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Kon T, Ichimata S, Di Luca DG, Martinez-Valbuena I, Kim A, Yoshida K, Alruwaita AA, Kleiner G, Strafella AP, Forrest SL, Sato C, Rogaeva E, Fox SH, Lang AE, Kovacs GG. Multiple system atrophy with amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae141. [PMID: 38712319 PMCID: PMC11073746 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease with α-synuclein pathology predominating in the striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems. Mixed pathologies are considered to be of low frequency and mostly comprise primary age-related tauopathy or low levels of Alzheimer's disease-related neuropathologic change. Therefore, the concomitant presence of different misfolded proteins in the same brain region is less likely in multiple system atrophy. During the neuropathological evaluation of 21 consecutive multiple system atrophy cases, we identified four cases exhibiting an unusual discrepancy between high Thal amyloid-β phase and low transentorhinal Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage. We mapped α-synuclein pathology, measured the size and number of glial cytoplasmic inclusions and compared the amyloid-β peptides between multiple system atrophy and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we performed α-synuclein seeding assay from the affected putamen samples. We performed genetic testing for APOE, MAPT, PSEN1, PSEN2 and APP. We refer to the four multiple system atrophy cases with discrepancy between amyloid-β and tau pathology as 'amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy' to distinguish these from multiple system atrophy with primary age-related tauopathy or multiple system atrophy with typical Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. As most multiple system atrophy cases with mixed pathologies reported in the literature, these cases did not show a peculiar clinical or MRI profile. Three amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy cases were available for genetic testing, and all carried the APOE ɛ4 allele. The extent and severity of neuronal loss and α-synuclein pathology were not different compared with typical multiple system atrophy cases. Analysis of amyloid-β peptides revealed more premature amyloid-β plaques in amyloid-β-predominant Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change-multiple system atrophy compared with Alzheimer's disease. α-Synuclein seeding amplification assay showed differences in the kinetics in two cases. This study highlights a rare mixed pathology variant of multiple system atrophy in which there is an anatomical meeting point of amyloid-β and α-synuclein, i.e. the striatum or cerebellum. Since biomarkers are entering clinical practice, these cases will be recognized, and the clinicians have to be informed that the prognosis is not necessarily different than in pure multiple system atrophy cases but that the effect of potential α-synuclein-based therapies might be influenced by the co-presence of amyloid-β in regions where α-synuclein also aggregates. We propose that mixed pathologies should be interpreted not only based on differences in the clinical phenotype but also on whether protein depositions regionally overlap, potentially leading to a different response to α-synuclein-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kon
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Shojiro Ichimata
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Daniel G Di Luca
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ivan Martinez-Valbuena
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Koji Yoshida
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Abdullah A Alruwaita
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Neurology Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Galit Kleiner
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Movement Disorders and Spasticity Management Clinic, Pamela and Paul Austin Centre for Neurology and Behavioral Support, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, ON M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - Antonio P Strafella
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Shelley L Forrest
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Christine Sato
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Rogaeva
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Susan H Fox
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Edmund J Safra Program in Parkinson’s Disease and Rossy Program in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program & Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Wakabayashi K, Miki Y, Tanji K, Mori F. Neuropathology of Multiple System Atrophy, a Glioneuronal Degenerative Disease. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:2-12. [PMID: 35474048 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal disease characterized pathologically by the widespread occurrence of aggregated α-synuclein in the oligodendrocytes referred to as glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). α-Synuclein aggregates are also found in the oligodendroglial nuclei and neuronal cytoplasm and nuclei. It is uncertain whether the primary source of α-synuclein in GCIs is originated from neurons or oligodendrocytes. Accumulating evidence suggests that there are two degenerative processes in this disease. One possibility is that numerous GCIs are associated with the impairment of oligo-myelin-axon-neuron complex, and the other is that neuronal inclusion pathology is also a primary event from the early stage. Both oligodendrocytes and neurons may be primarily affected in MSA, and the damage of one cell type contributes to the degeneration of the other. Vesicle-mediated transport plays a key role in the nuclear translocation of α-synuclein as well as in the formation of glial and neuronal α-synuclein inclusions. Recent studies have shown that impairment of autophagy can occur along with or as a result of α-synuclein accumulation in the brain of MSA and Lewy body disease. Activated autophagy may be implicated in the therapeutic approach for α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan.
