to III clinical trials. Although none of these compounds have yet proceeded to approval, understanding the causes of failure can broaden our knowledge about neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in MS. Moreover, most of the investigated approaches are characterised by consistent mechanisms of action and proved convincing efficacy in animal studies. Therefore, learning from their failure will help us to enforce the translation of findings acquired in pre-clinical studies into clinical application. Here, we summarise trials on MS treatment published since 2015 that have either failed or were interrupted due to a lack of efficacy, adverse events, or for other reasons. We further outline the rationale underlying these drugs and analyse the background of failure to gather new insights into MS pathophysiology and optimise future study designs. For conciseness, this review focuses on agents promoting remyelination and medications with primarily neuroprotective properties or unconventional approaches. Failed clinical trials that pursue immunomodulation are presented in a separate article.
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16
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Cayre M, Falque M, Mercier O, Magalon K, Durbec P. Myelin Repair: From Animal Models to Humans. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:604865. [PMID: 33935649 PMCID: PMC8079744 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.604865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely thought that brain repair does not occur, but myelin regeneration provides clear evidence to the contrary. Spontaneous remyelination may occur after injury or in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the efficiency of remyelination varies considerably between MS patients and between the lesions of each patient. Myelin repair is essential for optimal functional recovery, so a profound understanding of the cells and mechanisms involved in this process is required for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe how animal models and modern cell tracing and imaging methods have helped to identify the cell types involved in myelin regeneration. In addition to the oligodendrocyte progenitor cells identified in the 1990s as the principal source of remyelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS), other cell populations, including subventricular zone-derived neural progenitors, Schwann cells, and even spared mature oligodendrocytes, have more recently emerged as potential contributors to CNS remyelination. We will also highlight the conditions known to limit endogenous repair, such as aging, chronic inflammation, and the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and the role of astrocytes and microglia in these processes. Finally, we will present the discrepancies between observations in humans and in rodents, discussing the relationship of findings in experimental models to myelin repair in humans. These considerations are particularly important from a therapeutic standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Cayre
- Aix Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille (IBDM-UMR 7288), Marseille, France
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17
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Hanf KJM, Arndt JW, Liu Y, Gong BJ, Rushe M, Sopko R, Massol R, Smith B, Gao Y, Dalkilic-Liddle I, Lee X, Mojta S, Shao Z, Mi S, Pepinsky RB. Functional activity of anti-LINGO-1 antibody opicinumab requires target engagement at a secondary binding site. MAbs 2021; 12:1713648. [PMID: 31928294 PMCID: PMC6973334 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1713648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
LINGO-1 is a membrane protein of the central nervous system (CNS) that suppresses myelination of axons. Preclinical studies have revealed that blockade of LINGO-1 function leads to CNS repair in demyelinating animal models. The anti-LINGO-1 antibody Li81 (opicinumab), which blocks LINGO-1 function and shows robust remyelinating activity in animal models, is currently being investigated in a Phase 2 clinical trial as a potential treatment for individuals with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (AFFINITY: clinical trial.gov number NCT03222973). Li81 has the unusual feature that it contains two LINGO-1 binding sites: a classical site utilizing its complementarity-determining regions and a cryptic secondary site involving Li81 light chain framework residues that recruits a second LINGO-1 molecule only after engagement of the primary binding site. Concurrent binding at both sites leads to formation of a 2:2 complex of LINGO-1 with the Li81 antigen-binding fragment, and higher order complexes with intact Li81 antibody. To elucidate the role of the secondary binding site, we designed a series of Li81 variant constructs that eliminate it while retaining the classic site contacts. These Li81 mutants retained the high affinity binding to LINGO-1, but lost the antibody-induced oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation activity and myelination activity in OPC- dorsal root ganglion neuron cocultures seen with Li81. The mutations also attenuate antibody-induced internalization of LINGO-1 on cultured cortical neurons, OPCs, and cells over-expressing LINGO-1. Together these studies reveal that engagement at both LINGO-1 binding sites of Li81 is critical for robust functional activity of the antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J M Hanf
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph W Arndt
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - YuTing Liu
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bang Jian Gong
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mia Rushe
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Richelle Sopko
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ramiro Massol
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Smith
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Gao
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Xinhua Lee
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shanell Mojta
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhaohui Shao
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sha Mi
- Research and Early Development, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - R Blake Pepinsky
- Biotherapeutic and Medicinal Sciences, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
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18
