1
|
Mendez Colmenares A, Thomas ML, Anderson C, Arciniegas DB, Calhoun V, Choi IY, Kramer AF, Li K, Lee J, Lee P, Burzynska AZ. Testing the structural disconnection hypothesis: Myelin content correlates with memory in healthy aging. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 141:21-33. [PMID: 38810596 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.05.013] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The "structural disconnection" hypothesis of cognitive aging suggests that deterioration of white matter (WM), especially myelin, results in cognitive decline, yet in vivo evidence is inconclusive. METHODS We examined age differences in WM microstructure using Myelin Water Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in 141 healthy participants (age 20-79). We used the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project and the NIH Toolbox® to generate composites for memory, processing speed, and executive function. RESULTS Voxel-wise analyses showed that lower myelin water fraction (MWF), predominantly in prefrontal WM, genu of the corpus callosum, and posterior limb of the internal capsule was associated with reduced memory performance after controlling for age, sex, and education. In structural equation modeling, MWF in the prefrontal white matter and genu of the corpus callosum significantly mediated the effect of age on memory, whereas fractional anisotropy (FA) did not. DISCUSSION Our findings support the disconnection hypothesis, showing that myelin decline contributes to age-related memory loss and opens avenues for interventions targeting myelin health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mendez Colmenares
- The BRAiN lab, Department of Human Development and Family Studies/Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, Colorado State University, Behavioral Sciences Building, 303, 410 W Pitkin St, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Michael L Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Behavioral Sciences Building, 303, 410 W Pitkin, St, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Charles Anderson
- Department of Computer Science, Colorado State University, 456 University Ave #444, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - David B Arciniegas
- Marcus Institute for Brain Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12348 E Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vince Calhoun
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, 55 Park Pl NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - In-Young Choi
- Department of Neurology, Department of Radiology, Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3805 Eaton St, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Arthur F Kramer
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, 405 N Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Center for Cognitive & Brain Health, Northeastern University, Address: 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaigang Li
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, 951 W Plum St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Jongho Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Seoul National University, 232 Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, South Korea
| | - Phil Lee
- Department of Radiology, Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3805 Eaton St, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Agnieszka Z Burzynska
- The BRAiN lab, Department of Human Development and Family Studies/Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, Colorado State University, Behavioral Sciences Building, 303, 410 W Pitkin St, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Faulkner ME, Gong Z, Guo A, Laporte JP, Bae J, Bouhrara M. Harnessing myelin water fraction as an imaging biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination: A review. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38973579 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16170] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging has emerged as a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for investigating brain function and composition. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on MWF as a biomarker of human cerebral aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and risk factors influencing myelination. The databases used include Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed. We begin with a brief discussion of the theoretical foundations of MWF imaging, including its basis in MR physics and the mathematical modeling underlying its calculation, with an overview of the most adopted MRI methods of MWF imaging. Next, we delve into the clinical and research applications that have been explored to date, highlighting its advantages and limitations. Finally, we explore the potential of MWF to serve as a predictive biomarker for neurological disorders and identify future research directions for optimizing MWF imaging protocols and interpreting MWF in various contexts. By harnessing the power of MWF imaging, we may gain new insights into brain health and disease across the human lifespan, ultimately informing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Faulkner
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhaoyuan Gong
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alex Guo
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John P Laporte
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonghyun Bae
