Clinically approved IVIg delivered to the hippocampus with focused ultrasound promotes neurogenesis in a model of Alzheimer's disease

Recent advances of focused ultrasound induced blood-brain barrier opening for clinical applications of neurodegenerative diseases

With the aging population on the rise, neurodegenerative disorders have taken center stage as a significant health concern. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role to maintain the stability of central nervous system, yet it poses a formidable obstacle to delivering drugs for neurodegenerative disease therapy. Various methods have been devised to confront this challenge, each carrying its own set of limitations. One particularly promising noninvasive approach involves the utilization of focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with contrast agents-microbubbles (MBs) to achieve transient and reversible BBB opening. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental mechanisms behind FUS/MBs-mediated BBB opening and spotlights recent breakthroughs in its application for neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, it addresses the current challenges and presents future perspectives in this field.

Blood-based therapies to combat neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegeneration, known as the progressive loss of neurons in terms of their structure and function, is the principal pathophysiological change found in the majority of brain-related disorders. Ageing has been considered the most well-established risk factor in most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is currently no effective treatment or cure for these diseases; the approved therapeutic options to date are only for palliative care. Ageing and neurodegenerative diseases are closely intertwined; reversing the aspects of brain ageing could theoretically mitigate age-related neurodegeneration. Ever since the regenerative properties of young blood on aged tissues came to light, substantial efforts have been focused on identifying and characterizing the circulating factors in the young and old systemic milieu that may attenuate or accentuate brain ageing and neurodegeneration. Later studies discovered the superiority of old plasma dilution in tissue rejuvenation, which is achieved through a molecular reset of the systemic proteome. These findings supported the use of therapeutic blood exchange for the treatment of degenerative diseases in older individuals. The first objective of this article is to explore the rejuvenating properties of blood-based therapies in the ageing brains and their therapeutic effects on AD. Then, we also look into the clinical applications, various limitations, and challenges associated with blood-based therapies for AD patients.

Evolving therapeutic interventions for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients experience diverse symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and mental issues. The fundamental objective of this review is to discuss novel therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on recently approved marketed formulations for the treatment of AD, especially Aducanumab, the first FDA approved moiety that surpasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduces amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby reducing associated cognitive decline. However, it is still in the phase IV trial and is to be completed by 2030. Other drugs such as lecanemab are also under clinical trial and has recently been approved by the FDA and is also discussed here. In this review, we also focus on active and passive immunotherapy for AD as well as several vaccines, such as amyloid-beta epitope-based vaccines, amyloid-beta DNA vaccines, and stem cell therapy for AD, which are in clinical trials. Furthermore, ongoing pre-clinical trials associated with AD and other novel strategies such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, Crispr/ cas9, precision medicine, as well as some emerging therapies like anti-sense therapy are also highlighted. Additionally, we discuss some off-labeled drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-diabetic drugs, and lithium, which can manage symptoms of AD and different non-pharmacological approaches are also covered which can help to manage AD. In summary, we have tried to cover all the therapeutic interventions which are available for the treatment and management of AD under sections approved, clinical phase, pre-clinical phase or futuristic interventions, off-labelled drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions for AD, offering positive findings and well as challenges that remain.

Development of an In Vitro Model to Study Mechanisms of Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Cavitation-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble cavitation (UTMC)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is being explored as a method to increase drug delivery to the brain. This strategy has progressed to clinical trials for various neurological disorders, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. In the study described here, a contact co-culture transwell model of the BBB was developed that can be used to determine the signaling cascade leading to increased BBB permeability.

METHODS

This BBB model consists of bEnd.3 cells and C8-D1A astrocytes seeded on opposite sides of a transwell membrane. Pulsed ultrasound (US) is applied to lipid microbubbles (MBs), and the change in barrier permeability is measured via transendothelial electrical resistance and dextran flux. Live cell calcium imaging (Fluo-4 AM) is performed during UTMC treatment.

RESULTS

This model exhibits important features of the BBB, including endothelial tight junctions, and is more restrictive than the endothelial cell (EC) monolayer alone. When US is applied to MBs in contact with the ECs, BBB permeability increases in this model by two mechanisms: UTMC induces pore formation in the EC membrane (sonoporation), leading to increased transcellular permeability, and UTMC causes formation of reversible inter-endothelial gaps, which increases paracellular permeability. Additionally, this study determines that calcium influx into ECs mediates the increase in BBB permeability after UTMC in this model.

CONCLUSION

Both transcellular and paracellular permeability can be used to increase drug delivery to the brain. Future studies can use this model to determine how UTMC-induced calcium-mediated signaling increases BBB permeability.

Cellular junction dynamics and Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of not only the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction but also significant alterations in cellular junctions in AD pathogenesis. In this review article, we explore the role of the BBB and cellular junctions in AD pathology, with a specific focus on the hippocampus. The BBB acts as a crucial protective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating molecular transport. Preservation of BBB integrity relies on various junctions, including gap junctions formed by connexins, tight junctions composed of proteins such as claudins, occludin, and ZO-1, as well as adherence junctions involving molecules like vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, Nectins, and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Abnormalities in these junctions and junctional components contribute to impaired neuronal signaling and increased cerebrovascular permeability, which are closely associated with AD advancement. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms governing BBB and cellular junction dysfunctions within the context of AD, this review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of AD and identifies potential therapeutic targets for intervention.

Research and progress of focused ultrasound in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, with progressive cognitive and memory impairment and decreased ability of daily life as the cardinal symptoms, influencing the life quality of patients severely. There are currently approximately 46 million people living with Alzheimer's disease worldwide, and the number is expected to triple by 2050, which will pose a huge challenge for healthcare. At present, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States has approved five main drugs for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which are cholinesterase inhibitors tacrine, galantamine, capalatine and donepezil, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine, although these drugs have shown good efficacy in clinical trials, the actual clinical effect is less effective due to the existence of blood brain barrier. With the continuous development of ultrasound technology in recent years, focused ultrasound, as a non-invasive treatment technique, may target ultrasound energy to the deep brain for treatment without damaging the surrounding tissue. For the past few years, some studies could use focused ultrasound combined with microvesicles to induce blood brain barrier opening and targeted drug delivery to treat Alzheimer's disease, providing new opportunities for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This article reviews the application research and progress of focused ultrasound in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, in order to provide new directions and ideas for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Using focused ultrasound to modulate microglial structure and function

Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has the unique ability to target regions of the brain with high spatial precision, in a minimally invasive manner. Neuromodulation studies have shown that FUS can excite or inhibit neuronal activity, demonstrating its tremendous potential to improve the outcome of neurological diseases. Recent evidence has also shed light on the emerging promise that FUS has, with and without the use of intravenously injected microbubbles, in modulating the blood-brain barrier and the immune cells of the brain. As the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia are at the forefront of the brain's maintenance and immune defense. Notably, microglia are highly dynamic and continuously survey the brain parenchyma by extending and retracting their processes. This surveillance activity aids microglia in performing key physiological functions required for brain activity and plasticity. In response to stressors, microglia rapidly alter their cellular and molecular profile to help facilitate a return to homeostasis. While the underlying mechanisms by which both FUS and FUS + microbubbles modify microglial structure and function remain largely unknown, several studies in adult mice have reported changes in the expression of the microglia/macrophage marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, and in their phagocytosis, notably of protein aggregates, such as amyloid beta. In this review, we discuss the demonstrated and putative biological effects of FUS and FUS + microbubbles in modulating microglial activities, with an emphasis on the key cellular and molecular changes observed in vitro and in vivo across models of brain health and disease. Understanding how this innovative technology can modulate microglia paves the way for future therapeutic strategies aimed to promote beneficial physiological microglial roles, and prevent or treat maladaptive responses.

