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Fang YT, Kuo HC, Chen CY, Chou SJ, Lu CW, Hung CM. Brain Gene Regulatory Networks Coordinate Nest Construction in Birds. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae125. [PMID: 38916488 PMCID: PMC11223658 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nest building is a vital behavior exhibited during breeding in birds, and is possibly induced by environmental and social cues. Although such behavioral plasticity has been hypothesized to be controlled by adult neuronal plasticity, empirical evidence, especially at the neurogenomic level, remains limited. Here, we aim to uncover the gene regulatory networks that govern avian nest construction and examine whether they are associated with circuit rewiring. We designed an experiment to dissect this complex behavior into components in response to pair bonding and nest material acquisition by manipulating the presence of mates and nest materials in 30 pairs of zebra finches. Whole-transcriptome analysis of 300 samples from five brain regions linked to avian nesting behaviors revealed nesting-associated gene expression enriched with neural rewiring functions, including neurogenesis and neuron projection. The enriched expression was observed in the motor/sensorimotor and social behavior networks of female finches, and in the dopaminergic reward system of males. Female birds exhibited predominant neurotranscriptomic changes to initiate the nesting stage, while males showed major changes after entering this stage, underscoring sex-specific roles in nesting behavior. Notably, major neurotranscriptomic changes occurred during pair bonding, with minor changes during nest material acquisition, emphasizing social interactions in nest construction. We also revealed gene expression associated with reproductive behaviors and tactile sensing for nesting behavior. This study presents novel neurogenomic evidence supporting the hypothesis of adult neural plasticity underlying avian nest-construction behavior. By uncovering the genetic toolkits involved, we offer novel insights into the evolution of animals' innate ability to construct nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Fang
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chih Kuo
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Ju Chou
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lu
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Hung
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhang B, Guo M, Dong T, Yang H, Zhang Q, Yang Q, Zhou X, Mao C, Zhang M. Disrupted Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Effective Connectivity of the Nucleus Accumbens in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pain Res 2024; 17:2133-2146. [PMID: 38915479 PMCID: PMC11194467 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s455239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a recurring and intractable disease that is often accompanied by emotional and cognitive disorders such as depression and anxiety. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in mediating emotional and cognitive processes and analgesia. This study investigated the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and effective connectivity (EC) of NAc and its subregions in cLBP. Methods Thirty-four cLBP patients and 34 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Seed-based rsFC and Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) were used to examine the alteration of the rsFC and EC of the NAc. Results Our results showed that the cLBP group had increased rsFC of the bilateral NAc-left superior frontal cortex (SFC), orbital frontal cortex (OFC), left angular gyrus, the left NAc-bilateral middle temporal gyrus, as well as decreased rsFC of left NAc-left supramarginal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, left cerebellum, brainstem (medulla oblongata), and right insula pathways compared with the HC; the results of the subregions were largely consistent with the whole NAc. In addition, the rsFC of the left NAc-left SFC was negatively correlated with Hamilton's Depression Scale (HAMD) scores (r = -0.402, p = 0.018), and the rsFC of left NAc-OFC was positively correlated with present pain intensity scores (r = 0.406, p = 0.017) in the cLBP group. DCM showed that the cLBP group showed significantly increased EC from the left cerebellum to the right NAc (p = 0.012) as compared with HC. Conclusion Overall, our findings demonstrate aberrant rsFC and EC between NAc and regions that are associated with emotional regulation and cognitive processing in individuals with cLBP, underscoring the pivotal roles of emotion and cognition in cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minmin Guo
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Dong
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huajuan Yang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiujuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Quanxin Yang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuiping Mao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061, People’s Republic of China
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Al-Omari A, Gaszner B, Zelena D, Gecse K, Berta G, Biró-Sütő T, Szocsics P, Maglóczky Z, Gombás P, Pintér E, Juhász G, Kormos V. Neuroanatomical evidence and a mouse calcitonin gene-related peptide model in line with human functional magnetic resonance imaging data support the involvement of peptidergic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in migraine. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00627. [PMID: 38875125 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The urocortin 1 (UCN1)-expressing centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal (EWcp) nucleus is influenced by circadian rhythms, hormones, stress, and pain, all known migraine triggers. Our study investigated EWcp's potential involvement in migraine. Using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunostaining, we examined the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor components in both mouse and human EWcp and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Tracing study examined connection between EWcp and the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN). The intraperitoneal CGRP injection model of migraine was applied and validated by light-dark box, and von Frey assays in mice, in situ hybridization combined with immunostaining, were used to assess the functional-morphological changes. The functional connectivity matrix of EW was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging in control humans and interictal migraineurs. We proved the expression of CGRP receptor components in both murine and human DRN and EWcp. We identified a direct urocortinergic projection from EWcp to the STN. Photophobic behavior, periorbital hyperalgesia, increased c-fos gene-encoded protein immunoreactivity in the lateral periaqueductal gray matter and trigeminal ganglia, and phosphorylated c-AMP-responsive element binding protein in the STN supported the efficacy of CGRP-induced migraine-like state. Calcitonin gene-related peptide administration also increased c-fos gene-encoded protein expression, Ucn1 mRNA, and peptide content in EWcp/UCN1 neurons while reducing serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 levels in the DRN. Targeted ablation of EWcp/UCN1 neurons induced hyperalgesia. A positive functional connectivity between EW and STN as well as DRN has been identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The presented data strongly suggest the regulatory role of EWcp/UCN1 neurons in migraine through the STN and DRN with high translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Omari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School and Research Group for Mood Disorders, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kinga Gecse
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- NAP3.0-SE Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Biró-Sütő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Szocsics
- Human Brain Research Laboratory, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Doctoral School of Neuroscience, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Maglóczky
- Human Brain Research Laboratory, HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Szentágothai János Doctoral School of Neuroscience, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Gombás
- Department of Pathology, St. Borbála Hospital, Tatabánya, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhász
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- NAP3.0-SE Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Curatolo M. Central Sensitization and Pain: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Insights. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:15-22. [PMID: 36237158 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666221012112725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Central sensitization is an increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to their normal or subthreshold afferent input. AIM To explain how the notion of central sensitization has changed our understanding of pain conditions, discuss how this knowledge can be used to improve the management of pain, and highlight knowledge gaps that future research needs to address. METHODS Overview of definitions, assessment methods, and clinical implications. RESULTS Human pain models, and functional and molecular imaging have provided converging evidence that central sensitization occurs and is clinically relevant. Measures to assess central sensitization in patients are available; however, their ability to discriminate sensitization of central from peripheral neurons is unclear. Treatments that attenuate central sensitization are available, but the limited understanding of molecular and functional mechanisms hampers the development of target-specific treatments. The origin of central sensitization in human pain conditions that are not associated with tissue damage remains unclear. CONCLUSION The knowledge of central sensitization has revolutionized our neurobiological understanding of pain. Despite the limitations of clinical assessment in identifying central sensitization, it is appropriate to use the available tools to guide clinical decisions towards treatments that attenuate central sensitization. Future research that elucidates the causes, molecular and functional mechanisms of central sensitization would provide crucial progress towards the development of treatments that target specific mechanisms of central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The University of Washington Clinical Learning, Evidence and Research (CLEAR), University of Washington, WAI, USA