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Caporale AS, Chiarelli AM, Biondetti E, Villani A, Lipp I, Di Censo D, Tomassini V, Wise RG. Changes of brain parenchyma free water fraction reflect tissue damage and impaired processing speed in multiple sclerosis. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26761. [PMID: 38895882 PMCID: PMC11187860 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26761] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Free water fraction (FWF) represents the amount of water per unit volume of brain parenchyma, which is not bound to macromolecules. Its excess in multiple sclerosis (MS) is related to increased tissue loss. The use of mcDESPOT (multicomponent driven single pulse observation of T1 and T2), a 3D imaging method which exploits both the T1 and T2 contrasts, allows FWF to be derived in clinically feasible times. However, this method has not been used to quantify changes of FWF and their potential clinical impact in MS. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in FWF in MS patients and their relationship with tissue damage and cognition, under the hypothesis that FWF is a proxy of clinically meaningful tissue loss. To this aim, we tested the relationship between FWF, MS lesion burden and information processing speed, evaluated via the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). In addition to standard sequences, used for T1- and T2-weighted lesion delineation, the mcDESPOT sequence with 1.7 mm isotropic resolution and a diffusion weighted imaging protocol (b = 0, 1200 s/mm2, 40 diffusion directions) were employed at 3 T. The fractional anisotropy map derived from diffusion data was used to define a subject-specific white matter (WM) atlas. Brain parenchyma segmentation returned masks of gray matter (GM) and WM, and normal-appearing WM (NAWM), in addition to the T1 and T2 lesion masks (T1L and T2L, respectively). Ninety-nine relapsing-remitting MS patients (age = 43.3 ± 9.9 years, disease duration 12.3 ± 7.7 years) were studied, together with twenty-five healthy controls (HC, age = 38.8 ± 11.0 years). FWF was higher in GM and NAWM of MS patients, compared to GM and WM of HC (both p < .001). In MS patients, FWF was the highest in the T1L and GM, followed by T2L and NAWM, respectively. FWF increased significantly with T1L and T2L volume (ρ ranging from 0.40 to 0.58, p < .001). FWF in T2L was strongly related to both T1L volume and the volume ratio T1L/T2L (ρ = 0.73, p < .001). MS patients performed worse than HC in the processing speed test (mean ± SD: 54.1 ± 10.3 for MS, 63.8 ± 10.8 for HC). FWF in GM, T2L, perilesional tissue and NAWM increased with SDMT score reduction (ρ = -0.30, -0.29, -0.33 respectively and r = -.30 for T2L, all with p < .005). A regional analysis, conducted to determine which NAWM regions were of particular importance to explain the relationship between FWF and cognitive impairment, revealed that FWF spatial variance was negatively related to SDMT score in the corpus callosum and the superior longitudinal fasciculus, WM structures known to be associated with cognitive impairment, in addition to the left corticospinal tract, the sagittal stratum, the right anterior limb of internal capsule. In conclusion, we found excess free water in brain parenchyma of MS patients, an alteration that involved not only MS lesions, but also the GM and NAWM, impinging on brain function and negatively associated with cognitive processing speed. We suggest that the FWF metric, derived from noninvasive, rapid MRI acquisitions and bearing good biological interpretability, may prove valuable as an MRI biomarker of tissue damage and associated cognitive impairment in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Stella Caporale
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Antonio Maria Chiarelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Emma Biondetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Alessandro Villani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Ilona Lipp
- Department of NeurophysicsMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Davide Di Censo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- MS Centre, Department of Clinical Neurology‘SS. Annunziata’ University HospitalChietiItaly
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Richard Geoffrey Wise
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB)‘G. d'Annunzio University’ of Chieti‐PescaraChietiItaly
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alshehri A, Koussis N, Al-Iedani O, Khormi I, Lea R, Ramadan S, Lechner-Scott J. Improvement of the thalamocortical white matter network in people with stable treated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis over time. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 37:e5119. [PMID: 38383137 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.5119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Advanced imaging techniques (tractography) enable the mapping of white matter (WM) pathways and the understanding of brain connectivity patterns. We combined tractography with a network-based approach to examine WM microstructure on a network level in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pw-RRMS) and healthy controls (HCs) over 2 years. Seventy-six pw-RRMS matched with 43 HCs underwent clinical assessments and 3T MRI scans at baseline (BL) and 2-year follow-up (2-YFU). Probabilistic tractography was performed, accounting for the effect of lesions, producing connectomes of 25 million streamlines. Network differences in fibre density across pw-RRMS and HCs at BL and 2-YFU were quantified using network-based statistics (NBS). Longitudinal network differences in fibre density were quantified using NBS in pw-RRMS, and were tested for correlations with disability, cognition and fatigue scores. Widespread network reductions in fibre density were found in pw-RRMS compared with HCs at BL in cortical regions, with more reductions detected at 2-YFU. Pw-RRMS had reduced fibre density at BL in the thalamocortical network compared to 2-YFU. This effect appeared after correction for age, was robust across different thresholds, and did not correlate with lesion volume or disease duration. Pw-RRMS demonstrated a robust and long-distance improvement in the thalamocortical WM network, regardless of age, disease burden, duration or therapy, suggesting a potential locus of neuroplasticity in MS. This network's role over the disease's lifespan and its potential implications in prognosis and treatment warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alshehri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Radiology, King Fahd University Hospital, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikitas Koussis
