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Lanza G, Salemi M, Mogavero MP, Catania V, Galeano A, Garifoli A, Lanuzza B, Morreale M, Tripodi M, Cantone M, Cappellani F, Concerto C, Rodolico A, Pennisi M, Bella R, Ferri R. Targeting the adenosinergic system in restless legs syndrome: A pilot, "proof-of-concept" placebo-controlled TMS-based protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302829. [PMID: 38728342 PMCID: PMC11086884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs that is responsive to movement (particularly during rest), periodic leg movements during sleep, and hyperarousal. Recent evidence suggests that the involvement of the adenosine system may establish a connection between dopamine and glutamate dysfunction in RLS. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive electrophysiological technique widely applied to explore brain electrophysiology and neurochemistry under different experimental conditions. In this pilot study protocol, we aim to investigate the effects of dipyridamole (a well-known enhancer of adenosinergic transmission) and caffeine (an adenosine receptor antagonist) on measures of cortical excitation and inhibition in response to TMS in patients with primary RLS. Initially, we will assess cortical excitability using both single- and paired-pulse TMS in patients with RLS. Then, based on the measures obtained, we will explore the effects of dipyridamole and caffeine, in comparison to placebo, on various TMS parameters related to cortical excitation and inhibition. Finally, we will evaluate the psycho-cognitive performance of RLS patients to screen them for cognitive impairment and/or mood-behavioral dysfunction, thus aiming to correlate psycho-cognitive findings with TMS data. Overall, this study protocol will be the first to shed lights on the neurophysiological mechanisms of RLS involving the modulation of the adenosine system, thus potentially providing a foundation for innovative "pharmaco-TMS"-based treatments. The distinctive TMS profile observed in RLS holds indeed the potential utility for both diagnosis and treatment, as well as for patient monitoring. As such, it can be considered a target for both novel pharmacological (i.e., drug) and non-pharmacological (e.g., neuromodulatory), "TMS-guided", interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria P. Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Neurology Unit, Policlinico University Hospital “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Cappellani
- Ophtalomolgy Unit, Policlinico University Hospital “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Policlinico University Hospital “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Policlinico University Hospital “G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Lanza G, Mogavero MP, Lanuzza B, Tripodi M, Cantone M, Pennisi M, Bella R, Ferri R. A Topical Review on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Restless Legs Syndrome. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2024; 10:207-216. [DOI: 10.1007/s40675-024-00282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
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Abstract
Sleep homeostasis is a complex neurobiologic phenomenon involving a number of molecular pathways, neurotransmitter release, synaptic activity, and factors modulating neural networks. Sleep plasticity allows for homeostatic optimization of neural networks and the replay-based consolidation of specific circuits, especially important for cognition, behavior, and information processing. Furthermore, research is currently moving from an essentially brain-focused to a more comprehensive view involving other systems, such as the immune system, hormonal status, and metabolic pathways. When dysfunctional, these systems contribute to sleep loss and fragmentation as well as to sleep need. In this chapter, the implications of neural plasticity and sleep homeostasis for the diagnosis and treatment of some major sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder, and narcolepsy are discussed in detail with their therapeutical implications. This chapter highlights that sleep is necessary for the maintenance of an optimal brain function and is sensitive to both genetic background and environmental enrichment. Even in pathologic conditions, sleep acts as a resilient plastic state that consolidates prior information and prioritizes network activity for efficient brain functioning.