Does Inflammation Play a Major Role in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia for which no effective medicine exists. Currently, the goal of therapy is only to slow down the inevitable progression of the disease and reduce some symptoms. AD causes the accumulation of proteins with the pathological structure of Aβ and tau and the induction of inflammation of nerves in the brain, which lead to the death of neurons. The activated microglial cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that induce a chronic inflammatory response and mediate synapse damage and the neuronal death. Neuroinflammation has been an often ignored aspect of ongoing AD research. There are more and more scientific papers taking into account the aspect of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of AD, although there are no unambiguous results regarding the impact of comorbidities or gender differences. This publication concerns a critical look at the role of inflammation in the progression of AD, based on the results of our own in vitro studies using model cell cultures and other researchers.

Anti-amyloid: An antibody to cure Alzheimer's or an attitude

For more than a century, clinicians have been aware of the devastating neurological condition called Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterized by the presence of abnormal amyloid protein plaques and tau tangles in the brain. The dominant hypothesis, termed the amyloid hypothesis, attributes AD development to excessive cleavage and accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP), leading to brain tissue atrophy. The amyloid hypothesis has greatly influenced AD research and therapeutic endeavors. However, despite significant attention, a complete understanding of amyloid and APP's roles in disease pathology, progression, and cognitive impairment remains elusive. Recent controversies and several unsuccessful drug trials have called into question whether amyloid is the only neuropathological factor for treatment. To accomplish disease amelioration, we argue that researchers and clinicians may need to take a compounding approach to target amyloid and other factors in the brain, including traditional pharmaceuticals and holistic therapies.

Antibody-Mediated Clearance of Brain Amyloid-β: Mechanisms of Action, Effects of Natural and Monoclonal Anti-Aβ Antibodies, and Downstream Effects

Immunotherapeutic efforts to slow the clinical progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by lowering brain amyloid-β (Aβ) have included Aβ vaccination, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products, and anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies. Neither Aβ vaccination nor IVIG slowed disease progression. Despite conflicting phase III results, the monoclonal antibody Aducanumab received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of AD in June 2021. The only treatments unequivocally demonstrated to slow AD progression to date are the monoclonal antibodies Lecanemab and Donanemab. Lecanemab received FDA approval in January 2023 based on phase II results showing lowering of PET-detectable Aβ; phase III results released at that time indicated slowing of disease progression. Topline results released in May 2023 for Donanemab's phase III trial revealed that primary and secondary end points had been met. Antibody binding to Aβ facilitates its clearance from the brain via multiple mechanisms including promoting its microglial phagocytosis, activating complement, dissolving fibrillar Aβ, and binding of antibody-Aβ complexes to blood-brain barrier receptors. Antibody binding to Aβ in peripheral blood may also promote cerebral efflux of Aβ by a peripheral sink mechanism. According to the amyloid hypothesis, for Aβ targeting to slow AD progression, it must decrease downstream neuropathological processes including tau aggregation and phosphorylation and (possibly) inflammation and oxidative stress. This review discusses antibody-mediated mechanisms of Aβ clearance, findings in AD trials involving Aβ vaccination, IVIG, and anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies, downstream effects reported in those trials, and approaches which might improve the Aβ-clearing ability of monoclonal antibodies.

Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening in P301S Mice Modeling Alzheimer's Disease Tauopathies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia. No treatments have led to clinically meaningful impacts. A major obstacle for peripherally administered therapeutics targeting the central nervous system is related to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Ultrasounds associated with microbubbles have been shown to transiently and safely open the BBB. In AD mouse models, the sole BBB opening with no adjunct drugs may be sufficient to reduce lesions and mitigate cognitive decline. However, these therapeutic effects are for now mainly assessed in preclinical mouse models of amyloidosis and remain less documented in tau lesions. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the effects of repeated BBB opening using low-intensity pulsed ultrasounds (LIPU) in tau transgenic P301S mice with two main readouts: tau-positive lesions and microglial cells. Our results show that LIPU-induced BBB opening does not decrease tau pathology and may even potentiate the accumulation of pathological tau in selected brain regions. In addition, LIPU-BBB opening in P301S mice strongly reduced microglia densities in brain parenchyma, suggesting an anti-inflammatory action. These results provide a baseline for future studies using LIPU-BBB opening, such as adjunct drug therapies, in animal models and in AD patients.

Microbubbles-assisted ultrasonication to promote tumor accumulation of therapeutics and modulation of tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer treatments

Abnormal tumor vasculature is reported to severely hinder the therapeutic potency of diverse cancer therapeutics by restricting their intratumoral accumulation and/or causing therapeutic resistance. Herein, a microbubble-assisted ultrasonication technology (MAUT) of systemic administration of octafluoropropane-filled microbubbles together with tumor localized ultrasound (US) exposure is developed to generally promote intratumoral accumulation efficacy of three kinds of anti-tumor drugs with varying sizes through the cavitation effect-induced disruption of tumor blood vessels. MAUT was further shown to enable selective tumor hypoxia attenuation by filling microbubbles with high-purity oxygen and thus reducing the production of immunosuppressive lactic acids by suppressing glycolysis in cancer cells. Resultantly, MAUT markedly enhanced the therapeutic outcome of systemically administered anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1) and chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) with and without using nanoscale liposomes as delivery vehicles. This work highlights that MAUT is a biocompatible yet versatile strategy to effectively reinforce the therapeutic potency of a broad range of cancer therapeutics, promising for future clinical usage.

