1
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Wu Y, Wei Q, Lin J, Shang H, Ou R. Cognitive impairment, neuroimaging abnormalities, and their correlations in myotonic dystrophy: a comprehensive review. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1369332. [PMID: 38638300 PMCID: PMC11024338 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1369332] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) encompasses a spectrum of neuromuscular diseases characterized by myotonia, muscle weakness, and wasting. Recent research has led to the recognition of DM as a neurological disorder. Cognitive impairment is a central nervous system condition that has been observed in various forms of DM. Neuroimaging studies have increasingly linked DM to alterations in white matter (WM) integrity and highlighted the relationship between cognitive impairment and abnormalities in WM structure. This review aims to summarize investigations into cognitive impairment and brain abnormalities in individuals with DM and to elucidate the correlation between these factors and the potential underlying mechanisms contributing to these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruwei Ou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Koscik TR, van der Plas E, Long JD, Cross S, Gutmann L, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Shields RK, Magnotta V, Nopoulos PC. Longitudinal changes in white matter as measured with diffusion tensor imaging in adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:660-669. [PMID: 37419717 PMCID: PMC10529200 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.05.010] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is characterized by neuromuscular degeneration. Our objective was to compare change in white matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy, radial and axial diffusivity), and functional/clinical measures. Participants underwent yearly neuroimaging and neurocognitive assessments over three-years. Assessments encompassed full-scale intelligence, memory, language, visuospatial skills, attention, processing speed, and executive function, as well as clinical symptoms of muscle/motor function, apathy, and hypersomnolence. Mixed effects models were used to examine differences. 69 healthy adults (66.2% women) and 41 DM1 patients (70.7% women) provided 156 and 90 observations, respectively. There was a group by elapsed time interaction for cerebral white matter, where DM1 patients exhibited declines in white matter (all p<0.05). Likewise, DM1 patients either declined (motor), improved more slowly (intelligence), or remained stable (executive function) for functional outcomes. White matter was associated with functional performance; intelligence was predicted by axial (r = 0.832; p<0.01) and radial diffusivity (r = 0.291, p<0.05), and executive function was associated with anisotropy (r = 0.416, p<0.001), and diffusivity (axial: r = 0.237, p = 0.05 and radial: r = 0.300, p<0.05). Indices of white matter health are sensitive to progression in DM1. These results are important for clinical trial design, which utilize short intervals to establish treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Koscik
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 13 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 13 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Long
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stephen Cross
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 13 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, USA
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 362W 15th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Richard K Shields
- Department of Radiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 362W 15th St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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3
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Evangelisti S, Gramegna LL, De Pasqua S, Rochat MJ, Morandi L, Mitolo M, Bianchini C, Vornetti G, Testa C, Avoni P, Liguori R, Lodi R, Tonon C. In Vivo Parieto-Occipital White Matter Metabolism Is Correlated with Visuospatial Deficits in Adult DM1 Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102305. [PMID: 36291994 PMCID: PMC9600392 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102305] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a genetic disorder caused by a (CTG) expansion in the DM protein kinase (DMPK) gene, representing the most common adult muscular dystrophy, characterized by a multisystem involvement with predominantly skeletal muscle and brain affection. Neuroimaging studies showed widespread white matter changes and brain atrophy in DM1, but only a few studies investigated the role of white matter metabolism in the pathophysiology of central nervous system impairment. We aim to reveal the relationship between the metabolic profile of parieto-occipital white matter (POWM) as evaluated with proton MR spectroscopy technique, with the visuoperceptual and visuoconstructional dysfunctions in DM1 patients. MR spectroscopy (3 Tesla) and neuropsychological evaluations were performed in 34 DM1 patients (19 F, age: 46.4 ± 12.1 years, disease duration: 18.7 ± 11.6 years). The content of neuro-axonal marker N-acetyl-aspartate, both relative to Creatine (NAA/Cr) and to myo-Inositol (NAA/mI) resulted significantly lower in DM1 patients compared to HC (p-values < 0.0001). NAA/Cr and NAA/mI correlated with the copy of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (r = 0.366, p = 0.033; r = 0.401, p = 0.019, respectively) and with Street’s completion tests scores (r = 0.409, p = 0.016; r = 0.341, p = 0.048 respectively). The proportion of white matter hyperintensities within the MR spectroscopy voxel did not correlate with the metabolite content. In this study, POWM metabolic alterations in DM1 patients were not associated with the white matter morphological changes and correlated with specific neuropsychological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Ludovica Gramegna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Magali Jane Rochat
