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Faralli A, Fucà E, Lazzaro G, Menghini D, Vicari S, Costanzo F. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in neurogenetic syndromes: new treatment perspectives for Down syndrome? Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1328963. [PMID: 38456063 PMCID: PMC10917937 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1328963] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective review aims to explore the potential neurobiological mechanisms involved in the application of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Down syndrome (DS), the leading cause of genetically-based intellectual disability. The neural mechanisms underlying tDCS interventions in genetic disorders, typically characterized by cognitive deficits, are grounded in the concept of brain plasticity. We initially present the neurobiological and functional effects elicited by tDCS applications in enhancing neuroplasticity and in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance, both associated with cognitive improvement in the general population. The review begins with evidence on tDCS applications in five neurogenetic disorders, including Rett, Prader-Willi, Phelan-McDermid, and Neurofibromatosis 1 syndromes, as well as DS. Available evidence supports tDCS as a potential intervention tool and underscores the importance of advancing neurobiological research into the mechanisms of tDCS action in these conditions. We then discuss the potential of tDCS as a promising non-invasive strategy to mitigate deficits in plasticity and promote fine-tuning of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in DS, exploring implications for cognitive treatment perspectives in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Faralli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Costanzo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Kang J, Fan X, Zhong Y, Casanova MF, Sokhadze EM, Li X, Niu Z, Geng X. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates EEG Microstates in Low-Functioning Autism: A Pilot Study. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:bioengineering10010098. [PMID: 36671670 PMCID: PMC9855011 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder that affects several behavioral domains of neurodevelopment. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a new method that modulates motor and cognitive function and may have potential applications in ASD treatment. To identify its potential effects on ASD, differences in electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates were compared between children with typical development (n = 26) and those with ASD (n = 26). Furthermore, children with ASD were divided into a tDCS (experimental) and sham stimulation (control) group, and EEG microstates and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores before and after tDCS were compared. Microstates A, B, and D differed significantly between children with TD and those with ASD. In the experimental group, the scores of microstates A and C and ABC before tDCS differed from those after tDCS. Conversely, in the control group, neither the EEG microstates nor the ABC scores before the treatment period (sham stimulation) differed from those after the treatment period. This study indicates that tDCS may become a viable treatment for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Kang
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Xiwang Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200124, China
| | - Yiwen Zhong
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200124, China
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Campus, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Estate M. Sokhadze
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville Campus, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100859, China
| | - Zikang Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100859, China
- Correspondence: (Z.N.); (X.G.)
| | - Xinling Geng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Correspondence: (Z.N.); (X.G.)
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Sasaki R, Miyaguchi S, Onishi H. Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphisms on motor performance and motor learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Behav Brain Res 2021; 420:113712. [PMID: 34915075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms may modulate neurotransmitter efficiency, thereby influencing motor performance and motor learning. However, studies to date have provided no consensus regarding the genetic influence of BDNF genotypes (i.e., Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met type). This study aimed to investigate the effect of BDNF genotype on motor performance and motor learning in healthy human adults via a systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 19 relevant studies were identified using PubMed and Web of Science search for articles published between 2000 and 2021 with motor performance or motor learning as the primary outcome measures. The results of our systematic review suggest that the BDNF genotype is unlikely to contribute to motor performance and motor learning abilities because only 2/32 datasets (6.3%) from 16 studies on motor performance and 3/19 datasets (17.6%) from 13 studies on motor learning indicated a significant genetic effect. Moreover, a meta-analysis of motor learning publications involving 17 datasets from 11 studies revealed that there was no significant difference in the learning score normalized using baseline data between Val/Val and Met carriers (Val/Met + Met/Met or Val/Met; standardized mean differences = 0.08, P = 0.37) with zero heterogeneity (I2 = 0) and a relatively low risk of publication bias. Taken together, the BDNF genotype may have only a minor impact on individual motor performance and motor learning abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Shota Miyaguchi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
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4
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Transcranial direct current stimulation of cerebellum alters spiking precision in cerebellar cortex: A modeling study of cellular responses. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009609. [PMID: 34882680 PMCID: PMC8691604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum has rapidly raised interest but the effects of tDCS on cerebellar neurons remain unclear. Assessing the cellular response to tDCS is challenging because of the uneven, highly stratified cytoarchitecture of the cerebellum, within which cellular morphologies, physiological properties, and function vary largely across several types of neurons. In this study, we combine MRI-based segmentation of the cerebellum and a finite element model of the tDCS-induced electric field (EF) inside the cerebellum to determine the field imposed on the cerebellar neurons throughout the region. We then pair the EF with multicompartment models of the Purkinje cell (PC), deep cerebellar neuron (DCN), and granule cell (GrC) and quantify the acute response of these neurons under various orientations, physiological conditions, and sequences of presynaptic stimuli. We show that cerebellar tDCS significantly modulates the postsynaptic spiking precision of the PC, which is expressed as a change in the spike count and timing in response to presynaptic stimuli. tDCS has modest effects, instead, on the PC tonic firing at rest and on the postsynaptic activity of DCN and GrC. In Purkinje cells, anodal tDCS shortens the repolarization phase following complex spikes (-14.7 ± 6.5% of baseline value, mean ± S.D.; max: -22.7%) and promotes burstiness with longer bursts compared to resting conditions. Cathodal tDCS, instead, promotes irregular spiking by enhancing somatic excitability and significantly prolongs the repolarization after complex spikes compared to baseline (+37.0 ± 28.9%, mean ± S.D.; max: +84.3%). tDCS-induced changes to the repolarization phase and firing pattern exceed 10% of the baseline values in Purkinje cells covering up to 20% of the cerebellar cortex, with the effects being distributed along the EF direction and concentrated in the area under the electrode over the cerebellum. Altogether, the acute effects of tDCS on cerebellum mainly focus on Purkinje cells and modulate the precision of the response to synaptic stimuli, thus having the largest impact when the cerebellar cortex is active. Since the spatiotemporal precision of the PC spiking is critical to learning and coordination, our results suggest cerebellar tDCS as a viable therapeutic option for disorders involving cerebellar hyperactivity such as ataxia. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum is gaining momentum as a neuromodulation tool for the treatment of neurological diseases like movement disorders. Nonetheless, the response of cells in the cerebellum to tDCS is unclear and hardly generalizes from our understanding of tDCS of the cerebral cortex. We use computational models to investigate the response of several types of cerebellar neurons to the electric field induced by tDCS and show that, differently from the cerebral cortex, tDCS has significant acute effects on the cerebellar cortex. These effects (i) primarily alter the way Purkinje cells encode synaptic stimuli from the molecular layer and (ii) can help hyperactive cells regain postsynaptic spiking precision. Since the spatiotemporal precision of the Purkinje cell spiking is critical to learning and coordination, the study shows how tDCS can operate at the cellular level to treat movement disorders like tremor and ataxia.