Ultrasound-Triggered Cascade Amplification of Nanotherapy

Ultrasound (US)-triggered cascade amplification of nanotherapies has attracted considerable attention as an effective strategy for cancer treatment. With the remarkable advances in materials chemistry and nanotechnology, a large number of well-designed nanosystems have emerged that incorporate presupposed cascade amplification processes and can be activated to trigger therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and ferroptosis, under exogenous US stimulation or specific substances generated by US actuation, to maximize antitumor efficacy and minimize detrimental effects. Therefore, summarizing the corresponding nanotherapies and applications based on US-triggered cascade amplification is essential. This review comprehensively summarizes and highlights the recent advances in the design of intelligent modalities, consisting of unique components, distinctive properties, and specific cascade processes. These ingenious strategies confer unparalleled potential to nanotherapies based on ultrasound-triggered cascade amplification and provide superior controllability, thus overcoming the unmet requirements of precision medicine and personalized treatment. Finally, the challenges and prospects of this emerging strategy are discussed and it is expected to encourage more innovative ideas and promote their further development.

MPC-n (IgG) improves long-term cognitive impairment in the mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Contact sports athletes and military personnel who suffered a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) are at high risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as advanced dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, due to the lack of specific biological indicators in clinical practice, the diagnosis and treatment of rmTBI are quite limited.

METHODS

We used 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-nanocapsules to deliver immunoglobulins (IgG), which can increase the delivery efficiency and specific target of IgG while reducing the effective therapeutic dose of the drug.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that MPC-capsuled immunoglobulins (MPC-n (IgG)) significantly alleviated cognitive impairment, hippocampal atrophy, p-Tau deposition, and myelin injury in rmTBI mice compared with free IgG. Furthermore, MPC-n (IgG) can also effectively inhibit the activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, we put forward an efficient strategy for the treatment of rmTBI-related cognitive impairment and provide evidence for the administration of low-dose IgG.

Long-lasting restoration of memory function and hippocampal synaptic plasticity by focused ultrasound in Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a medical technology that non-invasively stimulates the brain and has been applied in thermal ablation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, and neuromodulation. In recent years, numerous experiences and indications for the use of FUS in clinical and preclinical studies have rapidly expanded. Focused ultrasound-mediated BBB opening induces cognitive enhancement and neurogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated.

METHODS

Here, we investigate the effects of FUS-mediated BBB opening on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and cognitive function in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We applied FUS with microbubble to the hippocampus and LTP was measured 6 weeks after BBB opening using FUS. Field recordings were made with a concentric bipolar electrode positioned in the CA1 region using an extracellular glass pipette filled with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Morris water maze and Y-maze was performed to test cognitive function.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that FUS-mediated BBB opening has a significant impact on increasing LTP at Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapses and rescues cognitive dysfunction and working memory. These effects persisted for up to 7 weeks post-treatment. Also, FUS-mediated BBB opening in the hippocampus increased PKA phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, it could be a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases as it remarkably increases LTP, thereby improving working memory.

Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Stroke Recovery: A Novel Deep Brain Stimulation Approach for Neurorehabilitation?

Stroke as the leading cause of adult long-term disability and has a significant impact on patients, society and socio-economics. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are considered as potential therapeutic options to enhance functional reorganization and augment the effects of neurorehabilitation. However, non-invasive electrical and magnetic stimulation paradigms are limited by their depth focality trade-off function that does not allow to target deep key brain structures critically important for recovery processes. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging approach for non-invasive deep brain neuromodulation. Using non-ionizing, ultrasonic waves with millimeter-accuracy spatial resolution, excellent steering capacity and long penetration depth, TUS has the potential to serve as a novel non-invasive deep brain stimulation method to establish unprecedented neuromodulation and novel neurorehabilitation protocols. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview on the current knowledge about the neuromodulatory effects of TUS while discussing the potential of TUS in the field of stroke recovery, with respect to existing NIBS methods. We will address and discuss critically crucial open questions and remaining challenges that need to be addressed before establishing TUS as a new clinical neurorehabilitation approach for motor stroke recovery.

Ultrasound as a versatile tool for short- and long-term improvement and monitoring of brain function

Treating the brain with focused ultrasound (FUS) at low intensities elicits diverse responses in neurons, astroglia, and the extracellular matrix. In combination with intravenously injected microbubbles, FUS also opens the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and facilitates focal drug delivery. However, an incompletely understood cellular specificity and a wide parameter space currently limit the optimal application of FUS in preclinical and human studies. In this perspective, we discuss how different FUS modalities can be utilized to achieve short- and long-term improvements, thereby potentially treating brain disorders. We review the ongoing efforts to determine which parameters induce neuronal inhibition versus activation and how mechanoreceptors and signaling cascades are activated to induce long-term changes, including memory improvements. We suggest that optimal FUS treatments may require different FUS modalities and devices, depending on the targeted brain area or local pathology, and will be greatly enhanced by new techniques for monitoring FUS efficacy.

Blood-brain barrier opening of the default mode network in Alzheimer's disease with magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain but is also an important obstacle for the effective delivery of therapeutics in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has been shown to reversibly disrupt the BBB. However, treatment of diffuse regions across the brain along with the effect on Alzheimer's disease relevant pathology need to be better characterized. This study is an open-labelled single-arm trial (NCT04118764) to investigate the feasibility of modulating BBB permeability in the default mode network and the impact on cognition, amyloid and tau pathology as well as BBB integrity. Nine participants [mean age 70.2 ± 7.2 years, mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 21.9] underwent three biweekly procedures with follow-up visits up to 6 months. The BBB permeability of the bilateral hippocampi, anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus was transiently increased without grade 3 or higher adverse events. Participants did not experience worsening trajectory of cognitive decline (ADAS-cog11, MMSE). Whole brain vertex-based analysis of the 18F-florbetaben PET imaging demonstrated clusters of modest SUVR reduction in the right parahippocampal and inferior temporal lobe. However, CSF and blood biomarkers did not demonstrate any amelioration of Alzheimer's disease pathology (P-tau181, amyloid-β42/40 ratio), nor did it show persistent BBB dysfunction (plasma PDGFRbeta and CSF-to-plasma albumin ratio). This study provides neuroimaging and fluid biomarker data to characterize the safety profile of MRgFUS BBB modulation in neurodegeneration as a potential strategy for enhanced therapeutic delivery.

Preclinical Research on Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Neurological Disorders: A Review

Several therapeutic agents for neurological disorders are usually not delivered to the brain owing to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a special structure present in the central nervous system (CNS). Focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles can reversibly and temporarily open the BBB, enabling the application of various therapeutic agents in patients with neurological disorders. In the past 20 years, many preclinical studies on drug delivery through FUS-mediated BBB opening have been conducted, and the use of this method in clinical applications has recently gained popularity. As the clinical application of FUS-mediated BBB opening expands, it is crucial to understand the molecular and cellular effects of FUS-induced microenvironmental changes in the brain so that the efficacy of treatment can be ensured, and new treatment strategies established. This review describes the latest research trends in FUS-mediated BBB opening, including the biological effects and applications in representative neurological disorders, and suggests future directions.