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Oun Al-Iedani
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Khormi
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rodney Lea
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Saadallah Ramadan
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jellinger KA. Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: from phenomenology to neurobiological mechanisms. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02786-y. [PMID: 38761183 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02786-y] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-mediated disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation, demyelination and chronic progressive neurodegeneration. Among its broad and unpredictable range of clinical symptoms, cognitive impairment (CI) is a common and disabling feature greatly affecting the patients' quality of life. Its prevalence is 20% up to 88% with a wide variety depending on the phenotype of MS, with highest frequency and severity in primary progressive MS. Involving different cognitive domains, CI is often associated with depression and other neuropsychiatric symptoms, but usually not correlated with motor and other deficits, suggesting different pathophysiological mechanisms. While no specific neuropathological data for CI in MS are available, modern research has provided evidence that it arises from the disease-specific brain alterations. Multimodal neuroimaging, besides structural changes of cortical and deep subcortical gray and white matter, exhibited dysfunction of fronto-parietal, thalamo-hippocampal, default mode and cognition-related networks, disruption of inter-network connections and involvement of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. This provided a conceptual framework to explain how aberrant pathophysiological processes, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autoimmune reactions and disruption of essential signaling pathways predict/cause specific disorders of cognition. CI in MS is related to multi-regional patterns of cerebral disturbances, although its complex pathogenic mechanisms await further elucidation. This article, based on systematic analysis of PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library, reviews current epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging and pathogenetic evidence that could aid early identification of CI in MS and inform about new therapeutic targets and strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Alberichgasse 5/13, Vienna, A-1150, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barakovic M, Weigel M, Cagol A, Schaedelin S, Galbusera R, Lu PJ, Chen X, Melie-Garcia L, Ocampo-Pineda M, Bahn E, Stadelmann C, Palombo M, Kappos L, Kuhle J, Magon S, Granziera C. A novel imaging marker of cortical "cellularity" in multiple sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9848. [PMID: 38684744 PMCID: PMC11059177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological data showed focal inflammation and regions of diffuse neuronal loss in the cortex of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this work, we applied a novel model ("soma and neurite density imaging (SANDI)") to multishell diffusion-weighted MRI data acquired in healthy subjects and people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), in order to investigate inflammation and degeneration-related changes in the cortical tissue of pwMS. We aimed to (i) establish whether SANDI is applicable in vivo clinical data; (ii) investigate inflammatory and degenerative changes using SANDI soma fraction (fsoma)-a marker of cellularity-in both cortical lesions and in the normal-appearing-cortex and (iii) correlate SANDI fsoma with clinical and biological measures in pwMS. We applied a simplified version of SANDI to a clinical scanners. We then provided evidence that pwMS exhibited an overall decrease in cortical SANDI fsoma compared to healthy subjects, suggesting global degenerative processes compatible with neuronal loss. On the other hand, we have found that progressive pwMS showed a higher SANDI fsoma in the outer part of the cortex compared to relapsing-remitting pwMS, possibly supporting current pathological knowledge of increased innate inflammatory cells in these regions. A similar finding was obtained in subpial lesions in relapsing-remitting patients, reflecting existing pathological data in these lesion types. A significant correlation was found between SANDI fsoma and serum neurofilament light chain-a biomarker of inflammatory axonal damage-suggesting a relationship between SANDI soma fraction and inflammatory processes in pwMS again. Overall, our data show that SANDI fsoma is a promising biomarker to monitor changes in cellularity compatible with neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the cortex of MS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhamed Barakovic
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Weigel
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Cagol
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schaedelin
