1
|
Arreguin AJ, Shao Z, Colognato H. Dmd mdx mice have defective oligodendrogenesis, delayed myelin compaction and persistent hypomyelination. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050115. [PMID: 38721692 PMCID: PMC11095635 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the DMD gene, resulting in the loss of dystrophin, a large cytosolic protein that links the cytoskeleton to extracellular matrix receptors in skeletal muscle. Aside from progressive muscle damage, many patients with DMD also have neurological deficits of unknown etiology. To investigate potential mechanisms for DMD neurological deficits, we assessed postnatal oligodendrogenesis and myelination in the Dmdmdx mouse model. In the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) stem cell niche, we found that oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) production was deficient, with reduced OPC densities and proliferation, despite a normal stem cell niche organization. In the Dmdmdx corpus callosum, a large white matter tract adjacent to the V-SVZ, we also observed reduced OPC proliferation and fewer oligodendrocytes. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed significantly thinner myelin, an increased number of abnormal myelin structures and delayed myelin compaction, with hypomyelination persisting into adulthood. Our findings reveal alterations in oligodendrocyte development and myelination that support the hypothesis that changes in diffusion tensor imaging seen in patients with DMD reflect developmental changes in myelin architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J. Arreguin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8651, USA
| | - Zijian Shao
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Holly Colognato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crawford AH, Hornby NL, de la Fuente AG, Piercy RJ. Brain magnetic resonance imaging in the DE50-MD dog model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy reveals regional reductions in cerebral gray matter. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:21. [PMID: 36932329 PMCID: PMC10024360 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a X-linked disease characterized by severe and progressive muscle weakness, alongside cognitive impairment and a range of neurobehavioral disorders secondary to brain dystrophin deficiency. Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients have reduced cerebral gray matter and altered white matter ultrastructure (detected by magnetic resonance imaging) compared to age-matched controls. METHODS We studied the DE50-MD canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is deficient in full length brain dystrophin (Dp427) isoforms and has a neurocognitive phenotype. Eight DE50-MD and 6 age-matched littermate wild type male dogs underwent serial brain magnetic resonance imaging from 14 to 33 months of age. RESULTS Reduced regional gray matter was detected in DE50-MD dogs compared with wildtype, including the piriform lobe, hippocampus and cingulate gyrus. Lateral ventricle volume was larger in DE50-MD dogs. Differences did not progress over time. White matter volume did not differ between DE50-MD and wildtype dogs. There was no difference in brain nor cranial vault volume between DE50-MD and wildtype dogs. CONCLUSION Dystrophin deficiency in the canine brain results in structural changes that likely contribute to the neurocognitive phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbe H. Crawford
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Natasha L. Hornby
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Alerie G. de la Fuente
- grid.513062.30000 0004 8516 8274Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Richard J. Piercy
- grid.20931.390000 0004 0425 573XComparative Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Interleukin-6: A neuro-active cytokine contributing to cognitive impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy? Cytokine 2020; 133:155134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
5
|
Xu S, Tang S, Li X, Iyer SR, Lovering RM. Abnormalities in Brain and Muscle Microstructure and Neurochemistry of the DMD Rat Measured by in vivo Diffusion Tensor Imaging and High Resolution Localized 1H MRS. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:739. [PMID: 32760246 PMCID: PMC7372970 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00739] [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: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin with progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles. Most studies regarding DMD understandably focus on muscle, but dystrophin is also expressed in the central nervous system, potentially resulting in cognitive and behavioral changes. Animal models are being used for developing more comprehensive neuromonitoring protocols and clinical image acquisition procedures. The recently developed DMD rat is an animal model that parallels the progressive muscle wasting seen in DMD. Here, we studied the brain and temporalis muscle structure and neurochemistry of wild type (WT) and dystrophic (DMD) rats using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Both structural and neurochemistry alterations were observed in the DMD rat brain and the temporalis muscle. There was a decrease in absolute brain volume (WT = 1579 mm3; DMD = 1501 mm3; p = 0.039, Cohen’s d = 1.867), but not normalized (WT = 4.27; DMD = 4.02; p = 0.306) brain volume. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed structural alterations in the DMD temporalis muscle, with increased mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). In the DMD rat thalamus, DTI revealed an increase in fractional anisotropy (FA) and a decrease in RD. Smaller normalized brain volume correlated to severity of muscle dystrophy (r = −0.975). Neurochemical changes in the DMD rat brain included increased GABA and NAA in the prefrontal cortex, and GABA in the hippocampus. Such findings could indicate disturbed motor and sensory signaling, resulting in a dysfunctional GABAergic neurotransmission, and an unstable osmoregulation in the dystrophin-null brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su Xu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shiyu Tang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shama R Iyer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard M Lovering
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Preethish-Kumar V, Shah A, Kumar M, Ingalhalikar M, Polavarapu K, Afsar M, Rajeswaran J, Vengalil S, Nashi S, Thomas PT, Sadasivan A, Warrier M, Nalini A, Saini J. In Vivo Evaluation of White Matter Abnormalities in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using DTI. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2020; 41:1271-1278. [PMID: 32616576 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and prominent nonmotor manifestations, such as a low intelligence quotient and neuropsychiatric disturbance. We investigated WM integrity in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using DTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fractional anisotropy and mean, axial, and radial diffusivity (DTI measures) were used to assess WM microstructural integrity along with neuropsychological evaluation in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 60) and controls (n = 40). Exon deletions in the DMD gene were confirmed using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Patients were classified into proximal (DMD Dp140+) and distal (DMD Dp140-) subgroups based on the location of the exon deletion and expression of short dystrophin Dp140 isoform. WM integrity was examined using whole-brain Tract-Based Spatial Statistics and atlas-based analysis of DTI data. The Pearson correlation was performed to investigate the possible relationship between neuropsychological scores and DTI metrics. RESULTS The mean ages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and control participants were 8.0 ± 1.2 years and 8.2 ± 1.4 years, respectively. The mean age at disease onset was 4.1 ± 1.8 years, and mean illness duration was 40.8 ± 25.2 months. Significant differences in neuropsychological scores were observed between the proximal and distal gene-deletion subgroups, with more severe impairment in the distal-deletion subgroup (P < .05). Localized fractional anisotropy changes were seen in the corpus callosum, parietal WM, and fornices in the patient subgroup with Dp140+, while widespread changes were noted in the Dp140- subgroup. The Dp140+ subgroup showed increased axial diffusivity in multiple WM regions relative to the Dp140- subgroup. No significant correlation was observed between clinical and neuropsychological scores and diffusion metrics. CONCLUSIONS Widespread WM differences are evident in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy relative to healthy controls. Distal mutations in particular are associated with extensive WM abnormalities and poor neuropsychological profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - A Shah
- Symbiosis Centre for Medical Image Analysis (A.Shah, M.I.), Symbiosis International University, Mulshi Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - M Kumar
- Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology (M.K., J.S.)
| | - M Ingalhalikar
- Symbiosis Centre for Medical Image Analysis (A.Shah, M.I.), Symbiosis International University, Mulshi Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - K Polavarapu
- From the Departments of Neurology (V.P.-K., K.P., S.V., S.N., A.N.)
| | - M Afsar
- Neuropsychology (M.A., J.R.)
| | | | - S Vengalil
- From the Departments of Neurology (V.P.-K., K.P., S.V., S.N., A.N.)
| | - S Nashi
- From the Departments of Neurology (V.P.-K., K.P., S.V., S.N., A.N.)
| | - P T Thomas
- Psychiatric Social Work (P.T.T., A.Sadasivan, M.W.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - A Sadasivan
- Psychiatric Social Work (P.T.T., A.Sadasivan, M.W.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - M Warrier
- Psychiatric Social Work (P.T.T., A.Sadasivan, M.W.), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - A Nalini
- From the Departments of Neurology (V.P.-K., K.P., S.V., S.N., A.N.)
