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The vulnerability of the immature brain. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32958197 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The concept of vulnerability of the immature brain is multifactorial by definition. Newer scientific work in this area has shifted and enlarged the concept from theoretical frameworks to the multiple levels (molecular, cellular, anatomic, network, behavioral) of the organization of the growing brain. The concept of vulnerability was first introduced by Donald O. Hebb in the 1950s and referred to the inability of the immature brain to completely recover normal development after a brain insult. The concept of vulnerability was further extended to the limitations of the brain in the development of specific skills in neuronal substrates originally used for other functions. We present an overview of some neurodevelopmental processes that characterize the immature brain and that can predict vulnerability in the case of disturbances: Hebb's principle, synaptic homeostasis, selective vulnerability of immature cells in mammals, and inherited constraint networks. A better understanding of the vulnerability mechanisms may help in early detection and prevention and further proposed individualized therapeutic approaches to enhance children's developmental outcomes.
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Setty Y. eBrain: a Three Dimensional Simulation Tool to Study Drug Delivery in the Brain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6162. [PMID: 30992468 PMCID: PMC6467991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are severe disorders with acute symptoms that gradually progress. In the course of developing disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative disorders there is a need to develop novel strategies to increase efficacy of drugs and accelerate the development process. We developed a tool for simulating drug delivery in the brain by translating MRI data into an interactive 3D model. This tool, the eBrain, superimposes simulated drug diffusion and tissue uptake by inferring from the MRI data with a seamless display from any angle, magnification, or position. We discuss a representative implementation of eBrain that is inspired by clinical data in which insulin is intranasally administered to Alzheimer patients. Using extensive analysis of multiple eBrain simulations with varying parameters, we show the potential for eBrain to determine the optimal dosage to ensure drug delivery without overdosing the tissue. Specifically, we examined the efficacy of combined drug doses and potential compounds for tissue stimulation. Interestingly, our analysis uncovered that the drug efficacy is inferred from tissue intensity levels. Finally, we discuss the potential of eBrain and possible applications of eBrain to aid both inexperienced and experienced medical professionals as well as patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaki Setty
- Gateway Institute for Brain Research, 3321 College Avenue, Davie, 33314, Florida, USA.
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Shinde SB, Kurhekar MP. Review of the systems biology of the immune system using agent-based models. IET Syst Biol 2019; 12:83-92. [PMID: 29745901 DOI: 10.1049/iet-syb.2017.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is an inherent protection system in vertebrate animals including human beings that exhibit properties such as self-organisation, self-adaptation, learning, and recognition. It interacts with the other allied systems such as the gut and lymph nodes. There is a need for immune system modelling to know about its complex internal mechanism, to understand how it maintains the homoeostasis, and how it interacts with the other systems. There are two types of modelling techniques used for the simulation of features of the immune system: equation-based modelling (EBM) and agent-based modelling. Owing to certain shortcomings of the EBM, agent-based modelling techniques are being widely used. This technique provides various predictions for disease causes and treatments; it also helps in hypothesis verification. This study presents a review of agent-based modelling of the immune system and its interactions with the gut and lymph nodes. The authors also review the modelling of immune system interactions during tuberculosis and cancer. In addition, they also outline the future research directions for the immune system simulation through agent-based techniques such as the effects of stress on the immune system, evolution of the immune system, and identification of the parameters for a healthy immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal B Shinde
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Manish P Kurhekar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Liu Y, Wei M, Yue K, Hu M, Li S, Men L, Pi Z, Liu Z, Liu Z. Study on Urine Metabolic Profile of Aβ25–35-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Neuroscience 2018; 394:30-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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SHINDE SNEHALB, KURHEKAR MANISHP. COMPLEX BIOLOGICAL IMMUNE SYSTEM THROUGH THE EYES OF DUAL-PHASE EVOLUTION. J BIOL SYST 2018. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218339018500213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dual-phase evolution (DPE) and the network theory help to analyze prominent properties of the complex adaptive systems (CASs) such as emergence and self-organization that are caused due to the phase transitions. These transitions are observed because of the increase and decrease in the number of system components and their interactions. The immune system, which is one of the CASs, provides an adaptive response to the foreign molecules. Prior to this response, the immune system is present in the circulation state and during the response, it moves into the growth state, where the number of immune cells and their cell–cell contacts increase rapidly. The phase transitions from the circulation state to the growth state and then back to the circulation state cause the emergence and self-organization of the immune system, respectively. There is a need to understand these complex cellular dynamics during the immune response. In this paper, we have proposed an integrated model of DPE, network theory, and the immune system that has helped to understand and analyze the phases and properties of the immune system. Analysis of the growth phase network is provided and it is concluded that this network exhibits scale-free nature following power law for the degree distribution of nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- SNEHAL B. SHINDE