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Galbusera
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Po-Jui Lu
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xinjie Chen
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lester Melie-Garcia
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mario Ocampo-Pineda
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erik Bahn
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Marco Palombo
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Magon
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van der Knaap N, Ariës MJH, van der Horst ICC, Jansen JFA. On the merits and potential of advanced neuroimaging techniques in COVID-19: A scoping review. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103589. [PMID: 38461701 PMCID: PMC10938171 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103589] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Many Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are suffering from long-term neuropsychological sequelae. These patients may benefit from a better understanding of the underlying neuropathophysiological mechanisms and identification of potential biomarkers and treatment targets. Structural clinical neuroimaging techniques have limited ability to visualize subtle cerebral abnormalities and to investigate brain function. This scoping review assesses the merits and potential of advanced neuroimaging techniques in COVID-19 using literature including advanced neuroimaging or postmortem analyses in adult COVID-19 patients published from the start of the pandemic until December 2023. Findings were summarized according to distinct categories of reported cerebral abnormalities revealed by different imaging techniques. Although no unified COVID-19-specific pattern could be subtracted, a broad range of cerebral abnormalities were revealed by advanced neuroimaging (likely attributable to hypoxic, vascular, and inflammatory pathology), even in absence of structural clinical imaging findings. These abnormalities are validated by postmortem examinations. This scoping review emphasizes the added value of advanced neuroimaging compared to structural clinical imaging and highlights implications for brain functioning and long-term consequences in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa van der Knaap
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel J H Ariës
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Iwan C C van der Horst
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ananthavarathan P, Sahi N, Chard DT. An update on the role of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting and monitoring multiple sclerosis progression. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:201-216. [PMID: 38235594 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2304116] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is established in diagnosing and monitoring disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), its utility in predicting and monitoring disease progression is less clear. AREAS COVERED The authors consider changing concepts in the phenotypic classification of MS, including progression independent of relapses; pathological processes underpinning progression; advances in MRI measures to assess them; how well MRI features explain and predict clinical outcomes, including models that assess disease effects on neural networks, and the potential role for machine learning. EXPERT OPINION Relapsing-remitting and progressive MS have evolved from being viewed as mutually exclusive to having considerable overlap. Progression is likely the consequence of several pathological elements, each important in building more holistic prognostic models beyond conventional phenotypes. MRI is well placed to assess pathogenic processes underpinning progression, but we need to bridge the gap between MRI measures and clinical outcomes. Mapping pathological effects on specific neural networks may help and machine learning methods may be able to optimize predictive markers while identifying new, or previously overlooked, clinically relevant features. The ever-increasing ability to measure features on MRI raises the dilemma of what to measure and when, and the challenge of translating research methods into clinically useable tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piriyankan Ananthavarathan
- Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, London, UK
| | - Nitin Sahi
- Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, London, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- Clinical Research Associate & Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Neurology - Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khormi I, Al-Iedani O, Alshehri A, Ramadan S, Lechner-Scott J. MR myelin imaging in multiple sclerosis: A scoping review. J Neurol Sci 2023; 455:122807. [PMID: 38035651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122807] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The inability of disease-modifying therapies to stop the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), has led to the development of a new therapeutic strategy focussing on myelin repair. While conventional MRI lacks sensitivity for quantifying myelin damage, advanced MRI techniques are proving effective. The development of targeted therapeutics requires histological validation of myelin imaging results, alongside the crucial task of establishing correlations between myelin imaging results and clinical assessments, so that the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions can be evaluated. The aims of this scoping review were to identify myelin imaging methods - some of which have been histologically validated, and to determine