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Mitolo
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Bianchini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Vornetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Testa
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Avoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- UOC Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Tonon
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-348-6713221
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4
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Laforce RJ, Dallaire-Théroux C, Racine AM, Dent G, Salinas-Valenzuela C, Poulin E, Cayer AM, Bédard-Tremblay D, Rouleau-Bonenfant T, St-Onge F, Schraen-Maschke S, Beauregard JM, Sergeant N, Puymirat J. Tau positron emission tomography, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and neurocognitive testing: an exploratory study of participants with myotonic dystrophy type 1. J Neurol 2022; 269:3579-3587. [PMID: 35103843 PMCID: PMC9217820 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-10970-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate Tau pathology using multimodal biomarkers of neurodegeneration and neurocognition in participants with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). METHODS We recruited twelve participants with DM1 and, for comparison, two participants with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Participants underwent cognitive screening and social cognition testing using the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec (DCQ), among other tests. Biomarkers included Tau PET with [18F]-AV-1451, CSF (Aβ, Tau, phospho-Tau), and plasma (Aβ, Tau, Nf-L, GFAP) studies. RESULTS Of the twelve DM1 participants, seven completed the full protocol (Neurocognition 11/12; PET 7/12, CSF 9/12, plasma 12/12). Three DM1 participants were cognitively impaired (CI). On average, CI DM1 participants had lower scores on the DCQ compared to cognitively unimpaired (CU) DM1 participants (75.5/100 vs. 91.4/100) and were older (54 vs. 44 years old) but did not differ in years of education (11.3 vs. 11.1). The majority (6/7) of DM1 participants had no appreciable PET signal. Only one of the CI participants presented with elevated Tau PET SUVR in bilateral medial temporal lobes. This participant was the eldest and most cognitively impaired, and had the lowest CSF Aβ 1-42 and the highest CSF Tau levels, all suggestive of co-existing AD. CSF Tau and phospho-Tau levels were higher in the 3 CI compared to CU DM1 participants, but with a mean value lower than that typically observed in AD. Nf-L and GFAP were elevated in most DM1 participants (9/11 and 8/11, respectively). Finally, CSF phospho-Tau was significantly correlated with plasma Nf-L concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We observed heterogenous cognitive and biomarker profiles in individuals with DM1. While some participants presented with abnormal PET and/or CSF Tau, these patterns were highly variable and only present in a small subset. Although DM1 may indeed represent a non-AD Tauopathy, the Tau-PET tracer used in this study was unable to detect an in vivo Tau DM1 signature in this small cohort. Interestingly, most DM1 participants presented with elevated plasma Nf-L and GFAP levels, suggestive of other, possibly related, central brain alterations which motivate further research. This pioneering study provides novel insights towards the potential relationship between biomarkers and neurocognitive deficits commonly seen in DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Jr Laforce
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth Poulin
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Cayer
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Frédéric St-Onge
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Susanna Schraen-Maschke
- Université de Lille, Inserm UMRS1172, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Alzheimer & Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | | | - Nicolas Sergeant
- Université de Lille, Inserm UMRS1172, CHU Lille, Lille, France
- Alzheimer & Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, Lille, France
| | - Jack Puymirat
- Clinique Interdisciplinaire de Mémoire, CHU de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
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5
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White matter integrity changes and neurocognitive functioning in adult-late onset DM1: a follow-up DTI study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3988. [PMID: 35256728 PMCID: PMC8901711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease that affects gray and white matter (WM) tissues. WM changes in DM1 include increased hyperintensities and altered tract integrity distributed in a widespread manner. However, the precise temporal and spatial progression of the changes are yet undetermined. MRI data were acquired from 8 adult- and late-onset DM1 patients and 10 healthy controls (HC) at two different timepoints over 9.06 years. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) variations were assessed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Transversal and longitudinal intra- and intergroup analyses were conducted, along with correlation analyses with clinical and neuropsychological data. At baseline, reduced FA and increased MD values were found in patients in the uncinate, anterior-thalamic, fronto-occipital, and longitudinal tracts. At follow-up, the WM disconnection was shown to have spread from the frontal part to the rest of the tracts in the brain. Furthermore, WM lesion burden was negatively correlated with FA values, while visuo-construction and intellectual functioning were positively correlated with global and regional FA values at follow-up. DM1 patients showed a pronounced WM integrity loss over time compared to HC, with a neurodegeneration pattern that suggests a progressive anterior–posterior disconnection. The visuo-construction domain stands out as the most sensitive neuropsychological measure for WM microstructural impairment.
