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Ni HC, Chen YL, Hsieh MY, Wu CT, Chen RS, Juan CH, Li CT, Gau SSF, Lin HY. Improving social cognition following theta burst stimulation over the right inferior frontal gyrus in autism spectrum: an 8-week double-blind sham-controlled trial. Psychol Med 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39238103 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG) is a potential beneficial brain stimulation target for autism. This randomized, double-blind, two-arm, parallel-group, sham-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the RIFG in reducing autistic symptoms (NCT04987749). METHODS Conducted at a single medical center, the trial enrolled 60 intellectually able autistic individuals (aged 8-30 years; 30 active iTBS). The intervention comprised 16 sessions (two stimulations per week for eight weeks) of neuro-navigated iTBS or sham over the RIFG. Fifty-seven participants (28 active) completed the intervention and assessments at Week 8 (the primary endpoint) and follow-up at Week 12. RESULTS Autistic symptoms (primary outcome) based on the Social Responsiveness Scale decreased in both groups (significant time effect), but there was no significant difference between groups (null time-by-treatment interaction). Likewise, there was no significant between-group difference in changes in repetitive behaviors and exploratory outcomes of adaptive function and emotion dysregulation. Changes in social cognition (secondary outcome) differed between groups in feeling scores on the Frith-Happe Animations (Week 8, p = 0.026; Week 12, p = 0.025). Post-hoc analysis showed that the active group improved better on this social cognition than the sham group. Dropout rates did not vary between groups; the most common adverse event in both groups was local pain. Notably, our findings would not survive stringent multiple comparison corrections. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that iTBS over the RIFG is not different from sham in reducing autistic symptoms and emotion dysregulation. Nonetheless, RIFG iTBS may improve social cognition of mentalizing others' feelings in autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ying Hsieh
- Deparment of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Te Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rou-Shayn Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Juan
- Institue of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Chen YCB, Lin HY, Wang LJ, Hung KC, Brunoni AR, Chou PH, Tseng PT, Liang CS, Tu YK, Lin PY, Carvalho AF, Hsu CW, Ni HC. A network meta-analysis of non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from randomized controlled trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105807. [PMID: 38981573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105807] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy and acceptability of various non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) interventions for autism spectrum disorder remain unclear. We carried out a systematic review for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding NIBS for reducing autistic symptoms (INPLASY202370003). Sixteen articles (N = 709) met the inclusion criteria for network meta-analysis. Effect sizes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Fourteen active NIBS interventions, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial pulse stimulation were analyzed. Only anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex paired with cathodal tDCS over an extracephalic location (atDCS_F3 + ctDCS_E) significantly improved autistic symptoms compared to sham controls (SMD = - 1.40, 95 %CIs = - 2.67 to - 0.14). None of the NIBS interventions markedly improved social-communication symptoms or restricted/repetitive behaviors in autistic participants. Moreover, no active NIBS interventions exhibited significant dropout rate differences compared to sham controls, and no serious adverse events were reported for any intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Chieh Brian Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liang-Jen Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chuan Hung
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Andre R Brunoni
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Departamentoe Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina da University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina da University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Po-Han Chou
- Dr. Chou's Mental Health Clinic, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Precision Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Health Data Analytics & Statistics, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment (IMPACT) Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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3
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Ni HC, Chen YL, Lin HY. Feasibility and Tolerability of Daily Theta Burst Stimulation in Autistic Youth with Intellectual Disabilities and Minimally Speaking Status: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06477-1. [PMID: 39153149 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Scarce clinical trials involving autistic people with intellectual disability (ID) and minimally speaking (MS) status have been a substantial unmet research need in the field. Although earlier studies have demonstrated the feasibility and beneficial potentials of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in intellectually able autistic people, the feasibility and tolerability of applying rTMS in autistic people with ID/MS has never been studied. We conducted the world-first 4-week randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot trial to investigate the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS, a variant of excitatory rTMS) over the left DLPFC in autistic youth with ID/MS. 25 autistic youth with ID/MS (aged 8-30 years) were randomized to a 20-session 4-week daily iTBS (n = 13) vs. sham stimulation (n = 12) with follow-up 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, after the last stimulation. A retention rate was 100% in our study. Adverse events of local pain (38%) and dizziness (8%) were only noted in the active group. All adverse events were mild and transient. There were no seizures, new behavioral problems, or other severe/serious adverse events noted. No participants dropped out due to adverse events. With a small sample size, we did not find any beneficial signal of DLPFC iTBS. Our pilot data suggest regular daily