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Park KM, Kim KT, Lee DA, Cho YW. Alterations in functional brain connectivity following treatment for restless legs syndrome: The role of symptom improvement in restoring functional connectivity. J Sleep Res 2024:e14303. [PMID: 39098007 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14303] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) remains incompletely understood. Although several studies have investigated the alterations of brain connectivity as one of the pathophysiological mechanisms of RLS, there are only few reports on functional connectivity changes after RLS treatment. Forty-nine patients with newly diagnosed RLS and 50 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) at baseline, and 39 patients underwent follow-up rs-fMRI, 3 months after treatment with pramipexole or pregabalin. Patients were divided into good or poor medication response groups. Functional brain connectivity was analysed using rs-fMRI and graph theoretical analysis. Significant differences in functional connectivity were observed between the RLS patients and healthy controls. The average path length, clustering coefficient, transitivity, and local efficiency were lower (2.02 vs. 2.30, p < 0.001; 0.45 vs. 0.56, p < 0.001; 3.08 vs. 4.21, p < 0.001; and 0.71 vs. 0.76, p < 0.001, respectively) and the global efficiency was higher (0.53 vs. 0.50, p < 0.001) in patients with RLS than in healthy controls. Differences in functional connectivity at the global level were also observed between post- and pre-treatment RLS patients who showed a good medication response. Transitivity in the post-treatment group was higher than that in the pre-treatment group (3.22 vs. 3.04, p = 0.007). Global efficiency was positively correlated with RLS severity (r = 0.377, p = 0.007). This study demonstrates that RLS is associated with distinct alterations in brain connectivity, which can be partially normalised following symptom management. These findings suggest that therapeutic interventions for RLS modulate brain function, emphasising the importance of symptom-focussed treatment in managing RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dong Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
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Antelmi E, Mogavero MP, Lanza G, Cartella SM, Ferini-Strambi L, Plazzi G, Ferri R, Tinazzi M. Sensory aspects of restless legs syndrome: Clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging prospectives. Sleep Med Rev 2024; 76:101949. [PMID: 38749362 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101949] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a complex sensorimotor disorder, classified among the sleep-related movement disorders. Although sensory symptoms appear as key features of the disorder, they are still poorly characterized from a clinical perspective and conceptualized from a pathophysiological point of view. In this review, we aim to describe the clinical and functional substrates of RLS, focusing mainly on its sensory symptoms and on their neurophysiological and anatomical correlates. Knowledge of both subjective sensory symptoms and objective sensory signs are still controversial. Current data also indicate that the sensory component of RLS seems to be subserved by anomalies of sensorimotor integration and by mechanism of central sensitization. Overall, electrophysiological findings highlight the involvement of multiple generators in the pathogenesis of RLS, eventually resulting in an increased nervous system excitability and/or alterations in inhibition within the somatosensory and nociceptive pathways. Structural and functional neuroimaging data show the involvement of several crucial areas and circuits, among which the thalamus appears to play a pivotal role. A holistic approach looking at brain connectivity, structural or functional abnormalities, and their interplay with molecular vulnerability and neurotransmitter alterations is warranted to disentangle the complex framework of RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Antelmi
- Neurology Unit, Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Division, DIMI Department of Engineering and Medicine of Innovation, University of Verona, Italy.