| | - J Saini
- Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology (M.K., J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Naidoo M, Anthony K. Dystrophin Dp71 and the Neuropathophysiology of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:1748-1767. [PMID: 31836945 PMCID: PMC7060961 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by frameshift mutations in the DMD gene that prevent the body-wide translation of its protein product, dystrophin. Besides a severe muscle phenotype, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent. Dystrophin protein 71 (Dp71) is the major DMD gene product expressed in the brain and mutations affecting its expression are associated with the DMD neuropsychiatric syndrome. As with dystrophin in muscle, Dp71 localises to dystrophin-associated protein complexes in the brain. However, unlike in skeletal muscle; in the brain, Dp71 is alternatively spliced to produce many isoforms with differential subcellular localisations and diverse cellular functions. These include neuronal differentiation, adhesion, cell division and excitatory synapse organisation as well as nuclear functions such as nuclear scaffolding and DNA repair. In this review, we first describe brain involvement in DMD and the abnormalities observed in the DMD brain. We then review the gene expression, RNA processing and functions of Dp71. We review genotype-phenotype correlations and discuss emerging cellular/tissue evidence for the involvement of Dp71 in the neuropathophysiology of DMD. The literature suggests changes observed in the DMD brain are neurodevelopmental in origin and that their risk and severity is associated with a cumulative loss of distal DMD gene products such as Dp71. The high risk of neuropsychiatric syndromes in Duchenne patients warrants early intervention to achieve the best possible quality of life. Unravelling the function and pathophysiological significance of dystrophin in the brain has become a high research priority to inform the development of brain-targeting treatments for Duchenne.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Naidoo
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PH, UK
| | - Karen Anthony
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, University Drive, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5PH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cultured hippocampal neurons of dystrophic mdx mice respond differently from those of wild type mice to an acute treatment with corticosterone. Exp Cell Res 2020; 386:111715. [PMID: 31711918 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a lethal genetic disease characterised by progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles induced by deficiency of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein expressed in myocytes and in certain neuron populations. The severity of the neurological disorder varies in humans and animal models owing to dysfunction in numerous brain areas, including the hippocampus. Cyclic treatments with high-dose glucocorticoids remain a major pharmacological approach for treating the disease; however, elevated systemic levels of either stress-induced or exogenously administered anti-inflammatory molecules dramatically affect hippocampal activity. In this study, we analysed and compared the response of hippocampal neurons isolated from wild-type and dystrophic mdx mice to acute administration of corticosterone in vitro, without the influence of other glucocorticoid-regulated processes. Our results showed that in neurons of mdx mice, both the genomic and intracellular signalling-mediated responses to corticosterone were affected compared to those in wild-type animals, evoking the characteristic response to detrimental chronic glucocorticoid exposure. Responsiveness to glucocorticoids is, therefore, another function of hippocampal neurons possibly affected by deficiency of Dp427 since embryonic development. Knowing the pivotal role of hippocampus in stress hormone signalling, attention should be paid to the effects that prolonged glucocorticoid treatments may have on this and other brain areas of DMD patients.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dickson PE, Mittleman G. Visual Discrimination, Serial Reversal, and Extinction Learning in the mdx Mouse. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:200. [PMID: 31543764 PMCID: PMC6728792 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy and the most common neuromuscular disorder. In addition to neuromuscular consequences, some individuals with DMD experience global intellectual dysfunction and executive dysfunction of unknown mechanistic origin. The cognitive profile of the mdx mouse, the most commonly used mouse model of DMD, has been incompletely characterized and has never been assessed using the touchscreen operant conditioning paradigm. The touchscreen paradigm allows the use of protocols that are virtually identical to those used in human cognitive testing and may, therefore, provide the most translational paradigm for quantifying mouse cognitive function. In the present study, we used the touchscreen paradigm to assess the effects of the mdx mutation on visual discrimination learning, serial reversal learning, and extinction learning. To enable measuring task-dependent learning and memory processes while holding demands on sensory-driven information processing constant, we developed equally salient visual stimuli and used them on all experimental stages. Acquisition of the initial pairwise visual discrimination was facilitated in mdx mice relative to wildtype littermates; this effect was not explained by genotypic differences in impulsivity, motivation, or motor deficits. The mdx mutation had no effect on serial reversal or extinction learning. Together, findings from this study and previous studies suggest that mdx effects on cognitive function are task-specific and may be influenced by discrimination type (spatial, visual), reward type (food, escape from a non-preferred environment), sex, and genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Mittleman
- Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roles of taurine in cognitive function of physiology, pathologies and toxication. Life Sci 2019; 231:116584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
11
|
Angelini C, Pinzan E. Advances in imaging of brain abnormalities in neuromuscular disease. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419845567. [PMID: 31105770 PMCID: PMC6503605 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419845567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain atrophy, white matter abnormalities, and ventricular enlargement have been
described in different neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). We aimed to provide a
comprehensive overview of the substantial advancement of brain imaging in
neuromuscular diseases by consulting the main libraries (Pubmed,
Scopus and Google Scholar) including the more
common forms of muscular dystrophies such as dystrophinopathies,
dystroglycanopathies, myotonic dystrophies, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy,
limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, congenital myotonia, and congenital myopathies.