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Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, Alonso-Navarro H, García-Martín E, Agúndez JAG. Association between restless legs syndrome and peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2423-2442. [PMID: 33772991 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The coexistence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease is relatively frequent, but its prevalence has shown a high variability across studies. In addition, several reports have shown data suggesting the presence of PN in patients with idiopathic RLS. METHODS A search was undertaken using the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science Databases, from 1966 to 6 December 2020, crossing the search term 'restless legs syndrome' with 'neuropathy', 'polyneuropathy' (PNP) and 'peripheral neuropathy', and the references of interest for this topic were identified; a meta-analysis was performed, according to PRISMA guidelines, and a calculation of pooled prevalences, where appropriate, was made using standard methods. RESULTS Restless legs syndrome has been reported in 5.2%-53.7% of patients with PN (average 21.5%; 95% confidence interval 18.6%-24.5%), and PN has been reported in 0%-87.5% of patients with RLS (average 41.8%; 95% confidence interval 39.9%-43.6%), both being significantly more frequent than in controls. The heterogeneity across studies could be due to differences in the diagnostic criteria used for both RLS and PN. RLS is a frequent clinical complaint in patients with PN of different aetiologies, mainly diabetic PN, uraemic PNP, familial amyloid PNP, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and chronic dysimmune inflammatory PNP. Recent neurophysiological findings suggest the presence of small sensory fibre loss in patients diagnosed with idiopathic RLS, but it remains to be determined whether RLS associated with small sensory fibre loss and idiopathic RLS are different clinical entities. CONCLUSIONS Future studies including clinical and neurophysiological assessment and skin biopsy involving a large series of patients with PN and RLS are needed for a better understanding of the association between these two entities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena García-Martín
- UNEx, ARADyAL Instituto de Salud Carlos III, University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José A G Agúndez
- UNEx, ARADyAL Instituto de Salud Carlos III, University Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Cáceres, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95125, Catania, Italy; Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95125, Catania, Italy; Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Anna Scalise
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Udine, P.le Santa Maria della Misericordia, 15, 33100, Udine, Italy.
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Seok HY, Do SY, Motamedi GK, Cho YW. Symptom‐related changes in current perception threshold of restless legs syndrome. J Sleep Res 2019; 29:e12890. [DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hung Youl Seok
- Department of Neurology Dongsan Medical Center School of Medicine Keimyung University Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Do
- Department of Neurology Dongsan Medical Center School of Medicine Keimyung University Daegu Republic of Korea
| | - Gholam K. Motamedi
- Department of Neurology Georgetown University Hospital Washington DC USA
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology Dongsan Medical Center School of Medicine Keimyung University Daegu Republic of Korea
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Lanza G, Ferri R. The neurophysiology of hyperarousal in restless legs syndrome: Hints for a role of glutamate/GABA. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2019; 84:101-119. [PMID: 31229167 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensory-motor circadian disorder, whose basic components include urge to move the legs, unpleasant sensory experience, and periodic leg movements during sleep, all associated with an enhancement of the individual's arousal state. Brain iron deficiency (BID) is considered to be a key initial pathobiological factor, based on alterations of iron acquisition by the brain, also moderated by genetic factors. In addition to the well-known dopaminergic involvement in RLS, previous studies pointed out that BID brings also a hyperglutamatergic state that influences a dysfunctional cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuit in genetically vulnerable individuals. However, the enhancement of arousal mechanisms in RLS may also be explained by functional changes of the ascending arousal systems and by deficitary GABA-mediated inhibitory control. Very recently, it was also suggested that BID induces a hypoadenosinergic state in RLS, thus possibly providing a link for a putative unified pathophysiological mechanism accounting for both hyperarousal and sensory-motor signs. Consequently, RLS might be viewed as a multitransmitter neurochemical disorder, globally resulting in enhanced excitability and decreased inhibition. In this framework, understanding the complex interaction of different neuronal circuits in generating the symptoms of RLS is mandatory both for a better diagnostic refinement and for an innovative therapeutic support. Notably, multiple neurotransmission dysfunction, either primary or triggered by BID, may also bridge the gap between RLS and other chronic pain disorders. This chapter summarizes the current experimental and clinical findings into a heuristic model of the electrophysiology and neurochemistry underlying RLS.