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Klistorner S, Barnett MH, Wasserthal J, Yiannikas C, Barton J, Parratt J, You Y, Graham SL, Klistorner A. Differentiating axonal loss and demyelination in chronic MS lesions: A novel approach using single streamline diffusivity analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244766. [PMID: 33406139 PMCID: PMC7787472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a new single-streamline based approach to analyse diffusivity within chronic MS lesions. We used the proposed method to examine diffusivity profiles in 30 patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis and observed a significant increase of both RD and AD within the lesion core (0.38+/-0.09 μm2/ms and 0.30+/-0.12 μm2/ms respectively, p<0.0001 for both) that gradually and symmetrically diminished away from the lesion. T1-hypointensity derived axonal loss correlated highly with ΔAD (r = 0.82, p<0.0001), but moderately with ΔRD (r = 0.60, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the trendline of the ΔAD vs axonal loss intersected both axes at zero indicating close agreement between two measures in assessing the degree of axonal loss. Conversely, the trendline of the ΔRD function demonstrated a high positive value at the zero level of axonal loss, suggesting that even lesions with preserved axonal content exhibit a significant increase of RD. There was also a significant negative correlation between the level of preferential RD increase (ΔRD-ΔAD) in the lesion core and the degree of axonal damage (r = -0.62, p<0.001), indicating that ΔRD dominates in cases with milder axonal loss. Modelling diffusivity changes in the core of chronic MS lesions based on the direct proportionality of ΔAD with axonal loss and the proposed dual nature of ΔRD yielded results that were strikingly similar to the experimental data. Evaluation of lesions in a sizable cohort of MS patients using the proposed method supports the use of ΔAD as a marker of axonal loss; and the notion that demyelination and axonal loss independently contribute to the increase of RD in chronic MS lesions. The work highlights the importance of selecting appropriate patient cohorts for clinical trials of pro-remyelinating and neuroprotective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Klistorner
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael H. Barnett
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jakob Wasserthal
- Division of Medical Image Computing (MIC), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Con Yiannikas
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Barton
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Parratt
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart L. Graham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Klistorner
- Save Sight Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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19
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Zafeiropoulos P, Katsanos A, Kitsos G, Stefaniotou M, Asproudis I. The contribution of multifocal visual evoked potentials in patients with optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis: a review. Doc Ophthalmol 2021; 142:283-292. [PMID: 33381858 PMCID: PMC8116218 DOI: 10.1007/s10633-020-09799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To review the evidence on the usefulness of the multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) test in patients with optic neuritis (ON) and/or multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We critically review key published evidence on the use of mfVEP in ON/MS patients and its association with other functional and structural tests. Results Multifocal VEP tests are useful in detecting abnormality in patients with ON/MS and monitor the progression of lesions (remyelination, atrophy). In addition, mfVEP has good correlation with conventional visual evoked potential (VEP), standard automated perimetry, optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with ON, mfVEP might be useful in predicting the risk of conversion to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Katsanos
- University Ophthalmology Clinic, Stavros Niarchos Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Kitsos
- University Ophthalmology Clinic, Stavros Niarchos Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Stefaniotou
- University Ophthalmology Clinic, Stavros Niarchos Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Asproudis
- University Ophthalmology Clinic, Stavros Niarchos Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
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20
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Lee JI, Gemerzki L, Weise M, Boerker L, Graf J, Jansen L, Guthoff R, Aktas O, Gliem M, Jander S, Hartung HP, Albrecht P. Retinal layers and visual conductivity changes in a case series of microangiopathic ischemic stroke patients. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:333. [PMID: 32883246 PMCID: PMC7469096 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01894-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is unknown whether microangiopathic ischemic strokes outside the visual pathway go along with subclinical changes of the retinal structure or the visual system. The objectives of this prospective non-interventional case series were to investigate if spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) or multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) can detect structural retinal changes or functional impairment of the visual system in patients with microangiopathic ischemic stroke. Methods We used SD-OCT to cross-sectionally analyze the retinal morphology of 15 patients with microangiopathic ischemic stroke according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification not affecting the visual pathway. We employed semi-automated segmentation of macular volume scans to analyze the thickness of the macular retinal layers and peripapillary ring scans to investigate the retinal morphology in comparison to a control group without stroke. Visual function was assessed by the mfVEP technique in 13 microangiopathic ischemic stroke patients. Results First peak latency of mfVEPs was significantly delayed in the microangiopathic ischemic stroke group compared to the control patients. Neither the retinal layers nor the mfVEPs’ amplitude differed between the microangiopathic ischemic stroke patients and the control group. Conclusions In conclusion, microangiopathic ischemic stroke patients presented a delayed first peak latency in mfVEPs as a sign of subclinical functional impairment of the visual pathway. However, our case series suggests no influence on retinal structure resulting from microangiopathic ischemic stroke outside the visual system. Larger and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these mfVEP findings.