Exosomes and ultrasound: The future of theranostic applications

Biomaterials and pertaining formulations have been very successful in various diagnostic and therapeutic applications because of its ability to overcome pharmacological limitations. Some of them have gained significant focus in the recent decade for their theranostic properties. Exosomes can be grouped as biomaterials, since they consist of various biological micro/macromolecules and possess all the properties of a stable biomaterial with size in nano range. Significant research has gone into isolation and exploitation of exosomes as potential theranostic agent. However, the limitations in terms of yield, efficacy, and target specificity are continuously being addressed. On the other hand, several nano/microformulations are responsive to physical or chemical alterations and were successfully stimulated by tweaking the physical characteristics of the surrounding environment they are in. Some of them are termed as photodynamic, sonodynamic or thermodynamic therapeutic systems. In this regard, ultrasound and acoustic systems were extensively studied for its ability towards altering the properties of the systems to which they were applied on. In this review, we have detailed about the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of exosomes and ultrasound separately, consisting of their conventional applications, drawbacks, and developments for addressing the challenges. The information were categorized into various sections that provide complete overview of the isolation strategies and theranostic applications of exosomes in various diseases. Then the ultrasound-based disease diagnosis and therapy were elaborated, with special interest towards the use of ultrasound in enhancing the efficacy of nanomedicines and nanodrug delivery systems, Finally, we discussed about the ability of ultrasound in enhancing the diagnostic and therapeutic properties of exosomes, which could be the future of theranostics.

Disease-Modifying Effects of Non-Invasive Electroceuticals on β-Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles for Alzheimer's Disease

Electroceuticals refer to various forms of electronic neurostimulators used for therapy. Interdisciplinary advances in medical engineering and science have led to the development of the electroceutical approach, which involves therapeutic agents that specifically target neural circuits, to realize precision therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, extensive studies have attempted to elucidate the disease-modifying effects of electroceuticals on areas in the brain of a patient with AD by the use of various physical stimuli, including electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic waves as well as ultrasound. Herein, we review non-invasive stimulatory systems and their effects on β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are pathological molecular markers of AD. Therefore, this review will aid in better understanding the recent technological developments, applicable methods, and therapeutic effects of electronic stimulatory systems, including transcranial direct current stimulation, 40-Hz gamma oscillations, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromagnetic field stimulation, infrared light stimulation and ionizing radiation therapy, and focused ultrasound for AD.

Applications of focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier opening

The blood brain barrier (BBB) plays a critically important role in the regulation of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, but also represents a major limitation to treatments of brain pathologies. In recent years, focused ultrasound (FUS) in conjunction with gas-filled microbubble contrast agents has emerged as a powerful tool for transiently and non-invasively disrupting the BBB in a targeted and image-guided manner, allowing for localized delivery of drugs, genes, or other therapeutic agents. Beyond the delivery of known therapeutics, FUS-mediated BBB opening also demonstrates the potential for use in neuromodulation and the stimulation of a range of cell- and tissue-level physiological responses that may prove beneficial in disease contexts. Clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of FUS-mediated BBB opening are well underway, and offer promising non-surgical approaches to treatment of devastating pathologies. This article reviews a range of pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrating the tremendous potential of FUS to fundamentally change the paradigm of treatment for CNS diseases.

Therapeutic ultrasound: The future of epilepsy surgery?

Epilepsy is one of the leading neurological diseases in both adults and children and in spite of advancement in medical treatment, 20 to 30% of patients remain refractory to current medical treatment. Medically intractable epilepsy has a real impact on a patient's quality of life, neurologic morbidity and even mortality. Actual therapy options are an increase in drug dosage, radiosurgery, resective surgery and non-resective neuromodulatory treatments (deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation). Resective, thermoablative or neuromodulatory surgery in the treatment of epilepsy are invasive procedures, sometimes requiring long stay-in for the patients, risks of permanent neurological deficit, general anesthesia and other potential surgery-related complications such as a hemorrhage or an infection. Radiosurgical approaches can trigger radiation necrosis, brain oedema and transient worsening of epilepsy. With technology-driven developments and pursuit of minimally invasive neurosurgery, transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound has become a valuable treatment for neurological diseases. In this critical review, we aim to give the reader a better understanding of current advancement for ultrasound in the treatment of epilepsy. By outlining the current understanding gained from both preclinical and clinical studies, this article explores the different mechanisms and potential applications (thermoablation, blood brain barrier disruption for drug delivery, neuromodulation and cortical stimulation) of high and low intensity ultrasound and compares the various possibilities available to patients with intractable epilepsy. Technical limitations of therapeutic ultrasound for epilepsy surgery are also detailed and discussed.

Efficacy and safety of blood derivatives therapy in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Blood derivatives therapy is a conventional clinical treatment, while the treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is relatively novel. To provide clinical references for treating AD, this meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of blood derivatives therapy on the patients with AD.

METHODS

A systematic articles search was performed for eligible studies published up to December 6, 2021 through the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov , Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang databases. The included articles were screened by using rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study selection and data-extraction were performed by two authors independently. Random effects model or fixed effects model was used. Quality of studies and risk of bias were evaluated according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. All analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4. The study was designed and conducted according to the Preferring Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

RESULTS

A total of three plasma administrations (two plasma exchange and one young plasma infusion) and five intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) randomized controlled trials with a sample size of 1148 subjects diagnosed with AD were included. There was no significant difference in cognitive improvement and all-cause discontinuation between intervention and placebo groups (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79-1.54). And Intervention groups showed not a statistically significant improvement in cognition of included subjects measured by the ADAS-Cog (MD 0.36, 95% CI 0.87-1.59), ADCS-ADL (MD -1.34, 95% CI - 5.01-2.32) and NPI (MD 2.20, 95% CI 0.07-4.32) score compared to the control groups. IVIG is well tolerated for AD patients even under the maximum dose (0.4 g/kg), but it is inferior to placebo in Neuropsychiatric Inventory scale in AD patients (MD 2.19, 95% CI 0.02-4.37).

CONCLUSIONS

The benefits of blood derivatives therapy for AD are limited. It is necessary to perform well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes focusing on the appropriate blood derivatives for the specific AD sub-populations in the future.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021233886.

