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Perlman J, Wetmore E, Lehner-Gulotta D, Banwell B, Bergqvist AGC, Coleman R, Chen S, Conaway M, Goldman MD, Morse AM, Brenton JN. Impact of a ketogenic diet on sleep quality in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Sleep Med 2024; 122:213-220. [PMID: 39208520 PMCID: PMC11393576 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbance in MS is common and can significantly impair overall quality of life. The ketogenic diet (KD) associates with improved sleep quality in people living with epilepsy and may have similar benefits when used within MS; however, the impact of a KD on sleep in this population remains poorly defined. METHODS Forty-five patients with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month KD intervention trial and completed self-reported assessments of sleep quality and sleep disorder symptoms prior to diet initiation and while on diet, using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Sleep Disorders Symptom Checklist-25 (SDS). Participants who did not complete sleep assessments at baseline and 6-months were excluded from analysis. In addition to sleep metrics, data collection included anthropometrics and MS-related fatigue scores. RESULTS Thirty-nine of 45 (87 %) participants completed the required sleep assessments. There was a mean reduction in ESS score of 1.90 (95 % CI [-2.85, -0.94], p < 0.001). Total SDS score decreased at 6-months on KD (-4.4, 95 % CI [-7.1, -1.7], p = 0.002), with improvements noted in insomnia (-1.55, 95 % CI [-2.66, -0.43], p = 0.008), obstructive sleep apnea (-0.91, 95 % CI [-1.57, -0.25], p = 0.008), and restless leg syndrome screening scores (-1.00, 95 % CI [-1.95, -0.051], p = 0.04). Sleep duration was unchanged on KD. CONCLUSION KD associates with improvements in daytime sleepiness, independent of sleep duration, and common comorbid sleep disorders in people living with relapsing MS. The findings herein support the benefits of KD on sleep quality and highlight the potential role of dietary therapeutics for sleep disorders in neurological disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov under registration number NCT03718247, posted on Oct 24, 2018. First patient enrollment date: Nov 1, 2018. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Perlman
- Dept of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA
| | - Emma Wetmore
- Dept of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA; School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
| | - Diana Lehner-Gulotta
- Division of Child Neurology, Dept. of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Brenda Banwell
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dept. of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A G Christina Bergqvist
- Division of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dept. of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachael Coleman
- Dept of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Dept of Public Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, USA
| | - Mark Conaway
- Dept of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville VA, USA
| | - Myla D Goldman
- Dept of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Anne Marie Morse
- Division of Child Neurology and Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Geisinger Medical Center/Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Danville, PA, USA
| | - J Nicholas Brenton
- Division of Child Neurology, Dept. of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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O'Hearn LA. Signals of energy availability in sleep: consequences of a fat-based metabolism. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1397185. [PMID: 39267859 PMCID: PMC11390529 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1397185] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans can flexibly switch between two primary metabolic modes, usually distinguished by whether substrate supply from glucose can meet energy demands or not. However, it is often overlooked that when glucose use is limited, the remainder of energy needs may still be met more or less effectively with fat and ketone bodies. Hence a fat-based metabolism marked by ketosis is often conflated with starvation and contexts of inadequate energy (including at the cellular level), even when energy itself is in ample supply. Sleep and satiation are regulated by common pathways reflecting energy metabolism. A conceptual analysis that distinguishes signals of inadequate energy in a glucose-dominant metabolism from signals of a fat-based metabolism that may well be energy sufficient allows a reexamination of experimental results in the study of sleep that may shed light on species differences and explain why ketogenic diets have beneficial effects simultaneously in the brain and the periphery. It may also help to distinguish clinically when a failure of a ketogenic diet to resolve symptoms is due to inadequate energy rather than the metabolic state itself.