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6
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Huang P, Luan XH, Xie Z, Li MT, Chen SD, Liu J, Jia XZ, Cao L, Zhou HY. Altered Local Brain Amplitude of Fluctuations in Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:790632. [PMID: 34955817 PMCID: PMC8703136 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.790632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the characteristics of the spontaneous brain activity in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). A total of 18 patients with DM1 and 18 healthy controls (HCs) were examined by resting-state functional MRI. Combined methods include amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs), the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs), and Wavelet transform-based ALFFs (Wavelet-ALFFs) with standardization, percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) with/without standardization were applied to evaluate the spontaneous brain activity of patients with DM1. Compared with HCs, patients with DM1 showed decreased ALFFs and Wavelet-ALFFs in the bilateral precuneus (PCUN), angular gyrus (ANG), inferior parietal, but supramarginal and angular gyri (IPL), posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), superior frontal gyrus, medial (SFGmed), middle occipital gyrus (MOG), which were mainly distributed in the brain regions of default mode network (DMN). Decreased ALFFs and Wavelet-ALFFs were also seen in bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG), inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part (IFGoperc), which were the main components of the executive control network (ECN). Patients with DM1 also showed decreased fALFFs in SFGmed.R, the right anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyri (ACGR), bilateral MFG. Reduced PerAF in bilateral PCUN, ANG, PCG, MOG, and IPLL as well as decreased PerAF without standardization in PCUNR and bilateral PCG also existed in patients with DM1. In conclusion, patients with DM1 had decreased activity in DMN and ECN with increased fluctuations in the temporal cortex and cerebellum. Decreased brain activity in DMN was the most repeatable and reliable with PCUN and PCG being the most specific imaging biomarker of brain dysfunction in patients with DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Hua Luan
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Xie
- School of Information and Electronics Technology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Meng-Ting Li
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Ze Jia
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Education Technology and Application of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Reimann J, Kornblum C. Towards Central Nervous System Involvement in Adults with Hereditary Myopathies. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 7:367-393. [PMID: 32773394 PMCID: PMC7592671 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200507] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of central nervous system involvement in numerous neuromuscular disorders primarily considered diseases of skeletal muscle. Our knowledge on cerebral affection in myopathies is expanding continuously due to a better understanding of the genetic background and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Intriguingly, there is a remarkable overlap of brain pathology in muscular diseases with pathomechanisms involved in neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders. A rapid progress in advanced neuroimaging techniques results in further detailed insight into structural and functional cerebral abnormalities. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad and includes movement disorders, neurovascular complications, paroxysmal neurological symptoms like migraine and epileptic seizures, but also behavioural abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction. Cerebral involvement implies a high socio-economic and personal burden in adult patients sometimes exceeding the everyday challenges associated with muscle weakness. It is especially important to clarify the nature and natural history of brain affection against the background of upcoming specific treatment regimen in hereditary myopathies that should address the brain as a secondary target. This review aims to highlight the character and extent of central nervous system involvement in patients with hereditary myopathies manifesting in adulthood, however also includes some childhood-onset diseases with brain abnormalities that transfer into adult neurological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Reimann
- Department of Neurology, Section of Neuromuscular Diseases, University Hospital Bonn, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kornblum
- Department of Neurology, Section of Neuromuscular Diseases, University Hospital Bonn, Germany.,Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
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8
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Miller JN, Kruger A, Moser DJ, Gutmann L, van der Plas E, Koscik TR, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Nopoulos PC. Cognitive Deficits, Apathy, and Hypersomnolence Represent the Core Brain Symptoms of Adult-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2021; 12:700796. [PMID: 34276551 PMCID: PMC8280288 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.700796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults, and is primarily characterized by muscle weakness and myotonia, yet some of the most disabling symptoms of the disease are cognitive and behavioral. Here we evaluated several of these non-motor symptoms from a cross-sectional time-point in one of the largest longitudinal studies to date, including full-scale intelligence quotient, depression, anxiety, apathy, sleep, and cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy in a group of 39 adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 participants (27 female) compared to 79 unaffected control participants (46 female). We show that intelligence quotient was significantly associated with depression (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P = 0.018), but not apathy (P < 0.058) or hypersomnolence (P = 0.266) in the DM1 group. When controlling for intelligence quotient, cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy was significantly associated with apathy (P = 0.042) and hypersomnolence (P = 0.034), but not depression (P = 0.679) or anxiety (P = 0.731) in the myotonic dystrophy type 1 group. Finally, we found that disease duration was significantly associated with apathy (P < 0.0001), hypersomnolence (P < 0.001), IQ (P = 0.038), and cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy (P < 0.001), but not depression (P = 0.271) or anxiety (P = 0.508). Our results support the hypothesis that cognitive deficits, hypersomnolence, and apathy, are due to the underlying neuropathology of myotonic dystrophy type 1, as measured by cerebral white matter fractional anisotropy and disease duration. Whereas elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety in myotonic dystrophy type 1 are secondary to the physical symptoms and the emotional stress of coping with a chronic and debilitating disease. Results from this work contribute to a better understanding of disease neuropathology and represent important therapeutic targets for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Alison Kruger
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - David J Moser
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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9
