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Li Y, Wu J. Sex-dependent alterations in extracellular vesicles linking chronic spinal cord injury to brain neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:483-484. [PMID: 38819058 PMCID: PMC11317934 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology & Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Di Giulio F, Castellini C, Palazzi S, Tienforti D, Antolini F, Felzani G, Baroni MG, Barbonetti A. Correlates of metabolic syndrome in people with chronic spinal cord injury. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:2097-2105. [PMID: 38285309 PMCID: PMC11266227 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed at identifying clinical risk factors or early markers of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) that would facilitate a timely diagnosis and implementation of preventive/therapeutic strategies. METHODS One hundred sixty-eight individuals with chronic (> 1 year) SCI underwent clinical and biochemical evaluations. MetS was diagnosed according to modified criteria of the International Diabetes Federation validated in people with SCI. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and χ2 test were used to compare variables between groups with and without MetS. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal independent associations with MetS among variables selected by univariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS MetS was diagnosed in 56 of 132 men (42.4%) and 17 of 36 women (47.2%). At univariate regression analyses, putative predictors of MetS were an older age, a higher number of comorbidities, a lower insulin-sensitivity, the presence and intensity of pain, a shorter injury duration, a poorer leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and an incomplete motor injury. At the multiple logistic regression analysis, a significant independent association with MetS only persisted for a poorer LTPA in hours/week (OR: 0.880, 95% CI 0.770, 0.990) and more severe pain symptoms as assessed by the numeral rating scale (OR: 1.353, 95% CI 1.085, 1.793). CONCLUSION In people with chronic SCI, intense pain symptoms and poor LTPA may indicate a high likelihood of MetS, regardless of age, SCI duration, motor disability degree, insulin-sensitivity and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Di Giulio
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Palazzi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - D Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Antolini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Sulmona Institute, Sulmona, Italy
| | - M Giorgio Baroni
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Abbaszadeh F, Javadpour P, Mousavi Nasab MM, Jorjani M. The Role of Vitamins in Spinal Cord Injury: Mechanisms and Benefits. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2024; 2024:4293391. [PMID: 38938696 PMCID: PMC11211004 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4293391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common neurological disease worldwide, often resulting in a substantial decrease in quality of life, disability, and in severe cases, even death. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease. Nevertheless, current basic and clinical evidence suggests that vitamins, with their antioxidant properties and biological functions, may play a valuable role in improving the quality of life for individuals with SCI. They can promote overall health and facilitate the healing process. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of vitamins in the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Neurobiology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Javadpour
- Neuroscience Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Jorjani
- Neurobiology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of PharmacologySchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dos Santos AMM, Corrêa VP, de Avelar NCP, de Oliveira C, Schneider IJC. Association between vitamin D insufficiency and depressive symptoms, and functional disability in community-dwelling Brazilian older adults: results from ELSI-Brazil study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13909. [PMID: 38886459 PMCID: PMC11183121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Low serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 nmol/L) have been associated with increased depressive symptom scores over time, and it is believed that functionality may play a mediating role in the relationship between 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms. To comprehend the association between these factors could have significant implications for public health policy. The aim of this study was to verify the association between simultaneous vitamin D insufficiency and depressive symptoms, and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), collected between 2015 and 2016. The outcomes were functional disability assessed through basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The exposures were vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 nmol/L) and depressive symptoms (≥ 4 points in 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression was performed to estimate associations. A total of 1781 community-dwelling older adults included in this study, 14.6% had disability in ADL and 47.9% in IADL; 59.7% had vitamin D insufficient levels, and 33.2% depressive symptoms. The concomitant presence of vitamin D insufficient and depressive symptoms increased the prevalence of ADL by 2.20 (95% CI: 1.25; 3.86) and IADL by 1.54 (95% CI: 1.24; 1.91), respectively. Therefore, preventive strategies to keep older adults physically and socially active, with a good level of vitamin D, are essential to avoid depression and functional disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Martins Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3205, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá, SC, 88906-072, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Pereira Corrêa
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3205, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá, SC, 88906-072, Brazil.