| | - Yasuo Miki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Tanji
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Mori
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
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3
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Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Multiple System Atrophy. PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2023; 2023:8888255. [PMID: 36923711 PMCID: PMC10010875 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8888255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore morphological changes of hippocampal subfields in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) with and without cognitive impairment using FreeSurfer-automated segmentation of hippocampal subfield techniques and their relationship with cognitive function. We enrolled 75 patients with MSA classified as cognitively impaired MSA (MSA-CI, n = 40) and cognitively preserved MSA (MSA-CP, n = 35), as well as 68 healthy controls. All participants underwent three-dimensional volume T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The hippocampal subfield volume was measured using FreeSurfer version 7.2 and compared among groups. Regression analyses were performed between the hippocampal subfield volumes and cognitive variables. Compared with healthy controls, the volume of the right cornu ammonis (CA) 2/3 was significantly lower in the MSA-CI group (P=0.029) and that of the left fimbria was significantly higher in the MSA-CP group (P=0.046). Results of linear regression analysis showed that the right CA2/3 volume was significantly correlated with the Frontal Assessment Battery score in patients with MSA (adjusted R 2 = 0.282, β = 0.227, and P=0.041). The hippocampal subfield volume decreased in patients with MSA-CI, even at the early disease stages. Specific structural changes in the hippocampus might be associated with cognitive deficits in MSA.
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Heterogeneity of Multiple System Atrophy: An Update. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030599. [PMID: 35327402 PMCID: PMC8945102 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease of uncertain etiology, clinically characterized by various combinations of Levodopa unresponsive parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic and motor dysfunctions. The morphological hallmark of this α-synucleinopathy is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in both glia, mainly oligodendroglia (glial cytoplasmic inclusions /GCIs/) and neurons, associated with glioneuronal degeneration of the striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar and many other neuronal systems. Typical phenotypes are MSA with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) and a cerebellar variant (MSA-C) with olivocerebellar atrophy. However, MSA can present with a wider range of clinical and pathological features than previously thought. In addition to rare combined or “mixed” MSA, there is a broad spectrum of atypical MSA variants, such as those with a different age at onset and disease duration, “minimal change” or prodromal forms, MSA variants with Lewy body disease or severe hippocampal pathology, rare forms with an unusual tau pathology or spinal myoclonus, an increasing number of MSA cases with cognitive impairment/dementia, rare familial forms, and questionable conjugal MSA. These variants that do not fit into the current classification of MSA are a major challenge for the diagnosis of this unique proteinopathy. Although the clinical diagnostic accuracy and differential diagnosis of MSA have improved by using combined biomarkers, its distinction from clinically similar extrapyramidal disorders with other pathologies and etiologies may be difficult. These aspects should be taken into consideration when revising the current diagnostic criteria. This appears important given that disease-modifying treatment strategies for this hitherto incurable disorder are under investigation.
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Koga S, Sekiya H, Kondru N, Ross OA, Dickson DW. Neuropathology and molecular diagnosis of Synucleinopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:83. [PMID: 34922583 PMCID: PMC8684287 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00501-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are clinically and pathologically heterogeneous disorders characterized by pathologic aggregates of α-synuclein in neurons and glia, in the form of Lewy bodies, Lewy neurites, neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, and glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Synucleinopathies can be divided into two major disease entities: Lewy body disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Common clinical presentations of Lewy body disease are Parkinson's disease (PD), PD with dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), while MSA has two major clinical subtypes, MSA with predominant cerebellar ataxia and MSA with predominant parkinsonism. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies for the synucleinopathies, but information obtained from molecular genetics and models that explore mechanisms of α-synuclein conversion to pathologic oligomers and insoluble fibrils offer hope for eventual therapies. It remains unclear how α-synuclein can be associated with distinct cellular pathologies (e.g., Lewy bodies and glial cytoplasmic inclusions) and what factors determine neuroanatomical and cell type vulnerability. Accumulating evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments suggests that α-synuclein species derived from Lewy body disease and MSA are distinct "strains" having different seeding properties. Recent advancements in in vitro seeding assays, such as real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) and protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), not only demonstrate distinct seeding activity in the synucleinopathies, but also offer exciting opportunities for molecular diagnosis using readily accessible peripheral tissue samples. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural studies of α-synuclein derived from recombinant or brain-derived filaments provide new insight into mechanisms of seeding in synucleinopathies. In this review, we describe clinical, genetic and neuropathologic features of synucleinopathies, including a discussion of the evolution of classification and staging of Lewy body disease. We also provide a brief discussion on proposed mechanisms of Lewy body formation, as well as evidence supporting the existence of distinct α-synuclein strains in Lewy body disease and MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, FL 32224 Jacksonville, USA
| | - Hiroaki Sekiya
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, FL 32224 Jacksonville, USA