Delivery of DNA octahedra enhanced by focused ultrasound with microbubbles for glioma therapy

DNA nanostructures, with good biosafety, highly programmable assembly, flexible modification, and precise control, are tailored as drug carriers to deliver therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. However, they face considerable challenges regarding their delivery into the brain, mainly due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). By controlling the acoustic parameters, focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles (FUS/MB) can temporarily, noninvasively, and reproducibly open the BBB in a localized region. We investigated the delivery outcome of pH-responsive DNA octahedra loading Epirubicin (Epr@DNA-Octa) via FUS/MB and its therapeutic efficiency in a mouse model bearing intracranial glioma xenograft. Using FUS/MB to locally disrupt the BBB or the blood-tumor barrier (BTB) and systemic administration of Epr@DNA-Octa (Epr@DNA-Octa + FUS/MB) (2 mg/kg of loaded Epr), we achieved an Epr concentration of 292.3 ± 10.1 ng/g tissue in glioma, a 4.4-fold increase compared to unsonicated animals (p < 0.001). The in vitro findings indicated that Epr released from DNA strands accumulated in lysosomes and induced enhanced cytotoxicity compared to free Epr. Further two-photon intravital imaging of spatiotemporal patterns of the DNA-Octa leakage revealed that the FUS/MB treatment enhanced DNA-Octa delivery across several physiological barriers at microscopic level, including the first extravasation across the BBB/BTB and then deep penetration into the glioma center and engulfment of DNA-Octa into the tumor cell body. Longitudinal in vivo bioluminescence imaging and histological analysis indicated that the intracranial glioma progression in nude mice treated with Epr@DNA-Octa + FUS/MB was effectively retarded compared to other groups. The beneficial effect on survival was most significant in the Epr@DNA-Octa + FUS/MB group, with a 50% increase in median survival and a 73% increase in the maximum survival compared to control animals. Our work demonstrates the potential viability of FUS/MB as an alternative strategy for glioma delivery of anticancer drugs using DNA nanostructures as the drug delivery platform for brain cancer therapy.

Acute Effects of Focused Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening on Anti-Pyroglu3 Abeta Antibody Delivery and Immune Responses

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. Currently, therapeutic agents targeting amyloid appear promising for AD, however, delivery to the CNS is limited due to the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a method to induce a temporary opening of the BBB to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents to the CNS. In this study, we evaluated the acute effects of FUS and whether the use of FUS-induced BBB opening enhances the delivery of 07/2a mAb, an anti-pyroglutamate-3 Aβ antibody, in aged 24 mo-old APP/PS1dE9 transgenic mice. FUS was performed either unilaterally or bilaterally with mAb infusion and the short-term effect was analyzed 4 h and 72 h post-treatment. Quantitative analysis by ELISA showed a 5-6-fold increase in 07/2a mAb levels in the brain at both time points and an increased brain-to-blood ratio of the antibody. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in IgG2a mAb detection particularly in the cortex, enhanced immunoreactivity of resident Iba1+ and phagocytic CD68+ microglial cells, and a transient increase in the infiltration of Ly6G+ immune cells. Cerebral microbleeds were not altered in the unilaterally or bilaterally sonicated hemispheres. Overall, this study shows the potential of FUS therapy for the enhanced delivery of CNS therapeutics.

Sexual dimorphism in gut microbiota dictates therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin on radiotherapy complications

INTRODUCTION

With the mounting number of cancer survivors, the complications following cancer treatment become novel conundrums and starve for countermeasures. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a purified preparation for immune-deficient and autoimmune conditions.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we investigated whether IVIg could be employed to fight against radiation injuries and explored the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Hematopoietic or gastrointestinal (GI) tract toxicity was induced by total body or abdominal local irradiation. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiota configurations and gene expression profile of small intestine. The untargeted metabolomics of gut microbiome was assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses. Hydrodynamic-based gene delivery was used to knockdown the target genes in vivo.

RESULTS

Intravenous injection of IVIg protected against radiation-induced hematopoietic and GI tract toxicity in female mice but not in males. IVIg structured sex-characteristic gut microbiota configurations in abdominal irradiated mice. The irradiation enriched gut Lachnospiraceae in female mice but reduced those in males. IVIg injection combined with oral gavage of Lachnospiraceae or its metabolite hypoxanthine, alleviated radiation toxicity in male mice however, Lachnospiraceae or hypoxanthine alone failed to ameliorate the injuries. Abdominal local irradiation drove sex-distinct gene expression signatures in small intestine. Mechanistic investigation showed that replenishment of Lachnospiraceae or hypoxanthine offset abdominal radiation-reduced PLD1 expression in male mice. In females, irradiation elevated PLD1 expression. Deletion of PLD1 in GI tract of female mice erased the radioprotective effects of IVIg.

CONCLUSION

IVIg battles against radiation injuries in a sex-specific, gut microbiome-dependent way through Lachnospiraceae/hypoxanthine/PLD1 axis. Our findings provide a sex-precise therapeutic avenue to improve the prognosis of cancer patients with radiotherapy in pre-clinical settings.

Blood-brain barrier leakage in Alzheimer's disease: From discovery to clinical relevance

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. AD brain pathology starts decades before the onset of clinical symptoms. One early pathological hallmark is blood-brain barrier dysfunction characterized by barrier leakage and associated with cognitive decline. In this review, we summarize the existing literature on the extent and clinical relevance of barrier leakage in AD. First, we focus on AD animal models and their susceptibility to barrier leakage based on age and genetic background. Second, we re-examine barrier dysfunction in clinical and postmortem studies, summarize changes that lead to barrier leakage in patients and highlight the clinical relevance of barrier leakage in AD. Third, we summarize signaling mechanisms that link barrier leakage to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. Finally, we discuss clinical relevance and potential therapeutic strategies and provide future perspectives on investigating barrier leakage in AD. Identifying mechanistic steps underlying barrier leakage has the potential to unravel new targets that can be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies to repair barrier leakage and slow cognitive decline in AD and AD-related dementias.

Neurotrophins as Therapeutic Agents for Parkinson’s Disease; New Chances From Focused Ultrasound?

Magnetic Resonance–guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) represents an effective micro-lesioning approach to target pharmaco-resistant tremor, mostly in patients afflicted by essential tremor (ET) and/or Parkinson’s disease (PD). So far, experimental protocols are verifying the clinical extension to other facets of the movement disorder galaxy (i.e., internal pallidus for disabling dyskinesias). Aside from those neurosurgical options, one of the most intriguing opportunities of this technique relies on its capability to remedy the impermeability of blood–brain barrier (BBB). Temporary BBB opening through low-intensity focused ultrasound turned out to be safe and feasible in patients with PD, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As a mere consequence of the procedures, some groups described even reversible but significant mild cognitive amelioration, up to hippocampal neurogenesis partially associated to the increased of endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A further development elevates MRgFUS to the status of therapeutic tool for drug delivery of putative neurorestorative therapies. Since 2012, FUS-assisted intravenous administration of BDNF or neurturin allowed hippocampal or striatal delivery. Experimental studies emphasized synergistic modalities. In a rodent model for Huntington’s disease, engineered liposomes can carry glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plasmid DNA (GDNFp) to form a GDNFp-liposome (GDNFp-LPs) complex through pulsed FUS exposures with microbubbles; in a subacute MPTP-PD model, the combination of intravenous administration of neurotrophic factors (either through protein or gene delivery) plus FUS did curb nigrostriatal degeneration. Here, we explore these arguments, focusing on the current, translational application of neurotrophins in neurodegenerative diseases.