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - MANISH P. KURHEKAR
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
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Lei D, Shao Z, Zhou X, Yuan H. Synergistic neuroprotective effect of rasagiline and idebenone against retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury via the Lin28-let-7-Dicer pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 9:12137-12153. [PMID: 29552298 PMCID: PMC5844734 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injury causes neuronal degeneration and initiates various optic nerve diseases. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic neuroprotective effect of rasagiline and idebenone against RIR injury. A combination of rasagiline and idebenone was administered intraperitoneally immediately after establishment of the RIR model. Treatment with the combination of the two drugs resulted in a significant restoration of retinal thickness and retinal ganglion cells. Apoptosis of cells in ganglion cell layers was also ameliorated, suggesting that the effect of the two drugs was synergistic and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor increased. Furthermore, idebenone and rasagiline induced the expression of Lin28A and Lin28B, respectively, which resulted in a reduced expression of microRNAs in the let-7 family and an increased protein output of Dicer. The data obtained from gene overexpression and knockdown experiments indicated that let-7 and Dicer were necessary for the synergistic neuroprotective effect of the two drugs. Our findings suggested that combination therapy with rasagiline and idebenone produced a synergistic effect that ameliorated RIR injury and restored visual function. In addition, the combined treatment provided neuroprotection via enhancement of the selective regulation of let-7 by Lin28A/B. These findings implied that a treatment with the combination of rasagiline and idebenone is a feasible treatment option for optic nerve diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Zhengbo Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xinrong Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Huiping Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
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Clark JE, Fai Ng W, Watson S, Newton JL. The aetiopathogenesis of fatigue: unpredictable, complex and persistent. Br Med Bull 2016; 117:139-48. [PMID: 26872857 PMCID: PMC4782751 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldv057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome is a common condition characterized by severe fatigue with post-exertional malaise, impaired cognitive ability, poor sleep quality, muscle pain, multi-joint pain, tender lymph nodes, sore throat or headache. Its defining symptom, fatigue is common to several diseases. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Research has established a broad picture of impairment across autonomic, endocrine and inflammatory systems though progress seems to have reached an impasse. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The absence of a clear consensus view of the pathophysiology of fatigue suggests the need to switch from a focus on abnormalities in one system to an experimental and clinical approach which integrates findings across multiple systems and their constituent parts and to consider multiple environmental factors. GROWING POINTS We discuss this with reference to three key factors, non-determinism, non-reductionism and self-organization and suggest that an approach based on these principles may afford a coherent explanatory framework for much of the observed phenomena in fatigue and offers promising avenues for future research. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH By adopting this approach, the field can examine issues regarding aetiopathogenesis and treatment, with relevance for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Clark
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - W Fai Ng
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Clinical Academic Office, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Stuart Watson
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julia L Newton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Clinical Academic Office, 3rd Floor, William Leech Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Taki FA, Pan X, Zhang B. Revisiting Chaos Theorem to Understand the Nature of miRNAs in Response to Drugs of Abuse. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:2857-68. [PMID: 25966899 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Just like Matryoshka dolls, biological systems follow a hierarchical order that is based on dynamic bidirectional communication among its components. In addition to the convoluted inter-relationships, the complexity of each component spans several folds. Therefore, it becomes rather challenging to investigate phenotypes resulting from these networks as it requires the integration of reductionistic and holistic approaches. One dynamic system is the transcriptome which comprises a variety of RNA species. Some, like microRNAs, have recently received a lot of attention. miRNAs are very pleiotropic and have been considered as therapeutic and diagnostic candidates in the biomedical fields. In this review, we survey miRNA profiles in response to drugs of abuse (DA) using 118 studies. After providing a summary of miRNAs related to substance use disorders (SUD), general patterns of miRNA signatures are compared among studies for single or multiple drugs of abuse. Then, current challenges and drawbacks in the field are discussed. Finally, we provide support for considering miRNAs as a chaotic system in normal versus disrupted states particularly in SUD and propose an integrative approach for studying and analyzing miRNA data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten A Taki
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Xiaoping Pan
