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Aspegren O, Pourhamidi K. Reliable Method for Estimating Nerve Fiber Density in Epidermis Using Routine Histopathologic Tissue Preparation: A Promising Diagnostic Tool for Small Fiber Neuropathy. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2024; 32:215-221. [PMID: 38650330 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001193] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Practical yet reliable diagnostic tools for small-fiber neuropathy are needed. We aimed to establish a histopathologic protocol for estimating intraepidermal nerve fiber density (eIENFD) on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE), evaluate its reliability through intraobserver and interobserver analyses, and provide normative reference values for clinical use. Sixty-eight healthy participants underwent nerve conduction studies and quantitative sensory testing. Skin biopsies from the distal and proximal leg were taken and processed using routine immunohistochemistry (anti-PGP9.5 antibodies) on thin 5 µm sections. eIENFD was assessed with a modified counting protocol. Interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were excellent (ICC=0.9). eIENFD was higher in females than males (fibers/mm, 14.3±4.4 vs. 11.6±5.8, P <0.05), decreased with age ( r s =-0.47, P <0.001), and was higher proximally than distally (15.0±5.5 vs. 13.0±5.3, P =0.002). Quantile regression equations for the fifth percentile of distal and proximal eIENFD were presented: 13.125-0.161×age (y)-0.932×sex (male=1; female=0) and 17.204-0.192×age (y)-3.313×sex (male=1; female=0), respectively. This study introduces a reliable and reproducible method for estimating epidermal nerve fiber density through immunostaining on 5-µm thin FFPE tissue samples. Normative data on eIENFD is provided. Regression equations help identify abnormal decreases in small nerve fiber density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Aspegren
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital
| | - Kaveh Pourhamidi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Casselini CM, Parson HK, Frizzi KE, Marquez A, Smith DR, Guernsey L, Nemmani R, Tayarani A, Jolivalt CG, Weaver J, Fernyhough P, Vinik AI, Calcutt NA. A muscarinic receptor antagonist reverses multiple indices of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: preclinical and clinical studies using oxybutynin. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:60. [PMID: 38526612 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02710-4] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies indicate that diverse muscarinic receptor antagonists, acting via the M1 sub-type, promote neuritogenesis from sensory neurons in vitro and prevent and/or reverse both structural and functional indices of neuropathy in rodent models of diabetes. We sought to translate this as a potential therapeutic approach against structural and functional indices of diabetic neuropathy using oxybutynin, a muscarinic antagonist approved for clinical use against overactive bladder. Studies were performed using sensory neurons maintained in vitro, rodent models of type 1 or type 2 diabetes and human subjects with type 2 diabetes and confirmed neuropathy. Oxybutynin promoted significant neurite outgrowth in sensory neuron cultures derived from adult normal rats and STZ-diabetic mice, with maximal efficacy in the 1-100 nmol/l range. This was accompanied by a significantly enhanced mitochondrial energetic profile as reflected by increased basal and maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity. Systemic (3-10 mg/kg/day s.c.) and topical (3% gel daily) oxybutynin reversed paw heat hypoalgesia in the STZ and db/db mouse models of diabetes and reversed paw tactile allodynia in STZ-diabetic rats. Loss of nerve profiles in the skin and cornea of db/db mice was also prevented by daily topical delivery of 3% oxybutynin for 8 weeks. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled interventional trial was performed in subjects with type 2 diabetes and established peripheral neuropathy. Subjects received daily topical treatment with 3% oxybutynin gel or placebo for 6 months. The a priori designated primary endpoint, significant change in intra-epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) in skin biopsies taken before and after 20 weeks of treatments, was met by oxybutynin but not placebo. Secondary endpoints showing significant improvement with oxybutynin treatment included scores on clinical neuropathy, pain and quality of life scales. This proof-of-concept study indicates that muscarinic antagonists suitable for long-term use may offer a novel therapeutic opportunity for treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Trial registry number: NCT03050827.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina M Casselini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Henri K Parson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Katie E Frizzi
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alex Marquez
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Darrell R Smith
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, R4046 - 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Lucie Guernsey
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rakesh Nemmani
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alireza Tayarani
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Corinne G Jolivalt
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Weaver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Paul Fernyhough
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, R4046 - 351 Taché Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Aaron I Vinik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Nigel A Calcutt