| | - Maria P Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; University of Catania, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandy M Cartella
- Movement Disorders Centre, Department of Neurology, Policlinico "Madonna Della Consolazione", Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Division of Neuroscience, Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS, Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Michele Tinazzi
- Neurology Unit, Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
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3
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Park KM, Kim KT, Lee DA, Motamedi GK, Cho YW. Structural and functional multilayer network analysis in restless legs syndrome patients. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14104. [PMID: 37963544 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14104] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The combination of brain structural and functional connectivity offers complementary insights into its organisation. Multilayer network analysis explores various relationships across different layers within a single system. We aimed to investigate changes in the structural and functional multilayer network in 69 patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) compared with 50 healthy controls. Participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting state-functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) using a three-tesla MRI scanner. We constructed a structural connectivity matrix derived from DTI using a DSI program and made a functional connectivity matrix based on rs-fMRI using an SPM program and CONN toolbox. A multilayer network analysis, using BRAPH program, was then conducted to assess the connectivity patterns in both groups. At the global level, significant differences there were between the patients with RLS and healthy controls. The average multiplex participation was lower in patients with RLS than in healthy controls (0.804 vs. 0.821, p = 0.042). Additionally, several regions showed significant differences in the nodal level in multiplex participation between patients with RLS and healthy controls, particularly the frontal and temporal lobes. The regions affected included the inferior frontal gyrus, medial orbital gyrus, precentral gyrus, rectus gyrus, insula, superior and inferior temporal gyrus, medial and lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, and temporal pole. These results represent evidence of diversity in interactions between structural and functional connectivity in patients with RLS, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the brain network in RLS. This may contribute to a precise diagnosis of RLS, and aid the development of a biomarker to track treatment effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dong Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Gholam K Motamedi
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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4
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Li C, Sun W, Xu L, Chen C, Fang L, Tang Y, Zhang Q, Shi H, Liu T. Cerebral blood flow changes in maintenance hemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome and their clinical significance:a cross-sectional case-control study. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:128. [PMID: 38627680 PMCID: PMC11020200 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03636-w] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Restless legs syndrome (RLS) stands as a prevalent neurological complication within maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, the alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) among MHD-RLS patients remain uncharted. Through the utilization of the arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique, we evaluated the fluctuations in CBF within distinct brain regions and analyzed the risk factors for the development of RLS in MHD patients in the context of the clinic. METHODS Thirty-one MHD patients with concomitant RLS (MHD-RLS group) and thirty-one non-RLS patients matched based on age, gender, as well as cognitive function (MHD-nRLS group) were included. Through image preprocessing and data analysis, the changes in CBF values in distinct brain regions were obtained, and the CBF values of brain regions with substantial differences between the two groups were correlated with the RLS scores. Furthermore, the differences in baseline data were compared, and through the utilization of multifactorial logistic regression, the independent risk factors for the development of RLS were examined. RESULTS Compared with the MHD-nRLS group, the MHD-RLS group had increased CBF in the right superior temporal gyrus, reduced CBF in the right hippocampus, left middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus of right triangle, middle frontal gyrus of left orbit, left precentral gyrus, and left precuneus. Only left precentral gyrus CBF were negatively correlated with RLS scores after correction for dialysis duration(r = -0.436, P = 0.016). Accordingly, multifactorial regression analysis by stepwise method yielded that the left precentral gyrus CBF values(OR: 0.968, 95%CI: 0.944-0.993, P = 0.012) remained an independent risk factor for RLS in MHD patients. In addition, the results showed that hemodialysis duration (OR: 1.055, 95%CI: 1.014-1.098, P = 0.008) and serum iron levels (OR: 0.685, 95%CI: 0.551-0.852, P = 0.001) were also risk factors for the development of RLS. CONCLUSION Patients afflicted with MHD-RLS exhibit alterations in CBF across several brain regions. Notably, the left precentral gyrus might serve as a pivotal region influencing the onset of RLS among MHD patients. Furthermore, extended hemodialysis duration and a relative insufficiency in serum iron levels independently contribute as risk factors for RLS development within the MHD patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Graduate College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linfang Xu
- Hemodialysis Center, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yushang Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoyang Zhang
- Department of Psychology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haifeng Shi
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Tongqiang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Changzhou NO.2, People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Park KM, Kim KT, Lee DA, Cho YW. Alterations of the thalamic nuclei volumes and intrinsic thalamic network in patients with restless legs syndrome. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4415. [PMID: 36932255 PMCID: PMC10023689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31606-8] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the alterations of thalamic nuclei volumes and intrinsic thalamic network in patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) compared to healthy controls. Seventy-one patients with primary RLS and 55 healthy controls were recruited. They underwent brain MRI using a three-tesla MRI scanner, including three-dimensional T1-weighted images. The intrinsic thalamic network was determined using graph theoretical analysis. The right and left whole thalamic volumes, and the right pulvinar inferior, left ventral posterolateral, left medial ventral, and left pulvinar inferior nuclei volumes in the patients with RLS were lower than those in healthy controls (0.433 vs. 0.447%, p = 0.034; 0.482 vs. 0.502%, p = 0.016; 0.013 vs. 0.015%, p = 0.031; 0.062 vs. 0.065%, p = 0.035; 0.001 vs. 0.001%, p = 0.034; 0.018 vs. 0.020%, p = 0.043; respectively). There was also a difference in the intrinsic thalamic network between the groups. The assortative coefficient in patients with RLS was higher than that in healthy controls (0.0318 vs. - 0.0358, p = 0.048). We demonstrated the alterations of thalamic nuclei volumes and intrinsic thalamic network in patients with RLS compared to healthy controls. These changes might be related to RLS pathophysiology and suggest the pivotal role of the thalamus in RLS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1035 Dalgubeoldae-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Korea
| | - Dong Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1035 Dalgubeoldae-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, 42601, Korea.