| | - Núbia Carelli Pereira de Avelar
- Department of Health Science, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3205, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá, SC, 88906-072, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ione Jayce Ceola Schneider
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3205, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá, SC, 88906-072, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rodovia Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3205, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá, SC, 88906-072, Brazil
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Di Giulio F, Castellini C, Tienforti D, Felzani G, Baroni MG, Barbonetti A. Independent association of hypovitaminosis d with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in people with chronic spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional study. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:79-89. [PMID: 37273143 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hypovitaminosis D are highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and could exert an unfavorable influence on cardiovascular profile and rehabilitation outcomes. We aimed to assess the independent association between low 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and NAFLD in people with chronic (> 1 year) SCI. METHODS One hundred seventy-three consecutive patients with chronic SCI (132 men and 41 women) admitted to a rehabilitation program underwent clinical/biochemical evaluations and liver ultrasonography. RESULTS NAFLD was found in 105 patients (60.7% of the study population). They were significantly older and exhibited a poorer leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and functional independence in activities of daily living, a greater number of comorbidities and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its correlates, including lower HDL and higher values of body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, HOMA-index of insulin resistance and triglycerides. 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in NAFLD (median: 10.6 ng/ml, range: 2.0-31.0) than in non-NAFLD group (22.5 ng/ml, 4.2-51.6). When all these variables were included in a multiple logistic regression analysis, a significant independent association with NAFLD only persisted for lower 25(OH)D levels, a greater number of comorbidities and a poorer LTPA. The ROC analysis revealed that 25(OH)D levels < 18.25 ng/ml discriminated patients with NAFLD with a sensitivity of 89.0% and a specificity of 73.0% (AUC: 85.7%; 95%CI: 79.6-91.7%). NAFLD was exhibited by 83.9% of patients with 25(OH)D levels < 18.25 ng/ml and by 18% of those with 25(OH)D levels ≥ 18.25 ng/ml (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In people with chronic SCI, 25(OH)D levels < 18.25 ng/ml may represent a marker of NAFLD independent of MetS-related features. Further studies are warranted to define the cause-effect relationships of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Di Giulio
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - D Tienforti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Sulmona Institute, Sulmona, Italy
| | - M G Baroni
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Hertig-Godeschalk A, Scheel-Sailer A, Wey Y, Perret C, Lehnick D, Krebs J, Jenny A, Flueck JL. Prevalence of an insufficient vitamin D status at the onset of a spinal cord injury - a cross-sectional study. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:211-217. [PMID: 36581746 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00873-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D status after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) onset. SETTING Specialized SCI rehabilitation center in Switzerland. METHODS Patients admitted to the center after an acute SCI onset were included. The prevalence of a deficient (25(OH)D ≤ 50 nmol/l), insufficient (50 < 25(OH)D ≤ 75 nmol/l) and sufficient (25(OH)D > 75 nmol/l) vitamin D status were determined after admission. Vitamin D status was compared between different patient groups based on demographic and SCI characteristics. The occurrence of bed rest, falls and pressure injuries were also assessed. RESULTS In total, 87 patients (median (interquartile range); 53 (39-67) years, 25 females, 66 traumatic SCI, 54 paraplegia) were included. Assessed a median of 15 (9-22) days after SCI onset, median vitamin D status was 41 (26-57) (range 8-155) nmol/l. The majority of patients had a deficient (67%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.56-0.76) or insufficient (25%, 95% CI 0.17-0.36) vitamin D status. A moderate negative correlation was found between vitamin D status and body mass index (p = 0.003). A moderate positive correlation was found between vitamin D and calcium status (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION A deficient or insufficient vitamin D status directly after SCI onset is highly prevalent. Vitamin D status should be carefully observed during acute SCI rehabilitation. We recommend that all patients with recent SCI onset should receive vitamin D supplementation with a dosage depending on their actual vitamin D status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anke Scheel-Sailer
- Department of Rehabilitation, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Yannick Wey
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Perret
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Clinical Trial Unit Central Switzerland, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Krebs
- Clinical Trial Unit, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Jenny
- Department of Rehabilitation, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Joelle L Flueck
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre Nottwil, Nottwil, Switzerland
