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Zou L, Herold F, Ludyga S, Kamijo K, Müller NG, Pontifex MB, Heath M, Kuwamizu R, Soya H, Hillman CH, Ando S, Alderman BL, Cheval B, Kramer AF. Look into my eyes: What can eye-based measures tell us about the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance? JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2023; 12:568-591. [PMID: 37148971 PMCID: PMC10466196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing interest to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that drive the positive associations of physical activity and fitness with measures of cognitive performance. To better understand those mechanisms, several studies have employed eye-based measures (e.g., eye movement measures such as saccades, pupillary measures such as pupil dilation, and vascular measures such as retinal vessel diameter) deemed to be proxies for specific neurobiological mechanisms. However, there is currently no systematic review providing a comprehensive overview of these studies in the field of exercise-cognition science. Thus, this review aimed to address that gap in the literature. METHODS To identify eligible studies, we searched 5 electronic databases on October 23, 2022. Two researchers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise (TESTEX scale, for interventional studies) and the critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute (for cross-sectional studies). RESULTS Our systematic review (n = 35 studies) offers the following main findings: (a) there is insufficient evidence available to draw solid conclusions concerning gaze-fixation-based measures; (b) the evidence that pupillometric measures, which are a proxy for the noradrenergic system, can explain the positive effect of acute exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive performance is mixed; (c) physical training- or fitness-related changes of the cerebrovascular system (operationalized via changes in retinal vasculature) are, in general, positively associated with cognitive performance improvements; (d) acute and chronic physical exercises show a positive effect based on an oculomotor-based measure of executive function (operationalized via antisaccade tasks); and (e) the positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive performance is partly mediated by the dopaminergic system (operationalized via spontaneous eye-blink rate). CONCLUSION This systematic review offers confirmation that eye-based measures can provide valuable insight into the neurobiological mechanisms that may drive positive associations between physical activity and fitness and measures of cognitive performance. However, due to the limited number of studies utilizing specific methods for obtaining eye-based measures (e.g., pupillometry, retinal vessel analysis, spontaneous eye blink rate) or investigating a possible dose-response relationship, further research is necessary before more nuanced conclusions can be drawn. Given that eye-based measures are economical and non-invasive, we hope this review will foster the future application of eye-based measures in the field of exercise-cognition science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liye Zou
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany.
| | - Fabian Herold
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise, and Health, University of Basel, Basel 4052, Switzerland
| | - Keita Kamijo
- Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chukyo University, Nagoya 466-8666, Japan
| | - Notger G Müller
- Body-Brain-Mind Laboratory, School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany
| | - Matthew B Pontifex
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Matthew Heath
- School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London ON N6A 3K7, Canada; Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, University of Western Ontario, London ON, N6A 3K7, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Ryuta Kuwamizu
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-0006, Japan
| | - Hideaki Soya
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-0006, Japan; Sport Neuroscience Division, Advanced Research Initiative for Human High Performance (ARIHHP), Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-0006, Japan
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Department of Psychology, Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Soichi Ando
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Brandon L Alderman
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Boris Cheval
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva 1205, Switzerland; Laboratory for the Study of Emotion Elicitation and Expression (E3Lab), Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva 1205, Switzerland
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
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Brazionis L, Quinn N, Dabbah S, Ryan CD, Møller DM, Richardson H, Keech AC, Januszewski AS, Grauslund J, Rasmussen ML, Peto T, Jenkins AJ. Review and comparison of retinal vessel calibre and geometry software and their application to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2117-2133. [PMID: 36801971 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06002-7] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Developments in retinal imaging technologies have enabled the quantitative evaluation of the retinal vasculature. Changes in retinal calibre and/or geometry have been reported in systemic vascular diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and more recently in neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. Several retinal vessel analysis softwares exist, some being disease-specific, others for a broader context. In the research setting, retinal vasculature analysis using semi-automated software has identified associations between retinal vessel calibre and geometry and the presence of or risk of DM and its chronic complications, and of CVD and dementia, including in the general population. In this article, we review and compare the most widely used semi-automated retinal vessel analysis softwares and their associations with ocular imaging findings in common systemic diseases, including DM and its chronic complications, CVD, and dementia. We also provide original data comparing retinal calibre grading in people with Type 1 DM using two softwares, with good concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laima Brazionis
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicola Quinn
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Sami Dabbah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Chris D Ryan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Dennis M Møller
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hilary Richardson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Anthony C Keech
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Andrzej S Januszewski
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Jakob Grauslund
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Malin Lundberg Rasmussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tunde Peto
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
- Institute of Clinical Science, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, BT12 6BA, UK.