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Heidbreder A, Trenkwalder C, Bachmann CG, Bartl M, Fulda S, Habersack L, Maihöfner C, Mathis J, Muntean L, Schneider B, Stefani A, Paulus J, Young P. Restless Legs Syndrom. SOMNOLOGIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11818-023-00399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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7
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Park KM, Kim KT, Lee DA, Cho YW. Structural brain connectivity in patients with restless legs syndrome: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Sleep 2022; 45:6575835. [PMID: 35485481 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate alterations of global and local structural brain connectivity in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). METHODS Patients with primary RLS and healthy controls were recruited at a sleep center where they underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain. We calculated the network measures of global and local structural brain connectivity based on the DTI in both groups using DSI studio program and a graph theory. RESULTS A total of 69 patients with primary RLS and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. We found a significant difference in the global structural connectivity between the groups. The transitivity in the patients with RLS was lower than that in healthy controls (0.031 vs. 0.033, p = 0.035). Additionally, there were significant differences in the local structural connectivity between the groups. The characteristic path length (r = 0.283, p = 0.018), radius of graph (r = 0.260, p = 0.030), and diameter of graph (r = 0.280, p = 0.019) were all positively correlated with RLS severity, whereas the mean clustering coefficient (r = -0.327, p = 0.006), global efficiency (r = -0.272, p = 0.023), small-worldness index (r = -0.325, p = 0.006), and transitivity (r = -0.351, p = 0.003) were negatively correlated with RLS severity. CONCLUSION We identified changes in the global structural connectivity of patients with RLS using graph theory based on DTI, which showed decreased segregation in the brain network compared to healthy controls. These changes are well correlated with RLS severity. We also found changes in local structural connectivity, especially in regions involved in sensorimotor function, which suggests that these areas play a pivotal role in RLS. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of RLS symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dong Ah Lee
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
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8
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Khachatryan SG, Ferri R, Fulda S, Garcia-Borreguero D, Manconi M, Muntean ML, Stefani A. Restless legs syndrome: Over 50 years of European contribution. J Sleep Res 2022; 31:e13632. [PMID: 35808955 PMCID: PMC9542244 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor neurological disorder characterised by an urge to move the limbs with a circadian pattern (occurring in the evening/at night), more prominent at rest, and relieved with movements. RLS is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, occurring in 5%-10% of the European population. Thomas Willis first described RLS clinical cases already in the 17th century, and Karl-Axel Ekbom described the disease as a modern clinical entity in the 20th century. Despite variable severity, RLS can markedly affect sleep (partly through the presence of periodic leg movements) and quality of life, with a relevant socio-economic impact. Thus, its recognition and treatment are essential. However, screening methods present limitations and should be improved. Moreover, available RLS treatment options albeit providing sustained relief to many patients are limited in number. Additionally, the development of augmentation with dopamine agonists represents a major treatment problem. A better understanding of RLS pathomechanisms can bring to light novel treatment possibilities. With emerging new avenues of research in pharmacology, imaging, genetics, and animal models of RLS, this is an interesting and constantly growing field of research. This review will update the reader on the current state of RLS clinical practice and research, with a special focus on the contribution of European researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson G Khachatryan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, National Institute of Health, Yerevan, Armenia.,Sleep Disorders Center, Somnus Neurology Clinic, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Stephany Fulda
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Civico, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Mauro Manconi
- Sleep Medicine Unit, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Civico, Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Lucia Muntean
- Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Paracelsus-Elena Klinik, Kassel, Germany