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Wang L, Gan J, Wu J, Zhou Y, Lei D. Impact of vitamin D on the prognosis after spinal cord injury: A systematic review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:920998. [PMID: 36866055 PMCID: PMC9973556 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.920998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency is a worldwide health problem and affects billions of people. Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients seem more susceptible to developing suboptimal levels of VitD. However, the literature regarding its impact on the prognosis of SCI is limited. Thus, in this review, we systematically investigated the published studies via a combination of keywords associated with SCI and VitD in four medical databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science). All included studies were analyzed, and selected clinical data on the prevalence of VitD insufficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 30 ng/ml) and deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/ml) were collected for further meta-analysis via random effects. Through literature review, a total of 35 studies were eligible and included. The meta-analysis of VitD status (13 studies, 1,962 patients) indicated high prevalence of insufficiency (81.6% [75.7, 87.5]) and deficiency (52.5% [38.1, 66.9]) after SCI. Besides, low levels of VitD were reported to be associated with a higher risk of skeletal diseases, venous thromboembolism, psychoneurological syndromes, and chest illness after injury. Existing literature suggested that supplemental therapy might act as an adjuvant treatment to facilitate post-injury rehabilitation. Non-human experimental studies highlighted the neuroprotective effect of VitD, which was associated with enhancing axonal and neuronal survival, suppressing neuroinflammation, and modulating autophagy. Therefore, the current evidence suggests that the prevalence of VitD insufficiency is high in the SCI population, and low-level VitD may impair functional restoration after SCI. VitD supplemental treatment may have potential benefits to accelerate rehabilitation in mechanistically related processes after SCI. However, due to the limitation of the available evidence, more well-designed randomized controlled trials and mechanism experimental research are still needed to validate its therapeutic effect, elucidate its neuroprotective mechanism, and develop novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | | | | | | | - Deqiang Lei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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A pathway phenotype linking metabolic, immune, oxidative, and opioid pathways with comorbid depression, atherosclerosis, and unstable angina. CNS Spectr 2022; 27:676-690. [PMID: 34039448 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852921000432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is strong comorbidity between atherosclerosis (ATS) and depression which is attributed to increased atherogenicity, insulin resistance (IR), and immune and oxidative stress. AIM OF THE STUDY To examine the role of the above pathways and mu-opioid receptor (MOR), β-endorphin levels, zinc, copper, vitamin D3, calcium, and magnesium in depression due to ATS/unstable angina (UA). METHODS Biomarkers were assayed in 58 controls and 120 ATS patients divided into those with moderate and severe depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores >19 and >29, respectively. RESULTS Neural network and logistic regression models showed that severe depression due to ATS/UA was best predicted by interleukin-6 (IL-6), UA, MOR, zinc, β-endorphin, calcium and magnesium, and that moderate depression was associated with IL-6, zinc, MOR, β-endorphin, UA, atherogenicity, IR, and calcium. Neural networks yielded a significant discrimination of severe and moderate depression with an area under the receiver operating curves of 0.831 and 0.931, respectively. Using Partial Least Squares path analysis, we found that 66.2% of the variance in a latent vector extracted from ATS/UA clinical features, and the BDI-II scores, atherogenicity, and IR could be explained by the regression on IL-6, IL-10, zinc, copper, calcium, MOR, and age. The BDI-II scores increased from controls to ATS to UA class III to UA class IV. CONCLUSIONS Immune activation, the endogenous opioid system, antioxidants, trace elements, and macrominerals modulate a common core shared by increased depressive symptoms, ATS, UA, atherogenicity, and IR.
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Hertig-Godeschalk A, Brinkhof MWG, Scheel-Sailer A, Perret C, Jenny A, Landmann G, Wyss PO, Flueck JL. Vitamin D supplementation in chronic spinal cord injury (VitD-SCI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e053951. [PMID: 34921084 PMCID: PMC8685947 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin D insufficiency, a vitamin D status or serum 25(OH)D concentration of ≤75 nmol/L, is highly prevalent in individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Vitamin D is important for the functioning of the musculoskeletal, immune and respiratory systems, which are relevant determinants of secondary health conditions in SCI. An insufficiency should be treated with vitamin D supplementation. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal dosage and duration of vitamin D supplementation for individualised and long-term management of the vitamin D status in the context of SCI. This paper presents the protocol for the vitamin D supplementation in chronic spinal cord injury (VitD-SCI) trial that aims to investigate the effect of a 12-month intake of vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status as well as on several secondary parameters among individuals with a chronic SCI. METHODS AND ANALYSES The VitD-SCI trial is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group, superiority trial, conducted at the Swiss Paraplegic Centre. A total of 45 participants living with an SCI for at least 3 years (chronic SCI) and a vitamin D insufficiency at the first study visit, will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. Participants receive either a monthly dosage of 24 000 IU or 48 000 IU vitamin D or a placebo for 12 months. Measurements taking place every 3 months include the assessment of vitamin D status (primary outcome) as well as bone mineral density, handgrip strength, fatigue, mood, pain and pressure injuries (secondary outcomes). Safety and tolerance of vitamin D supplementation will also be evaluated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Swiss Ethics Committee for Northwest/Central Switzerland (EKNZ, 2020-01493) and the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic, 2020DR3150) approved this study. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS NCT04652544 and SNCTP000004032.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin W G Brinkhof
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Luzerne, Switzerland
| | - Anke Scheel-Sailer
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Luzerne, Switzerland
- Department of Rehabilitation, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Perret
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Jenny
- Department of Rehabilitation, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Gunter Landmann
- Centre for Pain Medicine, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Patrik O Wyss
- Department of Radiology, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland
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Li X, Gao Y, Tian F, Du R, Yuan Y, Li P, Liu F, Wang C. miR-31 promotes neural stem cell proliferation and restores motor function after spinal cord injury. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1274-1286. [PMID: 33715531 PMCID: PMC8371310 DOI: 10.1177/1535370221997071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine whether miR-31 promotes endogenous NSC proliferation and be used for spinal cord injury management. In the present study, the morpholino knockdown of miR-31 induced abnormal neuronal apoptosis in zebrafish, resulting in impaired development of the tail. miR-31 agomir transfection in NSCs increased Nestin expression and decreased ChAT and GFAP expression levels. miR-31 induced the proliferation of mouse NSCs by upregulating the Notch signaling pathway, and more NSCs entered G1; Notch was inhibited by miR-31 inactivation. Injection of a miR-31 agomir into mouse models of spinal cord injury could effectively restore motor functions after spinal cord injury, which was achieved by promoting the proliferation of endogenous NSCs. After the injection of a miR-31 agomir in spinal cord injury mice, the expression of Nestin and GFAP increased, while GFAP expression decreased. In conclusion, the zebrafish experiments prove that a lack of miR-31 will block nervous system development. In spinal cord injury mouse models, miR-31 overexpression might promote spinal cord injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yuantao Gao
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ruochen Du
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yitong Yuan
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Laboratory Animal Research Center of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Animal and Animal Model of Human Diseases, Taiyuan 030001, China
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Barbonetti A, D’Andrea S, Castellini C, Totaro M, Muselli M, Cavallo F, Felzani G, Necozione S, Francavilla S. Erectile Dysfunction Is the Main Correlate of Depression in Men with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102090. [PMID: 34068060 PMCID: PMC8152485 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is the most prevalent psychological issue after a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with noticeable disability, mortality and health expenditure. As SCI mainly occurs in sexually active men at a young age, and can lead to them suffering from an organic neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), we supposed that ED could be a major correlate of depressive status in men with SCI. As documented by a Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score ≥14, depression was reported in 17 out of 57 men with a chronic SCI (29.8%). They exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of ED and a more severe bowel and bladder dysfunction when compared to the group without depression. At the multiple logistic regression analysis, depression showed a significant independent association with ED (OR = 19.0, 95% CI: 3.1, 203.3; p = 0.004) and, to a lesser extent, with a severe impairment of bowel and bladder function (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.94; p = 0.01). Depression was observed in 43.7% of men with ED and only in 12.0% of those without ED (p = 0.002). In conclusion, healthcare providers should give the right level of importance to the management of ED in men with SCI, as this represents a major independent correlate of depression, which, in turn, might hinder physical rehabilitation and exacerbate physical health issues related to SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.D.); (C.C.); (M.T.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0862-368338
| | - Settimio D’Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.D.); (C.C.); (M.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.D.); (C.C.); (M.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Maria Totaro
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.D.); (C.C.); (M.T.); (S.F.)
| | - Mario Muselli
- Epidemiology Division, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Francesca Cavallo
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, 67039 Sulmona, Italy; (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Giorgio Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, 67039 Sulmona, Italy; (F.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Stefano Necozione
- Epidemiology Division, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Sandro Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.D.); (C.C.); (M.T.); (S.F.)
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D'Andrea S, Martorella A, Coccia F, Castellini C, Minaldi E, Totaro M, Parisi A, Francavilla F, Francavilla S, Barbonetti A. Relationship of Vitamin D status with testosterone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine 2021; 72:49-61. [PMID: 32880851 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite a biological plausibility of a direct link between low vitamin D and androgen deficiency, the association remains inconclusive in epidemiological studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies aim to assess whether and in what populations such an association can be demonstrated. METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of science, Science Direct, and CINAHL. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in total testosterone (TT) levels between men with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <20 and ≥20 ng/mL were combined using random-effects models. Funnel plot and trim-and-fill analysis were used to assess publication bias. Heterogeneity source was explored by a sub-group analysis according to health-related characteristics of the study populations. RESULTS Eighteen included studies collectively gave information on 9892 men with vitamin D deficiency and 10,675 controls. The pooled SMD revealed a slight, albeit just significant, positive association between 25(OH)D and TT (pooled SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.01; P = 0.04) with a large between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 98%, Pfor heterogeneity < 0.00001). At the sub-group analysis, a significant positive association, along with noticeable decrease in heterogeneity, could only be demonstrated in studies of patients with frailty states (pooled SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.27, -0.10, P < 0.0001; I2 = 51%, Pfor heterogeneity = 0.06). A sensitivity analysis revealed a high stability of the result and the trim-and-fill adjustment for publication bias did not affect pooled estimate. CONCLUSIONS Both hypovitaminosis D and androgen deficiency should be regarded as markers of a poor health status, sharing common underlying aetiologies and risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Martorella