A consistent, widespread cortical and subcortical involvement of grey and white
matter was found. Abnormalities in the functional connectivity in brain networks
and metabolic alterations were observed with positron emission tomography (PET)
and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Pathological brain
changes with cognitive dysfunction seemed to be frequently associated in NMDs.
In particular, in congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs), skeletal muscular
weakness, severe hypotonia, WM abnormalities, ventricular dilatation and
abnormalities in cerebral gyration were observed. In dystroglycanopathy 2I subtype (LGMD2I), adult patients showed subcortical
atrophy and a WM periventricular involvement, moderate ventriculomegaly, and
enlargement of subarachnoid spaces. Correlations with clinical features have
been observed with brain imaging characteristics and alterations were prominent
in congenital or childhood onset cases. In myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2)
symptoms seem to be less severe than in type 1 (DM1). In Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD, BMD) cortical atrophy is
associated with minimal ventricular dilatation and WM abnormalities. Late-onset glycogenosis type II (GSD II) or Pompe infantile forms are
characterized by delayed myelination. Only in a few cases of oculopharyngeal
muscular dystrophy (OPMD) central nervous system involvement has been described
and associated with executive functions impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Angelini
- Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS, Via Alberoni 70, Venezia, 30126, Italia
| | - Elena Pinzan
- Fondazione Ospedale San Camillo IRCCS, Venezia, Italia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kogelman B, Khmelinskii A, Verhaart I, van Vliet L, Bink DI, Aartsma-Rus A, van Putten M, van der Weerd L. Influence of full-length dystrophin on brain volumes in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194636. [PMID: 29601589 PMCID: PMC5877835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects besides muscle also the brain, resulting in memory and behavioral problems. The consequences of dystrophinopathy on gross macroscopic alterations are unclear. To elucidate the effect of full-length dystrophin expression on brain morphology, we used high-resolution post-mortem MRI in mouse models that either express 0% (mdx), 100% (BL10) or a low amount of full-length dystrophin (mdx-XistΔhs). While absence or low amounts of full-length dystrophin did not significantly affect whole brain volume and skull morphology, we found differences in volume of individual brain structures. The results are in line with observations in humans, where whole brain volume was found to be reduced only in patients lacking both full-length dystrophin and the shorter isoform Dp140.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bauke Kogelman
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Artem Khmelinskii
- Division of Image Processing, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Percuros B.V., Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Verhaart
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura van Vliet
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diewertje I. Bink
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Putten
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Doorenweerd N, Hooijmans M, Schubert SA, Webb AG, Straathof CSM, van Zwet EW, van Buchem MA, Verschuuren JJGM, Hendriksen JGM, Niks EH, Kan HE. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Indicates Preserved Cerebral Biochemical Composition in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients. J Neuromuscul Dis 2018; 4:53-58. [PMID: 28269793 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-160201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by the absence of dystrophin. DMD is associated with specific learning and behavioural disabilities. In the brain, dystrophin is associated with GABAA receptors and aquaporin-4 in neurons and astrocytes, respectively, but little is known about its function. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS In this study we aimed to compare the biochemical composition between patients and healthy controls in brain regions that are naturally rich in dystrophin using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Given previous conflicting results obtained at clinical field strengths, we obtained data using a 7 Tesla system with associated higher signal-to-noise ratio and spectral resolution. RESULTS Results indicated unchanged biochemical composition in all regions investigated, and increased variance in glutamate in the frontal cortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Doorenweerd
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Hooijmans
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie A Schubert
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew G Webb
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara S M Straathof
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik W van Zwet
- Department of Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A van Buchem
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jos G M Hendriksen
- Department of Neurological Learning Disabilities, Kempenhaeghe Epilepsy Center, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H Niks
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien E Kan
