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Zafeiropoulos S, Ahmed U, Bekiaridou A, Jayaprakash N, Mughrabi IT, Saleknezhad N, Chadwick C, Daytz A, Kurata-Sato I, Atish-Fregoso Y, Carroll K, Al-Abed Y, Fudim M, Puleo C, Giannakoulas G, Nicolls MR, Diamond B, Zanos S. Ultrasound Neuromodulation of an Anti-Inflammatory Pathway at the Spleen Improves Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension. Circ Res 2024; 135:41-56. [PMID: 38712557 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is pathogenically implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension; however, it has not been adequately targeted therapeutically. We investigated whether neuromodulation of an anti-inflammatory neuroimmune pathway involving the splenic nerve using noninvasive, focused ultrasound stimulation of the spleen (sFUS) can improve experimental pulmonary hypertension. METHODS Pulmonary hypertension was induced in rats either by Sugen 5416 (20 mg/kg SQ) injection, followed by 21 (or 35) days of hypoxia (sugen/hypoxia model), or by monocrotaline (60 mg/kg IP) injection (monocrotaline model). Animals were randomized to receive either 12-minute-long sessions of sFUS daily or sham stimulation for 14 days. Catheterizations, echocardiography, indices of autonomic function, lung and heart histology and immunohistochemistry, spleen flow cytometry, and lung single-cell RNA sequencing were performed after treatment to assess the effects of sFUS. RESULTS Splenic denervation right before induction of pulmonary hypertension results in a more severe disease phenotype. In both sugen/hypoxia and monocrotaline models, sFUS treatment reduces right ventricular systolic pressure by 25% to 30% compared with sham treatment, without affecting systemic pressure, and improves right ventricular function and autonomic indices. sFUS reduces wall thickness, apoptosis, and proliferation in small pulmonary arterioles, suppresses CD3+ and CD68+ cell infiltration in lungs and right ventricular fibrosis and hypertrophy and lowers BNP (brain natriuretic peptide). Beneficial effects persist for weeks after sFUS discontinuation and are more robust with early and longer treatment. Splenic denervation abolishes sFUS therapeutic benefits. sFUS partially normalizes CD68+ and CD8+ T-cell counts in the spleen and downregulates several inflammatory genes and pathways in nonclassical and classical monocytes and macrophages in the lung. Differentially expressed genes in those cell types are significantly enriched for human pulmonary arterial hypertension-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS sFUS causes dose-dependent, sustained improvement of hemodynamic, autonomic, laboratory, and pathological manifestations in 2 models of experimental pulmonary hypertension. Mechanistically, sFUS normalizes immune cell populations in the spleen and downregulates inflammatory genes and pathways in the lung, many of which are relevant in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Zafeiropoulos
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (S. Zafeiropoulos, A.B., Y.A.-A., G.G., S. Zanos)
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Umair Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY (U.A.)
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Alexandra Bekiaridou
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (S. Zafeiropoulos, A.B., Y.A.-A., G.G., S. Zanos)
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Naveen Jayaprakash
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Ibrahim T Mughrabi
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Nafiseh Saleknezhad
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | | | - Anna Daytz
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Izumi Kurata-Sato
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (I.K.-S., Y.A.-F., K.C., B.D.), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Yemil Atish-Fregoso
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (I.K.-S., Y.A.-F., K.C., B.D.), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Kaitlin Carroll
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (I.K.-S., Y.A.-F., K.C., B.D.), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (S. Zafeiropoulos, A.B., Y.A.-A., G.G., S. Zanos)
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Marat Fudim
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC (M.F.)
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC (M.F.)
| | | | - George Giannakoulas
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (S. Zafeiropoulos, A.B., Y.A.-A., G.G., S. Zanos)
- Department of Cardiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece (G.G.)
| | - Mark R Nicolls
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, CA (M.R.N.)
| | - Betty Diamond
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (I.K.-S., Y.A.-F., K.C., B.D.), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY (B.D., S. Zanos)
| | - Stavros Zanos
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY (S. Zafeiropoulos, A.B., Y.A.-A., G.G., S. Zanos)
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine (S. Zafeiropoulos, U.A., A.B., N.J., I.T.M., N.S., A.D., Y.A.-A., S. Zanos), Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY (B.D., S. Zanos)
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Moura MM, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA, Monteiro S. Disrupted autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury: Implications for the immune regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106500. [PMID: 38614275 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106500] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts critical autonomic pathways responsible for the regulation of the immune function. Consequently, individuals with SCI often exhibit a spectrum of immune dysfunctions ranging from the development of damaging pro-inflammatory responses to severe immunosuppression. Thus, it is imperative to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and mechanisms through which SCI-induced autonomic dysfunction influences the immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the anatomical organization and physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), elucidating how SCI impacts its function, with a particular focus on lymphoid organs and immune activity. We highlight recent advances in understanding how intraspinal plasticity that follows SCI may contribute to aberrant autonomic activity in lymphoid organs. Additionally, we discuss how sympathetic mediators released by these neuron terminals affect immune cell function. Finally, we discuss emerging innovative technologies and potential clinical interventions targeting the ANS as a strategy to restore the normal regulation of the immune response in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Moura
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Ashe J, Graf J, Madhavan R, Wallace K, Cotero V, Abate S, Pandey RK, Herzog R, Porindla SN, Shoudy D, Fan Y, Kao TJ, Puleo C. Investigation of liver-targeted peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation (pFUS) and its effect on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a proof of concept, phase 1 trial. QJM 2023; 116:667-685. [PMID: 37243693 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical waves produced by ultrasound pulses have been shown to activate mechanosensitive ion channels and modulate peripheral nerves. However, while peripheral ultrasound neuromodulation has been demonstrated in vitro and in pre-clinical models, there have been few reports of clinical tests. AIM We modified a diagnostic imaging system for ultrasound neuromodulation in human subjects. We report the first safety and feasibility outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus and discuss these outcomes in relation to previous pre-clinical results. DESIGN The study was performed as an open label feasibility study to assess the effects of hepatic ultrasound (targeted to the porta hepatis) on glucometabolic parameters in subjects with T2D. Stimulation (peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation treatment) was performed for 3 days (i.e. 15 min per day), preceded by a baseline examination and followed by a 2-week observation period. METHODS Multiple metabolic assays were employed including measures of fasting glucose and insulin, insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. The safety and tolerability were also assessed by monitoring adverse events, changes in vital signs, electrocardiogram parameters and clinical laboratory measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We report post-pFUS trends in several outcomes that were consistent with previous pre-clinical findings. Fasting insulin was lowered, resulting in a reduction of HOMA-IR scores (P-value 0.01; corrected Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Additional safety and exploratory markers demonstrated no device-related adverse impact of pFUS. Our findings demonstrate that pFUS represents a promising new treatment modality that could be used as a non-pharmaceutical adjunct or even alternative to current drug treatments in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ashe
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - J Graf
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - R Madhavan
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - K Wallace
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - V Cotero
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - S Abate
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - R K Pandey
- General Electric (GE) Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - R Herzog
- Yale Endocrinology & Metabolism, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S N Porindla
- General Electric (GE) Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - D Shoudy
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - Y Fan
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - T-J Kao
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
| | - C Puleo
- General Electric (GE) Research, 1 Research Circle, Niskayuna, NY, USA
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