how these approaches correlate with clinical assessments of people with MS (pwMS), thus allowing for effective therapeutic evaluation. A search of two databases was undertaken for publications relating to studies on adults MS using either MRI/MR-histology of the MS brain in the range 1990-to-2022. The myelin imaging methods specified were relaxometry, magnetization transfer, and quantitative susceptibility. Relaxometry was used most frequently, with myelin water fraction (MWF) being the primary metric. Studies conducted on tissue from various regions of the brain showed that MWF was significantly lower in pwMS than in healthy controls. Magnetization transfer ratio indicated that the macromolecular content of lesions was lower than that of normal-appearing tissue. Higher magnetic susceptibility of lesions were indicative of myelin breakdown and iron accumulation. Several myelin imaging metrics were correlated with disability, disease severity and duration. Many studies showed a good correlation between myelin measured histologically and by MR myelin imaging techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Khormi
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia; College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oun Al-Iedani
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Abdulaziz Alshehri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia; Department of Radiology, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saadallah Ramadan
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia.
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia; Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morrow SA, Baldwin C, Alkabie S. Importance of Identifying Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. Can J Neurol Sci 2023; 50:813-819. [PMID: 36503630 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to highlight the impact of cognitive impairment on outcomes and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to review current evidence for the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and other interventions. In addition, we provide clinical practice insights regarding screening and management of cognitive impairment in people with MS. Evidence suggests that cognitive deterioration often accompanies magnetic resonance imaging changes. Neocortical volume and deep grey matter atrophy correlate with cognitive impairment. Similarly, cognitive decline is predictive of a higher lesion burden. Cognitive impairment is an important clinical measure of disability and negatively impacts quality of life. Phase 3 studies suggest that DMTs such as natalizumab, ozanimod and fingolimod may provide long-lasting, clinically meaningful effects on cognition in people with MS. Further data are needed to support the use of adjunct cognitive behavioural and exercise interventions for people with MS who have cognitive impairment. More data are needed to define appropriate management strategies for cognitive impairment in people with MS. Baseline and periodic screening for cognitive impairment and inclusion of cognitive impairment as a clinical trial endpoint will help to inform efforts to manage this important aspect of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Morrow
- London Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Chantal Baldwin
- London Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Samir Alkabie
- London Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Myelinodegeneration vs. Neurodegeneration in MS Progressive Forms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021596. [PMID: 36675111 PMCID: PMC9864662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In MS patients with a progressive form of the disease, the slow deterioration of neurological functions is thought to result from a combination of neuronal cell death, axonal damages and synaptic dysfunctions [...].
Collapse
|
12
|
Grothe M, Jochem K, Strauss S, Langner S, Kirsch M, Hoffeld K, Penner IK, Nagels G, Klepzig K, Domin M, Lotze M. Performance in information processing speed is associated with parietal white matter tract integrity in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:982964. [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.982964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is most frequently used to test processing speed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Functional imaging studies emphasize the importance of frontal and parietal areas for task performance, but the influence of frontoparietal tracts has not been thoroughly studied. We were interested in tract-specific characteristics and their association with processing speed in MS patients.MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging was obtained in 100 MS patients and 24 healthy matched controls to compare seed-based tract characteristics descending from the superior parietal lobule [Brodman area 7A (BA7A)], atlas-based tract characteristics from the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and control tract characteristics from the corticospinal tract (CST) and their respective association with ability on the SDMT.ResultsPatients had decreased performance on the SDMT and decreased white matter volume (each p < 0.05). The mean fractional anisotropy (FA) for the BA7A tract and CST (p < 0.05), but not the SLF, differed between MS patients and controls. Furthermore, only the FA of the SLF was positively associated with SDMT performance even after exclusion of the lesions within the tract (r = 0.25, p < 0.05). However, only disease disability and total white matter volume were associated with information processing speed in a linear regression model.ConclusionsProcessing speed in MS is associated with the structural integrity of frontoparietal white matter tracts.