| | - Naveen Kondru
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, FL 32224 Jacksonville, USA
| | - Owen A. Ross
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, FL 32224 Jacksonville, USA
| | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, FL 32224 Jacksonville, USA
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6
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Ando T, Riku Y, Akagi A, Miyahara H, Hirano M, Ikeda T, Yabata H, Koizumi R, Oba C, Morozumi S, Yasui K, Goto A, Katayama T, Sakakibara S, Aiba I, Sakai M, Konagaya M, Mori K, Ito Y, Yuasa H, Nomura M, Porto KJL, Mitsui J, Tsuji S, Mimuro M, Hashizume Y, Katsuno M, Iwasaki Y, Yoshida M. Multiple system atrophy variant with severe hippocampal pathology. Brain Pathol 2021; 32:e13002. [PMID: 34255887 PMCID: PMC8713529 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems are known to be vulnerable in multiple system atrophy (MSA), showing neuronal loss, astrogliosis, and alpha‐synuclein‐immunoreactive inclusions. MSA patients who displayed abundant neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) in the regions other than the striatonigral or olivopontocerebellar system have occasionally been diagnosed with variants of MSA. In this study, we report clinical and pathologic findings of MSA patients characterized by prominent pathologic involvement of the hippocampus. We assessed 146 consecutively autopsied MSA patients. Semi‐quantitative analysis of anti‐alpha‐synuclein immunohistochemistry revealed that 12 of 146 patients (8.2%) had severe NCIs in two or more of the following areas: the hippocampal granule cells, cornu ammonis areas, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala. In contrast, the remaining 134 patients did not show severe NCIs in any of these regions. Patients with severe hippocampal involvement showed a higher representation of women (nine women/three men; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0324), longer disease duration (13.1 ± 5.9 years; Mann–Whitney U‐test, p = 0.000157), higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (four patients; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0222), and lower brain weight (1070.3 ± 168.6 g; Mann–Whitney U‐test, p = 0.00911) than other patients. The hippocampal granule cells and cornu ammonis area 1/subiculum almost always showed severe NCIs. The NCIs appeared to be ring‐shaped or neurofibrillary tangle‐like, fibrous configurations. Three of 12 patients also had dense, round‐shaped NCIs that were morphologically similar to pick bodies. The patients with Pick body‐like inclusions showed more severe atrophy of the medial temporal lobes and broader spreading of NCIs than those without. Immunohistochemistry for hyperphosphorylated tau and phosphorylated TDP‐43 revealed minimal aggregations in the hippocampus of the hippocampal MSA patients. Our observations suggest a pathological variant of MSA that is characterized by severe involvement of hippocampal neurons. This phenotype may reinforce the importance of neuronal alpha‐synucleinopathy in the pathogenesis of MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ando
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Akio Akagi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyahara
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Hirano
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Ikeda
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yabata
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ohtsu, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Neurology and Stroke Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chisato Oba
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Saori Morozumi
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keizo Yasui
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya Daini Red Cross Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsuko Goto
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Higashinagoya National Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taiji Katayama
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Higashinagoya National Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoko Sakakibara
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Higashinagoya National Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ikuko Aiba
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Higashinagoya National Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoko Sakai
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Suzuka National Hospital, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Konagaya
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Suzuka National Hospital, Suzuka, Japan
| | - Keiko Mori
- Department of Neurology, Oyamada Memorial Spa Hospital, Yokkaichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ito
- Department of Neurology, Toyota Memorial Hospital, Toyota, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yuasa
- Department of Neurology, Tosei General Hospital, Seto, Japan
| | - Masayo Nomura
- Department of Neurology, Kainan Hospital Aichi Prefectural Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives, Yatomi, Japan
| | - Kristine Joyce L Porto
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Mitsui
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoji Tsuji
- Department of Molecular Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maya Mimuro
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hashizume
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Masahisa Katsuno
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
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Mori F, Miki Y, Tanji K, Kon T, Tomiyama M, Kakita A, Wakabayashi K. Role of VAPB and vesicular profiles in α-synuclein aggregates in multiple system atrophy. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e13001. [PMID: 34196429 PMCID: PMC8549028 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is fibrillary aggregates of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) in the cytoplasm and nucleus of both oligodendrocytes and neurons. In neurons, α‐Syn localizes to the cytosolic and membrane compartments, including the synaptic vesicles, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). α‐Syn binds to vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐binding protein B (VAPB) in the ER membrane. Overexpression of wild‐type and familial Parkinson's disease mutant α‐Syn perturbs the association between the ER and mitochondria, leading to ER stress and ultimately neurodegeneration. We examined brains from MSA patients (n = 7) and control subjects (n = 5) using immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy with antibodies against VAPB and phosphorylated α‐Syn. In controls, the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells was positive for VAPB, whereas in MSA lesions VAPB immunoreactivity was decreased. The proportion of VAPB‐negative neurons in the pontine nucleus was significantly higher in MSA (13.6%) than in controls (0.6%). The incidence of cytoplasmic inclusions in VAPB‐negative neurons was significantly higher (42.2%) than that in VAPB‐positive neurons (3.6%); 67.2% of inclusion‐bearing oligodendrocytes and 51.1% of inclusion‐containing neurons were negative for VAPB. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that α‐Syn and VAPB were localized to granulofilamentous structures in the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes and neurons. Many vesicular structures labeled with anti‐α‐Syn were also observed within the granulofilamentous structures in the cytoplasm and nucleus of both oligodendrocytes and neurons. These findings suggest that, in MSA, reduction of VAPB is involved in the disease process and that vesicular structures are associated with inclusion formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Mori