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Asiedu K. Neurophysiology of corneal neuropathic pain and emerging pharmacotherapeutics. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25285. [PMID: 38284865 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25285] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The altered activity generated by corneal neuronal injury can result in morphological and physiological changes in the architecture of synaptic connections in the nervous system. These changes can alter the sensitivity of neurons (both second-order and higher-order projection) projecting pain signals. A complex process involving different cell types, molecules, nerves, dendritic cells, neurokines, neuropeptides, and axon guidance molecules causes a high level of sensory rearrangement, which is germane to all the phases in the pathomechanism of corneal neuropathic pain. Immune cells migrating to the region of nerve injury assist in pain generation by secreting neurokines that ensure nerve depolarization. Furthermore, excitability in the central pain pathway is perpetuated by local activation of microglia in the trigeminal ganglion and alterations of the descending inhibitory modulation for corneal pain arriving from central nervous system. Corneal neuropathic pain may be facilitated by dysfunctional structures in the central somatosensory nervous system due to a lesion, altered synaptogenesis, or genetic abnormality. Understanding these important pathways will provide novel therapeutic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kofi Asiedu
- School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Trevarrow MP, Dukkipati SS, Baker SE, Wilson TW, Kurz MJ. Reduced brainstem volume is associated with mobility impairments in youth with cerebral palsy. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 117:114-119. [PMID: 37801875 PMCID: PMC10841759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired mobility that has been attributed to changes in structure and function within the nervous system. The brainstem is a region that plays a critical role in mobility by connecting the cortex and cerebellum to the spinal cord, yet this region has been largely unstudied in persons with CP. RESEARCH QUESTION We used high-resolution structural MRI and biomechanical analyses to examine whether the volume of the whole brainstem and its constituent elements are altered in CP and if these alterations relate to the mobility impairments within this population. METHODS A cohort study was conducted to assess the volume of the whole brainstem, pons, midbrain, medulla, and superior cerebellar peduncle in a cohort of persons with CP (N = 26; Age = 16.3 ± 1.0 years; GMFCS levels I-IV, Females = 12) and a cohort of neurotypical (NT) controls (N = 38; Age = 14.3 ± 0.4 years, Females = 14) using structural MR imaging of the brainstem. Outside the scanner, a digital mat was used to quantify the spatiotemporal gait biomechanics of these individuals. RESULTS We found a significant decrease in volume of the total brainstem, midbrain, and pons in persons with CP in comparison to the NT controls. Furthermore, we found that the altered volumes were related to reduced gait velocity and step length. SIGNIFICANCE The structural changes in the brainstems of persons with CP may contribute to the mobility impairments that are ubiquitous within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Trevarrow
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Saihari S Dukkipati
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Sarah E Baker
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Max J Kurz
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE 68010, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Beckers AB, Drenthen GS, Jansen JFA, Backes WH, Poser BA, Keszthelyi D. Comparing the efficacy of data-driven denoising methods for a multi-echo fMRI acquisition at 7T. Neuroimage 2023; 280:120361. [PMID: 37669723 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain the measured signal is corrupted by several (e.g. physiological, motion, and thermal) noise sources and depends on the image acquisition. Imaging at ultrahigh field strength is becoming increasingly popular as it offers increased spatial accuracy. The latter is of particular benefit in brainstem neuroimaging given the small cross-sectional area of most nuclei. However, physiological noise scales with field strength in fMRI acquisitions. Although this problem is in part solved by decreasing voxel size, it is clear that adequate physiological denoising is of utmost importance in brainstem-focused fMRI experiments. Multi-echo sequences have been reported to facilitate highly effective denoising through TE-dependence of Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) signals, in a denoising method referred to as multi-echo independent component analysis (ME-ICA). It has not been explored previously how ME-ICA compares to other data-driven denoising approaches at ultrahigh field strength. In the current study, we compared the efficacy of several denoising methods, including anatomical component based correction (aCompCor), Automatic Removal of Motion Artifacts (ICA-AROMA) aggressive and non-aggressive options, ME-ICA, and a combination of ME-ICA and aCompCor. We assessed several data quality metrics, including temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR), delta variation signal (DVARS), spectral density of the global signal, functional connectivity and Shannon spectral entropy. Moreover, we looked at the ability of each method to uncouple the global signal and respiration. In line with previous reports at lower field strengths, we demonstrate that after applying ME-ICA, the data is best post-processed in order to remove spatially diffuse noise with a method such as aCompCor. Our findings indicate that ME-ICA combined with aCompCor and the aggressive option of ICA-AROMA are highly effective denoising approaches for multi-echo data acquired at 7T. ME-ICA combined with aCompCor potentially preserves more signal-of-interest as compared to the aggressive option of ICA-AROMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham B Beckers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerhard S Drenthen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, Maastricht 6202 AZ, the Netherlands.
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, Maastricht 6202 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Walter H Backes
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, Maastricht 6202 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Benedikt A Poser
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Keszthelyi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Messina R, Rocca MA, Goadsby PJ, Filippi M. Insights into migraine attacks from neuroimaging. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:834-846. [PMID: 37478888 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases and it has a huge social and personal impact. Although head pain is the core symptom, individuals with migraine can have a plethora of non-headache symptoms that precede, accompany, or follow the pain. Neuroimaging studies have shown that the involvement of specific brain areas can explain many of the symptoms reported during the different phases of migraine. Recruitment of the hypothalamus, pons, spinal trigeminal nucleus, thalamus, and visual and pain-processing cortical areas starts during the premonitory phase and persists through the headache phase, contributing to the onset of pain and associated symptoms. Once the pain stops, the involvement of most brain areas ends, although the pons, hypothalamus, and visual cortex remain active after acute treatment intake and resolution of migraine symptoms. A better understanding of the correlations between imaging findings and migraine symptomatology can provide new insight into migraine pathophysiology and the mechanisms of novel migraine-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Messina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter J Goadsby
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College, London, UK; Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
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Yang L, Liu B, Zheng S, Xu L, Yao M. Understanding the initiation, delivery and processing of bone cancer pain from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Neuropharmacology 2023; 237:109641. [PMID: 37392821 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109641] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Bone cancer pain is a complex condition characterized by persistent, sudden, spontaneous pain accompanied by hyperalgesia that typically arises from bone metastases or primary bone tumors, causing severe discomfort and significantly diminishing cancer patients' quality of life and confidence in their ability to overcome the disease. It is widely known that peripheral nerves are responsible for detecting harmful stimuli, which are then transmitted to the brain via the spinal cord, resulting in the perception of pain. In the case of bone cancer, tumors and stromal cells within the bone marrow release various chemical signals, including inflammatory factors, colony-stimulating factors, chemokines, and hydrogen ions. Consequently, the nociceptors located at the nerve endings within the bone marrow sense these chemical signals, generating electrical signals that are then transmitted to the brain through the spinal cord. Subsequently, the brain processes these electrical signals in a complex manner to create the sensation of bone cancer pain. Numerous studies have investigated the transmission of bone cancer pain from the periphery to the spinal cord. However, the processing of pain information induced by bone cancer within the brain remains unclear. With the continuous advancements in brain science and technology, the brain mechanism of bone cancer pain would become more clearly understood. Herein, we focus on summarizing the peripheral nerve perception of the spinal cord transmission of bone cancer pain and provide a brief overview of the ongoing research regarding the brain mechanisms involved in bone cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 Zhong-Huan-Nan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 Zhong-Huan-Nan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Shang Zheng
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 Zhong-Huan-Nan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, China
| | - Longsheng Xu
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 Zhong-Huan-Nan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, China.
| | - Ming Yao
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, No. 1882 Zhong-Huan-Nan Road, Jiaxing, 314001, China.