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Coccia
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - E Minaldi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Parisi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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D'Andrea S, Castellini C, Minaldi E, Totaro M, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F, Barbonetti A. Testosterone, level of the lesion and age are independently associated with prostate volume in men with chronic spinal cord injury. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1599-1606. [PMID: 32248510 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although men with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit a prostate volume significantly smaller compared to age-matched able-bodied men, the independent association of lower prostate volume with its putative determinants has never been analyzed in this population. This study was designed to identify variables independently associated with prostate volume in men with chronic SCI. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, prostate volume of 138 men with chronic (> 1 years) SCI, aged 54.5 (25th-75th percentile: 36.0-66.0) years, was evaluated with trans-rectal ultrasonography. All patients underwent a complete neurological exam, as well as biochemical and hormonal assessment, including total testosterone (TT) levels. Free testosterone levels were calculated (cFT) by the Vermeulen formula. RESULTS The median prostate volume was 23.4 mL. At the univariate analysis, a larger prostate volume was associated with higher TT (p = 0.00001) and cFT (p = 0.001), SCI level below T12 (p = 0.007), more advanced age (p = 0.04), lower body mass index (p = 0.04), higher functional independence score (p = 0.06), higher values of prostate-specific antigen (p = 0.12) and shorter duration of the injury (p = 0.21). However, at the multiple regression analyses, an independent and positive association only persisted between the prostate volume with either TT or cFT levels, and, to a lesser extent, with age and a level of spinal lesion below T12. A prostate volume below the median value was observed in 91.4% (32/35) of patients with both androgen deficiency (TT < 264 ng/dL) and spinal lesion level ≥ T12, but only in 16.5% (2/12) of patients with both normal androgen levels and spinal lesion level below T12 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that lower testosterone levels and, to a lesser extent, a younger age and a spinal lesion level ≥ T12 represent the only variables exhibiting an independent association with a smaller prostate volume in men with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - E Minaldi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Construct validation of the leisure time physical activity questionnaire for people with SCI (LTPAQ-SCI). Spinal Cord 2020; 59:311-318. [PMID: 33040086 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-00562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional construct validation study. OBJECTIVES To test the construct validity of the Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Spinal Cord Injury (LTPAQ-SCI) by examining associations between the scale responses and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a sample of adults living with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING Three university-based laboratories in Canada. METHODS Participants were 39 adults (74% male; M age: 42 ± 11 years) with SCI who completed the LTPAQ-SCI and a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion using an arm-crank ergometer. One-tailed Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to examine the association between the LTPAQ-SCI measures of mild-, moderate-, heavy-intensity and total minutes per week of LTPA and CRF (peak volume of oxygen consumption [V̇O2peak] and peak power output [POpeak]). RESULTS Minutes per week of mild-, moderate- and heavy-intensity LTPA and total LTPA were all positively correlated with V̇O2peak. The correlation between minutes per week of mild intensity LTPA and V̇O2peak was small-medium (r = 0.231, p = 0.079) while all other correlations were medium-large (rs ranged from 0.276 to 0.443, ps < 0.05). Correlations between the LTPAQ-SCI variables and POpeak were also positive but small (rs ranged from 0.087 to 0.193, ps > 0.05), except for a medium-sized correlation between heavy-intensity LTPA and POpeak (r = 0.294, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS People with SCI who report higher levels of LTPA on the LTPAQ-SCI also demonstrate greater levels of CRF, with stronger associations between moderate- and heavy-intensity LTPA and CRF than between mild-intensity LTPA and CRF. These results provide further support for the construct validity of the LTPAQ-SCI as a measure of LTPA among people with SCI.
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D'Andrea S, Castellini C, Paladino V, Totaro M, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F, Barbonetti A. Metabolic syndrome is the key determinant of impaired vaginal lubrication in women with chronic spinal cord injury. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1001-1007. [PMID: 31983040 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects sexual health of both male and female, but little attention has been given to sexuality of SCI women. Similar to penile erection, vaginal lubrication represents a neurovascular event and then both denervation and vascular damage might contribute to its impairment. Nevertheless, the relative weight of lesion location/degree and vascular risk factors in determining hypolubrication in women with SCI has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to recognize among putative determinants of poor sexual arousal in women with SCI, neurogenic and vascular/metabolic independent predictors of vaginal hypolubrication. METHODS Twenty-eight consecutive female patients admitted to a rehabilitation program because of chronic SCI (≥ 1 year) underwent clinical and biochemical evaluations, including assessment of vaginal lubrication by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). As, in people with SCI, waist circumference overestimates visceral fat mass due to abdominal muscle paralysis, metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined according to specific criteria proposed for SCI population: BMI ≥ 22 kg/m2 and two or more of the following: triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL (or actual treatment), HDL < 50 mg/dL, hypertension (or actual treatment), fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL or diabetes mellitus type 2. RESULTS A FSFI lubrication sub-score < 3.6, suggestive for impaired vaginal lubrication, was exhibited by 53.7% of the study population. When compared to the group with normal lubrication, a significantly higher proportion of these women had paraplegia (93.3% vs 38.5%, p = 0.003) and met the SCI-specific criteria for MetS (73.4% vs 7.6%, p = 0.0006), whereas, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the proportion of women exhibiting the single components of MetS. At the multiple logistic regression analysis, only the presence of MetS exhibited a significant independent association with impaired vaginal lubrication (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2, 5.8, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In women with SCI, a clustering of modifiable vascular/metabolic risk factors, constituting the MetS, could contribute to sexual dysfunctions by affecting the vaginal lubrication, independently of the level of the spinal cord lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - V Paladino
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Tommasi 1, 67110, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Li Y, Cao T, Ritzel RM, He J, Faden AI, Wu J. Dementia, Depression, and Associated Brain Inflammatory Mechanisms after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061420. [PMID: 32521597 PMCID: PMC7349379 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the chronic effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) has long focused on sensorimotor deficits, neuropathic pain, bladder/bowel dysfunction, loss of sexual function, and emotional distress. Although not well appreciated clinically, SCI can cause cognitive impairment including deficits in learning and memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed; it also commonly leads to depression. Recent large-scale longitudinal population-based studies indicate that patients with isolated SCI (without concurrent brain injury) are at a high risk of dementia associated with substantial cognitive impairments. Yet, little basic research has addressed potential mechanisms for cognitive impairment and depression after injury. In addition to contributing to disability in their own right, these changes can adversely affect rehabilitation and recovery and reduce quality of life. Here, we review clinical and experimental work on the complex and varied responses in the brain following SCI. We also discuss potential mechanisms responsible for these less well-examined, important SCI consequences. In addition, we outline the existing and developing therapeutic options aimed at reducing SCI-induced brain neuroinflammation and post-injury cognitive and emotional impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
| | - Tuoxin Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
| | - Rodney M. Ritzel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
| | - Junyun He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
| | - Alan I. Faden
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
- University of Maryland Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (Y.L.); (T.C.); (R.M.R.); (J.H.); (A.I.F.)
- University of Maryland Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-706-5189
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D'Andrea S, Minaldi E, Castellini C, Cavallo F, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F, Barbonetti A. Independent Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone Levels With Life Dissatisfaction in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Sex Med 2020; 17:911-918. [PMID: 32089485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of global functional independence, along with bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions, may contribute to psychological distress and life dissatisfaction after spinal cord injury (SCI). AIM To explore the relationship of erectile function and androgenic status with life satisfaction, independently from confounders recognizable in spinal cord-injured men. METHODS 100 consecutive men (49 ± 17 years) admitted to a rehabilitation program because of chronic SCI (≥1 year) underwent clinical/biochemical evaluations, including the assessment of life and sexual satisfaction using the Life-Satisfaction Questionnaire-9 (LiSat-9), erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), global and bowel-bladder functional independence using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and measurement of total testosterone (TT) levels. The free testosterone level was calculated using the Vermeulen formula. OUTCOMES The outcomes include the relationship between sexual health and life satisfaction in men with SCI. RESULTS A LiSat-9 score <4, suggestive for life dissatisfaction, was exhibited by 49% of men. When compared with the life-satisfied group, a significantly higher percentage of them had sexual dissatisfaction and erectile dysfunction (ED); they also exhibited significantly lower levels of TT and calculated free testosterone (cFT) and a more severe impairment of bowel-bladder function. The life satisfaction degree correlated with sexual satisfaction degree, IIEF-5 score, TT, cFT, and bowel-bladder function degree. At the logistic regression model, including sexual LiSat-9 subscore and bowel-bladder SCIM subscore, only the former exhibited a significant negative association with life dissatisfaction. In a further logistic regression model, including the putative key determinants of sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and cFT levels, a higher odd of life dissatisfaction was independently associated both with a lower IIEF-5 score (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.98) and lower cFT levels (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS In men with chronic SCI, assessment of erectile function and testosterone levels can help to predict life satisfaction. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This is the first demonstration of the independent association of androgen deficiency and ED with life satisfaction in men with SCI. Prospective studies are warranted to clarify the cause-effect relationships. CONCLUSIONS In men with SCI, ED and low testosterone levels exhibit a significant independent association with life dissatisfaction; longitudinal intervention studies could explore possible effects of their treatment in improving sexual and life satisfaction in this population. D'Andrea S, Minaldi E, Castellini C, et al. Independent Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Low Testosterone Levels With Life Dissatisfaction in Men With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Sex Med 2020;17:911-918.