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Sleep Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Park KM, Kim KT, Kang KW, Park JA, Seo JG, Kim J, Chang H, Kim EY, Cho YW. Alterations of Functional Connectivity in Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:290-297. [PMID: 35589318 PMCID: PMC9163943 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.3.290] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological illness marked by a strong desire to move one’s legs, usually in association with uncomfortable sensations. Recent studies have investigated brain networks and connectivity in RLS. The advent of network analysis has greatly improved our understanding of the brain and various neurological disorders. A few studies have investigated alterations in functional connectivity in patients with RLS. This article reviews functional connectivity studies of patients with RLS, which have identified significant alterations relative to healthy controls in several brain networks including thalamic, salience, default-mode, and small-world networks. In addition, network changes related to RLS treatment have been found, including to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous spinal cord direct-current stimulation, and dopaminergic drugs. These findings suggest that the underlying pathogenesis of RLS includes alterations in the functional connectivity in the brain and that RLS is a network disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Min Park
- Department of Neurology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Keun Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kyung Wook Kang
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jung A Park
- Department of Neurology, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jong-Geun Seo
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Chang
- Department of Neurology, Konyang University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Korea
| | - Yong Won Cho
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.
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Tuovinen N, Stefani A, Mitterling T, Heidbreder A, Frauscher B, Gizewski ER, Poewe W, Högl B, Scherfler C. Functional connectivity and topology in patients with restless legs syndrome: a case-control resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Eur J Neurol 2020; 28:448-458. [PMID: 33032390 PMCID: PMC7820983 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background and purpose Functional connectivity studies revealed alterations within thalamic, salience, and default mode networks in restless legs syndrome patients. Methods Eighty‐two patients with restless legs syndrome (untreated, n = 30; on dopaminergic medication, n = 42; on alpha‐2‐delta ligands as mono‐ or polytherapy combined with dopaminergic medication, n = 10), and 82 individually age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were studied with resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Connectivity of 12 resting‐state networks was investigated with independent component analysis, and network topology was studied with graph methods among 410 brain regions. Results Patients with restless legs syndrome showed significantly higher connectivity within salience (p = 0.029), executive (p = 0.001), and cerebellar (p = 0.041) networks, as well as significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐frontal communication compared to controls. In addition, they had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) clustering coefficient and local efficiency in motor and frontal regions; lower clustering coefficient in the central sulcus; and lower local efficiency in the central opercular cortex, temporal, parieto‐occipital, cuneus, and occipital regions compared to controls. Untreated patients had significantly lower (p < 0.05) cerebello‐parietal communication compared to healthy controls. Connectivity between the thalamus and frontal regions was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in patients on dopaminergic medication compared to untreated patients and controls. Conclusions Networks with higher intranetwork connectivity (i.e., salience, executive, cerebellar) and lower cerebello‐frontal connectivity in the restless legs syndrome patients, as well as lower cerebello‐parietal connectivity in untreated patients, correspond to regions associated with attention, response inhibitory control, and processing of sensory information. Intact cerebello‐parietal communication and increased thalamic connectivity to the prefrontal regions in patients on dopaminergic medication suggests a treatment effect on thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tuovinen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - T Mitterling
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neurologie 1, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Neuromed Campus, Linz, Austria.,Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - A Heidbreder
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - B Frauscher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Analytical Neurophysiology Lab, Montreal Neurological Institute & Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - E R Gizewski
- Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - B Högl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - C Scherfler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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11