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Dell’Angelica D, Singh K, Colwell CS, Ghiani CA. Circadian Interventions in Preclinical Models of Huntington's Disease: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1777. [PMID: 39200241 PMCID: PMC11351982 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081777] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an autosomal-dominant mutation in the huntingtin gene, which manifests with a triad of motor, cognitive and psychiatric declines. Individuals with HD often present with disturbed sleep/wake cycles, but it is still debated whether altered circadian rhythms are intrinsic to its aetiopathology or a consequence. Conversely, it is well established that sleep/wake disturbances, perhaps acting in concert with other pathophysiological mechanisms, worsen the impact of the disease on cognitive and motor functions and are a burden to the patients and their caretakers. Currently, there is no cure to stop the progression of HD, however, preclinical research is providing cementing evidence that restoring the fluctuation of the circadian rhythms can assist in delaying the onset and slowing progression of HD. Here we highlight the application of circadian-based interventions in preclinical models and provide insights into their potential translation in clinical practice. Interventions aimed at improving sleep/wake cycles' synchronization have shown to improve motor and cognitive deficits in HD models. Therefore, a strong support for their suitability to ameliorate HD symptoms in humans emerges from the literature, albeit with gaps in our knowledge on the underlying mechanisms and possible risks associated with their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Dell’Angelica
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Karan Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Christopher S. Colwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
| | - Cristina A. Ghiani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behaviour, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (D.D.); (K.S.); (C.S.C.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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Bellamy EL, Hadjiefthyvoulou F, Walsh J, Brown J, Turner J. Understanding the experiences of ketogenic metabolic therapy for people living with varying levels of depressive symptoms: a thematic analysis. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1397546. [PMID: 38903620 PMCID: PMC11188922 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1397546] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet (KD) may help to alleviate psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Positive changes have been reported such as improvements in cognition, concentration, and sleep, a reduction in hunger, and an increase in well-being, energy, confidence, and resilience. This research aims to understand the impact of a non-calorie-restricted KD on depression and aspects of psychological well-being in those with varying degrees of depressive symptoms. Though there are a few studies directly exploring the experiences of those following a KD, this will be the first study to explore the narrative from a mental health and psychological well-being viewpoint. Method A sample of nine participants who had followed a non-calorie restricted KD intervention of 50 g of carbohydrates or less per day for at least 12 weeks were recruited. Participants were split into 'healthy adults' group who had no to low depressive symptoms and 'depressive symptoms' group who had mild to moderate depressive symptoms. A reflexive thematic analysis was considered suitable for this study. Findings Five core themes and 24 subthemes were created. These were, (1) Poor health prior to program; (2) Hunger and cravings-the food and mood connection; (3) Psychological well-being improvements; (4) It becomes a lifestyle; and (5) Implementation difficulties. Participants experienced mental health improvements such as increased self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and achievement. Some experienced more control in life and a greater sense of reward. Those with depressive symptoms who initially reported low self-worth and hopelessness later reported increased self-esteem and renewed meaning and purpose in life. The findings from this study reflect the previous reports that the diet implementation can be difficult initially, but soon becomes easy to follow and turns into a lifestyle. Conclusion In the literature, there are very few qualitative studies that explore the accounts and lived experiences of those following a KD. From the participants' accounts in this study, it appears that the benefits and positive outcomes of this diet outweigh any negative side-effects experienced. This is encouraging for those who are looking for adjunctive therapies to address and improve their depressive symptoms and overall mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Bellamy
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - James Walsh
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennie Brown
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Turner
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
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Choi J, Kang J, Kim T, Nehs CJ. Sleep, mood disorders, and the ketogenic diet: potential therapeutic targets for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1358578. [PMID: 38419903 PMCID: PMC10899493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1358578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are serious psychiatric conditions that cause a significant reduction in quality of life and shortened life expectancy. Treatments including medications and psychosocial support exist, but many people with these disorders still struggle to participate in society and some are resistant to current therapies. Although the exact pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia remains unclear, increasing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress and redox dysregulation as underlying mechanisms. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species generated by metabolic processes and antioxidant systems that can cause damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Sleep is a critical regulator of metabolic homeostasis and oxidative stress. Disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms contribute to the onset and progression of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and these disorders often coexist with sleep disorders. Furthermore, sleep deprivation has been associated with increased oxidative stress and worsening mood symptoms. Dysfunctional brain metabolism can be improved by fatty acid derived ketones as the brain readily uses both ketones and glucose as fuel. Ketones have been helpful in many neurological disorders including epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Recent clinical trials using the ketogenic diet suggest positive improvement in symptoms for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as well. The improvement in psychiatric symptoms from the ketogenic diet is thought to be linked, in part, to restoration of mitochondrial function. These findings encourage further randomized controlled clinical trials, as well as biochemical and mechanistic investigation into the role of metabolism and sleep in psychiatric disorders. This narrative review seeks to clarify the intricate relationship between brain metabolism, sleep, and psychiatric disorders. The review will delve into the initial promising effects of the ketogenic diet on mood stability, examining evidence from both human and animal models of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The article concludes with a summary of the current state of affairs and encouragement for future research focused on the role of metabolism and sleep in mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyoung Choi
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jiseung Kang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tae Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Christa J. Nehs
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Veneti S, Grammatikopoulou MG, Kintiraki E, Mintziori G, Goulis DG. Ketone Bodies in Diabetes Mellitus: Friend or Foe? Nutrients 2023; 15:4383. [PMID: 37892458 PMCID: PMC10609881 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In glucose-deprived conditions, ketone bodies are produced by the liver mitochondria, through the catabolism of fatty acids, and are used peripherally, as an alternative energy source. Ketones are produced in the body under normal conditions, including during pregnancy and the neonatal period, when following a ketogenic diet (KD), fasting, or exercising. Additionally, ketone synthesis is also augmented under pathological conditions, including cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), alcoholism, and several metabolic disorders. Nonetheless, diet is the main regulator of total body ketone concentrations. The KDs are mimicking the fasting state, altering the default metabolism towards the use of ketones as the primary fuel source. Recently, KD has gained recognition as a medical nutrition therapy for a plethora of metabolic conditions, including obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM). The present review aims to discuss the role of ketones, KDs, ketonemia, and ketonuria in DM, presenting all the available new evidence in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Veneti
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (E.K.)