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Jimenez-Marin A, Diez I, Labayru G, Sistiaga A, Caballero MC, Andres-Benito P, Sepulcre J, Ferrer I, Lopez de Munain A, Cortes JM. Transcriptional signatures of synaptic vesicle genes define myotonic dystrophy type I neurodegeneration. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021; 47:1092-1108. [PMID: 33955002 PMCID: PMC9292638 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aim To delineate the neurogenetic profiles of brain degeneration patterns in myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1). Methods In two cohorts of DM1 patients, brain maps of volume loss (VL) and neuropsychological deficits (NDs) were intersected to large‐scale transcriptome maps provided by the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA). For validation, neuropathological and RNA analyses were performed in a small series of DM1 brain samples. Results Twofold: (1) From a list of preselected hypothesis‐driven genes, confirmatory analyses found that three genes play a major role in brain degeneration: dystrophin (DMD), alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) and the microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT). Neuropathological analyses confirmed a highly heterogeneous Tau‐pathology in DM1, different to the one in Alzheimer's disease. (2) Exploratory analyses revealed gene clusters enriched for key biological processes in the central nervous system, such as synaptic vesicle recycling, localization, endocytosis and exocytosis, and the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter pathways. RNA analyses confirmed synaptic vesicle dysfunction. Conclusions The combination of large‐scale transcriptome interactions with brain imaging and cognitive function sheds light on the neurobiological mechanisms of brain degeneration in DM1 that might help define future therapeutic strategies and research into this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jimenez-Marin
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ibai Diez
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Garazi Labayru
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment Department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment Department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain
| | | | - Pol Andres-Benito
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Bellvitge (IBIDELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Bellvitge (IBIDELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Adolfo Lopez de Munain
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.,Neurosciences Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jesus M Cortes
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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10
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Biagi L, Lenzi S, Cipriano E, Fiori S, Bosco P, Cristofani P, Astrea G, Pini A, Cioni G, Mercuri E, Tosetti M, Battini R. Neural substrates of neuropsychological profiles in dystrophynopathies: A pilot study of diffusion tractography imaging. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250420. [PMID: 33939732 PMCID: PMC8092766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive difficulties and neuropsychological alterations in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD, BMD) boys are not yet sufficiently explored, although this topic could have a relevant impact, finding novel biomarkers of disease both at genetics and neuroimaging point of view. The current study aims to: 1) analyze the neuropsychological profile of a group of DMD and BMD boys without cognitive impairment with an assessment of their executive functions; 2) explore the structural connectivity in DMD, BMD, and age-matched controls focusing on cortico-subcortical tracts that connect frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum via the thalamus; 3) explore possible correlations between altered structural connectivity and clinical neuropsychological measures. Materials and methods This pilot study included 15 boys (5 DMD subjects, 5 BMD subjects, and 5 age-matched typically developing, TD). They were assessed using a neuropsychological assessment protocol including cognitive and executive functioning assessment and performed a 1.5T MRI brain exam including advance Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) method for tractography. Structural connectivity measurements were extracted along three specific tracts: Cortico-Ponto-Cerebellar Tract (CPCT), Cerebellar-Thalamic Tract (CTT), and Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF). Cortical-Spinal Tract (CST) was selected for reference, as control tract. Results Regarding intellectual functioning, a major impairment in executive functions compared to the general intellectual functioning was observed both for DMD (mean score = 86.20; SD = 11.54) and for BMD children (mean score = 88; SD = 3.67). Mean FA resulted tendentially always lower in DMD compared to both BMD and TD groups for all the examined tracts. The differences in FA were statistically significant for the right CTT (DMD vs BMD, p = 0.002, and DMD vs TD, p = 0.0015) and the right CPCT (DMD vs TD, p = 0.008). Concerning DMD, significant correlations emerged between FA-R-CTT and intellectual quotients (FIQ, p = 0.044; ρs = 0.821), and executive functions (Denomination Total, p = 0.044, ρs = 0.821; Inhibition Total, p = 0.019, ρs = 0.900). BMD showed a significant correlation between FA-R-CPCT and working memory index (p = 0.007; ρs = 0.949). Discussion and conclusion In this pilot study, despite the limitation of sample size, the findings support the hypothesis of the involvement of a cerebellar-thalamo-cortical loop for the neuropsychological profile of DMD, as the CTT and the CPCT are involved in the network and the related brain structures are known to be implied in executive functions. Our results suggest that altered WM connectivity and reduced fibre organization in cerebellar tracts, probably due to the lack of dystrophin in the brain, may render less efficient some neuropsychological functions in children affected by dystrophinopathies. The wider multicentric study could help to better establish the role of cerebellar connectivity in neuropsychological profile for dystrophinopathies, identifying possible novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Biagi
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Lenzi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emilio Cipriano
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Fiori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Bosco
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Cristofani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guia Astrea
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Pini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Mercuri
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Catholic University and Nemo Center, Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Tosetti
- Laboratory of Medical Physics and Magnetic Resonance, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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11
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van der Plas E, Koscik TR, Magnotta V, Cumming SA, Monckton D, Gutmann L, Nopoulos P. Neurocognitive Features of Motor Premanifest Individuals With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e577. [PMID: 33912661 PMCID: PMC8075572 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective The goal of the study was to identify brain and functional features associated with premanifest phases of adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (i.e., PreDM1). Methods This cross-sectional study included 68 healthy adults (mean age = 43.4 years, SD = 12.9), 13 individuals with PreDM1 (mean age: 47.4 years, SD = 16.3), and 37 individuals with manifest DM1 (mean age = 45.2 years, SD = 9.3). The primary outcome measures included fractional anisotropy (FA), motor measures (Muscle Impairment Rating Scale, Grooved Pegboard, Finger-Tapping Test, and grip force), general cognitive abilities (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales), sleep quality (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease–Sleep), and apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale). Results Individuals with PreDM1 exhibited an intermediate level of white matter FA abnormality, where whole-brain FA was lower relative to healthy controls (difference of the estimated marginal mean [EMMdifference] = 0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.03, p < 0.001), but the PreDM1 group had significantly higher FA than did individuals with manifest DM1 (EMMdifference = 0.02, 95% CI 0.009–0.03, p < 0.001). Individuals with PreDM1 exhibited reduced performance on the finger-tapping task relative to control peers (EMMdifference = 5.70, 95% CI 0.51–11.00, p = 0.03), but performance of the PreDM1 group was better than that of the manifest DM1 group (EMMdifference = 5.60, 95% CI 0.11–11.00, p = 0.05). Hypersomnolence in PreDM1 was intermediate between controls (EMMdifference = −1.70, 95% CI −3.10–0.35, p = 0.01) and manifest DM1 (EMMdifference = −2.10, 95% CI −3.50–0.60, p = 0.006). Conclusions Our findings highlight key CNS and functional deficits associated with PreDM1, offering insight in early disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Monckton