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Ising E, Åhrman E, Thomsen NOB, Åkesson A, Malmström J, Dahlin LB. Quantification of heat shock proteins in the posterior interosseous nerve among subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes compared to healthy controls. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1227557. [PMID: 37614345 PMCID: PMC10442572 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1227557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). No cure for DPN is available, but several potential targets have been proposed for treatment. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are known to respond to both hyper- and hypoglycemia. DPN can be diagnosed using electrophysiology and studied using peripheral nerve biopsies. Aim This study aimed to analyze the presence and patterns of HSPs in peripheral nerve biopsies from subjects with T1D, T2D, and healthy controls. Methods Posterior interosseous nerves (PIN) from a total of 56 subjects with T1D (n = 9), with T2D (n = 24), and without diabetes (i.e., healthy controls, n = 23) were harvested under local anesthesia and prepared for quantitative mass spectrometry analysis. Protein intensities were associated with electrophysiology data of the ulnar nerve and morphometry of the same PIN, and differences in protein intensities between groups were analyzed. Results In total, 32 different HSPs were identified and quantified in the nerve specimens. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding protein intensities between groups. Furthermore, protein intensities did not correlate with amplitude or conduction velocity in the ulnar nerve or with the myelinated nerve fiber density of PIN. Conclusion Quantitative proteomics can be used to study HSPs in nerve biopsies, but no clear differences in protein quantities were observed between groups in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Ising
- Department of Clinical Sciences—Pediatric Endocrinology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Emma Åhrman
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niels O. B. Thomsen
- Department of Translational Medicine—Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Åkesson
- Clinical Studies Sweden—Forum South, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmström
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars B. Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine—Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Lindholm E, Ekman L, Elgzyri T, Lindholm B, Löndahl M, Dahlin L. Diabetic Neuropathy Assessed with Multifrequency Vibrometry Develops Earlier than Nephropathy but Later than Retinopathy. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 131:187-193. [PMID: 36626938 DOI: 10.1055/a-2010-6987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is associated with systemic complications. Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy, and retinopathy, in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is declining, but it is not known if this is true also for diabetic neuropathy. AIM To investigate the relationship between large fibre diabetic neuropathy and other diabetic complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neuropathy, defined here as large fibre neuropathy, was assessed by measuring vibration perception thresholds at four different frequencies on the sole of the foot, using a standard VibroSense Meter and/or neuropathic symptoms, in 599 individuals with T1DM. Retinopathy status was graded using the International Clinical Disease Severity Scale. Grade of albuminuria and previous history of any macrovascular complications were registered. RESULTS Diabetic individuals without retinopathy had similar vibration thresholds as age- and gender-matched control participants without diabetes, whereas those without microalbuminuria had higher thresholds than controls. Two individuals out of 599 (0.3%) had microalbuminuria, but not retinopathy or neuropathy, and 12/134 (9%) without retinopathy had signs of neuropathy. Totally 119/536 (22%) of the patients without microalbuminuria had neuropathy. Vibration thresholds increased with the rising severity of retinopathy and grade of albuminuria. In a multinomial logistic regression analysis, neuropathy was associated with retinopathy (OR 2.96 [1.35-6.49], p=0.007), nephropathy (OR 6.25 [3.21-12.15]; p=6.7×10-8) and macrovascular disease (OR 2.72 [1.50-4.93], p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Despite recent changes in the incidence of diabetic complications, the onset of large fibre neuropathy follows that of retinopathy but precedes the onset of nephropathy in T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero Lindholm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Linnea Ekman
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Targ Elgzyri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Beata Lindholm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Magnus Löndahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Ekman L, Pourhamidi K, Englund E, Lagali N, Rolandsson O, Dahlin LB. Temporal trend of small nerve fibre degeneration in people with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabet Med 2022; 39:e14691. [PMID: 34536243 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the long-term temporal trend of intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) and the association between changes in IENFD and metabolic factors in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. METHODS A total of 66 participants were enrolled in this longitudinal population-based study, at baseline consisting of 35 individuals (median 61 years) without diabetes and 31 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants underwent clinical and electrophysiological examinations, as well as a skin biopsy both at baseline and at the follow-up visit (mean 8.1 ± 0.5 years). IENFD was assessed in thin sections of 5 μm, stained with the protein gene product 9.5-antibody and compared between the groups. RESULTS IENFD decreased during the period in both groups, with a greater decline in the group without diabetes than in type 2 diabetes (-2.3 and -0.6 fibres/mm respectively; p < 0.001). While IENFD at baseline was significantly reduced in type 2 diabetes relative to people without (p < 0.001), no difference in IENFD was found between groups at the follow-up (p = 0.183). Linear mixed model analysis indicated that age, weight and HbA1c were associated with decrease in IENFD in the total population (p < 0.007). IENFD also decreased with increasing age and weight, but not with HbA1c , in the separate groups (p < 0.049). CONCLUSIONS Despite lower IENFD levels at baseline in type 2 diabetes, IENFD was equal between the groups at follow-up. A decrease in IENFD is to a limited extent affected by body weight, and HbA1c , but age seems to be the long-term determinant of IENFD in an elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnéa Ekman