Challenges and hopes for Alzheimer's disease

Recent drug development efforts targeting Alzheimer's disease (AD) have failed to produce effective disease-modifying agents for many reasons, including the substantial presymptomatic neuronal damage that is caused by the accumulation of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide and tau protein abnormalities, deleterious adverse effects of drug candidates, and inadequate design of clinical trials. New molecular targets, biomarkers, and diagnostic techniques, as well as alternative nonpharmacological approaches, are sorely needed to detect and treat early pathological events. This article analyzes the successes and debacles of pharmaceutical endeavors to date, and highlights new technologies that may lead to the more effective diagnosis and treatment of the pathologies that underlie AD. The use of focused ultrasound, deep brain stimulation, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy, in parallel with pharmaceuticals and judicious lifestyle adjustments, holds promise for the deceleration, prevention, or cure of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The Roles of IL-22 and Its Receptor in the Regulation of Inflammatory Responses in the Brain

Interleukin (IL)-22 is a potent mediator of inflammatory responses. The IL-22 receptor consists of the IL-22Rα and IL-10Rβ subunits. Previous studies have shown that IL-22Rα expression is restricted to non-hematopoietic cells in the skin, pancreas, intestine, liver, lung, and kidney. Although IL-22 is involved in the development of inflammatory responses, there have been no reports of its role in brain inflammation. Here, we used RT-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, immunohistochemical, and microarray analyses to examine the role of IL-22 and expression of IL-22Rα in the brain, using the microglial cell line, hippocampal neuronal cell line, and inflamed mouse brain tissue. Treatment of BV2 and HT22 cells with recombinant IL-22 increased the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2. We also found that the JNK and STAT3 signaling pathways play an important role in IL-22-mediated increases in inflammatory mediators. Microarray analyses revealed upregulated expression of inflammation-related genes in IL-22-treated HT22 cells. Finally, we found that IL-22Rα is spontaneously expressed in the brain and is upregulated in inflamed mouse brain. Overall, our results demonstrate that interaction of IL-22 with IL-22Rα plays a role in the development of inflammatory responses in the brain.

Focused ultrasound: Innovation in use for neurologic conditions

Focused ultrasound has emerged as a key tool for neurologic disorders. In this focused review, we discuss the utility in disrupting the blood brain barrier to maximize treatment. This can facilitate creating direct coagulative lesions and aid in the administration of chemotherapy. Furthermore, it can facilitate neuromodulation when used in pulse sequencing. The current literature regarding brain tumors, essential tremor, and obsessive-compulsive disorder is reviewed. Additionally, concepts and experimental outcomes for neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's is presented. Focused ultrasound as a tool is still in its infancy but the potential for adjuvant and direct therapy is promising. More clinical uses will become apparent in coming decades.

Intrathecal cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin for CMV encephalitis post allogeneic stem cell transplantation

We report the outcome of a 43 year old man who developed fatal ventriculoencephalitis due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection 7 months post allogeneic stem cell transplant. He failed multiple lines of treatment, including intravenous ganciclovir, foscarnet, and CMV-specific immunoglobulins, without improvement in CSF CMV copies. Novel intrathecal administration of CMV immunoglobulins was given but did not lead to clearance of CMV from CSF. No adverse effects related to intrathecal CMV immunoglobulins were observed. Notably, throughout this period, CMV in blood remained undetectable. This case highlights the difficulty in treating CMV encephalitis, and that novel therapeutic approaches are needed.

A review of bioeffects induced by focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles on the neurovascular unit

Focused ultrasound combined with circulating microbubbles (FUS+MB) can transiently enhance blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability at targeted brain locations. Its great promise in improving drug delivery to the brain is reflected by a rapidly growing number of clinical trials using FUS+MB to treat various brain diseases. As the clinical applications of FUS+MB continue to expand, it is critical to have a better understanding of the molecular and cellular effects induced by FUS+MB to enhance the efficacy of current treatment and enable the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. Existing studies primarily focus on FUS+MB-induced effects on brain endothelial cells, the major cellular component of BBB. However, bioeffects induced by FUS+MB expand beyond the BBB to cells surrounding blood vessels, including astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. Together these cell types comprise the neurovascular unit (NVU). In this review, we examine cell-type-specific bioeffects of FUS+MB on different NVU components, including enhanced permeability in endothelial cells, activation of astrocytes and microglia, as well as increased intraneuron protein metabolism and neuronal activity. Finally, we discuss knowledge gaps that must be addressed to further advance clinical applications of FUS+MB.

Transgene distribution and immune response after ultrasound delivery of rAAV9 and PHP.B to the brain in a mouse model of amyloidosis

Efficient disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer disease, the most common form of dementia, have yet to be established. Gene therapy has the potential to provide the long-term production of therapeutic in the brain following a single administration. However, the blood-brain barrier poses a challenge for gene delivery to the adult brain. We investigated the transduction efficiency and immunological response following non-invasive gene-delivery strategies to the brain of a mouse model of amyloidosis. Two emerging technologies enabling gene delivery across the blood-brain barrier were used to establish the minimal vector dosage required to reach the brain: (1) focused ultrasound combined with intravenous microbubbles, which increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier at targeted sites and (2) the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based capsid named rAAV-PHP.B. We found that equal intravenous dosages of rAAV9 combined with focused ultrasound, or rAAV-PHP.B, were required for brain gene delivery. In contrast to rAAV9, focused ultrasound did not decrease the rAAV-PHP.B dosage required to transduce brain cells in a mouse model of amyloidosis. The non-invasive rAAV delivery to the brain using rAAV-PHP.B or rAAV9 with focused ultrasound triggered an immune reaction including major histocompatibility complex class II expression, complement system and microglial activation, and T cell infiltration.

The Applications of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: A Systematic Review on Both Animal and Human Studies

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects the basic ability to function and has imposed an immense burden on the community and health care system. Focused ultrasound (FUS) has recently been proposed as a novel noninvasive therapeutic approach for AD. However, systematic reviews on the FUS application in AD treatment have not been forthcoming. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria to summarize the techniques associated with safety and efficacy, as well as possible underlying mechanisms of FUS effects on AD in animal and human studies. Animal studies demonstrated FUS with microbubbles (FUS-MB) induced blood-brain-barrier (BBB) opening that could facilitate various therapeutic agents entering the brain. Repeated FUS-MB and FUS stimulation can relieve AD pathology and improve cognitive and memory function. Human studies showed repeated FUS-MB are well tolerated with few adverse events and FUS stimulation could enhance local perfusion and neural function, which correlated with cognitive improvement. We conclude that FUS is a feasible and safe therapeutic and drug delivery strategy for AD. However, FUS treatment on humans is still in the early stages and requires further optimization and standardization.