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (E.K.)
- Unit of Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kintiraki
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (E.K.)
| | - Gesthimani Mintziori
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (E.K.)
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.V.); (E.K.)
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Lavercombe M. Recommendations from the Medical Education Editor. Respirology 2023; 28:903-905. [PMID: 37621177 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lavercombe
- Department of Respiratory & Sleep Disorders Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Education, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ciaffi J, Lisi L, Mari A, Mancarella L, Brusi V, Pignatti F, Ricci S, Vitali G, Stefanelli N, Assirelli E, Neri S, Naldi S, Faldini C, Ursini F. Efficacy, safety and tolerability of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in obese women with fibromyalgia: a pilot interventional study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1219321. [PMID: 37502721 PMCID: PMC10369071 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1219321] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity can worsen fibromyalgia (FM) and very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a potential therapeutic option for diseases that share clinical and pathophysiological features with FM. In this pilot interventional study, we investigated the effects of VLCKD in obese women with FM. Methods Female patients with FM and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were eligible for VLCKD. The ketogenic phase (T0 to T8) was followed by progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates (T8 to T20). Changes in BMI, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were evaluated. A change of 14% in FIQ was considered clinically relevant. The longitudinal association between BMI and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) was assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results Twenty women were enrolled. Two discontinued the intervention. The mean age of the 18 patients who reached T20 was 51.3 years and mean BMI was 37.2 kg/m2. All patients lost weight during the first period of VLCKD and this achievement was maintained at T20. Mean BMI decreased from 37.2 kg/m2 at T0 to 34.8 kg/m2 at T4, 33.5 kg/m2 at T8 and 32.1 kg/m2 at T20 (p < 0.001). A significant reduction of mean FIQ from 61.7 at T0 to 37.0 at T4 and to 38.7 at T8 (p < 0.001) was observed and it was maintained at T20 with a mean FIQ of 39.1 (p = 0.002). Similar results were obtained for HADS, EQ-5D and SF-36. Analysing each participant, the reduction of FIQ was clinically meaningful in 16 patients (89%) at T4, in 13 (72%) at T8 and in 14 (78%) at T20. No significant association was observed between change in BMI and improvement of the PROs over time. Adverse effects were mild and transient. No major safety concerns emerged. Conclusion These are the first data on the efficacy of VLCKD in FM. All patients achieved improvement in different domains of the disease, which was maintained also after carbohydrate reintroduction. Our results suggest that ketosis might exert beneficial effects in FM beyond the rapid weight loss. Clinical trial registration This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05848544.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Lisi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Mari
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luana Mancarella
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Brusi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Pignatti
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Ricci
- Dietetic Service, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Vitali
- Dietetic Service, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Assirelli
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Neri
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Naldi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Faldini
- 1st Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ursini
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Gaidica M, Dantzer B. An implantable neurophysiology platform: Broadening research capabilities in free-living and non-traditional animals. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:940989. [PMID: 36213207 PMCID: PMC9537467 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.940989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-borne sensors that can record and transmit data (“biologgers”) are becoming smaller and more capable at a rapid pace. Biologgers have provided enormous insight into the covert lives of many free-ranging animals by characterizing behavioral motifs, estimating energy expenditure, and tracking movement over vast distances, thereby serving both scientific and conservational endpoints. However, given that biologgers are usually attached externally, access to the brain and neurophysiological data has been largely unexplored outside of the laboratory, limiting our understanding of how the brain adapts to, interacts with, or addresses challenges of the natural world. For example, there are only a handful of studies in free-living animals examining the role of sleep, resulting in a wake-centric view of behavior despite the fact that sleep often encompasses a large portion of an animal’s day and plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. The growing need to understand sleep from a mechanistic viewpoint and probe its function led us to design an implantable neurophysiology platform that can record brain activity and inertial data, while utilizing a wireless link to enable a suite of forward-looking capabilities. Here, we describe our design approach and demonstrate our device’s capability in a standard laboratory rat as well as a captive fox squirrel. We also discuss the methodological and ethical implications of deploying this new class of device “into the wild” to fill outstanding knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Gaidica
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Matt Gaidica,
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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