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Lanza G, Cantone M, Aricò D, Lanuzza B, Cosentino FII, Paci D, Papotto M, Pennisi M, Bella R, Pennisi G, Paulus W, Ferri R. Clinical and electrophysiological impact of repetitive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation on the sensory-motor network in patients with restless legs syndrome. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018. [PMID: 29511386 DOI: 10.1177/1756285618759973.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Based on the hyperexcitability and disinhibition observed in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we conducted a study with low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) over the primary motor (M1) and somatosensory cortical areas (S1) in patients with RLS. Methods A total of 13 right-handed patients and 10 age-matched controls were studied using clinical scales and TMS. Measurements included resting motor threshold (rMT), motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), and central motor conduction time (CMCT). A single evening session of rTMS (1 Hz, 20 trains, 50 stimuli each) was administered over the left M1, left S1, and sham stimulation over M1 in a random order. Clinical and TMS measures were repeated after each stimulation modality. Results Baseline CSP was shorter in patients than in controls and remained shorter in patients for both motor and somatosensory stimulation. The patients reported a subjective improvement of both initiating and maintaining sleep the night after the rTMS over S1. Patients exhibited a decrease in rMT after rTMS of S1 only, although the effect was smaller than in controls. MEP latency and CMCT changed only in controls after stimulation. Sham stimulation was without effect on the observed variables. Conclusions rTMS on S1-M1 connectivity alleviated the sensory-motor complaints of RLS patients. The TMS indexes of excitation and inhibition indicate an intracortical and corticospinal imbalance, mainly involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic circuitries, as well as an impairment of the short-term mechanisms of cortical plasticity. The rTMS-induced activation of the dorsal striatum with the consequent increase of dopamine release may have contributed to the clinical and neurophysiological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS Via Conte Ruggero, 73 - 94018, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'GF Ingrassia', Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pennisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Lanza G, Cantone M, Aricò D, Lanuzza B, Cosentino FII, Paci D, Papotto M, Pennisi M, Bella R, Pennisi G, Paulus W, Ferri R. Clinical and electrophysiological impact of repetitive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation on the sensory-motor network in patients with restless legs syndrome. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418759973. [PMID: 29511386 PMCID: PMC5833163 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418759973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on the hyperexcitability and disinhibition observed in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we conducted a study with low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) over the primary motor (M1) and somatosensory cortical areas (S1) in patients with RLS. METHODS A total of 13 right-handed patients and 10 age-matched controls were studied using clinical scales and TMS. Measurements included resting motor threshold (rMT), motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical silent period (CSP), and central motor conduction time (CMCT). A single evening session of rTMS (1 Hz, 20 trains, 50 stimuli each) was administered over the left M1, left S1, and sham stimulation over M1 in a random order. Clinical and TMS measures were repeated after each stimulation modality. RESULTS Baseline CSP was shorter in patients than in controls and remained shorter in patients for both motor and somatosensory stimulation. The patients reported a subjective improvement of both initiating and maintaining sleep the night after the rTMS over S1. Patients exhibited a decrease in rMT after rTMS of S1 only, although the effect was smaller than in controls. MEP latency and CMCT changed only in controls after stimulation. Sham stimulation was without effect on the observed variables. CONCLUSIONS rTMS on S1-M1 connectivity alleviated the sensory-motor complaints of RLS patients. The TMS indexes of excitation and inhibition indicate an intracortical and corticospinal imbalance, mainly involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic circuitries, as well as an impairment of the short-term mechanisms of cortical plasticity. The rTMS-induced activation of the dorsal striatum with the consequent increase of dopamine release may have contributed to the clinical and neurophysiological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pennisi
- Department of Surgery and Medical–Surgical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Lanza G, Bachmann CG, Ghorayeb I, Wang Y, Ferri R, Paulus W. Central and peripheral nervous system excitability in restless legs syndrome. Sleep Med 2017; 31:49-60. [PMID: 27745789 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurophysiological techniques have been applied in restless legs syndrome (RLS) to obtain direct and indirect measures of central and peripheral nervous system excitability, as well as to probe different neurotransmission pathways. Data converge on the hypothesis that, from a pure electrophysiological perspective, RLS should be regarded as a complex sensorimotor disorder in which cortical, subcortical, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve generators are all involved in a network disorder, resulting in an enhanced excitability and/or decreased inhibition. Although the spinal component may have dominated in neurophysiological assessment, possibly because of better accessibility compared to the brainstem or cerebral components of a hypothetical dysfunction of the diencephalic A11 area, multiple mechanisms, such as reduced central inhibition and abnormal peripheral nerve function, contribute to the pathogenesis of RLS similarly to some chronic pain conditions. Dopamine transmission dysfunction, either primary or triggered by low iron and ferritin concentrations, may also bridge the gap between RLS and chronic pain entities. Further support of disturbed central and peripheral excitability in RLS is provided by the effectiveness of nonpharmacological tools, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, in transiently modulating neural excitability, thereby extending the therapeutic repertoire. Understanding the complex interaction of central and peripheral neuronal circuits in generating the symptoms of RLS is mandatory for a better refinement of its therapeutic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lanza
- Sleep Research Center, I.R.C.C.S. "Oasi Maria SS.", Troina, Italy.
| | | | - Imad Ghorayeb
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; CNRS, INCIA, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Raffale Ferri
- Sleep Research Center, I.R.C.C.S. "Oasi Maria SS.", Troina, Italy
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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