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Kocar TD, Müller HP, Kassubek J. Differential functional connectivity in thalamic and dopaminergic pathways in restless legs syndrome: a meta-analysis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2020; 13:1756286420941670. [PMID: 32821291 PMCID: PMC7412904 DOI: 10.1177/1756286420941670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder with alterations in somatosensory processing in association with a dysfunctional cerebral network, involving the basal ganglia, limbic network, and sensorimotor pathways. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool to provide in vivo insight into functional processing and as such is of special interest in RLS considering the widespread pattern of networks involved in this disorder. In this meta-analysis of resting state functional MRI studies, we analyzed the preponderance of functional connectivity changes associated with RLS and discussed possible links to sensorimotor dysfunction and somatosensory processing. Methods: A systematic research using the online library PubMed was conducted and a total of seven studies passed the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. The results of these studies were merged and a statistical probability map was generated that indicated the likelihood of functional connectivity changes within the combined cohort, both for increased and decreased connectivity. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated decreased functional connectivity within the dopaminergic network in participants with RLS compared with healthy controls, including the nigrostriatal, mesolimbic, and mesocortical pathways. Increased functional connectivity was observed bilaterally in the thalamus, including its ventral lateral, ventral anterior, and ventral posterior lateral nuclei, and the pulvinar. Discussion: Sensorimotor dysfunction in RLS seems to be reflected by decreased functional connectivity within the dopaminergic pathways. Network extension in the thalamus can be regarded as an adaptation to somatosensory dysfunction in RLS. This differential functional connectivity pattern extends prior findings on cerebral somatosensory processing in RLS and offers an explanation for the efficacy of dopaminergic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, Ulm, 89081, Germany
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de Paiva JPQ, Magalhães SC, Moura LM, Sato JR, Amaro E, Sterr A, Schlaffke L, Eckeli AL, do Prado GF, Conforto AB. Sensorimotor white matter projections and disease severity in primary Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease: a multimodal DTI analysis. Sleep Med 2020; 73:106-116. [PMID: 32805477 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restless Legs Syndrome, a potentially disabling sleep disorder, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (RLS/WED), may be caused by loss of inhibitory modulation of descending central motor pathways, structural changes in the somatosensory cortex, abnormal connectivity between motor and sensory areas, as well as by subtle abnormalities in white matter micro-organization. OBJECTIVE To compare diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in areas associated with sensory or motor function, as well as sensorimotor integration, between subjects with primary mild-to-severe RLS/WED and controls. METHODS DTI metrics were assessed in 38 subjects with RLS/WED (14 mild to moderate, 24 severe to very severe) and 24 healthy age-matched controls with whole-brain Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS), Region-of-interest (ROI) and probabilistic tractography based analyses. The ROIs corresponded to the corticospinal tract (CST) at the level of the cerebral peduncle; the superior, middle and inferior cerebellar peduncles. Subgroup analyses were made according to the severity of RLS/WED symptoms. The corticospinal tract was evaluated with probabilistic tractography. We also explored associations between significant findings and severity of symptoms with the Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS TBSS analysis revealed decreased axial diffusivity (AD) in the left posterior thalamic radiation in RLS/WED. In subjects with severe RLS/WED, AD was reduced in the left posterior corona radiata and this reduction was negatively correlated with severity of symptoms. ROI-based analysis showed that radial diffusivity (RD) was increased in the superior cerebellar peduncles of individuals with severe RLS/WED. Tractography did not show between-group or subgroup differences. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with subtle white matter changes, prominently in RLS/WED subjects with more severe symptoms, in areas related to sensory or motor function, as well as to sensorimotor integration, compared to controls. These findings support the hypothesis, raised by prior pathophysiological studies, of defective integration within these networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselisa Péres Queiroz de Paiva
- Brain Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Imaging Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Samir Câmara Magalhães
- Brain Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Unifor, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Luciana Monteiro Moura
- Imaging Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Ricardo Sato
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Amaro
- Brain Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Imaging Research Center, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Annette Sterr
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Lara Schlaffke
- Department of Neurology, BG University Clinic Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alan Luiz Eckeli
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Bastos Conforto
- Brain Institute, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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