Focused Ultrasound Mediated Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier for Neurodegenerative Diseases

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is an obstacle for the delivery of potential molecular therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although there has been a proliferation of potential disease modifying therapies for these progressive conditions, strategies to deliver these large agents remain limited. High intensity MRI guided focused ultrasound has already been FDA approved to lesion brain targets to treat movement disorders, while lower intensity pulsed ultrasound coupled with microbubbles commonly used as contrast agents can create transient safe opening of the BBB. Pre-clinical studies have successfully delivered growth factors, antibodies, genes, viral vectors, and nanoparticles in rodent models of AD and PD. Recent small clinical trials support the safety and feasibility of this strategy in these vulnerable patients. Further study is needed to establish safety as MRI guided BBB opening is used to enhance the delivery of newly developed molecular therapies.

Therapeutic antibodies - natural and pathological barriers and strategies to overcome them

Antibody-based therapeutics have become a major class of therapeutics with over 120 recombinant antibodies approved or under review in the EU or US. This therapeutic class has experienced a remarkable expansion with an expected acceleration in 2021-2022 due to the extraordinary global response to SARS-CoV2 pandemic and the public disclosure of over a hundred anti-SARS-CoV2 antibodies. Mainly delivered intravenously, alternative delivery routes have emerged to improve antibody therapeutic index and patient comfort. A major hurdle for antibody delivery and efficacy as well as the development of alternative administration routes, is to understand the different natural and pathological barriers that antibodies face as soon as they enter the body up to the moment they bind to their target antigen. In this review, we discuss the well-known and more under-investigated extracellular and cellular barriers faced by antibodies. We also discuss some of the strategies developed in the recent years to overcome these barriers and increase antibody delivery to its site of action. A better understanding of the biological barriers that antibodies have to face will allow the optimization of antibody delivery near its target. This opens the way to the development of improved therapy with less systemic side effects and increased patients' adherence to the treatment.

Enhanced Vascular Permeability by Microbubbles and Ultrasound in Drug Delivery

Ultrasound and microbubbles, an ultrasound contrast agent, have recently increased attention to developing novel drug delivery systems. Ultrasound exposure can induce mechanical effects derived from microbubbles behaviors such as an expansion, contraction, and collapse depending on ultrasound conditions. These mechanical effects induce several biological effects, including enhancement of vascular permeability. For drug delivery, one promising approach is enhancing vascular permeability using ultrasound and microbubbles, resulting in improved drug transport to targeted tissues. This approach is applied to several tissues and drugs to cure diseases. This review describes the enhancement of vascular permeability by ultrasound and microbubbles and its therapeutic application, including our recent study. We also discuss the current situation of the field and its potential future perspectives.

Combining Low-Dose Radiation Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound to Reduce Amyloid-β Deposition in Alzheimer's Disease

Amyloid-β deposition is one of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but pharmacological strategies toward its reduction are poorly effective.Preclinical studies indicate that low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) may reduce brain amyloid-β. Animal models and proof-of-concept preliminary data in humans have shown that magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can reversibly open the blood-brain-barrier and facilitate the delivery of targeted therapeutics to the hippocampus, to reduce amyloid-β and promote neurogenesis in AD. Ongoing clinical trials on AD are exploring whole-brain LD-RT, which may damage radio-sensitive structures, i.e., hippocampus and white matter, thus contributing to reduced neurogenesis and radiation-induced cognitive decline. However, selective irradiation of cortical amyloid-β plaques through advanced LD-RT techniques might spare the hippocampus and white matter. We propose combined use of advanced LD-RT and targeted drug delivery through MRgFUS for future clinical trials to reduce amyloid-β deposition in AD since its preclinical stages.

Ultrasonic technologies in imaging and drug delivery

Ultrasonic technologies show great promise for diagnostic imaging and drug delivery in theranostic applications. The development of functional and molecular ultrasound imaging is based on the technical breakthrough of high frame-rate ultrasound. The evolution of shear wave elastography, high-frequency ultrasound imaging, ultrasound contrast imaging, and super-resolution blood flow imaging are described in this review. Recently, the therapeutic potential of the interaction of ultrasound with microbubble cavitation or droplet vaporization has become recognized. Microbubbles and phase-change droplets not only provide effective contrast media, but also show great therapeutic potential. Interaction with ultrasound induces unique and distinguishable biophysical features in microbubbles and droplets that promote drug loading and delivery. In particular, this approach demonstrates potential for central nervous system applications. Here, we systemically review the technological developments of theranostic ultrasound including novel ultrasound imaging techniques, the synergetic use of ultrasound with microbubbles and droplets, and microbubble/droplet drug-loading strategies for anticancer applications and disease modulation. These advancements have transformed ultrasound from a purely diagnostic utility into a promising theranostic tool.

Safety evaluation of a clinical focused ultrasound system for neuronavigation guided blood-brain barrier opening in non-human primates

An emerging approach with potential in improving the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors is the use of focused ultrasound (FUS) to bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a non-invasive and localized manner. A large body of pre-clinical work has paved the way for the gradual clinical implementation of FUS-induced BBB opening. Even though the safety profile of FUS treatments in rodents has been extensively studied, the histological and behavioral effects of clinically relevant BBB opening in large animals are relatively understudied. Here, we examine the histological and behavioral safety profile following localized BBB opening in non-human primates (NHPs), using a neuronavigation-guided clinical system prototype. We show that FUS treatment triggers a short-lived immune response within the targeted region without exacerbating the touch accuracy or reaction time in visual-motor cognitive tasks. Our experiments were designed using a multiple-case-study approach, in order to maximize the acquired data and support translation of the FUS system into human studies. Four NHPs underwent a single session of FUS-mediated BBB opening in the prefrontal cortex. Two NHPs were treated bilaterally at different pressures, sacrificed on day 2 and 18 post-FUS, respectively, and their brains were histologically processed. In separate experiments, two NHPs that were earlier trained in a behavioral task were exposed to FUS unilaterally, and their performance was tracked for at least 3 weeks after BBB opening. An increased microglia density around blood vessels was detected on day 2, but was resolved by day 18. We also detected signs of enhanced immature neuron presence within areas that underwent BBB opening, compared to regions with an intact BBB, confirming previous rodent studies. Logistic regression analysis showed that the NHP cognitive performance did not deteriorate following BBB opening. These preliminary results demonstrate that neuronavigation-guided FUS with a single-element transducer is a non-invasive method capable of reversibly opening the BBB, without substantial histological or behavioral impact in an animal model closely resembling humans. Future work should confirm the observations of this multiple-case-study work across animals, species and tasks.