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu Q, Zheng Q, Luo D, Peng Y, Yan Z, Wang X, Chen X, Li Y. The Application of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging on the Heterogeneous White Matter in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:849425. [PMID: 35360163 PMCID: PMC8960252 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.849425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the microstructural damage in the heterogeneity of different white matter areas in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients by using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and its correlation with clinical and cognitive status. Materials and Methods Kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean kurtosis (MK), and mean diffusivity (MD) in T1-hypointense lesions (T1Ls), pure T2-hyperintense lesions (pure-T2Ls), normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), and white matter in healthy controls (WM in HCs) were measured in 48 RRMS patients and 26 sex- and age-matched HCs. All the participants were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) scores as the cognitive status. The Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were used to evaluate the clinical status in RRMS patients. Results The lowest KFA, FA, and MK values and the highest MD values were found in T1Ls, followed by pure-T2Ls, NAWM, and WM in HCs. The T1Ls and pure-T2Ls were significantly different in FA (p = 0.002) and MK (p = 0.013), while the NAWM and WM in HCs were significantly different in KFA, FA, and MK (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.001). The KFA, FA, MK, and MD values in NAWM (r = 0.360, p = 0.014; r = 0.415, p = 0.004; r = 0.369, p = 0.012; r = −0.531, p < 0.001) were correlated with the MMSE scores and the FA, MK, and MD values in NAWM (r = 0.423, p = 0.003; r = 0.427, p = 0.003; r = −0.359, p = 0.014) were correlated with the SDMT scores. Conclusion Applying DKI to the imaging-based white matter classification has the potential to reflect the white matter damage and is correlated with cognitive impairment.
Collapse
|
14
|
Johnson P, Chan JK, Vavasour IM, Abel S, Lee LE, Yong H, Laule C, Li DKB, Tam R, Traboulsee A, Carruthers RL, Kolind SH. Quantitative MRI findings indicate diffuse white matter damage in Susac Syndrome. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2022; 8:20552173221078834. [PMID: 35186315 PMCID: PMC8851927 DOI: 10.1177/20552173221078834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Susac Syndrome (SuS) is an autoimmune endotheliopathy impacting the brain, retina and cochlea that can clinically mimic multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To evaluate non-lesional white matter demyelination changes in SuS compared to MS and healthy controls (HC) using quantitative MRI. Methods 3T MRI including myelin water imaging and diffusion basis spectrum imaging were acquired for 7 SuS, 10 MS and 10 HC participants. Non-lesional white matter was analyzed in the corpus callosum (CC) and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Groups were compared using ANCOVA with Tukey correction. Results SuS CC myelin water fraction (mean 0.092) was lower than MS(0.11, p = 0.01) and HC(0.11, p = 0.04). Another myelin marker, radial diffusivity, was increased in SuS CC(0.27μm2/ms) compared to HC(0.21μm2/ms, p = 0.008) and MS(0.23μm2/ms, p = 0.05). Fractional anisotropy was lower in SuS CC(0.82) than HC(0.86, p = 0.04). Fiber fraction (reflecting axons) did not differ from HC or MS. In NAWM, radial diffusivity and apparent diffusion coefficient were significantly increased in SuS compared to HC(p < 0.001 for both measures) and MS(p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions Our results provided evidence of myelin damage in SuS, particularly in the CC, and more extensive microstructural injury in NAWM, supporting the hypothesis that there are widespread microstructural changes in SuS syndrome including diffuse demyelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - JK Chan
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - IM Vavasour
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
| | | | | | - H Yong
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - C Laule
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - DKB Li
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - R Tam
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - RL Carruthers
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - SH Kolind
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Edwards EM, Wu W, Fritz NE. Using Myelin Water Imaging to Link Underlying Pathology to Clinical Function in Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 59:103646. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
16
|