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Sasaki R, Kojima S, Onishi H. Do Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genetic Polymorphisms Modulate the Efficacy of Motor Cortex Plasticity Induced by Non-invasive Brain Stimulation? A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:742373. [PMID: 34650418 PMCID: PMC8505675 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.742373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) of the human primary motor cortex (M1) are widely used in basic and clinical research to induce neural plasticity. The induction of neural plasticity in the M1 may improve motor performance ability in healthy individuals and patients with motor deficit caused by brain disorders. However, several recent studies revealed that various NIBS techniques yield high interindividual variability in the response, and that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype (i.e., Val/Val and Met carrier types) may be a factor contributing to this variability. Here, we conducted a systematic review of all published studies that investigated the effects of the BDNF genotype on various forms of NIBS techniques applied to the human M1. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can evaluate M1 excitability, were investigated as the main outcome. A total of 1,827 articles were identified, of which 17 (facilitatory NIBS protocol, 27 data) and 10 (inhibitory NIBS protocol, 14 data) were included in this review. More than two-thirds of the data (70.4–78.6%) on both NIBS protocols did not show a significant genotype effect of NIBS on MEP changes. Conversely, most of the remaining data revealed that the Val/Val type is likely to yield a greater MEP response after NIBS than the Met carrier type in both NIBS protocols (21.4–25.9%). Finally, to aid future investigation, we discuss the potential effect of the BDNF genotype based on mechanisms and methodological issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sho Kojima
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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Sasaki R, Watanabe H, Miyaguchi S, Otsuru N, Ohno K, Sakurai N, Kodama N, Onishi H. Contribution of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurometabolites to the motor performance. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113433. [PMID: 34175359 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Individual motor performance ability is affected by various factors. Although the key factor has not yet completely been elucidated, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype as well as neurometabolites may become contibuting factors depending on the learning stage. We investigated the effects of the Met allele of the BDNF gene and those of the neurometabolites on visuomotor learning. In total, 43 healthy participants performed a visuomotor learning task consisting of 10 blocks using the right index finger (Val66Val, n = 15; Val66Met, n = 15; and Met66Met, n = 13). Glutamate plus glutamine (Glx) concentrations in the primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex (S1), and cerebellum were evaluated using 3-T magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 19 participants who participated in the visuomotor learning task. For the learning stage, the task error (i.e., learning ability) was significantly smaller in the Met66Met group compared with that observed in the remaining groups, irrespective of the learning stage (all p values < 0.003). A significant difference was observed between the Val66Val and Met66Met groups in the learning slope (i.e., learning speed) in the early learning stage (p = 0.048) but not in the late learning stage (all p values> 0.54). Moreover, positive correlations were detected between the learning slope and Glx concentrations in S1 only in the early learning stage (r = 0.579, p = 0.009). The BDNF genotype and Glx concentrations in S1 partially contribute to interindividual variability on learning speed in the early learning stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Hiraku Watanabe
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Shota Miyaguchi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Naofumi Otsuru
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Ken Ohno
- Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Noriko Sakurai
- Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kodama
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Radiological Technology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
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Polarity- and Intensity-Independent Modulation of Timing During Delay Eyeblink Conditioning Using Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:383-391. [PMID: 32036562 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Delay eyeblink conditioning (dEBC) is widely used to assess cerebellar-dependent associative motor learning, including precise timing processes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), noninvasive brain stimulation used to indirectly excite and inhibit select brain regions, may be a promising tool for understanding how functional integrity of the cerebellum influences dEBC behavior. The aim of this study was to assess whether tDCS-induced inhibition (cathodal) and excitation (anodal) of the cerebellum differentially impact timing of dEBC. A standard 10-block dEBC paradigm was administered to 102 healthy participants. Participants were randomized to stimulation conditions in a double-blind, between-subjects sham-controlled design. Participants received 20-min active (anodal or cathodal) stimulation at 1.5 mA (n = 20 anodal, n = 22 cathodal) or 2 mA (n = 19 anodal, n = 21 cathodal) or sham stimulation (n = 20) concurrently with dEBC training. Stimulation intensity and polarity effects on percent conditioned responses (CRs) and CR peak and onset latency were examined using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Acquisition of CRs increased over time at a similar rate across sham and all active stimulation groups. CR peak and onset latencies were later, i.e., closer to air puff onset, in all active stimulation groups compared to the sham group. Thus, tDCS facilitated cerebellar-dependent timing of dEBC, irrespective of stimulation intensity and polarity. These findings highlight the feasibility of using tDCS to modify cerebellar-dependent functions and provide further support for cerebellar contributions to human eyeblink conditioning and for exploring therapeutic tDCS interventions for cerebellar dysfunction.