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Affiliation(s)
- Settimio D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - Elisa Minaldi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Institute of Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy
| | - Sandro Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Felice Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Li YP, Wang MQ, Deng HL, Li M, Zhang X, Dang SS, Zhai S. Association of polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene with susceptibility to and severity of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by coxsackievirus A16. J Med Virol 2019; 92:271-278. [PMID: 31587312 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) remains the most common causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and is related to high incidence and critical complications. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) activity might affect the outcome of CA16 infection. Our case-control research aims to evaluate the relationship between VDR polymorphisms in the gene encoding and susceptibility to and severity of HFMD due to CA16. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VDR gene were selected according to functional prediction and linkage disequilibrium, and were examined utilizing the SNPscan method to identify possible associations with HFMD caused by CA16. A significant relationship was found in the HFMD cases of polymorphism rs11574129 (GA vs GG: odds ratio (OR) = 0.068, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.007-0.693, P = .023; GA + AA vs GG: OR = 0.322, 95%CI = 0.106-0.984, P = .047), and vitamin D levels in genotype AA were significantly higher than those in genotype GG (P < .05). These results suggest that VDR rs11574129 may influence genetic susceptibility to CA16-associated HFMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Mu-Qi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui-Ling Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuang-Suo Dang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Song Zhai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Krull C, Abramoff BA, Jerome M, Principe J, Cai Q, Tailor Y. Intervention for Increasing Vitamin D Supplementation in a Deficient Rehabilitation Population: Outcomes of a Quality Improvement Initiative. PM R 2019; 11:1093-1100. [DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Krull
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineEmory University Atlanta GA
| | | | - Mairin Jerome
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineEmory University Atlanta GA
| | - Jessica Principe
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineEmory University Atlanta GA
| | - Qingpo Cai
- Department of Biostatistics and BioinformaticsEmory University Atlanta GA
| | - Yogita Tailor
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineEmory University Atlanta GA
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Battaglino RA, Nguyen N, Summers M, Morse LR. B Cell-Activating Factor Is Associated with Testosterone and Smoking Status in Non-Ambulatory Men with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3332-3337. [PMID: 31020912 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell-mediated autoimmunity may contribute to poor neurological outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI). B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a key cytokine involved in B cell development, proliferation, activation, and survival whose expression is elevated in men with chronic SCI. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with circulating BAFF in non-ambulatory males with chronic SCI. We assessed the association between clinical and demographic factors, health habits, and circulating BAFF levels in a convenience sample of 43 non-ambulatory men with chronic spinal cord injury (≥ 1 year post-injury). Serum BAFF and total testosterone levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body composition was determined by whole body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In multivariable models, active smokers had significantly greater BAFF levels than former/nonsmokers (871 pg/mL vs. 665 pg/ml, p = 0.002). BAFF decreased 36 ± 11.1 pg/mL for every 1 ng/mL increase in total testosterone (p = 0.002). This model explained 41% of the variation in circulating BAFF levels (model p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that modifiable health habits may be associated with elevated BAFF levels in men with non-ambulatory chronic SCI. Further, the significant and independent negative association between testosterone levels and BAFF would suggest a link between androgen deficiency and autoimmunity observed in SCI via modulation of BAFF and B cell numbers. This points toward BAFF as a potential biomarker of injury severity and a target of therapies designed to reduce neuroinflammation and improve neurological outcomes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Battaglino
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nguyen Nguyen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Megan Summers
- Rocky Mountain Regional Spinal Injury System, Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
| | - Leslie R Morse
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Rocky Mountain Regional Spinal Injury System, Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, Englewood, Colorado
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Barbonetti A, D'Andrea S, Samavat J, Martorella A, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Luconi M, Francavilla F. Can the positive association of osteocalcin with testosterone be unmasked when the preeminent hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of testosterone production is impaired? The model of spinal cord injury. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:167-173. [PMID: 29729005 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Osteocalcin (OCN), released from the bone matrix during the resorption phase, in its undercarboxylated form, stimulates testosterone (T) biosynthesis in mouse and a loss-of-function mutation of its receptor was associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in humans. Nevertheless, when population-based studies have explored the OCN-T association, conflicting results have been reported. Hypothesizing that the evidence of a positive association between OCN and T could have been hindered by the preeminent role of a well-functioning hypothalamus-pituitary axis in promoting T biosynthesis, we explored this association in men with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), exhibiting high prevalence of non-hypergonadotropic androgen deficiency. METHODS Fifty-five consecutive men with chronic SCI underwent clinical/biochemical evaluations, including measurements of total T (TT), OCN and 25(OH)D levels. Free T (FT) levels were calculated by the Vermeulen formula. Comorbidity was scored by Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). RESULTS A biochemical androgen deficiency (TT < 300 ng/dL) was observed in 15 patients (27.3%). TT was positively correlated with OCN, 25(OH)D and leisure time physical activity and negatively correlated with age, BMI and CCI. OCN was also positively correlated with calculated FT and negatively correlated with BMI and HOMA-IR. At the multiple linear regression analyses, a positive association of OCN with TT and calculated FT persisted after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS The positive association here found between OCN and T levels in men with chronic SCI reinforces the notion that a bone-testis axis is also functioning in humans and suggests that it can be unmasked when the preeminent hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of T production is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barbonetti
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Sulmona Institute, 67039, Sulmona, Italy.