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kaveh Pourhamidi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Olov Rolandsson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Ising E, Åhrman E, Thomsen NOB, Eriksson KF, Malmström J, Dahlin LB. Quantitative proteomic analysis of human peripheral nerves from subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14658. [PMID: 34309080 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common and severe complication to type 2 diabetes. The pathogenesis of DPN is not fully known, but several pathways and gene polymorphisms contributing to DPN are described. DPN can be studied using nerve biopsies, but studies on the proteome of the nerve itself, and its surrounding tissue as a whole, are lacking. Studies on the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) have proposed PIN a useful indicator of DPN. METHODS A quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis was made of peripheral nerves from age- and gender-matched living human male tissue donors; nine type 2 diabetes subjects, with decreased sural nerve action potentials indicating DPN, and six controls without type 2 diabetes, with normal electrophysiology results. RESULTS A total of 2617 proteins were identified. Linear regression was used to discover which proteins were differentially expressed between type 2 diabetes and controls. Only soft signals were found. Therefore, clustering of the 500 most variable proteins was made to find clusters of similar proteins in type 2 diabetes subjects and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS This feasibility study shows, for the first time, that the use of quantitative mass spectrometry enables quantification of proteins from nerve biopsies from subjects with and without type 2 diabetes, which may aid in finding biomarkers of importance to DPN development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Ising
- Department of Clinical Sciences - Pediatric Endocrinology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Emma Åhrman
- Department of Clinical Sciences - Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niels O B Thomsen
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karl-Fredrik Eriksson
- Department of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Johan Malmström
- Department of Clinical Sciences - Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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7
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Kalteniece A, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Khan SU, Worthington A, Marshall A, Faber CG, Lauria G, Boulton AJM, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal nerve loss is related to the severity of painful diabetic neuropathy. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:286-294. [PMID: 34570924 PMCID: PMC9292015 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Previously it has been shown that patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) have greater corneal nerve loss compared to patients with painless diabetic neuropathy. This study investigated if the severity of corneal nerve loss was related to the severity of PDN. Methods Participants with diabetic neuropathy (n = 118) and healthy controls (n = 38) underwent clinical and neurological evaluation, quantitative sensory testing, nerve conduction testing and corneal confocal microscopy and were categorized into those with no (n = 43), mild (n = 34) and moderate‐to‐severe (n = 41) neuropathic pain. Results Corneal nerve fibre density (p = 0.003), corneal nerve fibre length (p < 0.0001) and cold perception threshold (p < 0.0001) were lower and warm perception threshold was higher (p = 0.002) in patients with more severe pain, but there was no significant difference in the neuropathy disability score (p = 0.5), vibration perception threshold (p = 0.5), sural nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.3) and amplitude (p = 0.7), corneal nerve branch density (p = 0.06) and deep breathing heart rate variability (p = 0.08) between patients with differing severity of PDN. The visual analogue scale correlated significantly with corneal nerve fibre density (r = −0.3, p = 0.0002), corneal nerve branch density (r = −0.3, p = 0.001) and corneal nerve fibre length (r = −0.4, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating curve analysis showed that corneal nerve fibre density had an area under the curve of 0.78 with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.72 for the diagnosis of PDN. Conclusions Corneal confocal microscopy reveals increasing corneal nerve fibre loss with increasing severity of neuropathic pain and a good diagnostic outcome for identifying patients with PDN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alise Kalteniece
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Saif Ullah Khan
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Anne Worthington
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit and Skin Biopsy, Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain Centre, IRCCS Foundation 'Carlo Besta' Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew J M Boulton
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Handrean Soran