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Wang X, Wang T, Fan X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li Z. A Molecular Toolbox of Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for General Anesthesia Mechanism Research. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6463-6497. [PMID: 37145921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
With appropriate radiotracers, positron emission tomography (PET) allows direct or indirect monitoring of the spatial and temporal distribution of anesthetics, neurotransmitters, and biomarkers, making it an indispensable tool for studying the general anesthesia mechanism. In this Perspective, PET tracers that have been recruited in general anesthesia research are introduced in the following order: 1) 11C/18F-labeled anesthetics, i.e., PET tracers made from inhaled and intravenous anesthetics; 2) PET tracers targeting anesthesia-related receptors, e.g., neurotransmitters and voltage-gated ion channels; and 3) PET tracers for studying anesthesia-related neurophysiological effects and neurotoxicity. The radiosynthesis, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the above PET tracers are mainly discussed to provide a practical molecular toolbox for radiochemists, anesthesiologists, and those who are interested in general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaowei Fan
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zijing Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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Stroman PW, Powers JM, Ioachim G. Proof-of-concept of a novel structural equation modelling approach for the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data applied to investigate individual differences in human pain responses. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2523-2542. [PMID: 36773275 PMCID: PMC10028631 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel network analysis method is demonstrated for applications with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The method is based on structural equation modeling (SEM) plus modeling of physiological responses in order to explain blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) responses across interconnected regions. The method, termed structural and physiological modeling (SAPM) aims to overcome a weakness of previous analysis methods by estimating both input and output signaling of every region of a network. The results also provide weighting factors (B) which describe the influence of each input signal to a region on its output signaling to another region. The SAPM method is demonstrated by applying it to fMRI data from the brainstem and spinal cord in 55 healthy participants undergoing repeated applications of a heat pain stimulation paradigm. Data are also analyzed using our established SEM method for comparison. The results with both methods indicate that individual differences in nociceptive processing are mediated by differences in descending regulation of spinal cord neurons under the influence of both the nucleus tractus solitarius and periaqueductal gray region. The SAPM results show that BOLD responses in the entire network can be explained during all periods of the stimulation paradigm based on two latent (unobserved) input signaling sources, and a model of the predicted BOLD responses to the heat stimulus. The results demonstrate the concept of our novel SAPM method and provide evidence for its validity. Additional studies are needed to further develop the method and its applications to investigations of complex neural processes across networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jocelyn M Powers
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriela Ioachim
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Kaya B, Geha P, de Araujo I, Cioffi I, Moayedi M. Identification of central amygdala and trigeminal motor nucleus connectivity in humans: An ultra-high field diffusion MRI study. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:1309-1319. [PMID: 36217737 PMCID: PMC9921240 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroanatomical circuitry of jaw muscles has been mostly explored in non-human animals. A recent rodent study revealed a novel circuit from the central amygdala (CeA) to the trigeminal motor nucleus (5M), which controls biting attacks. This circuit has yet to be delineated in humans. Ultra-high diffusion-weighted imaging data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) allow in vivo delineation of circuits identified in other species-for example, the CeA-5M pathway-in humans. We hypothesized that the CeA-5M circuit could be resolved in humans at both 7 and 3 T. We performed probabilistic tractography between the CeA and 5M in 30 healthy young adults from the HCP database. As a negative control, we performed tractography between the basolateral amygdala (BLAT) and 5M, as CeA is the only amygdalar nucleus with extensive projections to the brainstem. Connectivity strength was operationalized as the number of streamlines between each region of interest. Connectivity strength between CeA-5M and BLAT-5M within each hemisphere was compared, and CeA-5M circuit had significantly stronger connectivity than the BLAT-5M circuit, bilaterally at both 7 T (all p < .001) and 3 T (all p < .001). This study is the first to delineate the CeA-5M circuit in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batu Kaya
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain ResearchUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of PainTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Paul Geha
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
- The Del Monte Institute of NeuroscienceRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Ivan de Araujo
- Nash Family Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Iacopo Cioffi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain ResearchUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of PainTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of DentistryMount Sinai HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Massieh Moayedi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain ResearchUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of PainTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of DentistryMount Sinai HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Clinical & Computational Neuroscience, Krembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
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13
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Oughourlian TC, Tun G, Antony KM, Gupta A, Mays VM, Mayer EA, Rapkin AJ, Labus JS. Symptom-associated alterations in functional connectivity in primary and secondary provoked vestibulodynia. Pain 2023; 164:653-665. [PMID: 35972459 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Primary provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is marked by the onset of symptoms at first provoking vulvar contact, whereas secondary PVD refers to symptom onset after some period of painless vulvar contact. Different pathophysiological processes are believed to be involved in the development and maintenance of primary PVD and secondary PVD. The primary aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that the resting state functional connectivity of the brain and brain stem regions differs between these subtypes. Deep clinical phenotyping and resting state brain imaging were obtained in a large sample of a women with primary PVD (n = 46), those with secondary PVD (n = 68), and healthy control women (n = 94). The general linear model was used to test for differences in region-to-region resting state functional connectivity and psychosocial and symptom assessments. Direct statistical comparisons by onset type indicated that women with secondary PVD have increased dorsal attention-somatomotor network connectivity, whereas women with primary PVD predominantly show increased intrinsic resting state connectivity within the brain stem and the default mode network. Furthermore, compared with women with primary PVD, those with secondary PVD reported greater incidence of early life sexual abuse, greater pain catastrophizing, greater 24-hour symptom unpleasantness, and less sexual satisfaction. The findings suggest that women with secondary PVD show greater evidence for central amplification of sensory signals, whereas women with primary PVD have alterations in brain stem circuitry responsible for the processing and modulation of ascending and descending peripheral signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia C Oughourlian
- UCLA Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Guistinna Tun
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kevin M Antony
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Arpana Gupta
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vickie M Mays
- Departments of Psychology and Health Policy & Management, Fielding School of Public Health, BRITE Center for Science, Research & Policy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea J Rapkin
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S Labus
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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14
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Trevarrow MP, Dukkipati SS, Baker SE, Wilson TW, Kurz MJ. Reduced Brainstem Volume is Associated with Mobility Impairments in Youth with Cerebral Palsy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2566073. [PMID: 36824764 PMCID: PMC9949252 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2566073/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Persons with cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired mobility that has been attributed to changes in structure and function within the nervous system. The brainstem is a region that plays a critical role in locomotion by connecting the cortex and cerebellum to the spinal cord, yet this region has been largely unstudied in persons with CP. The objective of this investigation was to use high-resolution structural MRI and biomechanical analyses to examine whether the volume of the whole brainstem and its constituent elements are altered in CP, and if these alterations relate to the mobility impairments within this population. We assessed the volume of the pons, midbrain, medulla, and superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) in a cohort of persons with CP (N = 26; Age = 16.3 ± 1.0 yrs; GMFCS levels I-IV, Females = 12) and a cohort of neurotypical (NT) controls (N = 38; Age = 14.3 ± 0.4 yrs, Females = 14) using structural MR imaging of the brainstem. Outside the scanner, a digital mat was used to quantify the spatiotemporal gait biomechanics of these individuals. Our MRI results revealed that there was a significant decrease in volume of the total brainstem, midbrain, and pons in persons with CP in comparison to the NT controls. Furthermore, we found that the altered volumes were related to reduced gait velocity and step length. These results suggest that there are structural changes in the brainstems of persons with CP that may contribute to the mobility impairments that are ubiquitous within this population.