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Wessel MJ, Park CH, Beanato E, Cuttaz EA, Timmermann JE, Schulz R, Morishita T, Koch PJ, Hummel FC. Multifocal stimulation of the cerebro-cerebellar loop during the acquisition of a novel motor skill. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1756. [PMID: 33469089 PMCID: PMC7815761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-based interventions for augmenting motor learning are gaining interest in systems neuroscience and clinical research. Current approaches focus largely on monofocal motorcortical stimulation. Innovative stimulation protocols, accounting for motor learning related brain network interactions also, may further enhance effect sizes. Here, we tested different stimulation approaches targeting the cerebro-cerebellar loop. Forty young, healthy participants trained a fine motor skill with concurrent tDCS in four sessions over two days, testing the following conditions: (1) monofocal motorcortical, (2) sham, (3) monofocal cerebellar, or (4) sequential multifocal motorcortico-cerebellar stimulation in a double-blind, parallel design. Skill retention was assessed after circa 10 and 20 days. Furthermore, potential underlying mechanisms were studied, applying paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging-based techniques. Multisession motorcortical stimulation facilitated skill acquisition, when compared with sham. The data failed to reveal beneficial effects of monofocal cerebellar or additive effects of sequential multifocal motorcortico-cerebellar stimulation. Multimodal multiple linear regression modelling identified baseline task performance and structural integrity of the bilateral superior cerebellar peduncle as the most influential predictors for training success. Multisession application of motorcortical tDCS in several daily sessions may further boost motor training efficiency. This has potential implications for future rehabilitation trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Wessel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland.
| | - Chang-Hyun Park
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Elena Beanato
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Estelle A Cuttaz
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Jan E Timmermann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Takuya Morishita
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Philipp J Koch
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm C Hummel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Long-term effects of cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the acquisition and extinction of conditioned eyeblink responses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22434. [PMID: 33384434 PMCID: PMC7775427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to enhance the acquisition of conditioned eyeblink responses (CR), a form of associative motor learning. The aim of the present study was to determine possible long-term effects of cerebellar tDCS on the acquisition and extinction of CRs. Delay eyeblink conditioning was performed in 40 young and healthy human participants. On day 1, 100 paired CS (conditioned stimulus)–US (unconditioned stimulus) trials were applied. During the first 50 paired CS–US trials, 20 participants received anodal cerebellar tDCS, and 20 participants received sham stimulation. On days 2, 8 and 29, 50 paired CS–US trials were applied, followed by 30 CS-only extinction trials on day 29. CR acquisition was not significantly different between anodal and sham groups. During extinction, CR incidences were significantly reduced in the anodal group compared to sham, indicating reduced retention. In the anodal group, learning related increase of CR magnitude tended to be reduced, and timing of CRs tended to be delayed. The present data do not confirm previous findings of enhanced acquisition of CRs induced by anodal cerebellar tDCS. Rather, the present findings suggest a detrimental effect of anodal cerebellar tDCS on CR retention and possibly CR performance.
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10
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Rauscher M, Yavari F, Batsikadze G, Ludolph N, Ilg W, Nitsche MA, Timmann D, Steiner KM. Lack of cerebellar tDCS effects on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in middle-aged (50-65 years) adults. Neurol Res Pract 2020; 2:38. [PMID: 33324938 PMCID: PMC7650141 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-020-00085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is widely considered as a promising non-invasive tool to foster motor performance and learning in health and disease. The results of previous studies, however, are inconsistent. Our group failed to provide evidence for an effect of cerebellar tDCS on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in young and healthy participants. Ceiling effects in the young study population are one possible explanation for the negative findings. Methods In the present study, we therefore tested 40 middle-aged healthy participants between the ages of 50 to 65 years. Participants received either anodal or sham cerebellar tDCS using a double-blinded study design while performing a balance task on a Lafayette Instrument 16,030 stability platform®. Mean platform angle and mean balance time were assessed as outcome measures. Results Significant learning effects were found in all participants. Balancing performance and learning rate was significantly less in the group of middle-aged adults compared to our previous group of young adults. No significant effects of cerebellar tDCS were observed. Conclusions Our findings are in line with other studies that have failed to prove robust effects of cerebellar tDCS on motor learning. The present findings, however, do not exclude cerebellar tDCS effects. tDCS effects may be more prominent after repeated stimulation, using other stimulus parameters, in patient populations, or in other motor learning tasks. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rauscher