Tsai IC, Hsu CW, Chang CH, Tseng PT, Chang KV. The Effect of Curcumin Differs on Individual Cognitive Domains across Different Patient Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1235. [PMID: 34959636 PMCID: PMC8708668 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that has been shown to be effective in ameliorating cognitive decline in animal studies. However, its clinical effectiveness is inconclusive, and relevant gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) have been reported. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the existing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of effects of curcumin on overall cognitive function, individual cognitive domains, and gastrointestinal AE. The study includes 8 RCTs and 389 participants. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Compared with the placebo group, the curcumin group was associated with an improvement in working memory (Hedges' g = 0.396, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.078 to 0.714, p = 0.015) and a borderline benefit in processing speed (Hedges' g = 0.303, 95% CI = -0.013 to 0.619, p = 0.06). In the domains of language, episodic memory/visual learning, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility/problem solving, and overall cognitive function, no significant difference existed for the comparison between the curcumin and placebo groups. The curcumin group had a significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal AEs than the placebo group (odds ratio = 3.019, 95% CI = 1.118 to 8.150, p = 0.029). In the future, the effects of curcumin on working memory, processing speed, and gastrointestinal AE should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I-Chen Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Congenital Heart Disease Study Group, Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging, Seoul 13572, Korea
- InnovaRad Inc., Taichung 407004, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hung Chang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry & Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404332, Taiwan
- An Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan 709204, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Tao Tseng
- Prospect Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology & Neurology, Kaohsiung 811022, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804201, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Vin Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10048, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan
- Center for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Wang-Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11600, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cairns J, Vavasour IM, Traboulsee A, Carruthers R, Kolind SH, Li DKB, Moore GRW, Laule C. Diffusely abnormal white matter in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimaging 2021; 32:5-16. [PMID: 34752664 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12945] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MRI enables detailed in vivo depiction of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. Localized areas of MS damage, commonly referred to as lesions, or plaques, have been a focus of clinical and research MRI studies for over four decades. A nonplaque MRI abnormality which is present in at least 25% of MS patients but has received far less attention is diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM). DAWM has poorly defined boundaries and a signal intensity that is between normal-appearing white matter and classic lesions on proton density and T2 -weighted images. All clinical phenotypes of MS demonstrate DAWM, including clinically isolated syndrome, where DAWM is associated with higher lesion volume, reduced brain volume, and earlier conversion to MS. Advanced MRI metric abnormalities in DAWM tend to be greater than those in NAWM, but not as severe as focal lesions, with myelin, axons, and water-related changes commonly reported. Histological studies demonstrate a primary lipid abnormality in DAWM, with some axonal damage and lesser involvement of myelin proteins. This review provides an overview of DAWM identification, summarizes in vivo and postmortem observations, and comments on potential pathophysiological mechanisms, which may underlie DAWM in MS. Given the prevalence and potential clinical impact of DAWM, the number of imaging studies focusing on DAWM is insufficient. Characterization of DAWM significance and microstructure would benefit from larger longitudinal and additional quantitative imaging efforts. Revisiting data from previous studies that included proton density and T2 imaging would enable retrospective DAWM identification and analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Cairns
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Irene M Vavasour
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anthony Traboulsee
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert Carruthers
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shannon H Kolind
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David K B Li
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - G R Wayne Moore
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Russell-Schulz B, Vavasour IM, Zhang J, MacKay AL, Purcell V, Muller AM, Brucar LR, Torres IJ, Panenka WJ, Virji-Babul N. Myelin water fraction decrease in individuals with chronic mild traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06709. [PMID: 33898831 PMCID: PMC8056430 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06709] [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: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The diffuse and continually evolving secondary changes after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) make it challenging to assess alterations in brain-behaviour relationships. In this study we used myelin water imaging to evaluate changes in myelin water fraction (MWF) in individuals with chronic mTBI and persistent symptoms and measured their cognitive status using the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. Fifteen adults with mTBI with persistent symptoms and twelve age, gender and education matched healthy controls took part in this study. We found a significant decrease in global white matter MWF in patients compared to the healthy controls. Significantly lower MWF was evident in most white matter region of interest (ROIs) examined including the corpus callosum (separated into genu, body and splenium), minor forceps, right anterior thalamic radiation, left inferior longitudinal fasciculus; and right and left superior longitudinal fasciculus and corticospinal tract. Although patients showed lower cognitive functioning, no significant correlations were found between MWF and cognitive measures. These results suggest that individuals with chronic mTBI who have persistent symptoms have reduced MWF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bretta Russell-Schulz