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester and NIHR/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK.,Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar
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Lowy DB, Makker PGS, Moalem-Taylor G. Cutaneous Neuroimmune Interactions in Peripheral Neuropathic Pain States. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660203. [PMID: 33912189 PMCID: PMC8071857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional interplay between the peripheral immune and nervous systems plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and responding to noxious stimuli. This crosstalk is facilitated by a variety of cytokines, inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides. Dysregulation of this delicate physiological balance is implicated in the pathological mechanisms of various skin disorders and peripheral neuropathies. The skin is a highly complex biological structure within which peripheral sensory nerve terminals and immune cells colocalise. Herein, we provide an overview of the sensory innervation of the skin and immune cells resident to the skin. We discuss modulation of cutaneous immune response by sensory neurons and their mediators (e.g., nociceptor-derived neuropeptides), and sensory neuron regulation by cutaneous immune cells (e.g., nociceptor sensitization by immune-derived mediators). In particular, we discuss recent findings concerning neuroimmune communication in skin infections, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. We then summarize evidence of neuroimmune mechanisms in the skin in the context of peripheral neuropathic pain states, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, diabetic polyneuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, HIV-induced neuropathy, as well as entrapment and traumatic neuropathies. Finally, we highlight the future promise of emerging therapies associated with skin neuroimmune crosstalk in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Lowy
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Preet G S Makker
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Castañeda-Corral G, Velázquez-Salazar NB, Martínez-Martínez A, Taboada-Serrano JN, Núñez-Aragón PN, González-Palomares L, Acosta-González RI, Petricevich VL, Acevedo-Fernández JJ, Montes S, Jiménez-Andrade JM. Characterization of Mechanical Allodynia and Skin Innervation in a Mouse Model of Type-2 Diabetes Induced by Cafeteria-Style Diet and Low-Doses of Streptozotocin. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:628438. [PMID: 33732147 PMCID: PMC7957928 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.628438] [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: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Painful distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DPN) is a frequent complication of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that commonly presents as neuropathic pain and loss of skin nerve fibers. However, there are limited therapies to effectively treat DPN and many of the current animal models of T2DM-induced DPN do not appear to mirror the human disease. Thus, we validated a DPN mouse model induced by a cafeteria-style diet plus low-doses of streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: Female C57BL/6J mice were fed either standard (STD) diet or obesogenic cafeteria (CAF) diet for 32 weeks, starting at 8 weeks old. Eight weeks after starting diets, CAF or STD mice received either four low-doses of STZ or vehicle. Changes in body weight, blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as oral glucose- and insulin-tolerance tests (OGTT and ITT) were determined. The development of mechanical hypersensitivity of the hindpaws was determined using von Frey filaments. Moreover, the effect of the most common neuropathic pain drugs was evaluated on T2DM-induced mechanical allodynia. Finally, the density of PGP -9.5+ (a pan-neuronal marker) axons in the epidermis from the hindpaw glabrous skin was quantified. Results: At 22–24 weeks after STZ injections, CAF + STZ mice had significantly higher glucose and insulin levels compared to CAF + VEH, STD + STZ, and STD + VEH mice, and developed glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Skin mechanical sensitivity was detected as early as 12 weeks post-STZ injections and it was significantly attenuated by intraperitoneal acute treatment with amitriptyline, gabapentin, tramadol, duloxetine, or carbamazepine but not by diclofenac. The density of PGP-9.5+ nerve fibers was reduced in CAF + STZ mice compared to other groups. Conclusion: This reverse translational study provides a painful DPN mouse model which may help in developing a better understanding of the factors that generate and maintain neuropathic pain and denervation of skin under T2DM and to identify mechanism-based new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arisai Martínez-Martínez
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Reynosa Aztlán, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Reynosa, México
| | | | - Pablo N Núñez-Aragón
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | | | | | - Vera L Petricevich
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | | | - Sergio Montes
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Dr. Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México México
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10