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Peggy Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry (E.v.d.P., T.R.K., P.N.), Department of Radiology (V.M.), and Department of Neurology (L.G.), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; and Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology (S.A.C., D.M.), University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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12
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Koscik TR, van der Plas E, Gutmann L, Cumming SA, Monckton DG, Magnotta V, Shields RK, Nopoulos PC. White matter microstructure relates to motor outcomes in myotonic dystrophy type 1 independently of disease duration and genetic burden. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4886. [PMID: 33649422 PMCID: PMC7921687 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84520-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in white matter (WM) integrity and motor symptoms are among the most robust and reproducible features of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). In the present study, we investigate whether WM integrity, obtained from diffusion-weighted MRI, corresponds to quantifiable motor outcomes (e.g., fine motor skills and grip strength) and patient-reported, subjective motor deficits. Critically, we explore these relationships in the context of other potentially causative variables, including: disease duration, elapsed time since motor symptom onset; and genetic burden, the number of excessive CTG repeats causing DM1. We found that fractional anisotropy (a measure of WM integrity) throughout the cerebrum was the strongest predictor of grip strength independently of disease duration and genetic burden, while radial diffusivity predicted fine motor skill (peg board performance). Axial diffusivity did not predict motor outcomes. Our results are consistent with the notion that systemic degradation of WM in DM1 mediates the relationship between DM1 progression and genetic burden with motor outcomes of the disease. Our results suggest that tracking changes in WM integrity over time may be a valuable biomarker for tracking therapeutic interventions, such as future gene therapies, for DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Richard K Shields
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.,Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
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13
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van der Plas E, Long JD, Koscik TR, Magnotta V, Monckton DG, Cumming SA, Gottschalk AC, Hefti M, Gutmann L, Nopoulos PC. Blood-Based Markers of Neuronal Injury in Adult-Onset Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2021; 12:791065. [PMID: 35126292 PMCID: PMC8810511 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.791065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study had four aims. First, neuronal injury markers, including neurofilament light (NF-L), total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1), were compared between individuals with and without adult-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Second, the impact of age and CTG repeat on brain injury markers was evaluated. Third, change in brain injury markers across the study period was quantified. Fourth, associations between brain injury markers and cerebral white matter (WM) fractional anisotropy (FA) were identified. METHODS Yearly assessments, encompassing blood draws and diffusion tensor imaging on a 3T scanner, were conducted on three occasions. Neuronal injury markers were quantified using single molecule array (Simoa). RESULTS The sample included 53 patients and 70 controls. NF-L was higher in DM1 patients than controls, with individuals in the premanifest phases of DM1 (PreDM1) exhibiting intermediate levels ( χ ( 2 ) 2 = 38.142, P < 0.001). Total tau was lower in DM1 patients than controls (Estimate = -0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.95: -0.28, P < 0.001), while GFAP was elevated in PreDM1 only (Estimate = 30.37, 95% CI 10.56:50.19, P = 0.003). Plasma concentrations of UCH-L1 did not differ between groups. The age by CTG interaction predicted NF-L: patients with higher estimated progenitor allelege length (ePAL) had higher NF-L at a younger age, relative to patients with lower CTG repeat; however, the latter exhibited faster age-related change (Estimate = -0.0021, 95% CI -0.0042: -0.0001, P = 0.045). None of the markers changed substantially over the study period. Finally, cerebral WM FA was significantly associated with NF-L (Estimate = -42.86, 95% CI -82.70: -3.02, P = 0.035). INTERPRETATION While NF-L appears sensitive to disease onset and severity, its utility as a marker of progression remains to be determined. The tau assay may have low sensitivity to tau pathology associated with DM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen van der Plas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Long
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Timothy R Koscik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Vincent Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Darren G Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A Cumming
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Amy C Gottschalk
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Marco Hefti
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
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14
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Breton É, Légaré C, Overend G, Guay SP, Monckton D, Mathieu J, Gagnon C, Richer L, Gallais B, Bouchard L. DNA methylation at the DMPK gene locus is associated with cognitive functions in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2051-2064. [PMID: 33301350 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by an unstable trinucleotide (CTG) expansion at the DMPK gene locus. Cognitive dysfunctions are often observed in the condition. We investigated the association between DMPK blood DNA methylation (DNAm) and cognitive functions in DM1, considering expansion length and variant repeats (VRs). Method: Data were obtained from 115 adult-onset DM1 patients. Molecular analyses consisted of pyrosequencing, small pool PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Cognitive functions were assessed by validated neuropsychological tests. Results: For patients without VRs (n = 103), blood DNAm at baseline independently contributed to predict cognitive functions 9 years later. Patients with VRs (n = 12) had different DNAm and cognitive profiles. Conclusion: DNAm allows to better understand DM1-related cognitive dysfunction etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Édith Breton
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada
| | - Cécilia Légaré
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada
| | - Gayle Overend
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Simon-Pierre Guay
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Darren Monckton
- Institute of Molecular, Cell & Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Mathieu
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Cynthia Gagnon
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
| | - Louis Richer
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Saguenay, Québec G7H 2B1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Gallais
- Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Centre de recherche Charles-Le-Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada.,ÉCOBES - Recherche et transfert, Cégep de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7W2, Canada
| | - Luigi Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry & Functional Genomics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1E 4K8, Canada.,Groupe de recherche interdisciplinaire sur les maladies neuromusculaires (GRIMN), Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Jonquière, Saguenay, Québec G7X 7X2, Canada.,Department of Medical Biology, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean - Hôpital de Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Québec G7H 5H6, Canada
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15
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Longitudinal study in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1: correlation of brain MRI abnormalities with cognitive performances. Neuroradiology 2020; 63:1019-1029. [PMID: 33237431 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-020-02611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a muscular dystrophy with neurological, cognitive, and radiological abnormalities. The developmental or degenerative nature of these abnormalities, and their progression over time, remains unclear. The aim of this study is to perform a longitudinal assessment of imaging and cognitive performances in a group of patients with DM1. METHODS A longitudinal observational study was conducted in a group of 33 DM1 patients. All patients underwent cognitive and MRI evaluation, including the use of structural and diffusion tensor imaging techniques, at baseline and follow-up evaluation (4 years). Longitudinal changes in white matter lesion (WML), volumetric analysis, and diffusivity values were assessed and correlated with neuropsychological test findings. RESULTS An increase in WML was observed in 16 patients (48.5%). An increase in ventricular system volume and a decrease in volume of the left thalamus, caudates, putamen, and hippocampus were observed (p < 0.001). Global cortical volume showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001), although no changes were observed in white matter volume. A significant increase in mean diffusivity and decrease in fractional anisotropy for the white matter were found (p < 0.001). Neuropsychological evaluation showed a significant deterioration in test performance that measures working memory (Letter-Number Sequencing, p = 0.049) and visuospatial skills (Benton Visual Retention Test, p = 0.001). These findings were significantly associated with WML load (working memory p = 0.002 and visuospatial skills p = 0.021) and mean diffusivity increase (visuospatial skills p = 0.003 in the corpus callosum and working memory p = 0.043 in the right cerebral white matter). CONCLUSION White matter and grey matter involvement in DM1 patients is progressive. Patients experience a worsening in cognitive impairment that correlates with white matter involvement. These findings support the neurodegenerative nature of this disease.
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16
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Labayru G, Jimenez‐Marin A, Fernández E, Villanua J, Zulaica M, Cortes JM, Díez I, Sepulcre J, López de Munain A, Sistiaga A. Neurodegeneration trajectory in pediatric and adult/late DM1: A follow-up MRI study across a decade. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1802-1815. [PMID: 32881379 PMCID: PMC7545612 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the progression of brain structural abnormalities in adults with pediatric and adult/late onset DM1, as well as to examine the potential predictive markers of such progression. METHODS 21 DM1 patients (pediatric onset: N = 9; adult/late onset: N = 12) and 18 healthy controls (HC) were assessed longitudinally over 9.17 years through brain MRI. Additionally, patients underwent neuropsychological, genetic, and muscular impairment assessment. Inter-group comparisons of total and voxel-level regional brain volume were conducted through Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM); cross-sectionally and longitudinally, analyzing the associations between brain changes and demographic, clinical, and cognitive outcomes. RESULTS The percentage of GM loss did not significantly differ in any of the groups compared with HC and when assessed independently, adult/late DM1 patients and their HC group suffered a significant loss in WM volume. Regional VBM analyses revealed subcortical GM damage in both DM1 groups, evolving to frontal regions in the pediatric onset patients. Muscular impairment and the outcomes of certain neuropsychological tests were significantly associated with follow-up GM damage, while visuoconstruction, attention, and executive function tests showed sensitivity to WM degeneration over time. INTERPRETATION Distinct patterns of brain atrophy and its progression over time in pediatric and adult/late onset DM1 patients are suggested. Results indicate a possible neurodevelopmental origin of the brain abnormalities in DM1, along with the possible existence of an additional neurodegenerative process. Fronto-subcortical networks appear to be involved in the disease progression at young adulthood in pediatric onset DM1 patients. The involvement of a multimodal integration network in DM1 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi Labayru
- Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology FacultyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Antonio Jimenez‐Marin
- Biocruces‐Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoBizkaiaSpain
- Biomedical Research Doctorate ProgramUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
| | - Esther Fernández
- OsatekDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Jorge Villanua
- OsatekDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Jesus M. Cortes
- Biocruces‐Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoBizkaiaSpain
- Cell Biology and Histology DepartmentUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)LeioaSpain
- IKERBASQUEThe Basque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
| | - Ibai Díez
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Neurotechnology LaboratoryTecnalia Health DepartmentDerioSpain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical ImagingMassachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Neurology DepartmentDonostia University HospitalDonostia‐ San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience DepartmentUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Donostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology FacultyUniversity of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Neuroscience AreaBiodonostia Research Institute, OsakidetzaDonostia‐San SebastiánGipuzkoaSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED)Institute Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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17