TBS treatment for four weeks is feasible, well tolerated and safe in autistic youth with ID/MS. Future randomized controlled trials with sufficiently powered samples are needed to investigate the beneficial potential of rTMS/TBS for autistic people with ID/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yuan LX, Wang XK, Yang C, Zhang QR, Ma SZ, Zang YF, Dong WQ. A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32251. [PMID: 38933955 PMCID: PMC11200348 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32251] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising and emerging tool for the intervention of ASD by reducing both core and associate symptoms. Several reviews have been published regarding TMS-based ASD treatment, however, a systematic review on study characteristics, specific stimulating parameters, localization techniques, stimulated targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimage biomarker changes is lagged behind since 2018. Here, we performed a systematic search on literatures published after 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After screening, the final systematic review included 17 articles, composing seven randomized controlled trial studies and ten open-label studies. Two studies are double-blind, while the other studies have a moderate to high risk of bias attributing to inadequate subject- and evaluator-blinding to treatment allocation. Five studies utilize theta-burst stimulation mode, and the others apply repetitive TMS with low frequency (five studies), high frequency (six studies), and combined low and high frequency stimulation (one study). Most researchers prioritize the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe as stimulation target, while parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior superior temporal sulci have also emerged as new targets of attention. One third of the studies use neuronavigation based on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to locate the stimulation target. After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xia Yuan
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Ke Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiu-Rong Zhang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Ma
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- TMS Center, Deqing Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Deqing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Dong
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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5
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Oberman LM, Francis SM, Beynel L, Hynd M, Jaime M, Robins PL, Deng ZD, Stout J, van der Veen JW, Lisanby SH. Design and methodology for a proof of mechanism study of individualized neuronavigated continuous Theta burst stimulation for auditory processing in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304528. [PMID: 38389984 PMCID: PMC10881663 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that aberrant excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance and dysfunctional structure and function of relevant brain networks may underlie the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the nomological network linking these constructs to quantifiable measures and mechanistically relating these constructs to behavioral symptoms of ASD is lacking. Herein we describe a within-subject, controlled, proof-of-mechanism study investigating the pathophysiology of auditory/language processing in adolescents with ASD. We utilize neurophysiological and neuroimaging techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) metrics of language network structure and function. Additionally, we apply a single, individually targeted session of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) as an experimental probe of the impact of perturbation of the system on these neurophysiological and neuroimaging outcomes. MRS, fMRI, and MEG measures are evaluated at baseline and immediately prior to and following cTBS over the posterior superior temporal cortex (pSTC), a region involved in auditory and language processing deficits in ASD. Also, behavioral measures of ASD and language processing and DWI measures of auditory/language network structures are obtained at baseline to characterize the relationship between the neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures and baseline symptom presentation. We hypothesize that local gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate concentrations (measured with MRS), and structural and functional activity and network connectivity (measured with DWI and fMRI), will significantly predict MEG indices of auditory/language processing and behavioral deficits in ASD. Furthermore, a single session of cTBS over left pSTC is hypothesized to lead to significant, acute changes in local glutamate and GABA concentration, functional activity and network connectivity, and MEG indices of auditory/language processing. We have completed the pilot phase of the study (n=20 Healthy Volunteer adults) and have begun enrollment for the main phase with adolescents with ASD (n=86; age 14-17). If successful, this study will establish a nomological network linking local E/I balance measures to functional and structural connectivity within relevant brain networks, ultimately connecting them to ASD symptoms. Furthermore, this study will inform future therapeutic trials using cTBS to treat the symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sunday M Francis
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lysianne Beynel
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Megan Hynd
- Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Miguel Jaime
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Pei L Robins
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhi-De Deng
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jeff Stout
- Magnetoencephalography Core, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jan Willem van der Veen
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Core, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sarah H Lisanby
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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6