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Ilinca A, Englund E, Samuelsson S, Truvé K, Kafantari E, Martinez-Majander N, Putaala J, Håkansson C, Lindgren AG, Puschmann A. MAP3K6 Mutations in a Neurovascular Disease Causing Stroke, Cognitive Impairment, and Tremor. NEUROLOGY-GENETICS 2021; 7:e548. [PMID: 33728376 PMCID: PMC7958314 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective To describe a possible novel genetic mechanism for cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) and stroke. Methods We studied a Swedish kindred with ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, tremor, dysautonomia, and mild cognitive decline. Members were examined clinically, radiologically, and by histopathology. Genetic workup included whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and intrafamilial cosegregation analyses. Results Fifteen family members were examined clinically. Twelve affected individuals had white matter hyperintensities and 1 or more of (1) stroke episodes, (2) clinically silent lacunar ischemic lesions, and (3) cognitive dysfunction. All affected individuals had tremor and/or atactic gait disturbance. Mild symmetric basal ganglia calcifications were seen in 3 affected members. Postmortem examination of 1 affected member showed pathologic alterations in both small and large arteries the brain. Skin biopsies of 3 affected members showed extracellular amorphous deposits within the subepidermal zone, which may represent degenerated arterioles. WES or WGS did not reveal any potentially disease-causing variants in known genes for cSVDs or idiopathic basal ganglia calcification, but identified 1 heterozygous variant, NM_004672.4 MAP3K6 c.322G>A p.(Asp108Asn), that cosegregated with the disease in this large family. MAP3K6 has known functions in angiogenesis and affects vascular endothelial growth factor expression, which may be implicated in cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions Our data strongly suggest the MAP3K6 variant to be causative for this novel disease phenotype, but the absence of functional data and the present lack of additional families with this disease and MAP3K6 mutations still limit the formal evidence for the variant's pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Ilinca
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Sofie Samuelsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Katarina Truvé
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Efthymia Kafantari
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Martinez-Majander
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Jukka Putaala
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Claes Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Arne G Lindgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
| | - Andreas Puschmann
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Lund University; Section of Neurology (A.I., E.K., A.G.L., A.P.), Skåne University Hospital, Lund; Department of Clinical Genetics and Pathology (E.E., S.S.), Laboratory Medicine, Region Skåne; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (E.E.), Division of Pathology, Lund University; Bioinformatics Core Facility (K.T.), Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Neurology (N.M.-M., J.P.), University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Department of Imaging and Function (C.H.), Skånes University Hospital, Lund; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology (C.H.), Lund University, Sweden
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Petroianu A, Barroso TVV, Buzelin MA, Theobaldo BDM, Tafuri LSDA. Neuroendocrine apendicopathy in morphologically normal appendices of patients with diagnosis of acute appendicitis: Diagnostic study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2020; 60:344-351. [PMID: 33224488 PMCID: PMC7666303 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2020.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background About 15%–25% of appendices removed to treat acute appendicitis present normal macro- and macroscopic morphology. The objective of this study was to verify an association of proinflammatory, neuroendocrine and immune mediators with morphologically normal appendices removed from patients with clinical laboratorial and imaging characteristics of acute appendicitis. Materials and methods Appendices removed from 121 adult patients of both genders were distributed into three groups according to their following characteristics: group 1: 53 macro- and microscopically normal appendices from patients with clinical, laboratorial and imaging diagnosis of acute appendicitis; group 2: 24 inflamed appendices from patients with clinical, laboratorial, imaging and histopathological diagnosis of acute appendicitis; group 3: 44 normal appendices from patients submitted to right colectomy to treat localized ascending colon adenocarcinoma. All appendices were immunohistochemically studied for gastrin inhibitor peptide, mast cell tryptase, vascular endothelial growth factor; intestinal vasoactive peptide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1, prostaglandin E2, gene-protein product 9.5, CD8 T lymphocytes, synaptophysine, enolase, and S100 protein. Results The group 1 revealed increased levels of synaptophysine, enolase, mast cell tryptase and PGP-9.5 comparing with the other two groups. The group 2 presented increased levels of interleukin 1, CD8 T lymphocytes and prostaglandin E2 comparing with the other two groups. The group 3 confirmed the normal levels of all these neuroendocrine, immune and proinflammatory mediators. Conclusions Morphologically normal appendices removed from patients with clinical and complementary exams indicating acute appendicitis have appendicular neuroimmunoendocrine disorder associated with the mediators synaptophysin, enolase, mast cell-related tryptase and gene-protein product 9.5. 15 % to 25% of the appendices removed to treat acute appendicitis have normal appearance with no inflammatory signs. All patients with normal appendices removed due to acute appendicitis do not present similar clinical manifestation anymore. Inflammatory and neuroendocrine appendicopathies present similar clinical laboratorial and imaging characteristics. Morphologically normal appendices removed from patients indicating acute appendicitis have neuroimmunoendocrine disorders. Synaptophysin, enolase, mast cell tryptase and gene-protein product 9.5 are associated with neuroimmunoendocrine disorders.
