1
|
Ratz-Wirsching V, Habermeyer J, Moceri S, Harrer J, Schmitz C, von Hörsten S. Gene-dosage- and sex-dependent differences in the prodromal-Like phase of the F344tgHD rat model for Huntington disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1354977. [PMID: 38384482 PMCID: PMC10879377 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1354977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In Huntington disease (HD) the prodromal phase has been increasingly investigated and is currently in focus for early interventional treatments. Also, the influence of sex on disease progression and severity in patients is under discussion, as a sex-specific impact has been reported in transgenic rodent models for HD. To this end, we have been studying these aspects in Sprague Dawley rats transgenic for HD. Here, we took up on the congenic F344tgHD rat model, expressing a fragmented Htt construct with 51 CAG repeats on an inbred F344 rat background and characterized potential sexual dimorphism and gene-dosage effects in rats during the pre-symptomatic phase (1-8 months of age). Our study comprises a longitudinal phenotyping of motor function, emotion and sensorimotor gating, as well as screening of metabolic parameters with classical and automated assays in combination with investigation of molecular HD hallmarks (striatal cell number and volume estimation, appearance of HTT aggregates). Differences between sexes became apparent during middle age, particularly in the motor and sensorimotor domains. Female individuals were generally more active, demonstrated different gait characteristics than males and less anxiolytic-like behavior. Alterations in both the time course and affected behavioral domains varied between male and female F344tgHD rats. First subtle behavioral anomalies were detected in transgenic F344tgHD rats prior to striatal MSN cell loss, revealing a prodromal-like phase in this model. Our findings demonstrate that the congenic F344tgHD rat model shows high face-validity, closely resembling the human disease's temporal progression, while having a relatively low number of CAG repeats, a slowly progressing pathology with a prodromal-like phase and a comparatively subtle phenotype. By differentiating the sexes regarding HD-related changes and characterizing the prodromal-like phase in this model, these findings provide a foundation for future treatment studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Ratz-Wirsching
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Preclinical Experimental Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johanna Habermeyer
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Preclinical Experimental Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sandra Moceri
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Harrer
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmitz
- Chair of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Preclinical Experimental Center, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Browning S, Holland S, Wellwood I, Bilney B. Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Adults With Premanifest and Manifest Huntington's Disease: A Systematic Review. J Mov Disord 2023; 16:307-320. [PMID: 37558234 PMCID: PMC10548085 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.23111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review and critically evaluate literature on spatiotemporal gait deviations in individuals with premanifest and manifest Huntington's Disease (HD) in comparison with healthy cohorts. METHODS We conducted a systematic review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's Manual for Evidence Synthesis and pre-registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Eight electronic databases were searched. Studies comparing spatiotemporal footstep parameters in adults with premanifest and manifest HD to healthy controls were screened, included and critically appraised by independent reviewers. Data on spatiotemporal gait changes and variability were extracted and synthesised. Meta-analysis was performed on gait speed, cadence, stride length and stride length variability measures. RESULTS We screened 2,721 studies, identified 1,245 studies and included 25 studies (total 1,088 participants). Sample sizes ranged from 14 to 96. Overall, the quality of the studies was assessed as good, but reporting of confounding factors was often unclear. Meta-analysis found spatiotemporal gait deviations in participants with HD compared to healthy controls, commencing in the premanifest stage. Individuals with premanifest HD walk significantly slower (-0.17 m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.22, -0.13]), with reduced cadence (-6.63 steps/min; 95% CI [-10.62, -2.65]) and stride length (-0.09 m; 95% CI [-0.13, -0.05]). Stride length variability was also increased in premanifest cohorts by 2.18% (95% CI [0.69, 3.68]), with these changes exacerbated in participants with manifest disease. CONCLUSION Findings suggest individuals with premanifest and manifest HD display significant spatiotemporal footstep deviations. Clinicians could monitor individuals in the premanifest stage of disease for gait changes to identify the onset of Huntington's symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Browning
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Stephanie Holland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Ian Wellwood
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Belinda Bilney
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muratori LM, Quinn L, Li X, Youdan G, Busse M, Fritz NE. Measures of postural control and mobility during dual-tasking as candidate markers of instability in Huntington's disease. Hum Mov Sci 2021; 80:102881. [PMID: 34583142 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2021.102881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) have impairments in performing dual-tasks, however, there is limited information about the effects of changing postural and cognitive demands as well as which measures are best suited as markers of underlying motor-cognitive interference. METHODS Forty-three individuals with HD and 15 healthy controls (HC) completed single tasks of walking (Timed Up & Go (TUG), 7 m walk), standing (feet together, feet apart and foam surface) and seated cognitive performance (Stroop, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Sorting test) and dual cognitive-motor tasks while standing (+ Stroop) and walking (+ DKEFS, TUG cognitive). APDM Opal sensors recorded measures of postural sway and time to complete motor tasks. RESULTS Individuals with HD had a greater increase in standing postural sway compared to HC from single to dual-tasks and with changes to support surface. Both groups demonstrated a decrease in gait performance during the TUG cognitive, however, this difference was greater in people with HD compared to HC. While those with HD showed a greater dual-task motor cost compared to HC, both groups behaved similarly as condition complexity increased. CONCLUSIONS Standing postural sway is a more sensitive marker of instability than change in standard gait speed, particularly under dual-task conditions. The more complex TUG cognitive is a sensitive measure of walking dual-task performance. The results of this study provide insights about the nature of motor-cognitive impairments in HD and provide support for a distinction between static and dynamic postural control mechanisms during performance of dual-tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Muratori
- Department of Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8201, United States of America.