- Department of Radiology, C.J. Gorter Center for High Field MRI, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mavrogeni S, Pons R, Nikas I, Papadopoulos G, Verganelakis DA, Kolovou G, Chrousos GP. Brain and heart magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy in duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Clin Invest 2017; 47. [PMID: 28981141 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscle disorder characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of muscular function. As muscular disease progresses, the repair mechanisms cannot compensate for cellular damage, leading inevitably to necrosis and progressive replacement by fibrous and fatty tissue. Cardiomyopathy and respiratory failure are the main causes of death in DMD. In addition to the well-described muscle and heart disease, cognitive dysfunction affects around 30% of DMD boys. Myocardial fibrosis, assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), is an early marker of heart involvement in both DMD patients and female carriers. In parallel, brain MRI identifies smaller total brain volume, smaller grey matter volume, lower white matter fractional anisotropy and higher white matter radial diffusivity in DMD patients. The in vivo brain evaluation of mdx mice, a surrogate animal model of DMD, showed an increased inorganic phosphate (P(i))/phosphocreatine (PCr) and pH. In this paper, we propose a holistic approach using techniques of magnetic resonance imaging, spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging as a tool to create a "heart and brain imaging map" in DMD patients that could potentially facilitate the patients' risk stratification and also future research studies in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roser Pons
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Nikas
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papadopoulos
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios A Verganelakis
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George P Chrousos
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aranmolate A, Tse N, Colognato H. Myelination is delayed during postnatal brain development in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. BMC Neurosci 2017; 18:63. [PMID: 28806929 PMCID: PMC5556620 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-017-0381-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the loss of the dystrophin component of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) compromises plasma membrane integrity in skeletal muscle, resulting in extensive muscle degeneration. In addition, many DMD patients exhibit brain deficits in which the cellular etiology remains poorly understood. We recently found that dystroglycan, a receptor component of the DGC that binds intracellularly to dystrophin, regulates the development of oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glial cells of the brain. RESULTS We investigated whether dystrophin contributes to oligodendroglial function and brain myelination. We found that oligodendrocytes express up to three dystrophin isoforms, in conjunction with classic DGC components, which are developmentally regulated during differentiation and in response to extracellular matrix engagement. We found that mdx mice, a model of DMD lacking expression of the largest dystrophin isoform, have delayed myelination and inappropriate oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation in the cerebral cortex. When we prevented the expression of all oligodendroglial dystrophin isoforms in cultured oligodendrocytes using RNA interference, we found that later stages of oligodendrocyte maturation were significantly delayed, similar to mdx phenotypes in the developing brain. CONCLUSIONS We find that dystrophin is expressed in oligodendrocytes and influences developmental myelination, which provides new insight into potential cellular contributors to brain dysfunction associated with DMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azeez Aranmolate
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Nathaniel Tse
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Holly Colognato
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rae MG, O'Malley D. Cognitive dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a possible role for neuromodulatory immune molecules. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:1304-15. [PMID: 27385793 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00248.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X chromosome-linked disease characterized by progressive physical disability, immobility, and premature death in affected boys. Underlying the devastating symptoms of DMD is the loss of dystrophin, a structural protein that connects the extracellular matrix to the cell cytoskeleton and provides protection against contraction-induced damage in muscle cells, leading to chronic peripheral inflammation. However, dystrophin is also expressed in neurons within specific brain regions, including the hippocampus, a structure associated with learning and memory formation. Linked to this, a subset of boys with DMD exhibit nonprogressing cognitive dysfunction, with deficits in verbal, short-term, and working memory. Furthermore, in the genetically comparable dystrophin-deficient mdx mouse model of DMD, some, but not all, types of learning and memory are deficient, and specific deficits in synaptogenesis and channel clustering at synapses has been noted. Little consideration has been devoted to the cognitive deficits associated with DMD compared with the research conducted into the peripheral effects of dystrophin deficiency. Therefore, this review focuses on what is known about the role of full-length dystrophin (Dp427) in hippocampal neurons. The importance of dystrophin in learning and memory is assessed, and the potential importance that inflammatory mediators, which are chronically elevated in dystrophinopathies, may have on hippocampal function is also evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark G Rae
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; and
| | - Dervla O'Malley
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; and APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|