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Key Words
- Appendicitis
- CD8, CD8 T lymphocytes
- Diagnosis
- G1, group 1
- G2, group 2
- G3, group 3
- GIP, gastrin inhibitor peptide
- Histology
- IL-1, interleukin 1
- Immunohistochemistry
- Neuroendocrine peptide
- Neuroimmune peptide
- PGE-2, prostaglandin E 2
- PGP 9.5, gene-protein product 9.5
- TNFα, tumor necrosis factor alpha
- Tryptase, mast cell-related tryptase
- VEGFA, vascular endothelial growth factor
- VIP, intestinal vasoactive peptide
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Petroianu
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
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12
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Eckermann M, Peruzzi N, Frohn J, Bech M, Englund E, Veress B, Salditt T, Dahlin LB, Ohlsson B. 3d phase-contrast nanotomography of unstained human skin biopsies may identify morphological differences in the dermis and epidermis between subjects. Skin Res Technol 2020; 27:316-323. [PMID: 33022848 PMCID: PMC8246570 DOI: 10.1111/srt.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric neuropathy is described in most patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility and may be found together with reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether three-dimensional (3d) imaging of skin biopsies could be used to examine various tissue components in patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four dysmotility patients of different etiology and two healthy volunteers were included. From each subject, two 3-mm punch skin biopsies were stained with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5 or evaluated as a whole with two X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) setups, a laboratory µCT setup and a dedicated synchrotron radiation nanoCT end-station. RESULTS Two patients had reduced IENFD, and two normal IENFD, compared with controls. µCT and X-ray phase-contrast holographic nanotomography scanned whole tissue specimens, with optional high-resolution scans revealing delicate structures, without differentiation of various fibers and cells. Irregular architecture of dermal fibers was observed in the patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and the patient with idiopathic dysmotility showed an abundance of mesenchymal ground substance. CONCLUSIONS 3d phase-contrast tomographic imaging may be useful to illustrate traits of connective tissue dysfunction in various organs and to demonstrate whether disorganized dermal fibers could explain organ dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Eckermann
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Niccolò Peruzzi
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jasper Frohn
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Bech
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Béla Veress
- Department of Pathology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tim Salditt
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lars B Dahlin
- Department of Translational Medicine - Hand Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Hand Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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13
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Wang M, Zhang C, Zuo A, Li L, Chen L, Hou X. Diagnostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy in type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 12:574-582. [PMID: 32745370 PMCID: PMC8015829 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction The early pathological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are mainly small nerve fiber injuries. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is an easy, rapid, non‐invasive and repeatable technique to detect the damage of small nerve fibers. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of CCM in DPN and other chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods A total of 220 individuals (48 normal healthy control participants and 172 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were included in the study. All participants were assessed and scored for neurological symptoms and neurological deficits, quantitative sensory test, neuroelectrophysiological test, and CCM. Results Corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve fiber length and corneal nerve branch density were significantly reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with normal healthy control subjects (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the DPN group, corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density and corneal nerve fiber length were significantly lower than for patients without DPN (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cut‐off values were 24.68, 39 and 15.315, respectively, in which corneal nerve fiber density and corneal nerve fiber length had moderate sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion This study provides more support for the clinical use of CCM to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus‐related complications, especially DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijian Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of School of Biological & Chemical Engineering, Qingdao Technical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Anju Zuo
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinguo Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
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