| | - S D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - J Samavat
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - A Martorella
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - G Felzani
- Spinal Unit, San Raffaele Sulmona Institute, 67039, Sulmona, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Luconi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - F Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Zhou Q, Shao YC, Gan ZQ, Fang LS. Lower vitamin D levels are associated with depression in patients with gout. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:227-231. [PMID: 30679908 PMCID: PMC6338117 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s193114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is commonly observed among patients with gout. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with depression in non-gout subjects. We examined the association of vitamin D levels with depression in patients with gout. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 186 gout patients at the Endocrinology Department of First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University. Levels of serum 25-hydroxyvi-tamin D (25(OH)D) were determined using a competitive protein-binding assay. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was used for screening for depressive symptoms. Diagnosis of depression in gout patients was made in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition criteria for depression. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Thirty-two gout patients (17.2%) were diagnosed as having depression. Patients with depression showed significantly lower 25(OH)D levels as compared to patients without depression (46.4±19.0 vs 57.0±17.3 nmol/L, P<0.001). Significant differences in 25(OH)D quartiles of gout patients were observed between the patients with depression and the patients without depression (P=0.003). In multivariate analyses, serum 25(OH)D levels (≤40.0 nmol/L) were independently associated with depression in patients with gout (OR 3.833, 95% CI 1.406-10.453, P=0.009). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates an important association between serum vitamin D levels and depression in patients with gout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China,
| | - Yi-Chuan Shao
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China,
| | - Zheng-Qi Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China,
| | - Li-Shu Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China,
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23
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Barbonetti A, D’Andrea S, Martorella A, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F. Low vitamin D levels are independent predictors of 1-year worsening in physical function in people with chronic spinal cord injury: a longitudinal study. Spinal Cord 2018; 56:494-501. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-017-0058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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24
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Thomschewski A, Ströhlein A, Langthaler PB, Schmid E, Potthoff J, Höller P, Leis S, Trinka E, Höller Y. Imagine There Is No Plegia. Mental Motor Imagery Difficulties in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:689. [PMID: 29311771 PMCID: PMC5732245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), imagination of movement is a candidate tool to promote long-term recovery or to control futuristic neuroprostheses. However, little is known about the ability of patients with spinal cord injury to perform this task. It is likely that without the ability to effectively perform the movement, the imagination of movement is also problematic. We therefore examined, whether patients with SCI experience increased difficulties in motor imagery (MI) compared to healthy controls. We examined 7 male patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (aged 23–70 years, median 53) and 20 healthy controls (aged 21–54 years, median 30). All patients had incomplete SCI, with AIS (ASIA Impairment Scale) grades of C or D. All had cervical lesions, except one who had a thoracic injury level. Duration after injury ranged from 3 to 314 months. We performed the Movement Imagery Questionnaire Revised as well as the Beck Depression Inventory in all participants. The self-assessed ability of patients to visually imagine movements ranged from 7 to 36 (Md = 30) and tended to be decreased in comparison to healthy controls (ranged 16–49, Md = 42.5; W = 326.5, p = 0.055). Also, the self-assessed ability of patients to kinesthetically imagine movements (range = 7–35, Md = 31) differed significantly from the control group (range = 23–49, Md = 41; W = 337.5, p = 0.0047). Two patients yielded tendencies for depressive mood and they also reported most problems with movement imagination. Statistical analysis however did not confirm a general relationship between depressive mood and increased difficulty in MI across both groups. Patients with spinal cord injury seem to experience difficulties in imagining movements compared to healthy controls. This result might not only have implications for training and rehabilitation programs, but also for applications like brain-computer interfaces used to control neuroprostheses, which are often based on the brain signals exhibited during the imagination of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljoscha Thomschewski
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anja Ströhlein
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Patrick B Langthaler
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Mathematics, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Schmid
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jonas Potthoff
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Höller
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Leis
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Yvonne Höller
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Medical Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Psychology, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.,Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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25
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Qu M, Di S, Zhang S, Xia Z, Quan G. Vitamin D receptor protects glioblastoma A172 cells against Coxsackievirus A16 infection induced cell death in the pathogenesis of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:952-956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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26
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Mat Rosly M, Halaki M, Mat Rosly H, Cuesta V, Hasnan N, Davis GM, Husain R. Exergaming for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study. Games Health J 2017; 6:279-289. [DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2017.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maziah Mat Rosly
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Halaki
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hadi Mat Rosly
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Victor Cuesta
- Graduate School of System Design and Management, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Glen M. Davis
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ruby Husain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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