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - F Yavari
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - G Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - N Ludolph
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - W Ilg
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - D Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - K M Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Cheng DT, Rice LC, McCaul ME, Rilee JJ, Faulkner ML, Sheu YS, Mathena JR, Desmond JE. Neural Substrates Underlying Eyeblink Classical Conditioning in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorders. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:620-631. [PMID: 31984510 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption produces changes in the brain that often lead to cognitive impairments. One fundamental form of learning, eyeblink classical conditioning (EBC), has been widely used to study the neurobiology of learning and memory. Participants with alcohol use disorders (AUD) have consistently shown a behavioral deficit in EBC. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study is the first to examine brain function during conditioning in abstinent AUD participants and healthy participants. METHODS AUD participants met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, had at least a 10-year history of heavy drinking, and were abstinent from alcohol for at least 30 days. During fMRI, participants received auditory tones that predicted the occurrence of corneal airpuffs. Anticipatory eyeblink responses to these tones were monitored during the experiment to assess learning-related changes. RESULTS Behavioral results indicate that AUD participants showed significant conditioning deficits and that their history of lifetime drinks corresponded to these deficits. Despite this learning impairment, AUD participants showed hyperactivation in several key cerebellar structures (including lobule VI) during conditioning. For all participants, history of lifetime drinks corresponded with their lobule VI activity. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with abnormal cerebellar hyperactivation and conditioning impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic T Cheng
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Laura C Rice
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary E McCaul
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica J Rilee
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Monica L Faulkner
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yi-Shin Sheu
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joanna R Mathena
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John E Desmond
- From the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Rezaee Z, Dutta A. Lobule‐Specific Dosage Considerations for Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation During Healthy Aging: A Computational Modeling Study Using Age‐Specific Magnetic Resonance Imaging Templates. Neuromodulation 2020; 23:341-365. [DOI: 10.1111/ner.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Rezaee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University at Buffalo Buffalo NY USA
| | - Anirban Dutta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University at Buffalo Buffalo NY USA
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13
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Laidi C, Levenes C, Suarez-Perez A, Février C, Durand F, Bouaziz N, Januel D. Cognitive Impact of Cerebellar Non-invasive Stimulation in a Patient With Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:174. [PMID: 32256404 PMCID: PMC7090138 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellum plays a role in the regulation of cognitive processes. Cerebellar alterations could explain cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. We describe the case of a 50 years old patient with schizophrenia whom underwent cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). In order to study the effect of cerebellar stimulation on cognitive functions, the patient underwent a neuropsychological assessment and an eyeblink conditioning (EBC) protocol. Although the effect of brain stimulation cannot be only assessed in a single-case study, our results suggest that cerebellar stimulation may have an effect on a broad range of cognitive functions typically impaired in patients with schizophrenia, including verbal episodic, short term, and working memory. In addition to neuropsychological tests, we evaluated the cerebellar function by performing EBC before and after tDCS. Our data suggest that tDCS can improve EBC. Further clinical trials are required for better understanding of how cerebellar stimulation can modulate cognitive processes in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Laidi
- Pôle de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, DMU IMPACT, Hôpitaux Universitaires Mondor, Créteil, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,UNIACT, Psychiatry Team, Neurospin Neuroimaging Platform, CEA Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
| | - Carole Levenes
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC UMR8002), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alex Suarez-Perez
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC UMR8002), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institute for Neuroscience and Cognition, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Février
- Pôle de Psychiatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, DMU IMPACT, Hôpitaux Universitaires Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Florence Durand
- Hôpital de Ville Evrard, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Noomane Bouaziz
- Hôpital de Ville Evrard, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
| | - Dominique Januel
- Hôpital de Ville Evrard, Unité de Recherche Clinique, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
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