| | - Alicia J Jenkins
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, 92 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Leveque AS, Bouisse M, Labarere J, Trucco E, Hogg S, MacGillivray T, Aptel F, Chiquet C. Retinal vessel architecture and geometry are not impaired in normal-tension glaucoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6713. [PMID: 37185916 PMCID: PMC10130140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the associations between retinal vessel parameters and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). We conducted a case-control study with a prospective cohort, allowing to record 23 cases of NTG. We matched NTG patient with one primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and one control per case by age, systemic hypertension, diabetes, and refraction. Central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venule equivalent (CRVE), Arteriole-To-Venule ratio (AVR), Fractal Dimension and tortuosity of the vascular network were measured using VAMPIRE software. Our sample consisted of 23 NTG, 23 POAG, and 23 control individuals, with a median age of 65 years (25-75th percentile, 56-74). No significant differences were observed in median values for CRAE (130.6 µm (25-75th percentile, 122.8; 137.0) for NTG, 128.4 µm (124.0; 132.9) for POAG, and 135.3 µm (123.3; 144.8) for controls, P = .23), CRVE (172.1 µm (160.0; 188.3), 172.8 µm (163.3; 181.6), and 175.9 µm (167.6; 188.4), P = .43), AVR (0.76, 0.75, 0.74, P = .71), tortuosity and fractal parameters across study groups. Vascular morphological parameters were not significantly associated with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness or mean deviation for the NTG and POAG groups. Our results suggest that vascular dysregulation in NTG does not modify the architecture and geometry of the retinal vessel network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Leveque
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS 10217, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 09, France
| | - Magali Bouisse
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, TIMC, Grenoble, France
| | - José Labarere
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, TIMC, Grenoble, France
| | - Emanuele Trucco
- VAMPIRE Project, Computing, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Stephen Hogg
- VAMPIRE Project, Computing, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Tom MacGillivray
- VAMPIRE Project, Centre for Clinical Brain Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Florent Aptel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS 10217, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 09, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Chiquet
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, CS 10217, 38043, Grenoble Cedex 09, France.
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, HP2 Laboratory, INSERM U1300, Grenoble, France.