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15
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The neurobiology of irritable bowel syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1451-1465. [PMID: 36732586 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01972-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent disorder of brain-gut interactions that affects between 5 and 10% of the general population worldwide. The current symptom criteria restrict the diagnosis to recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits, but the majority of patients also report non-painful abdominal discomfort, associated psychiatric conditions (anxiety and depression), as well as other visceral and somatic pain-related symptoms. For decades, IBS was considered an intestinal motility disorder, and more recently a gut disorder. However, based on an extensive body of reported information about central, peripheral mechanisms and genetic factors involved in the pathophysiology of IBS symptoms, a comprehensive disease model of brain-gut-microbiome interactions has emerged, which can explain altered bowel habits, chronic abdominal pain, and psychiatric comorbidities. In this review, we will first describe novel insights into several key components of brain-gut microbiome interactions, starting with reported alterations in the gut connectome and enteric nervous system, and a list of distinct functional and structural brain signatures, and comparing them to the proposed brain alterations in anxiety disorders. We will then point out the emerging correlations between the brain networks with the genomic, gastrointestinal, immune, and gut microbiome-related parameters. We will incorporate this new information into a systems-based disease model of IBS. Finally, we will discuss the implications of such a model for the improved understanding of the disorder and the development of more effective treatment approaches in the future.
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16
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Bonin EAC, Lejeune N, Szymkowicz E, Bonhomme V, Martial C, Gosseries O, Laureys S, Thibaut A. Assessment and management of pain/nociception in patients with disorders of consciousness or locked-in syndrome: A narrative review. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1112206. [PMID: 37021037 PMCID: PMC10067681 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1112206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment and management of pain and nociception is very challenging in patients unable to communicate functionally such as patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) or in locked-in syndrome (LIS). In a clinical setting, the detection of signs of pain and nociception by the medical staff is therefore essential for the wellbeing and management of these patients. However, there is still a lot unknown and a lack of clear guidelines regarding the assessment, management and treatment of pain and nociception in these populations. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the current knowledge regarding this issue by covering different topics such as: the neurophysiology of pain and nociception (in healthy subjects and patients), the source and impact of nociception and pain in DoC and LIS and, finally, the assessment and treatment of pain and nociception in these populations. In this review we will also give possible research directions that could help to improve the management of this specific population of severely brain damaged patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle A. C. Bonin
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre Hospitalier Neurologique (CHN) William Lennox, Saint-Luc Hospital Group, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emilie Szymkowicz
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Bonhomme
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Neuroscience Laboratory, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- Joint International Research Unit on Consciousness, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et Services Sociaux (CIUSS), University Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness Thematic Unit, GIGA-Research, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Aurore Thibaut,
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Thapaliya K, Marshall-Gradisnik S, Barth M, Eaton-Fitch N, Barnden L. Brainstem volume changes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID patients. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1125208. [PMID: 36937672 PMCID: PMC10017877 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1125208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID patients have overlapping neurological, autonomic, pain, and post-exertional symptoms. We compared volumes of brainstem regions for 10 ME/CFS (CCC or ICC criteria), 8 long COVID (WHO Delphi consensus), and 10 healthy control (HC) subjects on 3D, T1-weighted MRI images acquired using sub-millimeter isotropic resolution using an ultra-high field strength of 7 Tesla. Group comparisons with HC detected significantly larger volumes in ME/CFS for pons (p = 0.004) and whole brainstem (p = 0.01), and in long COVID for pons (p = 0.003), superior cerebellar peduncle (p = 0.009), and whole brainstem (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found between ME/CFS and long COVID volumes. In ME/CFS, we detected positive correlations between the pons and whole brainstem volumes with "pain" and negative correlations between the midbrain and whole brainstem volumes with "breathing difficulty." In long COVID patients a strong negative relationship was detected between midbrain volume and "breathing difficulty." Our study demonstrated an abnormal brainstem volume in both ME/CFS and long COVID consistent with the overlapping symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Thapaliya
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kiran Thapaliya,
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Markus Barth
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Leighton Barnden
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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18
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Neural mechanisms underlying the conditioned pain modulation response: a narrative review of neuroimaging studies. Pain 2023; 164:e25-e46. [PMID: 36017881 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Processing spatially distributed nociceptive information is critical for survival. The conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response has become a common psychophysical test to examine pain modulation capabilities related to spatial filtering of nociceptive information. Neuroimaging studies have been conducted to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the CPM response in health and chronic pain states, yet their findings have not been critically reviewed and synthesized before. This narrative review presents a simplified overview of MRI methodology in relation to CPM assessments and summarizes the findings of neuroimaging studies on the CPM response. The summary includes functional MRI studies assessing CPM responses during scanning as well as functional and structural MRI studies correlating indices with CPM responses assessed outside of the scanner. The findings are discussed in relation to the suggested mechanisms for the CPM response. A better understanding of neural mechanisms underlying spatial processing of nociceptive information could advance both pain research and clinical use of the CPM response as a marker or a treatment target.
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19
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Maddahi A, Edvinsson L, Warfvinge K. Expression of vasopressin and its receptors in migraine-related regions in CNS and the trigeminal system: influence of sex. J Headache Pain 2022; 23:152. [PMID: 36456902 PMCID: PMC9713967 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-022-01524-7] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothalamus is a key region in migraine attacks. In addition, women are disproportionately affected by migraine. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system is an important key player in migraine pathophysiology. CGRP signaling could be a target of hormones that influence migraine. Our aim is to identify the expression of vasopressin and its receptors in the brain and in the trigeminovascular system with focus on the migraine-related regions and, furthermore, to examine the role of sex on the expression of neurohormones in the trigeminal ganglion. METHODS Rat brain and trigeminal ganglia were carefully harvested, and protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS Vasopressin and its receptors immunoreactivity were found in migraine-related areas within the brain and, in the trigeminal ganglion, predominantly in neuronal cytoplasm. There were no differences in the number of positive immunoreactivity cells expression of CGRP and vasopressin in the trigeminal ganglion between male and female rats. In contrast, the number of RAMP1 (CGRP receptor), oxytocin (molecular relative to vasopressin), oxytocin receptor and vasopressin receptors (V1aR and V1bR) immunoreactive cells were higher in female compared to male rats. Vasopressin and its receptors mRNA were expressed in both hypothalamus and trigeminal ganglion; however, the vasopressin mRNA level was significantly higher in the hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of potential hormonal influences on migraine mechanisms is needed to improve treatment of female migraineurs. It is intriguing that vasopressin is an output of hypothalamic neurons that influences areas associated with migraine. Therefore, vasopressin and the closely related oxytocin might be important hypothalamic components that contribute to migraine pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Maddahi
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden ,grid.475435.4Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karin Warfvinge
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden ,grid.475435.4Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
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20
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Beckers AB, van Oudenhove L, Weerts ZZRM, Jacobs HIL, Priovoulos N, Poser BA, Ivanov D, Gholamrezaei A, Aziz Q, Elsenbruch S, Masclee AAM, Keszthelyi D. Evidence for engagement of the nucleus of the solitary tract in processing intestinal chemonociceptive input irrespective of conscious pain response in healthy humans. Pain 2022; 163:1520-1529. [PMID: 34799534 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuroimaging studies have revealed important pathomechanisms related to disorders of brain-gut interactions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. More detailed investigations aimed at neural processing in the brainstem, including the key relay station of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), have hitherto been hampered by technical shortcomings. To ascertain these processes in more detail, we used multiecho multiband 7T functional magnetic resonance imaging and a novel translational experimental model based on a nutrient-derived intestinal chemonociceptive stimulus. In a randomized cross-over fashion, subjects received duodenal infusion of capsaicin (the pungent principle in red peppers) and placebo (saline). During infusion, functional magnetic resonance imaging data and concomitant symptom ratings were acquired. Of 26 healthy female volunteers included, 18 were included in the final analysis. Significantly increased brain activation over time during capsaicin infusion, as compared with placebo, was observed in brain regions implicated in pain processing, in particular the NTS. Brain activation in the thalamus, cingulate cortex, and insula was more pronounced in subjects who reported abdominal pain (visual analogue scale > 10 mm), as compared with subjects who experienced no pain. On the contrary, activations at the level of the NTS were independent of subjective pain ratings. The current experimental paradigm therefore allowed us to demonstrate activation of the principal relay station for visceral afferents in the brainstem, the NTS, which was engaged irrespective of the conscious pain response. These findings contribute to understanding the fundamental mechanism necessary for developing novel therapies aimed at correcting disturbances in visceral afferent pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham B Beckers