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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Vogt H, Ulvestad E, Eriksen TE, Getz L. Getting personal: can systems medicine integrate scientific and humanistic conceptions of the patient? J Eval Clin Pract 2014; 20:942-52. [PMID: 25312489 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The practicing doctor, and most obviously the primary care clinician who encounters the full complexity of patients, faces several fundamental but intrinsically related theoretical and practical challenges - strongly actualized by so-called medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and multi-morbidity. Systems medicine, which is the emerging application of systems biology to medicine and a merger of molecular biomedicine, systems theory and mathematical modelling, has recently been proposed as a primary care-centered strategy for medicine that promises to meet these challenges. Significantly, it has been proposed to do so in a way that at first glance may seem compatible with humanistic medicine. More specifically, it is promoted as an integrative, holistic, personalized and patient-centered approach. In this article, we ask whether and to what extent systems medicine can provide a comprehensive conceptual account of and approach to the patient and the root causes of health problems that can be reconciled with the concept of the patient as a person, which is an essential theoretical element in humanistic medicine. METHODS We answer this question through a comparative analysis of the theories of primary care doctor Eric Cassell and systems biologist Denis Noble. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We argue that, although systems biological concepts, notably Noble's theory of biological relativity and downward causation, are highly relevant for understanding human beings and health problems, they are nevertheless insufficient in fully bridging the gap to humanistic medicine. Systems biologists are currently unable to conceptualize living wholes, and seem unable to account for meaning, value and symbolic interaction, which are central concepts in humanistic medicine, as constraints on human health. Accordingly, systems medicine as currently envisioned cannot be said to be integrative, holistic, personalized or patient-centered in a humanistic medical sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Vogt
- General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Dennis M, Spiegler BJ, Juranek JJ, Bigler ED, Snead OC, Fletcher JM. Age, plasticity, and homeostasis in childhood brain disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2760-73. [PMID: 24096190 PMCID: PMC3859812 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been widely accepted that the younger the age and/or immaturity of the organism, the greater the brain plasticity, the young age plasticity privilege. This paper examines the relation of a young age to plasticity, reviewing human pediatric brain disorders, as well as selected animal models, human developmental and adult brain disorder studies. As well, we review developmental and childhood acquired disorders that involve a failure of regulatory homeostasis. Our core arguments are as follows:
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Dennis
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
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McGowan PO. Epigenomic Mechanisms of Early Adversity and HPA Dysfunction: Considerations for PTSD Research. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:110. [PMID: 24133457 PMCID: PMC3783846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood adversity can have life-long consequences for the response to stressful events later in life. Abuse or severe neglect are well-known risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at least in part via changes in neural systems mediating the endocrine response to stress. Determining the biological signatures of risk for stress-related mental disorders such as PTSD is important for identifying homogenous subgroups and improving treatment options. This review will focus on epigenetic regulation in early life by adversity and parental care - prime mediators of offspring neurodevelopment - in order to address several questions: (1) what have studies of humans and analogous animal models taught us about molecular mechanisms underlying changes in stress-sensitive physiological systems in response to early life trauma? (2) What are the considerations for studies relating early adversity and PTSD risk, going forward? I will summarize studies in animals and humans that address the epigenetic response to early adversity in the brain and in peripheral tissues. In so doing, I will describe work on the glucocorticoid receptor and other well-characterized genes within the stress response pathway and then turn to genomic studies to illustrate the use of increasingly powerful high-throughput approaches to the study of epigenomic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O McGowan
- Centre for Environmental Epigenetics and Development , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto , Scarborough, ON , Canada ; Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
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Diaz-Beltran L, Cano C, Wall DP, Esteban FJ. Systems biology as a comparative approach to understand complex gene expression in neurological diseases. Behav Sci (Basel) 2013; 3:253-272. [PMID: 25379238 PMCID: PMC4217627 DOI: 10.3390/bs3020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systems biology interdisciplinary approaches have become an essential analytical tool that may yield novel and powerful insights about the nature of human health and disease. Complex disorders are known to be caused by the combination of genetic, environmental, immunological or neurological factors. Thus, to understand such disorders, it becomes necessary to address the study of this complexity from a novel perspective. Here, we present a review of integrative approaches that help to understand the underlying biological processes involved in the etiopathogenesis of neurological diseases, for example, those related to autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) endophenotypes. Furthermore, we highlight the role of systems biology in the discovery of new biomarkers or therapeutic targets in complex disorders, a key step in the development of personalized medicine, and we demonstrate the role of systems approaches in the design of classifiers that can shorten the time for behavioral diagnosis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Diaz-Beltran
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Jaen, 23071, Spain; E-Mail:
- Computational Biology Initiative, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Carlos Cano
- Department of Computer Science, University of Granada, Daniel Saucedo Aranda s/n, Granada, 18071, Spain; E-Mail:
| | - Dennis P. Wall
- Computational Biology Initiative, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Francisco J. Esteban
- Systems Biology Unit, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Jaen, 23071, Spain; E-Mail:
- Computational Biology Initiative, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +34-953-21-27-60
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