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Oberman LM, Francis SM, Lisanby SH. The use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2024; 17:17-26. [PMID: 37873560 PMCID: PMC10841888 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have recently emerged as alternative, nonpharmacological interventions for a variety of psychiatric, neurological, and neurodevelopmental conditions. NIBS is beginning to be applied in both research and clinical settings for the treatment of core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including social communication deficits, restricted and repetitive behaviors, irritability, hyperactivity, depression and impairments in executive functioning and sensorimotor integration. Though there is much promise for these targeted device-based interventions, in other disorders (including adult major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) where rTMS is FDA cleared), data on the safety and efficacy of these interventions in individuals with ASD is limited especially in younger children when neurodevelopmental interventions typically begin. Most studies are open-label, small scale, and/or focused on a restricted subgroup of individuals with ASD. There is a need for larger, randomized controlled trials that incorporate neuroimaging in order to develop predictive biomarkers of treatment response and optimize treatment parameters. We contend that until such studies are conducted, we do not have adequate estimates of the safety and efficacy of NIBS interventions in children across the spectrum. Thus, broad off-label use of these techniques in this population is not supported by currently available evidence. Here we discuss the existing data on the use of NIBS to treat symptoms related to ASD and discuss future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sunday M Francis
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah H Lisanby
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Ni HC, Chao YP, Tseng RY, Wu CT, Cocchi L, Chou TL, Chen RS, Gau SSF, Yeh CH, Lin HY. Lack of effects of four-week theta burst stimulation on white matter macro/microstructure in children and adolescents with autism. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103324. [PMID: 36638598 PMCID: PMC9852693 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Following the published behavioral and cognitive results of this single-blind parallel sham-controlled randomized clinical trial, the current study aimed to explore the impact of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a variant of excitatory transcranial magnetic stimulation, over the bilateral posterior superior temporal sulci (pSTS) on white matter macro/microstructure in intellectually able children and adolescents with autism. Participants were randomized and blindly received active or sham iTBS for 4 weeks (the single-blind sham-controlled phase). Then, all participants continued to receive active iTBS for another 4 weeks (the open-label phase). The clinical results were published elsewhere. Here, we present diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data on potential changes in white matter measures after iTBS. Twenty-two participants in Active-Active group and 27 participants in Sham-Active group underwent multi-shell high angular resolution diffusion imaging (64-direction for b = 2000 & 1000 s/mm2, respectively) at baseline, week 4, and week 8. With longitudinal fixel-based analysis, we found no white matter changes following iTBS from baseline to week 4 (a null treatment by time interaction and a null within-group paired comparison in the Active-Active group), nor from baseline to week 8 (null within-group paired comparisons in both Active-Active and Sham-Active groups). As for the brain-symptoms relationship, we did not find baseline white matter metrics associated with symptom changes at week 4 in either group. Our results raise the question of what the minimal cumulative stimulation dose required to induce the white matter plasticity is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Chao
- Deparment of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rung-Yu Tseng
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Te Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Luca Cocchi
- Clinical Brain Networks Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tai-Li Chou
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rou-Shayn Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Yeh
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Griff JR, Langlie J, Bencie NB, Cromar ZJ, Mittal J, Memis I, Wallace S, Marcillo AE, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Recent advancements in noninvasive brain modulation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1191-1195. [PMID: 36453393 PMCID: PMC9838164 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is classified as a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders with an unknown definitive etiology. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder show deficits in a variety of areas including cognition, memory, attention, emotion recognition, and social skills. With no definitive treatment or cure, the main interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder are based on behavioral modulations. Recently, noninvasive brain modulation techniques including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, intermittent theta burst stimulation, continuous theta burst stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation have been studied for their therapeutic properties of modifying neuroplasticity, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Preliminary evidence from small cohort studies, pilot studies, and clinical trials suggests that the various noninvasive brain stimulation techniques have therapeutic benefits for treating both behavioral and cognitive manifestations of autism spectrum disorder. However, little data is available for quantifying the clinical significance of these findings as well as the long-term outcomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorder who underwent transcranial stimulation. The objective of this review is to highlight the most recent advancements in the application of noninvasive brain modulation technology in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Griff
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jake Langlie
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nathalie B. Bencie
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Zachary J. Cromar
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeenu Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Idil Memis
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven Wallace
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander E. Marcillo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, Neurotology Division, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA,Correspondence to: Adrien A. Eshraghi, .