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism, and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Zsa Zsa R M Weerts
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Heidi I L Jacobs
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nikos Priovoulos
- Spinoza Center for Neuroimaging, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Benedikt A Poser
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dimo Ivanov
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ali Gholamrezaei
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qasim Aziz
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Translational Pain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ad A M Masclee
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Keszthelyi
- Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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21
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Ha G, Tian Z, Chen J, Wang S, Luo A, Liu Y, Tang J, Lai N, Zeng F, Lan L. Coordinate-based (ALE) meta-analysis of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:906875. [PMID: 35937886 PMCID: PMC9354890 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.906875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroimaging studies have been widely used to investigate brain regions' alterations in musculoskeletal pain patients. However, inconsistent results have hindered our understanding of the central modulatory effects of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain. The main objective of our investigation has been to obtain comprehensive evidence of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain diseases. Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine disc Database, Clinical Trial Registration Platform, and Wanfang Database were searched for neuroimaging studies on musculoskeletal pain diseases published from inception up to November 2021. Then, the relevant literature was screened to extract the coordinates that meet the criteria. Finally, the coordinate-based meta-analysis was performed using the activation likelihood estimation algorithm. Results A total of 15 neuroimaging studies with 183 foci of activation were included in this study. The ALE meta-analysis revealed activated clusters in multiple cortical and sub-cortical brain structures in response to acupuncture across studies, including the thalamus, insula, caudate, claustrum, and lentiform nucleus. Conclusions The studies showed that acupuncture could modulate different brain regions, including the thalamus, insula, caudate, claustrum, and lentiform nucleus. The findings offer several insights into the potential mechanisms of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain and provide a possible explanation for the observed clinical benefit of this therapy. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=227850, identifier: CRD42021227850.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Ha
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zilei Tian
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiyao Chen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Aga Luo
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunyu Liu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ningyuan Lai
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Acupuncture and Chronobiology, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Lan
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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22
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Mo 莫思怡 SY, Xu 徐啸翔 XX, Bai 白珊珊 SS, Liu 刘云 Y, Fu 傅开元 KY, Sessle BJ, Cao 曹烨 Y, Xie 谢秋菲 QF. Neuronal Activities in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Associated with Experimental Occlusal Interference-Induced Orofacial Hyperalgesia. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5314-5329. [PMID: 35667852 PMCID: PMC9270923 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0008-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The imbalanced conditions of pronociceptive ON-cells and antinociceptive OFF-cells in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) alter nociceptive transmission and play an important role in the development of chronic pain. This study aimed to explore the neuroplastic mechanisms of the RVM ON-cells and OFF-cells in a male rat model of experimental occlusal interference (EOI)-induced nociceptive behavior reflecting orofacial hyperalgesia and in modified models involving EOI removal at early and later stages. We recorded the mechanical head withdrawal thresholds, orofacial operant behaviors, and the activity of identified RVM ON-cells and OFF-cells in these rats. EOI-induced orofacial hyperalgesia could be relieved by EOI removal around postoperative day 3; this effect could be inhibited by intra-RVM microinjection of the κ-opioid receptor agonist U-69593. EOI removal around postoperative day 8 did not relieve the orofacial hyperalgesia, which could, however, be reversed by intra-RVM microinjection of the NK-1 (neurokinin-1) receptor antagonist L-733060. The activity of ON-cells and OFF-cells did not change during both the initial 3 and 6 d of EOI. When EOI was removed on postoperative day 3, OFF-cell responses decreased, contributing to the reversal of hyperalgesia. When EOI lasted for 8 d or was removed on postoperative day 8, spontaneous activity and stimulus-evoked responses of ON-cell increased, contributing to the maintained hyperalgesia. In contrast, when the EOI lasted for 14 d, OFF-cell responses decreased, possibly participating in the maintenance of hyperalgesia with persistent EOI. Our results reveal that adaptive changes in the RVM were associated with orofacial pain following EOI placement and removal.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A considerable proportion of patients experience chronic orofacial pain throughout life despite the therapies given or removal of potential etiologic factors. However, current therapies lack effectiveness because of limited knowledge of the chronicity mechanisms. Using electrophysiological recording, combined with a behavioral test, we found that the prevailing descending facilitation in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) participates in the maintenance of orofacial hyperalgesia following late removal of nociceptive stimuli, while the prevailing descending inhibition from the RVM may contribute to the reversal of orofacial hyperalgesia following early removal of nociceptive stimuli. Thus, variable clinical outcomes of orofacial pain may be associated with descending modulation, and an optimal window of time may exist in the management of chronic orofacial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yi Mo 莫思怡
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Xiang Xu 徐啸翔
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Bai 白珊珊
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Liu 刘云
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yuan Fu 傅开元
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- Center for Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Barry J Sessle
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1G6, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1P8, Canada
| | - Ye Cao 曹烨
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Fei Xie 谢秋菲
- Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Peking University, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center for Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
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23
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Pondelis NJ, Moulton EA. Supraspinal Mechanisms Underlying Ocular Pain. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:768649. [PMID: 35211480 PMCID: PMC8862711 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.768649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Supraspinal mechanisms of pain are increasingly understood to underlie neuropathic ocular conditions previously thought to be exclusively peripheral in nature. Isolating individual causes of centralized chronic conditions and differentiating them is critical to understanding the mechanisms underlying neuropathic eye pain and ultimately its treatment. Though few functional imaging studies have focused on the eye as an end-organ for the transduction of noxious stimuli, the brain networks related to pain processing have been extensively studied with functional neuroimaging over the past 20 years. This article will review the supraspinal mechanisms that underlie pain as they relate to the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Pondelis
- Brain and Eye Pain Imaging Lab, Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eric A Moulton
- Brain and Eye Pain Imaging Lab, Pain and Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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24
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Distinct networks of periaqueductal gray columns in pain and threat processing. Neuroimage 2022; 250:118936. [PMID: 35093518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.118936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Noxious events that can cause physical damage to the body are perceived as threats. In the brainstem, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) ensures survival by generating an appropriate response to these threats. Hence, the experience of pain is coupled with threat signaling and interfaces in the dl/l and vlPAG columns. In this study, we triangulate the functional circuits of the dl/l and vlPAG by using static and time-varying functional connectivity (FC) in multiple fMRI scans in healthy participants (n=37, 21 female). The dl/l and vlPAG were activated during cue, heat, and rating periods when the cue signaled a high threat of experiencing heat pain and the incoming intensity of heat pain was low; responses were significantly lower after low threat cues. The two regions responded similarly to the cued conditions but showed prominent distinctions in the extent of FC with other brain regions. Thus, both static and time-varying FC showed significant differences in the functional circuits of dl/l and vlPAG in rest and task scans. The dl/lPAG consistently synchronized with the salience network, suggesting a role in threat detection, while the vlPAG exhibited more widespread synchronization and frequently connected with memory/language and sensory regions. Hence, these two PAG regions process heat pain when stronger pain is expected or when it is uncertain, and preferentially synchronize with distinct brain circuits in a reproducible manner. The dl/lPAG seems more directly involved in salience detection, while the vlPAG seems engaged in contextualizing threats.