- Department of Neuropathology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yasuo Miki
- Department of Neuropathology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Tanji
- Department of Neuropathology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kon
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tomiyama
- Department of Neurology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
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8
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Jellinger KA. Neuropathological findings in multiple system atrophy with cognitive impairment. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:1031-1039. [PMID: 32367182 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02201-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI), previously considered an exclusion criterium for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) according to the second consensus criteria, is not uncommon in MSA. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been reported in up to 47% of MSA patients, while severe dementia is rare. We related clinical CI with neuropathological findings in 48 autopsy-proven cases of MSA. This retrospective study included 33 parkinsonism predominant MSA (MSA-P), and 15 cerebellar ataxia-predominant MSA (MSA-C) cases (mean age at death 60.5 ± 7.8; range 46-82 years). Cognitive state was assessed from hospital charts, however, without comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Neuropathological examination, in addition to grading of the MSA pathologies, included semiquantitative assessment of Lewy and Alzheimer-related co-pathologies. Their incidence was compared with 143 age-matched controls (mean age 60.5 ± 7.6 years). MCI reported in ten cases (20.8%) was associated with moderate cortical tau pathology in only three; moderate CI in seven patients (14.5%) was associated with cortical amyloid plaques and moderate cortical tau pathology in six each, and one with probable primary age-related tauopathy (PART); a female aged 82 years with severe dementia showed fully developed Alzheimer disease. Cortical amyloid plaques, observed in eight cases, three of them without tau pathology, were associated with clinical MCI, as was cortical Lewy pathology in five. Two cases with cortical Lewy pathology and neuritic Braak stages II and III, and three with Braak stage IV, without cortical Lewy bodies, had shown moderate CI. Cortical Lewy pathology observed in four cases was not associated with clinical CI. 77.1% of the MSA cases were free of Alzheimer-type lesions, compared to 42% of controls; while Lewy pathology in the MSA cohort (22.9%) was significantly higher than in the control group (8.4%) both p < 0.001. Mild-to-moderate CI, reported in 35.3% of MSA patients, being significantly older than those without CI, were frequently associated with cortical Alzheimer (Braak stages III and IV) and Lewy pathologies, while only one with severe dementia had fully developed Alzheimer disease. In view of these findings in a limited series of MSA patients, further studies to elucidate the pathological basis of cognitive impairment in MSA are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, 1150, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Jao CW, Soong BW, Huang CW, Duan CA, Wu CC, Wu YT, Wang PS. Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiating Multiple System Atrophy Cerebellar Type and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E354. [PMID: 31817016 PMCID: PMC6956111 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9120354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy cerebellar type (MSA-C) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) demonstrate similar manifestations, including ataxia, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, as well as atrophy and signal intensity changes in the cerebellum and brainstem. MSA-C and SCA3 cannot be clinically differentiated through T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone; therefore, clinical consensus criteria and genetic testing are also required. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure water molecular diffusion of white matter and investigate the difference between MSA-C and SCA3. Four measurements were calculated from DTI images, including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD). Fifteen patients with MSA-C, 15 patients with SCA3, and 30 healthy individuals participated in this study. Both patient groups demonstrated a significantly decreased FA but a significantly increased AD, RD, and MD in the cerebello-ponto-cerebral tracts. Moreover, patients with SCA3 demonstrated a significant decrease in FA but more significant increases in AD, RD, and MD in the cerebello-cerebral tracts than patients with MSAC. Our results may suggest that FA and MD can be effectively used for differentiating SCA3 and MSA-C, both of which are cerebellar ataxias and have many common atrophied regions in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wen Jao
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (C.-W.J.); (C.-W.H.); (C.-A.D.)
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Shin-Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Wen Soong
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11041, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wen Huang
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (C.-W.J.); (C.-W.H.); (C.-A.D.)
| | - Chien-An Duan
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (C.-W.J.); (C.-W.H.); (C.-A.D.)
| | - Chih-Chun Wu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Te Wu
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (C.-W.J.); (C.-W.H.); (C.-A.D.)
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shan Wang
- Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan; (C.-W.J.); (C.-W.H.); (C.-A.D.)