Focused Ultrasound Combined with Microbubbles in Central Nervous System Applications

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) protects the central nervous system (CNS) from invasive pathogens and maintains the homeostasis of the brain. Penetrating the BBB has been a major challenge in the delivery of therapeutic agents for treating CNS diseases. Through a physical acoustic cavitation effect, focused ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles achieves the local detachment of tight junctions of capillary endothelial cells without inducing neuronal damage. The bioavailability of therapeutic agents is increased only in the area targeted by FUS energy. FUS with circulating microbubbles is currently the only method for inducing precise, transient, reversible, and noninvasive BBB opening (BBBO). Over the past decade, FUS-induced BBBO (FUS-BBBO) has been preclinically confirmed to not only enhance the penetration of therapeutic agents in the CNS, but also modulate focal immunity and neuronal activity. Several recent clinical human trials have demonstrated both the feasibility and potential advantages of using FUS-BBBO in diseased patients. The promising results support adding FUS-BBBO as a multimodal therapeutic strategy in modern CNS disease management. This review article explores this technology by describing its physical mechanisms and the preclinical findings, including biological effects, therapeutic concepts, and translational design of human medical devices, and summarizes completed and ongoing clinical trials.

Mapping Knowledge Structure and Research Frontiers of Ultrasound-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening: A Scientometric Study

Background: Among the effective approaches developed for blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, ultrasound is recognized as a non-invasive technique that can induce localized BBB opening transiently and repeatedly. This technique has aroused broad attention from researchers worldwide, and numerous articles have been published recently. However, no existing study has systematically examined this field from a scientometric perspective. The aim of this study was to summarize the knowledge structure and identify emerging trends and potential hotspots in this field. Methods: Publications related to ultrasound-induced BBB opening published from 1998 to 2020 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. The search strategies were as follows: topic: ("blood brain barrier" OR "BBB") AND topic: (ultrasound OR ultrason* OR acoustic* OR sonopora*). The document type was set to articles or reviews with language restriction to English. Three different analysis tools including one online platform, VOS viewer1.6.16, and CiteSpace V5.7.R2 software were used to conduct this scientometric study. Results: A total of 1,201 valid records were included in the final analysis. The majority of scientific publication was produced by authors from North America, Eastern Asia, and Western Europe. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology was the most prominent journal. The USA, China, and Canada were the most productive countries. Hynynen K, and Mcdannold N were key researchers with considerable academic influence. According to analysis of keywords, four main research directions were identified: cluster 1 (microbubbles study), cluster 2 (management of intracranial tumors), cluster 3 (ultrasound parameters and mechanisms study), and cluster 4 (treatment of neurodegenerative diseases). The current research hotspot has shifted from the basic research of ultrasound and microbubbles to management of intracranial tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. Burst detection analysis showed that Parkinson's disease, doxorubicin, gold nanoparticle, glioblastoma, gene therapy, and Alzheimer's disease may continue to be the research frontiers. Conclusion: Ultrasound-induced BBB opening research is in a period of robust development. This study is a starting point, providing a comprehensive overview, development landscape, and future opportunities of this technology, which standout as a useful reference for researchers and decision makers interested in this area.

Direct Neuronal Reprogramming: Bridging the Gap Between Basic Science and Clinical Application

Direct neuronal reprogramming is an innovative new technology that involves the conversion of somatic cells to induced neurons (iNs) without passing through a pluripotent state. The capacity to make new neurons in the brain, which previously was not achievable, has created great excitement in the field as it has opened the door for the potential treatment of incurable neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries such as stroke. These neurological disorders are associated with frank neuronal loss, and as new neurons are not made in most of the adult brain, treatment options are limited. Developmental biologists have paved the way for the field of direct neuronal reprogramming by identifying both intrinsic cues, primarily transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, and extrinsic cues, including growth factors and other signaling molecules, that induce neurogenesis and specify neuronal subtype identities in the embryonic brain. The striking observation that postmitotic, terminally differentiated somatic cells can be converted to iNs by mis-expression of TFs or miRNAs involved in neural lineage development, and/or by exposure to growth factors or small molecule cocktails that recapitulate the signaling environment of the developing brain, has opened the door to the rapid expansion of new neuronal reprogramming methodologies. Furthermore, the more recent applications of neuronal lineage conversion strategies that target resident glial cells in situ has expanded the clinical potential of direct neuronal reprogramming techniques. Herein, we present an overview of the history, accomplishments, and therapeutic potential of direct neuronal reprogramming as revealed over the last two decades.

Focused ultrasound with anti-pGlu3 Aβ enhances efficacy in Alzheimer's disease-like mice via recruitment of peripheral immune cells

Pyroglutamate-3 amyloid-β (pGlu3 Aβ) is an N-terminally modified, pathogenic form of amyloid-β that is present in cerebral amyloid plaques and vascular deposits. Here, we used focused ultrasound (FUS) with microbubbles to enhance the intravenous delivery of an Fc-competent anti-pGlu3 Aβ monoclonal antibody, 07/2a mAb, across the blood brain barrier (BBB) in an attempt to improve Aβ removal and memory in aged APP/PS1dE9 mice, an Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like model of amyloidogenesis. First, we demonstrated that bilateral hippocampal FUS-BBB disruption (FUS-BBBD) led to a 5.5-fold increase of 07/2a mAb delivery to the brains compared to non-sonicated mice 72 h following a single treatment. Then, we determined that three weekly treatments with 07/2a mAb alone improved spatial learning and memory in aged, plaque-rich APP/PS1dE9 mice, and that this improvement occurred faster and in a higher percentage of animals when combined with FUS-BBBD. Mice given the combination treatment had reduced hippocampal plaque burden compared to PBS-treated controls. Furthermore, synaptic protein levels were higher in hippocampal synaptosomes from mice given the combination treatment compared to sham controls, and there were more CA3 synaptic puncta labeled in the APP/PS1dE9 mice given the combination treatment compared to those given mAb alone. Plaque-associated microglia were present in the hippocampi of APP/PS1dE9 mice treated with 07/2a mAb with and without FUS-BBBD. However, we discovered that plaque-associated Ly6G+ monocytes were only present in the hippocampi of APP/PS1dE9 mice that were given FUS-BBBD alone or even more so, the combination treatment. Lastly, FUS-BBBD did not increase the incidence of microhemorrhage in mice with or without 07/2a mAb treatment. Our findings suggest that FUS is a useful tool to enhance delivery and efficacy of an anti-pGlu3 Aβ mAb for immunotherapy either via an additive effect or an independent mechanism. We revealed a potential novel mechanism wherein the combination of 07/2a mAb with FUS-BBBD led to greater monocyte infiltration and recruitment to plaques in this AD-like model. Overall, these effects resulted in greater plaque removal, sparing of synapses and improved cognitive function without causing overt damage, suggesting the possibility of FUS-BBBD as a noninvasive method to increase the therapeutic efficacy of drugs or biologics in AD patients.