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Biere J, Okkersen K, van Alfen N, Kessels RPC, Gouw AA, van Dorst M, van Engelen B, Stam CJ, Raaphorst J. Characterization of EEG-based functional brain networks in myotonic dystrophy type 1. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:1886-1895. [PMID: 32590320 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.05.014] [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: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the autosomal dominant, multisystem, chronic progressive disease myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), cognitive deficits may originate from disrupted functional brain networks. We aimed to use network analysis of resting-state electro-encephalography (EEG) recordings of patients with DM1 and matched unaffected controls to investigate changes in network organization in large-scale functional brain networks and correlations with cognitive deficits. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 28 adult patients with genetically confirmed DM1 and 26 age-, sex- and education-matched unaffected controls underwent resting-state EEG and neuropsychological assessment. We calculated the Phase Lag Index (PLI) to determine EEG frequency-dependent functional connectivity between brain regions. Functional brain networks were characterized by applying concepts from graph theory and compared between-groups. Network topology was evaluated using the minimum spanning tree (MST). We evaluated correlations between network metrics and neuropsychological tests that showed statistically significant between-group differences. RESULTS Functional connectivity estimated as whole-brain median PLI for DM1 patients versus healthy controls was higher in theta band (0.141 [0.050] versus 0.125 [0.018], p = 0.029), and lower in the upper alpha band (0.154 [0.048] versus 0.182 [0.073], p = 0.038), respectively. Functional MST-constructed networks in DM1 patients were significantly dissimilar from healthy controls in the delta, (p = 0.009); theta, (p = 0.009); lower alpha, (p = 0.036); and upper alpha, (p = 0.008) bands. In evaluation of local MST network measures, trends toward networks with higher global integration in the theta band and lower global integration in the upper alpha band were observed. Compared to unaffected controls, DM1 patients performed worse on tests of attention, motor function, executive function and visuospatial memory. Visuospatial memory correlated with the global median PLI in the upper alpha band; the Stroop interference test correlated with betweenness centrality in this band. CONCLUSION This study supports the hypothesis that brain changes in DM1 give rise to disrupted functional network organization, as modelled with EEG-based networks. Further study may help unravel the relations with clinical brain-related DM1 symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE EEG network analysis has potential to help understand brain related DM1 phenotypes. FUNDING This work was supported by the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 305697 (OPTIMISTIC) and the Marigold Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Biere
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kees Okkersen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Department of Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Center for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands.
| | - Alida A Gouw
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Maud van Dorst
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands.
| | - Baziel van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis J Stam
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Joost Raaphorst
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Academic University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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18
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Langbehn KE, van der Plas E, Moser DJ, Long JD, Gutmann L, Nopoulos PC. Cognitive function and its relationship with brain structure in myotonic dystrophy type 1. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:190-199. [PMID: 32056295 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown relationships between white matter abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), but comprehensive analysis of potential structure-function relationships are lacking. Fifty adult-onset DM1 individuals (33 female) and 68 unaffected adults (45 female) completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) to determine the levels and patterns of intellectual functioning. Neuroimages were acquired with a 3T scanner and were processed with BrainsTools. Regional brain volumes (regions of interest, ROIs) were adjusted for inter-scanner variation and intracranial volume. Linear regression models were conducted to assess if group by ROI interaction terms significantly predicted WAIS-IV composite scores. Models were adjusted for age and sex. The DM1 group had lower Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI), Working Memory Index (WMI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores than the unaffected group (PRI t(113) = -3.28, p = 0.0014; WMI t(114) = -3.49, p = 0.0007; PSI t(114) = -2.98, p = 0.0035). The group by hippocampus interaction term was significant for both PRI and PSI (PRI (t(111) = -2.82, p = 0.0057; PSI (t(112) = -2.87, p = 0.0049)). There was an inverse association between hippocampal volume and both PRI and PSI in the DM1 group (the higher the volume, the lower the intelligence quotient scores), but no such association was observed in the unaffected group. Enlarged hippocampal volume may underlie some aspects of cognitive dysfunction in adult-onset DM1, suggesting that increased volume of the hippocampus may be pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Langbehn
- Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ellen van der Plas
- Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - David J Moser
- Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Long
- Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Laurie Gutmann
- Neurology Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Peggy C Nopoulos
- Psychiatry Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Neurology Department, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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19
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Nieuwenhuis S, Okkersen K, Widomska J, Blom P, 't Hoen PAC, van Engelen B, Glennon JC. Insulin Signaling as a Key Moderator in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1229. [PMID: 31849810 PMCID: PMC6901991 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by multi-system involvement. Affected organ system includes skeletal muscle, heart, gastro-intestinal system and the brain. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for alterations in insulin signaling and their relation to clinical DM1 features. We start by summarizing the molecular pathophysiology of DM1. Next, an overview of normal insulin signaling physiology is given, and evidence for alterations herein in DM1 is presented. Clinically, evidence for involvement of insulin signaling pathways in DM1 is based on the increased incidence of insulin resistance seen in clinical practice and recent trial evidence of beneficial effects of metformin on muscle function. Indirectly, further support may be derived from certain CNS derived symptoms characteristic of DM1, such as obsessive-compulsive behavior features, for which links with altered insulin signaling has been demonstrated in other diseases. At the basic scientific level, several pathophysiological mechanisms that operate in DM1 may compromise normal insulin signaling physiology. The evidence presented here reflects the importance of insulin signaling in relation to clinical features of DM1 and justifies further basic scientific and clinical, therapeutically oriented research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Nieuwenhuis
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kees Okkersen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joanna Widomska
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Paul Blom
- VDL Enabling Technologies Group B.V., Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Peter A C 't Hoen
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Baziel van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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20
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Labayru G, Diez I, Sepulcre J, Fernández E, Zulaica M, Cortés JM, López de Munain A, Sistiaga A. Regional brain atrophy in gray and white matter is associated with cognitive impairment in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:102078. [PMID: 31795042 PMCID: PMC6861566 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Predominance of white matter impairment in DM1 is questioned. Age poses vulnerability to grey matter loss in specific areas in DM1. White matter alterations in DM1 may be developmental. Muscular and genetic features are associated with brain abnormalities in DM1. Neuropsychology is an unspecific but strong predictor of gray matter damage in DM1.