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- The Neurological Institute, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei 11261, Taiwan
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Yang H, Wang N, Luo X, Lv H, Liu H, Fan G. Altered functional connectivity of dentate nucleus in parkinsonian and cerebellar variants of multiple system atrophy. Brain Imaging Behav 2019; 13:1733-1745. [DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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11
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an orphan, fatal, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder of uncertain etiology that is clinically characterized by various combinations of parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic, and motor dysfunction. MSA is an α-synucleinopathy with specific glioneuronal degeneration involving striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar, and autonomic nervous systems but also other parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The major clinical variants correlate with the morphologic phenotypes of striatonigral degeneration (MSA-P) and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (MSA-C). While our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of this devastating disease is still incomplete, updated consensus criteria and combined fluid and imaging biomarkers have increased its diagnostic accuracy. The neuropathologic hallmark of this unique proteinopathy is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in both glia (mainly oligodendroglia) and neurons forming glial and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions that cause cell dysfunction and demise. In addition, there is widespread demyelination, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. The pathogenesis of MSA is characterized by propagation of misfolded α-synuclein from neurons to oligodendroglia and cell-to-cell spreading in a "prion-like" manner, oxidative stress, proteasomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of myelin lipids, decreased neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and energy failure. The combination of these mechanisms finally results in a system-specific pattern of neurodegeneration and a multisystem involvement that are specific for MSA. Despite several pharmacological approaches in MSA models, addressing these pathogenic mechanisms, no effective neuroprotective nor disease-modifying therapeutic strategies are currently available. Multidisciplinary research to elucidate the genetic and molecular background of the deleterious cycle of noxious processes, to develop reliable biomarkers and targets for effective treatment of this hitherto incurable disorder is urgently needed.
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Saito M, Hara M, Ebashi M, Morita A, Okada K, Homma T, Sugitani M, Endo K, Uchihara T, Kamei S. Perirhinal accumulation of neuronal alpha-synuclein in a multiple system atrophy patient with dementia. Neuropathology 2017; 37:431-440. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Saito
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Makoto Hara
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
- Laboratory of Structural Neuropathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Momoko Ebashi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Akihiko Morita
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kyoko Okada
- Division of Morphological and Functional Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Taku Homma
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiko Sugitani
- Division of Morphological and Functional Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Kentaro Endo
- Histology Center; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Toshiki Uchihara
- Laboratory of Structural Neuropathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science; Tokyo Japan
| | - Satoshi Kamei
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine; Nihon University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
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13
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Yang W, Yu S. Synucleinopathies: common features and hippocampal manifestations. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:1485-1501. [PMID: 27826641 PMCID: PMC11107502 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are three major synucleinopathies characterized by α-synuclein-containing inclusions in the brains of patients. Because the cell types and brain structures that are affected vary markedly between the disorders, the patients have different clinical manifestations in addition to some overlapping symptoms, which are the basis for differential diagnosis. Cognitive impairment and depression associated with hippocampal dysfunction are frequently observed in these disorders. While various α-synuclein-containing inclusions are found in the hippocampal formation, increasing evidence supports that small α-synuclein aggregates or oligomers may be the real culprit, causing deficits in neurotransmission and neurogenesis in the hippocampus and related brain regions, which constitute the major mechanism for the hippocampal dysfunctions and associated neuropsychiatric manifestations in synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Shun Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, 45 Changchun Street, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Beijing, China.
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Homma T, Mochizuki Y, Komori T, Isozaki E. Frequent globular neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the medial temporal region as a possible characteristic feature in multiple system atrophy with dementia. Neuropathology 2016; 36:421-431. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taku Homma
- Department of Pathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital; Fuchu Tokyo Japan
- Department of Pathology; Nihon University School of Medicine; Itabashi Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoko Mochizuki
- Department of Pathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital; Fuchu Tokyo Japan
- Department of Neurology; Tokyo Metropolitan Kita Medical and Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled; Kita-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Takashi Komori
- Department of Pathology; Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital; Fuchu Tokyo Japan
| | - Eiji Isozaki
- Department of Neurology; Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital; Fuchu-shi Tokyo Japan
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15
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Lee MJ, Shin JH, Seoung JK, Lee JH, Yoon U, Oh JH, Jung DS, Kim EJ. Cognitive impairments associated with morphological changes in cortical and subcortical structures in multiple system atrophy of the cerebellar type. Eur J Neurol 2015; 23:92-100. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Lee
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute; Busan Korea
| | - J.-H. Shin
- Department of Bio-convergence Engineering; Korea University College of Health Science; Seoul Korea
| | - J.-K. Seoung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Korea University College of Health Science; Seoul Korea
| | - J.-H. Lee
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute; Yangsan Korea
| | - U. Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Catholic University of Daegu; Gyeongsan Korea
| | - J.-H. Oh
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute; Busan Korea
| | - D. S. Jung
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute; Busan Korea
| | - E.-J. Kim
- Department of Neurology; Pusan National University Hospital; Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute; Busan Korea
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Atypical multiple system atrophy is a new subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration: frontotemporal lobar degeneration associated with α-synuclein. Acta Neuropathol 2015; 130:93-105. [PMID: 25962793 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by cerebellar signs, parkinsonism, and autonomic dysfunction. Pathologically, MSA is an α-synucleinopathy affecting striatonigral and olivopontocerebellar systems, while neocortical and limbic involvement is usually minimal. In this study, we describe four patients with atypical MSA with clinical features consistent with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), including two with corticobasal syndrome, one with progressive non-fluent aphasia, and one with behavioral variant FTD. None had autonomic dysfunction. All had frontotemporal atrophy and severe limbic α-synuclein neuronal pathology. The neuronal inclusions were heterogeneous, but included Pick body-like inclusions. The latter were strongly associated with neuronal loss in the hippocampus and amygdala. Unlike typical Pick bodies, the neuronal inclusions were positive on Gallyas silver stain and negative on tau immunohistochemistry. In comparison to 34 typical MSA cases, atypical MSA had significantly more neuronal inclusions in anteromedial temporal lobe and limbic structures. While uncommon, our findings suggest that MSA may present clinically and pathologically as a frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). We suggest that this may represent a novel subtype of FTLD associated with α-synuclein (FTLD-synuclein).