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25
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Cauzzo S, Singh K, Stauder M, García-Gomar MG, Vanello N, Passino C, Staab J, Indovina I, Bianciardi M. Functional connectome of brainstem nuclei involved in autonomic, limbic, pain and sensory processing in living humans from 7 Tesla resting state fMRI. Neuroimage 2022; 250:118925. [PMID: 35074504 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.118925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite remarkable advances in mapping the functional connectivity of the cortex, the functional connectivity of subcortical regions is understudied in living humans. This is the case for brainstem nuclei that control vital processes, such as autonomic, limbic, nociceptive and sensory functions. This is because of the lack of precise brainstem nuclei localization, of adequate sensitivity and resolution in the deepest brain regions, as well as of optimized processing for the brainstem. To close the gap between the cortex and the brainstem, on 20 healthy subjects, we computed a correlation-based functional connectome of 15 brainstem nuclei involved in autonomic, limbic, nociceptive, and sensory function (superior and inferior colliculi, ventral tegmental area-parabrachial pigmented nucleus complex, microcellular tegmental nucleus-prabigeminal nucleus complex, lateral and medial parabrachial nuclei, vestibular and superior olivary complex, superior and inferior medullary reticular formation, viscerosensory motor nucleus, raphe magnus, pallidus, and obscurus, and parvicellular reticular nucleus - alpha part) with the rest of the brain. Specifically, we exploited 1.1mm isotropic resolution 7 Tesla resting-state fMRI, ad-hoc coregistration and physiological noise correction strategies, and a recently developed probabilistic template of brainstem nuclei. Further, we used 2.5mm isotropic resolution resting-state fMRI data acquired on a 3 Tesla scanner to assess the translatability of our results to conventional datasets. We report highly consistent correlation coefficients across subjects, confirming available literature on autonomic, limbic, nociceptive and sensory pathways, as well as high interconnectivity within the central autonomic network and the vestibular network. Interestingly, our results showed evidence of vestibulo-autonomic interactions in line with previous work. Comparison of 7 Tesla and 3 Tesla findings showed high translatability of results to conventional settings for brainstem-cortical connectivity and good yet weaker translatability for brainstem-brainstem connectivity. The brainstem functional connectome might bring new insight in the understanding of autonomic, limbic, nociceptive and sensory function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cauzzo
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Life Sciences Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Kavita Singh
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew Stauder
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - María Guadalupe García-Gomar
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicola Vanello
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- Life Sciences Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy; Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jeffrey Staab
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States; Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Iole Indovina
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy; Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Bianciardi
- Brainstem Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA.
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26
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Herten A, Saban D, Santos AN, Chen B, Darkwah Oppong M, Rauschenbach L, Jabbarli R, Wrede K, Bingel U, Müller D, Holle-Lee D, Schmidt B, Li Y, Sure U, Dammann P. The occurrence of neuropathic pain following surgery of brainstem cavernous malformations. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:865-872. [PMID: 34762327 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15179] [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: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study aimed to assess the occurrence and significance of postoperative neuropathic pain (NP) in patients with surgically treated brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs). METHODS Seventy-four BSCM patients surgically treated between 2003 and 2019 were reviewed for the occurrence of postoperative NP and related treatment. The relevance of BSCM location, preoperative characteristics, influence on functional outcome, postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and life satisfaction was evaluated. RESULTS Six out of 74 patients (8%) suffered from NP. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scores ranged from 12 to 16 (mean 14.28 ± 1.6). Visual analog scale pain was 5.2 ± 2.0. NP had no effect on preoperative characteristics or functional outcome. Bodily pain (HRQOL) and vocational time (life satisfaction) were significantly decreased in NP compared to non-NP patients. Specific BSCM location (regarding brainstem nuclei involved in pain processing) and other preoperative patient- and BSCM-related parameters were not associated with the occurrence of postoperative NP. Three out of six patients were currently under NP-specific treatment. The proportion of patients suffering from postoperative NP (8%) was substantially higher compared to previously published studies. The pain affected the HRQOL of patients, most of whom were insufficiently treated and not satisfied with treatment results. CONCLUSION Our findings may help to raise awareness for postoperative NP in BSCM, which is essential to improve diagnosis and initiation of proper treatment, as well as preoperative informed consent of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Herten
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dino Saban
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alejandro N Santos
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bixia Chen
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marvin Darkwah Oppong
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laurèl Rauschenbach
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ramazan Jabbarli
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karsten Wrede
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Müller
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagny Holle-Lee
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Börge Schmidt
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philipp Dammann
- ¹Department of Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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27
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Hormonal influences in migraine - interactions of oestrogen, oxytocin and CGRP. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:621-633. [PMID: 34545218 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is ranked as the second highest cause of disability worldwide and the first among women aged 15-49 years. Overall, the incidence of migraine is threefold higher among women than men, though the frequency and severity of attacks varies during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause. Reproductive hormones are clearly a key influence in the susceptibility of women to migraine. A fall in plasma oestrogen levels can trigger attacks of migraine without aura, whereas higher oestrogen levels seem to be protective. The basis of these effects is unknown. In this Review, we discuss what is known about sex hormones and their receptors in migraine-related areas in the CNS and the peripheral trigeminovascular pathway. We consider the actions of oestrogen via its multiple receptor subtypes and the involvement of oxytocin, which has been shown to prevent migraine attacks. We also discuss possible interactions of these hormones with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system in light of the success of anti-CGRP treatments. We propose a simple model to explain the hormone withdrawal trigger in menstrual migraine, which could provide a foundation for improved management and therapy for hormone-related migraine in women.
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28
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Transcutaneous auricular VNS applied to experimental pain: A paired behavioral and EEG study using thermonociceptive CO2 laser. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254480. [PMID: 34252124 PMCID: PMC8274876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique with potential analgesic effects. Several studies based on subjective behavioral responses suggest that taVNS modulates nociception differently with either pro-nociceptive or anti-nociceptive effects. Objective This study aimed to characterize how taVNS alters pain perception, by investigating its effects on event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by different types of spinothalamic and lemniscal somatosensory stimuli, combined with quantitative sensory testing (detection threshold and intensity ratings). Methods We performed 3 experiments designed to study the time-dependent effects of taVNS and compare with standard cervical VNS (cVNS). In Experiment 1, we assessed the effects of taVNS after 3 hours of stimulation. In Experiment 2, we focused on the immediate effects of the duty cycle (OFF vs. ON phases). Experiments 1 and 2 included 22 and 15 healthy participants respectively. Both experiments consisted of a 2-day cross-over protocol, in which subjects received taVNS and sham stimulation sequentially. In addition, subjects received a set of nociceptive (thermonociceptive CO2 laser, mechanical pinprick) and non-nociceptive (vibrotactile, cool) stimuli, for which we recorded detection thresholds, intensity of perception and ERPs. Finally, in Experiment 3, we tested 13 epileptic patients with an implanted cVNS by comparing OFF vs. ON cycles, using a similar experimental procedure. Results Neither taVNS nor cVNS appeared to modulate the cerebral and behavioral aspects of somatosensory perception. Conclusion The potential effect of taVNS on nociception requires a cautious interpretation, as we found no objective change in behavioral and cerebral responses to spinothalamic and lemniscal somatosensory stimulations.