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9
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Kattner AA. An area of greatest vulnerability - recent advances in kidney injury. Biomed J 2022; 45:567-572. [PMID: 35944870 PMCID: PMC9356640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this issue of the Biomedical Journal the reader is provided with an insight into the latest observations and advances in acute kidney injury as well as chronic kidney disease. The current SARS-CoV-2 variants are reviewed, and the role of long non-coding RNA in HIV therapy is explored. Furthermore, the potential of metabolomics as means to diagnose multiple sclerosis as well as tuberculosis is presented. Other topics of this issue include the restoration of the spermatogonial stem cell niche; atherosclerosis and the use of improved ultrasound images; and the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Finally, it is shown how continuous passive motion can be used as supportive therapeutic approach in children with cerebral palsy, and minimally invasive surgery is presented as valid alternative in cases of spine metastasis.
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Jiao J, Tan L, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang X. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for insomnia in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:977341. [PMID: 36245883 PMCID: PMC9554245 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.977341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia is the most common comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seriously affects their rehabilitation and prognosis. Thus, an intervention targeting insomnia in ASD seems warranted. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a potentially effective treatment for improving sleep quality and optimizing sleep structure, has already been demonstrated to alleviate insomnia symptoms and sleep disturbance in different neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. This trial aims to investigate the effects of rTMS on insomnia in patients with ASD. METHOD This study is designed to be a double-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled trial with a target sample size of 30 participants (aged 3-13 years) diagnosed with ASD comorbid with insomnia. The intervention phase will comprise 20 sessions of rTMS or sham rTMS applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) within four consecutive weeks. The effect of rTMS on insomnia and other symptoms of ASD will be investigated through home-PSG (two consecutive overnights), sleep diary, CSHQ, CARS, ABC, SRS, RBS-R, and metabolomics analysis at baseline and posttreatment. A follow-up assessment 1 month after the intervention will examine the long-term effects. DISCUSSION The results of this study may address an important knowledge gap and may provide evidence for the use of rTMS to treat insomnia in ASD. Furthermore, it will elucidate the potential mechanism and link between sleep disorders and clinical symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is ongoing and has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100049266) on 28/07/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiao
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Tan
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taomei Li
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang J, Zhang H. Effects of non-invasive neurostimulation on autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:989905. [PMID: 36405911 PMCID: PMC9666381 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.989905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Non-invasive neurostimulation techniques (NIBS) have shown benefits in psychiatric conditions. While in ASD patients, no guideline has so-far been recommended on these techniques due to a lack of high-quality synthetic evidence. Here, a comprehensive search from database inception onward was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library. Sham-controlled studies assessing the effects of NIBS in ASD patients were identified. After screening, twenty-two studies were included. A total of 552 patients were involved, and the sample size ranged from 5 to 78 patients. Although an iteration from exploratory attempts to more strictly designed trials has been seen to evaluate the efficacy of NIBS on ASD, further trials should also be needed to enable the clinicians and researchers to reach any consensus. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021292434], identifier [CRD42021292434].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China.,Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China
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