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Latency of Multifocal Visual Evoked Potential in Multiple Sclerosis: A Visual Pathway Biomarker for Clinical Trials of Remyelinating Therapies. J Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 38:186-191. [DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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22
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Andorrà M, Alba-Arbalat S, Camos-Carreras A, Gabilondo I, Fraga-Pumar E, Torres-Torres R, Pulido-Valdeolivas I, Tercero-Uribe AI, Guerrero-Zamora AM, Ortiz-Perez S, Zubizarreta I, Sola-Valls N, Llufriu S, Sepulveda M, Martinez-Hernandez E, Armangue T, Blanco Y, Villoslada P, Sanchez-Dalmau B, Saiz A, Martinez-Lapiscina EH. Using Acute Optic Neuritis Trials to Assess Neuroprotective and Remyelinating Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis. JAMA Neurol 2020; 77:234-244. [PMID: 31566686 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Importance Neuroprotective and remyelinating therapies are required for multiple sclerosis (MS), and acute optic neuritis (AON) is a potential condition to evaluate such treatments. Objective To comprehensively assess key biological and methodological aspects of AON trials for testing neuroprotection and remyelination in MS. Design, Setting, and Participants The AON-VisualPath prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2011 to November 2018 at the Hospital Clinic of University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Consecutive patients with AON were prospectively enrolled in the cohort and followed up for 18 months. Data analyses occurred from November 2018 to February 2019. Exposures Participants were followed up for 18 months using optical coherence tomography, visual acuity tests, and in a subset of 25 participants, multifocal visual evoked potentials. Main Outcomes and Measures Dynamic models of retinal changes and nerve conduction and their associations with visual end points; and eligibility criteria, stratification, and sample-size estimation for future trials. Results A total of 60 patients (50 women [83%]; median age, 34 years) with AON were included. The patients studied displayed early and intense inner retinal thinning, with a thinning rate of approximately 2.38 μm per week in the ganglion cell plus inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) during the first 4 weeks. Eyes with AON displayed a 6-month change in latency of about 20 milliseconds, while the expected change in the eyes of healthy participants by random variability was 0.13 (95% CI, -0.80 to 1.06) milliseconds. The strongest associations with visual end points were for the 6-month intereye difference in 2.5% low-contrast letter acuity, which was correlated with the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning (adjusted R2, 0.57), GCIPL thinning (adjusted R2, 0.50), and changes in mfVEP latency (adjusted R2, 0.26). A 5-letter increment in high-contrast visual acuity at presentation (but not sex or age) was associated with 6-month retinal thinning (1.41 [95% CI, 0.60-2.23] μm less peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning thinning; P = .001; adjusted R2, 0.20; 0.86 [95% CI, 0.35-1.37] μm less GCIPL thinning; P = .001; adjusted R2, 0.19) but not any change in multifocal visual evoked potential latency. To demonstrate 50% efficacy in GCIPL thinning or change in multifocal visual evoked potential latency, a 6-month, 2-arm, parallel-group trial would need 37 or 50 participants per group to test a neuroprotective or remyelinating drug, respectively (power, 80%; α, .05). Conclusions and Relevance Acute optic neuritis is a suitable condition to test neuroprotective and remyelinating therapies after acute inflammation, providing sensitive markers to assess the effects on both processes and prospective visual recovery within a manageable timeframe and with a relatively small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magí Andorrà
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salut Alba-Arbalat
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Camos-Carreras
- Service of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñigo Gabilondo
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque: The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Elena Fraga-Pumar
- Service of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Irene Pulido-Valdeolivas
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana I Tercero-Uribe
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana M Guerrero-Zamora
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Ortiz-Perez
- Service of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irati Zubizarreta
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Sola-Valls
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Llufriu
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sepulveda
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugenia Martinez-Hernandez
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thais Armangue
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Blanco
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Villoslada
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernardo Sanchez-Dalmau
- Service of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Saiz
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena H Martinez-Lapiscina
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Service of Neurology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Ahmed Z, Fulton D, Douglas MR. Opicinumab: is it a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:892. [PMID: 32793736 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Ahmed
- Neuroscience & Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Daniel Fulton
- Neuroscience & Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Michael R Douglas
- Neuroscience & Ophthalmology, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Neurology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Dudley, UK