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29
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Fathi E, Yarbro JM, Homayouni R. NIPSNAP protein family emerges as a sensor of mitochondrial health. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100014. [PMID: 33852167 PMCID: PMC10577685 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since their discovery over two decades ago, the molecular and cellular functions of the NIPSNAP family of proteins (NIPSNAPs) have remained elusive until recently. NIPSNAPs interact with a variety of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic proteins. They have been implicated in multiple cellular processes and associated with different physiologic and pathologic conditions, including pain transmission, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. Recent evidence demonstrated a direct role for NIPSNAP1 and NIPSNAP2 proteins in regulation of mitophagy, a process that is critical for cellular health and maintenance. Importantly, NIPSNAPs contain a 110 amino acid domain that is evolutionary conserved from mammals to bacteria. However, the molecular function of the conserved NIPSNAP domain and its potential role in mitophagy have not been explored. It stands to reason that the highly conserved NIPSNAP domain interacts with a substrate that is ubiquitously present across all species and can perhaps act as a sensor for mitochondrial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmat Fathi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States
- Beaumont Research Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Jay M. Yarbro
- Departments of Structural Biology and Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ramin Homayouni
- Beaumont Research Institute, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI, United States
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, United States
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30
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Wang L, Cai XT, Zu MD, Zhang J, Deng ZR, Wang Y. Decreased Resting-State Functional Connectivity of Periaqueductal Gray in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Comorbid With Migraine. Front Neurol 2021; 12:636202. [PMID: 34122295 PMCID: PMC8189422 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.636202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are at high risk for having a comorbid condition of migraine, and these two common diseases are proposed to have some shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Our recent study indicated the dysfunction of periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key pain-modulating structure, contributes to the development of pain hypersensitivity and epileptogenesis in epilepsy. This study is to investigate the functional connectivity of PAG network in epilepsy comorbid with migraine. Methods: Thirty-two patients with TLE, including 16 epilepsy patients without migraine (EwoM) and 16 epilepsy patients with comorbid migraine (EwM), and 14 matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to measure the resting-state functional connectivity (RsFC) of PAG network. The frequency and severity of migraine attacks were assessed using the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS) and Visual Analog Scale/Score (VAS). In animal experiments, FluoroGold (FG), a retrograde tracing agent, was injected into PPN and its fluorescence detected in vlPAG to trace the neuronal projection from vlPAG to PPN. FG traced neuron number was used to evaluate the neural transmission activity of vlPAG-PPN pathway. The data were processed and analyzed using DPARSF and SPSS17.0 software. Based on the RsFC finding, the excitatory transmission of PAG and the associated brain structure was studied via retrograde tracing in combination with immunohistochemical labeling of excitatory neurons. Results: Compared to HCs group, the RsFC between PAG and the left pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), between PAG and the corpus callosum (CC), was decreased both in EwoM and EwM group, while the RsFC between PAG and the right PPN was increased only in EwoM group but not in EwM group. Compared to EwoM group, the RsFC between PAG and the right PPN was decreased in EwM group. Furthermore, the RsFC between PAG and PPN was negatively correlated with the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. In animal study, a seizure stimulation induced excitatory transmission from PAG to PPN was decreased in rats with chronic epilepsy as compared to that in normal control rats. Conclusion: The comorbidity of epilepsy and migraine is associated with the decreased RsFC between PAG and PPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Neurology, The Second People Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Ting Cai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mei-Dan Zu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zi-Ru Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Surgical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia Induced by Brainstem Infarct: A Systematic Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2021; 151:209-217. [PMID: 33940266 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) induced by brainstem infarct have been reported, the neurosurgical literature lacks a comprehensive review for this subpopulation of patients. We present the first systematic review of the literature to discuss pathology, surgical management, and future directions for therapeutic innovation in this population. METHODS Our systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Resulting articles were screened for those that presented cases of TN associated with brainstem infarct. RESULTS A review of the literature identified 18 case reports of 21 patients with TN induced by brainstem infarct: 14 pontine infarcts and 7 medullary infarcts. Although many cases of ischemic brainstem lesions are caused by acute stroke, cerebral small vessel disease also plays a role in certain cases, and the relationship between these chronic lesions and TN is more likely to be overlooked. Furthermore, we found that reports of self-resolving TN pain after brainstem infarct is disproportionately biased, as most case reports published their data within the first few months after initial presentation. Reports with follow-up periods >13 months reported eventual pain recurrence that necessitated surgical intervention. Microvascular decompression was not sufficient to treat TN pain associated with concurrent neurovascular compression and brainstem infarct. CONCLUSIONS Brainstem infarcts affecting the trigeminal pathway represent an understudied pathologic cause of TN. Although the neurosurgical literature lacks a clear picture of the most efficacious interventions in this population, we are optimistic that this review will encourage further investigation into the best treatment for these patients.
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32
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Verma N, Mudge JD, Kasole M, Chen RC, Blanz SL, Trevathan JK, Lovett EG, Williams JC, Ludwig KA. Auricular Vagus Neuromodulation-A Systematic Review on Quality of Evidence and Clinical Effects. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:664740. [PMID: 33994937 PMCID: PMC8120162 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.664740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The auricular branch of the vagus nerve runs superficially, which makes it a favorable target for non-invasive stimulation techniques to modulate vagal activity. For this reason, there have been many early-stage clinical trials on a diverse range of conditions. These trials often report conflicting results for the same indication. Methods: Using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool we conducted a systematic review of auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to identify the factors that led to these conflicting results. The majority of aVNS studies were assessed as having "some" or "high" risk of bias, which makes it difficult to interpret their results in a broader context. Results: There is evidence of a modest decrease in heart rate during higher stimulation dosages, sometimes at above the level of sensory discomfort. Findings on heart rate variability conflict between studies and are hindered by trial design, including inappropriate washout periods, and multiple methods used to quantify heart rate variability. There is early-stage evidence to suggest aVNS may reduce circulating levels and endotoxin-induced levels of inflammatory markers. Studies on epilepsy reached primary endpoints similar to previous RCTs testing implantable vagus nerve stimulation therapy. Preliminary evidence shows that aVNS ameliorated pathological pain but not evoked pain. Discussion: Based on results of the Cochrane analysis we list common improvements for the reporting of results, which can be implemented immediately to improve the quality of evidence. In the long term, existing data from aVNS studies and salient lessons from drug development highlight the need for direct measures of local neural target engagement. Direct measures of neural activity around the electrode will provide data for the optimization of electrode design, placement, and stimulation waveform parameters to improve on-target engagement and minimize off-target activation. Furthermore, direct measures of target engagement, along with consistent evaluation of blinding success, must be used to improve the design of controls-a major source of concern identified in the Cochrane analysis. The need for direct measures of neural target engagement and consistent evaluation of blinding success is applicable to the development of other paresthesia-inducing neuromodulation therapies and their control designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Verma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonah D. Mudge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Maïsha Kasole
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rex C. Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Stephan L. Blanz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - James K. Trevathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Justin C. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kip A. Ludwig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe) – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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33