| | - Lori Quinn
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America.
| | - Xueyao Li
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America.
| | - Gregory Youdan
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America.
| | - Monica Busse
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Nora E Fritz
- Program in Physical Therapy and Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Desai R, Fritz NE, Muratori L, Hausdorff JM, Busse M, Quinn L. Evaluation of gait initiation using inertial sensors in Huntington's Disease: insights into anticipatory postural adjustments and cognitive interference. Gait Posture 2021; 87:117-122. [PMID: 33906090 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the contribution of anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) to walking ability in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) may provide insight into motor planning and the functional consequences of HD-specific cortical-basal ganglia pathway dysfunctions. RESEARCH QUESTION How do inertial measurement unit (IMU)-derived APAs and first step parameters differ between individuals with HD and non-HD peers under no load and cognitive load conditions, and what is their relationship to gait speed and clinical measures? METHODS 33 individuals with manifest HD and 15 non-HD peers wore three Opal APDM IMUs during a 14-meter walk under no load and cognitive load conditions. APA acceleration amplitudes, APA durations, first step range of motion (ROM), and first step durations were compared, along with their relationship to gait speed. RESULTS Individuals with HD had greater APA acceleration amplitudes, smaller first step ROM and longer first step durations compared to non-HD peers. No differences in APA durations were present between groups in both conditions. Cognitive loading influenced first step ROM but not other APA parameters. Mediolateral APA acceleration amplitudes were a significant predictor of gait speed and were related to disease-specific measures. SIGNIFICANCE Larger acceleration amplitudes and smaller first step ROMs of greater duration, accompanied by the preservation of APA durations, reveal a discrepancy in movement scaling in HD. Additionally, the mediolateral component of the APA is likely a rate-limiting factor that drives a compensatory response in gait initiation. Further research is needed to explore the neural correlates of HD-related movement scaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Desai
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nora E Fritz
- Wayne State University, Program in Physical Therapy, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Lisa Muratori
- Physical Therapy Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Hausdorff
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition, and Mobility, Neurological Institute,Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Physical Therapy and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Monica Busse
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Lori Quinn
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Teo WP, Rantalainen T, Nuzum N, Valente L, Macpherson H. Altered prefrontal cortex responses in older adults with subjective memory complaints and dementia during dual-task gait: An fNIRS study. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:1324-1333. [PMID: 32979289 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
People with cognitive impairments show deficits during physical performances such as gait, in particular during cognitively challenging conditions (i.e. dual-task gait [DTG]). However, it is unclear if people at risk of dementia, such as those with subjective memory complaints (SMC), also display gait and central deficits associated with DTG. In this study, we investigated the effects of single- and dual-task gait (STG and DTG), on left prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation in elderly people with subjective memory complaints (SMC) and Dementia. A total of 58 older adults (aged 65-94 years; 26 Healthy; 23 SMC; 9 Dementia) were recruited. Gait spatiotemporal characteristics (i.e. stride velocity and length) were assessed using an instrumented walkway during STG and DTG. Single-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy over the left PFC was used to measure changes in oxyhaemoglobin (O2 Hb) during gait. Stride velocity and length during STG (all p < .05) and DTG (all p < .000) were significantly impaired in people with Dementia compared to Healthy and SMC individuals. No differences were observed between Healthy and SMC. For STG, a greater increase in O2 Hb (p < .05) was observed in those with Dementia compared to the Healthy and SMC, while no differences were observed between Healthy and SMC. A significant increase and decline in O2 Hb was observed during DTG in the SMC and Dementia groups, respectively, compared to Healthy. Our findings indicate an altered pattern of cerebral haemodynamic response of the left PFC in DTG in people with SMC and Dementia, which may suggest that central changes precede functional impairments in people with SMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Peng Teo
- Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group (PESS), National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Timo Rantalainen
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Nathan Nuzum
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Leah Valente
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Helen Macpherson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|