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Pihl-Jensen G, Wanscher B, Frederiksen JL. Predictive value of optical coherence tomography, multifocal visual evoked potentials, and full-field visual evoked potentials of the fellow, non-symptomatic eye for subsequent multiple sclerosis development in patients with acute optic neuritis. Mult Scler 2020; 27:391-400. [PMID: 32507033 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520917924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) may sometimes be ascertained at the time of optic neuritis (ON) but other times require the advent of new disease activity. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potential (VEP) measurements of the non-symptomatic, fellow eye of ON patients, for conversion to MS. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study in patients with acute ON. OCT thickness measurements of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCLIPL), and multifocal (mf) VEP and full-field (ff) VEP, were performed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression examined the value of predictors for the conversion to MS. RESULTS A total of 79 unilateral, acute ON patients, with no MS diagnosis or prior demyelination, were included. Of which, 28 patients developed MS during follow-up. Inferonasal GCLIPL, mean GCLIPL, and pRNFL thickness significantly predicted MS development in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.922-0.939, p = 0.0172-0.021). MfVEP mean latency (HR = 1.052, p = 0.006) only predicted MS conversion in univariate analysis. No significant predictive value was shown for the other parameters (p > 0.2). CONCLUSION While both mfVEP and OCT are useful tools in the evaluation of acute ON patients, only OCT measurements of fellow eyes may serve as an independent predictor of MS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorm Pihl-Jensen
- Clinic of Optic Neuritis and Clinic of Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark/University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikte Wanscher
- Clinic of Optic Neuritis and Clinic of Multiple Sclerosis, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark/University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Lautrup Frederiksen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark/Department of Neurology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
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You Y, Barnett MH, Yiannikas C, Parratt J, Matthews J, Graham SL, Klistorner A. Chronic demyelination exacerbates neuroaxonal loss in patients with MS with unilateral optic neuritis. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 7:7/3/e700. [PMID: 32170043 PMCID: PMC7136042 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective To examine the effect of chronic demyelination in the optic nerve of patients with MS on progressive loss of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. Methods Progressive retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss, as measured by optical coherence tomography, was longitudinally examined in 51 patients with MS with a history of unilateral optic neuritis (ON) and 25 normal controls. Patients were examined annually with a median of 4-year follow-up. Pairwise intereye comparison was performed between ON and fellow non-ON (NON) eyes of patients with MS using the linear mixed-effects model and survival analysis. The latency asymmetry of multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) was used to determine the level of demyelination in the optic nerve. Results Although both ON and NON eyes demonstrate significantly faster loss of RGC axons compared with normal subjects, ON eyes with severe chronic demyelination show accelerated thinning in the RNFL in the temporal sector of the optic disc (temporal RNFL [tRNFL]) compared with fellow eyes (evidenced by both the linear mixed-effects model and survival analysis). Furthermore, progressive tRNFL thinning is associated with the degree of optic nerve demyelination and reflects the topography of pathology in the optic nerve. More rapid axonal loss in ON eyes is also functionally evidenced by mfVEP amplitude reduction, which correlates with the level of optic nerve demyelination. Conclusions Although the effect of demyelination on axonal survival has been demonstrated in experimental studies, our results provide first clinically meaningful evidence that chronic demyelination is associated with progressive axonal loss in human MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi You
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Michael H Barnett
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Con Yiannikas
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Parratt
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jim Matthews
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Klistorner
- From the Save Sight Institute (Y.Y., A.K.), The University of Sydney; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Y.Y., S.L.G., A.K.), Macquarie University; Brain and Mind Centre (M.H.B.), The University of Sydney; Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre (M.H.B., A.K.); Department of Neurology (C.Y., J.P.), Royal North Shore Hospital; and Sydney Informatics and Data Science Hub (J.M.), The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Assessing the anterior visual pathway in optic neuritis: recent experimental and clinical aspects. Curr Opin Neurol 2020; 32:346-357. [PMID: 30694926 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple sclerosis (MS) and related autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are characterized by chronic disability resulting from autoimmune neuroinflammation, with demyelination, astrocyte damage, impaired axonal transmission and neuroaxonal loss. Novel therapeutics stopping or reversing the progression of disability are still urgently warranted. This review addresses research on optic neuritis in preclinical experimental models and their translation to clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS Optic neuritis can be used as paradigm for an MS relapse which can serve to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutics in clinical trials with a reasonable duration and cohort size. The advantage is the linear structure of the visual pathway allowing the assessment of visual function and retinal structure as highly sensitive outcome parameters. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is an inducible, inflammatory and demyelinating central nervous system disease extensively used as animal model of MS. Optic neuritis is part of the clinicopathological manifestations in a number of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. These have gained increasing interest for studies evaluating neuroprotective and/or remyelinating substances as longitudinal, visual and retinal readouts have become available. SUMMARY Translation of preclinical experiments, evaluating neuroprotective or remyelinating therapeutics to clinical studies is challenging. In-vivo readouts like optical coherence tomography, offers the possibility to transfer experimental study designs to clinical optic neuritis trials.
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Wicki CA, Manogaran P, Simic T, Hanson JVM, Schippling S. Bilateral retinal pathology following a first-ever clinical episode of autoimmune optic neuritis. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 7:7/2/e671. [PMID: 31969471 PMCID: PMC7051214 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This longitudinal study aimed to assess changes in retinal structure and visual function following a first-ever episode of acute optic neuritis (ON). METHODS Clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data obtained over a period of 12 months were retrospectively analyzed in 41 patients with a first-ever clinical episode of acute ON. OCT scans, high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA), and low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) were acquired at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. Macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIP), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and macular inner nuclear layer (INL) thicknesses were assessed by OCT. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze OCT variables of ipsilateral ON and contralateral non-ON (NON) eyes over time. RESULTS The mean change of GCIP thickness in ON eyes was significant at all follow-up time points, with nearly 75% of the total reduction having occurred by month 1. In ON eyes, thinner GCIP thickness at month 1 correlated with lower LCVA at month 3. Mean pRNFL thickness in ON eyes differed significantly from NON eyes at all postbaseline time points. INL thickness was significantly increased in ON eyes (month 1) but also in contralateral NON eyes (month 12). CONCLUSIONS Retinal structural damage develops rapidly following acute ON and is associated with subsequent functional visual deficits. Our results also suggest bilateral retinal pathology following unilateral ON, possibly caused by subclinical involvement of the contralateral NON eyes. Moreover, our data may assist in clinical trial planning in studies targeting tissue damage in acute ON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla A Wicki
- From the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (C.A.W.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research (C.A.W., P.M., T.S., J.V.M.H., S.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich; Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (P.M.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Department of Ophthalmology (J.V.M.H.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich.
| | - Praveena Manogaran
- From the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (C.A.W.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research (C.A.W., P.M., T.S., J.V.M.H., S.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich; Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (P.M.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Department of Ophthalmology (J.V.M.H.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich
| | - Tanja Simic
- From the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (C.A.W.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research (C.A.W., P.M., T.S., J.V.M.H., S.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich; Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (P.M.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Department of Ophthalmology (J.V.M.H.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich
| | - James V M Hanson
- From the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (C.A.W.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research (C.A.W., P.M., T.S., J.V.M.H., S.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich; Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (P.M.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Department of Ophthalmology (J.V.M.H.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich
| | - Sven Schippling
- From the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (C.A.W.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research (C.A.W., P.M., T.S., J.V.M.H., S.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich; Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (P.M.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; and Department of Ophthalmology (J.V.M.H.), University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich
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Evoked potentials as a translatable biomarker to track functional remyelination. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 99:103393. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.103393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Cadavid D, Mellion M, Hupperts R, Edwards KR, Calabresi PA, Drulović J, Giovannoni G, Hartung HP, Arnold DL, Fisher E, Rudick R, Mi S, Chai Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Cheng W, Xu L, Zhu B, Green SM, Chang I, Deykin A, Sheikh SI. Safety and efficacy of opicinumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (SYNERGY): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:845-856. [PMID: 31285147 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(19)30137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opicinumab is a human monoclonal antibody against LINGO-1, an inhibitor of oligodendrocyte differentiation and axonal regeneration. Previous findings suggested that opicinumab treatment might enhance remyelination in patients with CNS demyelinating diseases. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of opicinumab in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. METHODS We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, phase 2 study (SYNERGY) at 72 sites in 12 countries. Participants (aged 18-58 years) with relapsing multiple sclerosis (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with relapses) were randomised in a 1:2:2:2:2 ratio by an interactive voice and web response system to opicinumab 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, or 100 mg/kg, or placebo. An identical volume of study drug was administered intravenously once every 4 weeks. All participants self-administered intramuscular interferon beta-1a as background anti-inflammatory treatment once a week. The primary endpoint was the percentage of participants achieving confirmed disability improvement over 72 weeks, which was a multicomponent endpoint measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the Timed 25-Foot Walk, the Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the 3 s Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. The primary endpoint was analysed under intention-to-treat principles. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01864148. FINDINGS Between Aug 13, 2013, and July 31, 2014, 419 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned either placebo (n=93) or opicinumab 3 mg/kg (n=45), 10 mg/kg (n=95), 30 mg/kg (n=94; one patient did not receive the assigned treatment), or 100 mg/kg (n=92). The last patient visit was on March 29, 2016. Confirmed disability improvement over 72 weeks was seen in 45 (49%) of 91 patients assigned to placebo, 21 (47%) of 45 assigned to opicinumab 3 mg/kg, 59 (63%) of 94 assigned to opicinumab 10 mg/kg, 59 (65%) of 91 assigned to opicinumab 30 mg/kg, and 36 (40%) of 91 assigned to opicinumab 100 mg/kg. A linear dose-response in the probability of confirmed disability improvement was not seen (linear trend test p=0·89). Adverse events occurred in 79 (85%) patients assigned placebo and in 275 (85%) assigned any dose of opicinumab. The most common adverse events of any grade in patients assigned any dose of opicinumab included influenza-like illness (140 [43%] with any dose of opicinumab vs 37 [40%] with placebo), multiple sclerosis relapses (117 [36%] vs 30 [32%]), and headache (51 [16%] vs 23 [25%]). Serious adverse events reported as related to treatment were urinary tract infection in one (1%) participant in the the placebo group, suicidal ideation and intentional overdose in one (1%) participant in the 30 mg/kg opicinumab group, bipolar disorder in one (1%) participant in the 100 mg/kg opicinumab group, and hypersensitivity in four (4%) participants in the 100 mg/kg opicinumab group. One patient in the opicinumab 30 mg/kg group died during the study due to a traffic accident, which was not considered related to study treatment. INTERPRETATION Our findings did not show a significant dose-linear improvement in disability compared with placebo in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Further studies are needed to investigate whether some subpopulations identified in the study might benefit from opicinumab treatment at an optimum dose. FUNDING Biogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keith R Edwards
- Multiple Sclerosis Center of Northeastern New York, Latham, NY, USA
| | | | - Jelena Drulović
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; NeuroRx Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Sha Mi
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jie Li
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lei Xu
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Wooliscroft L, Silbermann E, Cameron M, Bourdette D. Approaches to Remyelination Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2019; 21:34. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-019-0574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Imaging the multiple sclerosis lesion: insights into pathogenesis, progression and repair. Curr Opin Neurol 2019; 32:338-345. [DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Barton JL, Garber JY, Klistorner A, Barnett MH. The electrophysiological assessment of visual function in Multiple Sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2019; 4:90-96. [PMID: 31193661 PMCID: PMC6539333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
VEPs have largely been replaced by MRI in modern MS diagnosis and management. Multifocal VEPs are superior to traditional VEPs in evaluating the integrity of the visual system. Physiological asymmetry limits interpretation of small VEP differences.
The assessment of vision is integral to the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Visual electrophysiology, previously a critical investigation in patients with suspected MS, has in large part been supplanted by magnetic resonance imaging in clinical routine. However, the development of multi-focal visual evoked potentials and the advent of putative re-myelinating therapies that can be monitored with these techniques has led to a resurgence of interest in the field. Here, we review the clinical applications, technical considerations and limitations of visual evoked potentials in the management of patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander Klistorner
- Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael H Barnett
- Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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