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Mordi IR, Trucco E, Syed MG, MacGillivray T, Nar A, Huang Y, George G, Hogg S, Radha V, Prathiba V, Anjana RM, Mohan V, Palmer CNA, Pearson ER, Lang CC, Doney ASF. Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events From Retinal, Clinical, and Genomic Data in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population Cohort Study. Diabetes Care 2022; 45:710-716. [PMID: 35043139 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Improved identification of individuals with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular (CV) risk could help in selection of newer CV risk-reducing therapies. The aim of this study was to determine whether retinal vascular parameters, derived from retinal screening photographs, alone and in combination with a genome-wide polygenic risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD PRS) would have independent prognostic value over traditional CV risk assessment in patients without prior CV disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Patients in the Genetics of Diabetes Audit and Research Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) study were linked to retinal photographs, prescriptions, and outcomes. Retinal photographs were analyzed using VAMPIRE (Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) software, a semiautomated artificial intelligence platform, to compute arterial and venous fractal dimension, tortuosity, and diameter. CHD PRS was derived from previously published data. Multivariable Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between retinal vascular parameters and major adverse CV events (MACE) at 10 years compared with the pooled cohort equations (PCE) risk score. RESULTS Among 5,152 individuals included in the study, a MACE occurred in 1,017 individuals. Reduced arterial fractal dimension and diameter and increased venous tortuosity each independently predicted MACE. A risk score combining these parameters significantly predicted MACE after adjustment for age, sex, PCE, and the CHD PRS (hazard ratio 1.11 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.04-1.18, P = 0.002) with similar accuracy to PCE (area under the curve [AUC] 0.663 vs. 0.658, P = 0.33). A model incorporating retinal parameters and PRS improved MACE prediction compared with PCE (AUC 0.686 vs. 0.658, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Retinal parameters alone and in combination with genome-wide CHD PRS have independent and incremental prognostic value compared with traditional CV risk assessment in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ify R Mordi
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Emanuele Trucco
- VAMPIRE Project, Computing, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Mohammad Ghouse Syed
- VAMPIRE Project, Computing, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Tom MacGillivray
- VAMPIRE Project, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Adi Nar
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Yu Huang
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Gittu George
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Stephen Hogg
- VAMPIRE Project, Computing, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Venkatesan Radha
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Vijayaraghavan Prathiba
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Ranjit Mohan Anjana
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Viswanathan Mohan
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai, India
| | - Colin N A Palmer
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Ewan R Pearson
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Chim C Lang
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Alex S F Doney
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
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5
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O'Neill RA, Maxwell AP, Paterson EN, Kee F, Young I, Hogg RE, Cruise S, Murphy S, McGuinness B, McKay GJ. Retinal microvascular parameters are not significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:112. [PMID: 33706706 PMCID: PMC7948373 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retinal and cerebral microvasculature share similar embryological origins and physiological characteristics. Improved imaging technologies provide opportunistic non-invasive assessment of retinal microvascular parameters (RMPs) against cognitive outcomes. We evaluated baseline measures for associations between RMPs and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from participants of the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA). METHODS RMPs (central retinal arteriolar / venular equivalents, arteriole to venular ratio, fractal dimension and tortuosity) were measured from optic disc centred fundus images and analysed using semi-automated software. Associations between RMPs and MCI were assessed by multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders including age, sex, alcohol consumption, smoking status, educational attainment, physical activity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, mean arterial blood pressure, triglycerides, diabetes, body mass index, and high density lipoprotein levels. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Data were available for 1431 participants, of which 156 (10.9%) were classified with MCI defined by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≤ 26, with subjective cognitive decline, in the absence of depression or problems with activities of daily living. Participants had a mean age of 62.4 ± 8.5 yrs. and 52% were female. As expected, individuals with MCI had a lower MoCA score than those without (23.5 ± 2.6 versus 26.3 ± 2.7, respectively), were more likely to be female, have a lower level of educational attainment, be less physically active, more likely to have CVD, have higher levels of triglycerides and lower levels of high density lipoprotein. No significant associations between RMPs and MCI were detected in unadjusted, minimally adjusted or fully adjusted regression models or subsequent sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Previous studies have reported both increased retinal venular calibre and reduced fractal dimension in association with mild cognitive impairment. Our study failed to detect any associations between RMPs and those individuals at an early stage of cognitive loss in an older community-based cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A O'Neill
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - A P Maxwell
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - E N Paterson
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - F Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - I Young
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - R E Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - S Cruise
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - S Murphy
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - B McGuinness
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - G J McKay
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Shi C, Shen M, Lu F. Advances in retina imaging as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:6. [PMID: 33517891 PMCID: PMC7849105 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00230-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive impairments and constitutes a major social burden. Currently, the invasiveness and high costs of tests have limited the early detection and intervention of the disease. As a unique window of the brain, retinal changes can reflect the pathology of the brain. In this review, we summarize current understanding of retinal structures in AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and preclinical AD, focusing on neurodegeneration and microvascular changes measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) technologies. The literature suggests that the impairment of retinal microvascular network and neural microstructure exists in AD, MCI and even preclinical AD. These findings provide valuable insights into a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and demonstrate that retinal changes are potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of AD and monitoring of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yanjiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ce Shi
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Meixiao Shen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
| | - Fan Lu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325027, China.