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Stankovic I, Krismer F, Jesic A, Antonini A, Benke T, Brown RG, Burn DJ, Holton JL, Kaufmann H, Kostic VS, Ling H, Meissner WG, Poewe W, Semnic M, Seppi K, Takeda A, Weintraub D, Wenning GK. Cognitive impairment in multiple system atrophy: a position statement by the Neuropsychology Task Force of the MDS Multiple System Atrophy (MODIMSA) study group. Mov Disord 2014; 29:857-67. [PMID: 24753321 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Consensus diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy consider dementia as a nonsupporting feature, despite emerging evidence demonstrating that cognitive impairments are an integral part of the disease. Cognitive disturbances in multiple system atrophy occur across a wide spectrum from mild single domain deficits to impairments in multiple domains and even to frank dementia in some cases. Frontal-executive dysfunction is the most common presentation, while memory and visuospatial functions also may be impaired. Imaging and neuropathological findings support the concept that cognitive impairments in MSA originate from striatofrontal deafferentation, with additional contributions from intrinsic cortical degeneration and cerebellar pathology. Based on a comprehensive evidence-based review, the authors propose future avenues of research that ultimately may lead to diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment and dementia associated with multiple system atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Stankovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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18
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Kiely AP, Asi YT, Kara E, Limousin P, Ling H, Lewis P, Proukakis C, Quinn N, Lees AJ, Hardy J, Revesz T, Houlden H, Holton JL. α-Synucleinopathy associated with G51D SNCA mutation: a link between Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy? Acta Neuropathol 2013; 125:753-69. [PMID: 23404372 PMCID: PMC3681325 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We report a British family with young-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) and a G51D SNCA mutation that segregates with the disease. Family history was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance as both the father and sister of the proband developed levodopa-responsive parkinsonism with onset in their late thirties. Clinical features show similarity to those seen in families with SNCA triplication and to cases of A53T SNCA mutation. Post-mortem brain examination of the proband revealed atrophy affecting frontal and temporal lobes in addition to the caudate, putamen, globus pallidus and amygdala. There was severe loss of pigmentation in the substantia nigra and pallor of the locus coeruleus. Neuronal loss was most marked in frontal and temporal cortices, hippocampal CA2/3 subregions, substantia nigra, locus coeruleus and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. The cellular pathology included widespread and frequent neuronal α-synuclein immunoreactive inclusions of variable morphology and oligodendroglial inclusions similar to the glial cytoplasmic inclusions of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Both inclusion types were ubiquitin and p62 positive and were labelled with phosphorylation-dependent anti-α-synuclein antibodies In addition, TDP-43 immunoreactive inclusions were observed in limbic regions and in the striatum. Together the data show clinical and neuropathological similarities to both the A53T SNCA mutation and multiplication cases. The cellular neuropathological features of this case share some characteristics of both PD and MSA with additional unique striatal and neocortical pathology. Greater understanding of the disease mechanism underlying the G51D mutation could aid in understanding of α-synuclein biology and its impact on disease phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife P. Kiely
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Yasmine T. Asi
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Eleanna Kara
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Patricia Limousin
- Unit of Functional Neurosurgery, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Ling
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Patrick Lewis
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK
| | - Christos Proukakis
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Niall Quinn
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Andrew J. Lees
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Tamas Revesz
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Janice L. Holton
- Queen Square Brain Bank, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
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19
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Ahmed Z, Asi YT, Sailer A, Lees AJ, Houlden H, Revesz T, Holton JL. The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2012; 38:4-24. [PMID: 22074330 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2011.01234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an unrelenting, sporadic, adult-onset, neurodegenerative disease of unknown aetiology. Its clinically progressive course is characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and/or autonomic dysfunction. Neuropathological examination often reveals gross abnormalities of the striatonigral and/or olivopontocerebellar systems, which upon microscopic examination are associated with severe neuronal loss, gliosis, myelin pallor and axonal degeneration. MSA is a member of a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders termed α-synucleinopathies, due to the presence of abnormal α-synuclein positive cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes, termed glial cytoplasmic inclusions. These are the hallmark neuropathological lesion of MSA and are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, neuropathological features of MSA are described in detail, along with recent advances in the pathophysiology and genetics of the disease. Our current knowledge of the expression and accumulation of α-synuclein, and efforts to model the disease in vitro and in vivo, are emphasized in this paper and have helped formulate a working hypothesis for the pathogenesis of MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Wakabayashi K, Mori F, Tanji K, Orimo S, Takahashi H. Involvement of the peripheral nervous system in synucleinopathies, tauopathies and other neurodegenerative proteinopathies of the brain. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 120:1-12. [PMID: 20532896 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Revised: 05/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is relatively common in some neurodegenerative proteinopathies of the brain and may be pathogenetically and diagnostically important. In Parkinson's disease, neuronal alpha-synuclein aggregates are distributed throughout the nervous system, including the central nervous system (CNS), sympathetic ganglia, enteric nervous system, cardiac and pelvic plexuses, submandibular gland, adrenal medulla and skin. The pathological process may target the PNS and CNS at the same time. In multiple system atrophy, numerous glial cytoplasmic inclusions composed of filamentous alpha-synuclein are widely distributed in the CNS, while alpha-synuclein accumulation is minimal in the sympathetic ganglia and is restricted to neurons. Neurofibrillary tangles can occur in the sympathetic and spinal ganglia in tauopathy, although they appear to develop independently of cerebral Alzheimer's disease pathology. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuronal loss with TDP-43-positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the spinal ganglia is more frequent than previously thought. Peripheral ganglia and visceral organs are also involved in polyglutamine diseases. Further elucidation and characterization of PNS lesions will have implications for intravital biopsy diagnosis in neurodegenerative proteinopathy, particularly in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
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Kitayama M, Wada-Isoe K, Irizawa Y, Nakashima K. Assessment of dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy. Eur J Neurol 2009; 16:589-94. [PMID: 19236466 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2009.02544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated dementia in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) in order to characterize the prevalence and nature of impairments in these patients. METHODS Fifty-eight MSA patients were recruited in our institution between April 1996 and December 2006 and investigated. RESULTS Of 58 patients, 10 were diagnosed with dementia. There were no significant differences in age at onset, gender, duration of disease, or severity of cerebellar dysfunction between patients with and without dementia. The early and delayed heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratios obtained with (123)I-metaidobenylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy were significantly decreased in patients with dementia compared with those without dementia. Of the 10 patients with dementia, three were found to have cognitive decline that preceded onset of motor symptoms. White matter lesions were evident in these patients, whilst frontal atrophy was prominent in patients whose cognitive decline was preceded by onset of motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Dementia in patients with MSA may be more common than previously thought, furthermore, we speculate that clinical features of dementia in these patients might be heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kitayama
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
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22
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White matter tauopathy with globular glial inclusions: a distinct sporadic frontotemporal lobar degeneration. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2008; 67:963-75. [PMID: 18800011 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e318187a80f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal lobar degenerations are a group of disorders characterized by circumscribed degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes and diverse histopathologic features. We report clinical, neuropathologic, ultrastructural, biochemical, and genetic data on 7 individuals with a 4-repeat tauopathy characterized by the presence of globular glial inclusions (GGIs) in brain white matter. Clinical manifestations were compatible with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia and included motor neuron symptoms; there was prominent neuronal loss in the frontal and temporal cortex, subiculum, and amygdala. The surrounding white matter showed abundant GGIs composed of abnormal filaments present mostly in oligodendrocytes. The severity of white matter tau abnormalities correlated with a reduction in myelin and axons and with microglial activation. Western blotting of sarkosyl-insoluble tau demonstrated the presence of 2 major tau bands of 64 and 68 kd. No mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau gene were detected in 2 affected individuals. We propose that 4-repeat tau-immunoreactive GGIs are the neuropathologic hallmark of a distinct sporadic tauopathy with variable clinical presentations that include frontotemporal dementia and occasionally upper motor neuron disease. This type of tauopathy with GGIs expands the group of neurodegenerativedisorders in which oligodendroglial pathology predominates, beyond the synucleinopathy multiple system atrophy disorders.