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Wong MKH, He M, Sze KH, Huang T, Ko WKW, Bian ZX, Wong AOL. Mouse Spexin: (I) NMR Solution Structure, Docking Models for Receptor Binding, and Histological Expression at Tissue Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:681646. [PMID: 34276561 PMCID: PMC8285161 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.681646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spexin (SPX), a highly conserved neuropeptide, is known to have diverse functions and has been implicated/associated with pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, and anxiety/mood disorders. Although most of the studies on SPX involved the mouse model, the solution structure of mouse SPX, structural aspects for SPX binding with its receptors GalR2/3, and its cellular expression/distribution in mouse tissues are largely unknown. Using CD and NMR spectroscopies, the solution structure of mouse SPX was shown to be in the form of a helical peptide with a random coil from Asn1 to Pro4 in the N-terminal followed by an α-helix from Gln5 to Gln14 in the C-terminus. The molecular surface of mouse SPX is largely hydrophobic with Lys11 as the only charged residue in the α-helix. Based on the NMR structure obtained, docking models of SPX binding with mouse GalR2 and GalR3 were constructed by homology modeling and MD simulation. The models deduced reveal that the amino acids in SPX, especially Asn1, Leu8, and Leu10, could interact with specific residues in ECL1&2 and TMD2&7 of GalR2 and GalR3 by H-bonding/hydrophobic interactions, which provides the structural evidence to support the idea that the two receptors can act as the cognate receptors for SPX. For tissue distribution of SPX, RT-PCR based on 28 tissues/organs harvested from the mouse demonstrated that SPX was ubiquitously expressed at the tissue level with notable signals detected in the brain, GI tract, liver, gonad, and adrenal gland. Using immunohistochemical staining, protein signals of SPX could be located in the liver, pancreas, white adipose tissue, muscle, stomach, kidney, spleen, gonad, adrenal, and hypothalamo-pituitary axis in a cell type-specific manner. Our results, as a whole, not only can provide the structural information for ligand/receptor interaction for SPX but also establish the anatomical basis for our on-going studies to examine the physiological functions of SPX in the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. H. Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mulan He
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kong Hung Sze
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tao Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wendy K. W. Ko
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Anderson O. L. Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- *Correspondence: Anderson O. L. Wong,
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34
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Catrambone V, Talebi A, Barbieri R, Valenza G. Time-resolved Brain-to-Heart Probabilistic Information Transfer Estimation Using Inhomogeneous Point-Process Models. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 68:3366-3374. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3071348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Catrambone
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 9310 Pisa, Toscana, Italy, (e-mail: )
| | - Alireza Talebi
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 9310 Pisa, Toscana, Italy, (e-mail: )
| | | | - Gaetano Valenza
- Research Center E. Piaggio, Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 9310 Pisa, Toscana, Italy, (e-mail: )
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35
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Zagami AS, Shaikh S, Mahns D, Lambert GA. A potential role for two brainstem nuclei in craniovascular nociception and the triggering of migraine headache. Cephalalgia 2020; 41:203-216. [PMID: 32990035 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420960039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To use an animal model of migraine to test whether migraine headache might arise from a brainstem-trigeminal nucleus pathway. METHODS We measured evoked and spontaneous activity of second-order trigeminovascular neurons in rats to test whether the activity of these neurons increased following the induction of cortical spreading depression or the imposition of light flash - two potential migraine triggers, or headache provokers. We then tested whether drugs that could activate, or inactivate, neurons of the nucleus raphe magnus or the periaqueductal gray matter, would affect any such increases selectively for the dura mater. RESULTS Injection of sodium glutamate (a neuronal excitant) into these two nuclei selectively inhibited the responses of trigeminovascular second-order neurons to dura mater, but not to facial skin, stimulation. Injection of lignocaine (a local anaesthetic) into these nuclei selectively potentiated the responses of these neurons to dura, but not to facial skin, stimulation. Furthermore, injections into either nucleus of glutamate inhibited the increase in the ongoing discharge rate of these neurons produced by cortical spreading depression and light flash. CONCLUSIONS These results provide indirect evidence that trigeminovascular nociception may be tightly controlled by these two nuclei, whereas cutaneous trigeminal sensation may be less so. These nuclei may be relays of one possible brainstem-trigeminal pathway that could mediate migraine headache. Modification of neuronal activity in these two nuclei produced by migraine (headache) triggers may lie behind the pain of a migraine attack, at least in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro S Zagami
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW (Sydney), NSW, Australia.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumaiya Shaikh
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David Mahns
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey A Lambert
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW (Sydney), NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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36
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Singh N, Driessen AK, McGovern AE, Moe AAK, Farrell MJ, Mazzone SB. Peripheral and central mechanisms of cough hypersensitivity. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:5179-5193. [PMID: 33145095 PMCID: PMC7578480 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-2020-icc-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cough is a difficult to treat symptom of many respiratory and some non-respiratory diseases, indicating that varied pathologies can underpin the development of chronic cough. However, clinically and experimentally it has been useful to collate these different pathological processes into the single unifying concept of cough hypersensitivity. Cough hypersensitivity syndrome is reflected by troublesome cough often precipitated by levels of stimuli that ordinarily don't cause cough in healthy people, and this appears to be a hallmark feature in many patients with chronic cough. Accordingly, a strong argument has emerged that changes in the excitability and/or normal regulation of the peripheral and central neural circuits responsible for cough are instrumental in establishing cough hypersensitivity and for causing excessive cough in disease. In this review, we explore the current peripheral and central neural mechanisms that are believed to be involved in altered cough sensitivity and present possible links to the mechanism of action of novel therapies that are currently undergoing clinical trials for chronic cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabita Singh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Alexandria K. Driessen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alice E. McGovern
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Aung Aung Kywe Moe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michael J. Farrell
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Stuart B. Mazzone
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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37
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Sclocco R, Garcia RG, Kettner NW, Fisher HP, Isenburg K, Makarovsky M, Stowell JA, Goldstein J, Barbieri R, Napadow V. Stimulus frequency modulates brainstem response to respiratory-gated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:970-978. [PMID: 32380448 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic potential of transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) is currently being explored for numerous clinical applications. However, optimized response for different clinical indications may depend on specific neuromodulation parameters, and systematic assessments of their influence are still needed to optimize this promising approach. HYPOTHESIS We proposed that stimulation frequency would have a significant effect on nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) functional MRI (fMRI) response to respiratory-gated taVNS (RAVANS). METHODS Brainstem fMRI response to auricular RAVANS (cymba conchae) was assessed for four different stimulation frequencies (2, 10, 25, 100 Hz). Sham (no current) stimulation was used to control for respiration effects on fMRI signal. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that RAVANS delivered at 100 Hz evoked the strongest brainstem response, localized to a cluster in the left (ipsilateral) medulla and consistent with purported NTS. A co-localized, although weaker, response was found for 2 Hz RAVANS. Furthermore, RAVANS delivered at 100 Hz also evoked stronger fMRI responses for important monoamine neurotransmitter source nuclei (LC, noradrenergic; MR, DR, serotonergic) and pain/homeostatic regulation nuclei (i.e. PAG). CONCLUSION Our fMRI results support previous localization of taVNS afference to pontomedullary aspect of NTS in the human brainstem, and demonstrate the significant influence of the stimulation frequency on brainstem fMRI response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sclocco
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, USA.
| | - Ronald G Garcia
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; School of Medicine, Universidad de Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Norman W Kettner
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - Harrison P Fisher
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kylie Isenburg
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Maya Makarovsky
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Jessica A Stowell
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jill Goldstein
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Riccardo Barbieri
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, USA
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