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Provost EB, Nawrot TS, Int Panis L, Standaert A, Saenen ND, De Boever P. Denser Retinal Microvascular Network Is Inversely Associated With Behavioral Outcomes and Sustained Attention in Children. Front Neurol 2021; 12:547033. [PMID: 33584528 PMCID: PMC7880124 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.547033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in geometry of the retinal microvascular network, including vessel width, vessel density, and tortuosity, have been associated with neurological disorders in adults. We investigated metrics of the retinal microvasculature in association with behavior and cognition in 8- to 12-year-old children. Digital fundus images of 190 children (48.2% girls, mean age 9.9 years) were used to calculate retinal vessel diameters, fractal dimension, lacunarity, and tortuosity. Parents filled out a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for behavioral screening. Cognitive performance testing included a computerized version of the Stroop test (selective attention), the Continuous Performance (sustained attention), the Digit-Symbol (visual scanning and information-processing speed) and the Pattern Comparison (visuospatial analytic ability) tests from the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES3) battery. Retinal vessel geometry was significantly associated with the SDQ problem score, which increased with 1.1 points (95% CI: 0.3 to 1.9 points) per interquartile (IQR) increment in retinal fractal dimension, and decreased 1.4 points (95% CI: −2.4 to −0.4 points) or decreased 1.0 points (95% CI: −2.1 to 0.1 points) per IQR increment in retinal vascular lacunarity or tortuosity, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that results were driven by the hyperactivity/inattention and conduct problem scales of the SDQ. Correspondingly, mean reaction time on the Continuous Performance test increased by 11 ms (95% CI: 4.4 to 17.6 ms) with an IQR increase in fractal dimension. The results indicate that a denser retinal microvascular network, exemplified by a higher fractal dimension and lower lacunarity, are inversely associated with behavioral outcomes and sustained attention in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline B Provost
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Int Panis
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.,School for Mobility, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Arnout Standaert
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium.,Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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O'Neill RA, Maxwell AP, Kee F, Young I, Hogg RE, Cruise S, McGuinness B, McKay GJ. Association of reduced retinal arteriolar tortuosity with depression in older participants from the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:62. [PMID: 33446119 PMCID: PMC7809811 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02009-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The retina shares similar anatomical and physiological features with the brain and subtle variations in retinal microvascular parameters (RMPs) may reflect similar vascular variation in the brain. The aim of this study was to assess associations between RMPs and measures of depression in the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing. METHODS RMPs (arteriolar and venular caliber, fractal dimension and tortuosity) were measured from optic disc centred fundus images using semi-automated software. Depression was characterised by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) in the absence of mild cognitive impairment or use of anti-depressive medications. Associations between depression and RMPs were assessed by regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS Data were available for 1376 participants of which 113 (8.2%) and 1263 (91.8%) were classified with and without depression. Participants had a mean age of 62.0 ± 8.4 yrs., 52% were female, and 8% were smokers. Individuals with depression had a higher CES-D score than those without (22.0 ± 6.2 versus 4.4 ± 3.9). Lower values of arteriolar tortuosity were significantly associated with depression, before and after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence intervals: 0.65, 0.96; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Decreased retinal arteriolar tortuosity, a measure of the complexity of the retinal microvasculature was associated with depression in older adults independent of potential confounding factors. Retinal measures may offer opportunistic assessment of microvascular health associated with outcomes of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A O'Neill
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - A P Maxwell
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - F Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - I Young
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - R E Hogg
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - S Cruise
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - B McGuinness
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - G J McKay
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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