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic neurodegenerative disorder that encompasses olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA), striatonigral degeneration (SND) and Shy-Drager syndrome (SDS). The histopathological hallmark is the formation of alpha-synuclein-positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) in oligodendroglia. alpha-synuclein aggregation is also found in glial nuclear inclusions, neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs), neuronal nuclear inclusions (NNIs) and dystrophic neurites. We evaluated the pathological features of 102 MSA cases, and presented the pathological spectrum of MSA and initial features of alpha-synuclein accumulation. We found that 39% of the 102 cases showed equivalent SND and OPCA pathologies, 33% showed OPCA- and 22% showed SND-predominant pathology, whereas 6% showed extremely mild changes. Our pathological analysis indicated that OPCA-type was relatively more frequent and SND-type was less frequent in Japanese MSA cases, compared to the relatively high frequency of SND-type in Western countries, suggesting that different phenotypic patterns of MSA may exist between races. In the early stage, in addition to GCIs, NNIs and diffuse homogenous alpha-synuclein staining in neuronal nuclei and cytoplasm were observed in lesions in the pontine nuclei, putamen, substantia nigra, locus ceruleus, inferior olivary nucleus, intermediolateral column of thoracic spinal cord, lower motor neurons and cortical pyramidal neurons. A subgroup of MSA cases with severe temporal atrophy showed numerous NCIs, particularly in the limbic system. These findings suggest that primary non-fibrillar and fibrillar alpha-synuclein aggregation also occur in neurons. The oligo-myelin-axon-neuron complex mechanism, along with the direct involvement of neurons themselves, may synergistically accelerate the degenerative process of MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Yoshida
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan.
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Sikorska B, Papierz W, Preusser M, Liberski PP, Budka H. Synucleinopathy with features of both multiple system atrophy and dementia with Lewy bodies. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2007; 33:126-9. [PMID: 17239015 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2006.00817.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, adult-onset neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by striatonigral degeneration, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, and preganglionic autonomic lesions in any combination. The histological hallmark is the presence of argyrophilic fibrillary inclusions in the oligodendrocytes, referred to as glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs). Fibrillary inclusions are also found in the neuronal somata, axons, and nucleus. Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions are frequently found in the pontine and inferior olivary nuclei. Since the discovery of alpha-synuclein as a major component of glial and neuronal inclusions in MSA, two neurodegenerative processes have been considered in this disease: one is due to the widespread occurrence of GCIs associated with oligodendroglia-myelin degeneration (oligodendrogliopathy) in the central nervous system, and the other is due to the filamentous aggregation of alpha-synuclein in the neurons in several brain regions. These two degenerative processes might synergistically cause neuronal depletion in MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan.
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Kovács T, Papp MI, Cairns NJ, Khan MN, Lantos PL. Olfactory bulb in multiple system atrophy. Mov Disord 2003; 18:938-42. [PMID: 12889086 DOI: 10.1002/mds.10466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is a characteristic clinical sign in Parkinson's disease (PD); it is also present in multiple system atrophy (MSA). The pathological basis of hyposmia or anosmia in PD is well known: the olfactory bulb (OB) contains numerous Lewy bodies and severe neuronal loss is present in the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON). We established that glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) are present in all the OBs from MSA cases. Their presence in the OB is diagnostic for MSA. Additionally, neuronal loss is present in the AON in MSA. These pathological changes might be responsible for the olfactory dysfunction seen in MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Kovács
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Faculty of General Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
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Yokoyama T, Kusunoki JI, Hasegawa K, Sakai H, Yagishita S. Distribution and dynamic process of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusion (NCI) in MSA: correlation of the density of NCI and the degree of involvement of the pontine nuclei. Neuropathology 2001; 21:145-54. [PMID: 11666010 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1789.2001.00390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
MSA is a sporadic degenerative disease that occurs in striatonigral degeneration (SND), SDS and most cases of sporadic OPCA. Oligodendroglial inclusion is a hallmark of MSA. Recently there have been a small number of reports of neuronal argyrophilic inclusions. To clarify the distribution and dynamic process of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCI), 31 cases of MSA were studied using histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The inclusions were exclusively found in the pontine nucleus and there was a correlation between the incidence of NCI and the severity of OPCA, but not of SND. NCI were increased to some extent in the cases with moderate OPCA and decreased in number in proportion to devastation of the pontine nuclei. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of NCI were virtually identical to those of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI), which gives some clues to the pathogenesis of MSA. It is tempting to interpret this as NCI playing a significant role in the degenerative changes of the neurons at least in the pons. Further systematic studies on NCI in the other brain regions are necessary to elucidate the pathogenesis of neuronal degeneration in MSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, Kitazato University, School of Medicine, Kanagawa Rehabilitation Center, Japan
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