Background Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a slowly progressive myopathy characterized by varying multisystemic involvement. Several cerebral features such as brain atrophy, ventricular enlargement, and white matter lesions (WMLs) have frequently been described. The aim of this study is to investigate the structural organization of the brain that defines the disease through multimodal imaging analysis, and to analyze the relation between structural cerebral changes and DM1 clinical and neuropsychological profiles. Method 31 DM1 patients and 57 healthy controls underwent an MRI scan protocol, including T1, T2 and DTI. Global gray matter (GM), global white matter (WM), and voxel-level Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) and voxel-level microstructural WM abnormalities through Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) were assessed through group comparisons and linear regression analysis with age, degree of muscular impairment (MIRS score), CTG expansion size and neuropsychological outcomes from a comprehensive assessment. Results Compared with healthy controls, DM1 patients showed a reduction in both global GM and WM volume; and further regional GM decrease in specific primary sensory, multi-sensory and association cortical regions. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was reduced in both total brain and regional analysis, being most marked in frontal, paralimbic, temporal cortex, and subcortical regions. Higher ratings on muscular impairment and longer CTG expansion sizes predicted a greater volume decrease in GM and lower FA values. Age predicted global GM reduction, specifically in parietal regions. At the cognitive level, the DM1 group showed significant negative correlations between IQ estimate, visuoconstructive and executive neuropsychological scores and both global and regional volume decrease, mainly distributed in the frontal, parietal and subcortical regions. Conclusions In this study, we describe the structural brain signatures that delineate the involvement of the CNS in DM1. We show that specific sensory and multi-sensory — as well as frontal cortical areas — display potential vulnerability associated with the hypothesized neurodegenerative nature of DM1 brain abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garazi Labayru
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Neurotechnology Laboratory, Tecnalia Health Department, Derio, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Esther Fernández
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Osatek, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Radiolody Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Miren Zulaica
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Cortés
- Biocruces Health Research Institute. Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain; Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Neurosciences Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Andone Sistiaga
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Personality, Assessment and psychological treatment department; Psychology Faculty, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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21
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Naro A, Portaro S, Milardi D, Billeri L, Leo A, Militi D, Bramanti P, Calabrò RS. Paving the way for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of gait impairment in myotonic dystrophy: a pilot study focusing on muscle networks. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:116. [PMID: 31533780 PMCID: PMC6751609 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proper rehabilitation program targeting gait is mandatory to maintain the quality of life of patients with Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Assuming that gait and balance impairment simply depend on the degree of muscle weakness is potentially misleading. In fact, the involvement of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in DM1 pathophysiology calls into account the deterioration of muscle coordination in gait impairment. Our study aimed at demonstrating the presence and role of muscle connectivity deterioration in patients with DM1 by a CNS perspective by investigating signal synergies using a time-frequency spectral coherence and multivariate analyses on lower limb muscles while walking upright. Further, we sought at determining whether muscle networks were abnormal secondarily to the muscle impairment or primarily to CNS damage (as DM1 is a multi-system disorder also involving the CNS). In other words, muscle network deterioration may depend on a weakening in signal synergies (that express the neural drive to muscles deduced from surface electromyography data). METHODS Such an innovative approach to estimate muscle networks and signal synergies was carried out in seven patients with DM1 and ten healthy controls (HC). RESULTS Patients with DM1 showed a commingling of low and high frequencies among muscle at both within- and between-limbs level, a weak direct neural coupling concerning inter-limb coordination, a modest network segregation, high integrative network properties, and an impoverishment in the available signal synergies, as compared to HCs. These network abnormalities were independent from muscle weakness and myotonia. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that gait impairment in patients with DM1 depends also on a muscle network deterioration that is secondary to signal synergy deterioration (related to CNS impairment). This suggests that muscle network deterioration may be a primary trait of DM1 rather than a maladaptive mechanism to muscle degeneration. This information may be useful concerning the implementation of proper rehabilitative strategies in patients with DM1. It will be indeed necessary not only addressing muscle weakness but also gait-related muscle connectivity to improve functional ambulation in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Portaro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Demetrio Milardi
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Leo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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