- UBC MRI Research Centre, Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Irene M. Vavasour
- UBC MRI Research Centre, Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Zhang
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alex L. MacKay
- UBC MRI Research Centre, Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria Purcell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Angela M. Muller
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leyla R. Brucar
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ivan J. Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William J. Panenka
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naznin Virji-Babul
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee LE, Vavasour IM, Dvorak A, Liu H, Abel S, Johnson P, Ristow S, Au S, Laule C, Tam R, Li DK, Cross H, Ackermans N, Schabas AJ, Chan J, Sayao AL, Devonshire V, Carruthers R, Traboulsee A, Kolind S. Cervical cord myelin abnormality is associated with clinical disability in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2021; 27:2191-2198. [PMID: 33749378 PMCID: PMC8597183 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelin water imaging (MWI) was recently optimized to provide quantitative in vivo measurement of spinal cord myelin, which is critically involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) disability. OBJECTIVE To assess cervical cord myelin measurements in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and progressive multiple sclerosis (ProgMS) participants and evaluate the correlation between myelin measures and clinical disability. METHODS We used MWI data from 35 RRMS, 30 ProgMS, and 28 healthy control (HC) participants collected at cord level C2/C3 on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Myelin heterogeneity index (MHI), a measurement of myelin variability, was calculated for whole cervical cord, global white matter, dorsal column, lateral and ventral funiculi. Correlations were assessed between MHI and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), timed 25-foot walk, and disease duration. RESULTS In various regions of the cervical cord, ProgMS MHI was higher compared to HC (between 9.5% and 31%, p ⩽ 0.04) and RRMS (between 13% and 26%, p ⩽ 0.02), and ProgMS MHI was associated with EDSS (r = 0.42-0.52) and 9HPT (r = 0.45-0.52). CONCLUSION Myelin abnormalities within clinically eloquent areas are related to clinical disability. MWI metrics have a potential role for monitoring subclinical disease progression and adjudicating treatment efficacy for new therapies targeting ProgMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Eunyoung Lee
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Irene M Vavasour
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adam Dvorak
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hanwen Liu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shawna Abel
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Poljanka Johnson
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Ristow
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shelly Au
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Roger Tam
- Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David Kb Li
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada/Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Helen Cross
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Ackermans
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alice J Schabas
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jillian Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ana-Luiza Sayao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Virginia Devonshire
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Robert Carruthers
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anthony Traboulsee
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon Kolind
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Radiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada/Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dao E, Tam R, Hsiung GYR, Ten Brinke L, Crockett R, Barha CK, Yoo Y, Al Keridy W, Doherty SH, Laule C, MacKay AL, Liu-Ambrose T. Exploring the Contribution of Myelin Content in Normal Appearing White Matter to Cognitive Outcomes in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:91-101. [PMID: 33523006 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myelin damage is a salient feature in cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Of note, myelin damage extends into the normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Currently, the specific role of myelin content in cognition is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the association between NAWM myelin and cognitive function in older adults with cSVD. METHODS This exploratory study included 55 participants with cSVD. NAWM myelin was measured using myelin water imaging and was quantified as myelin water fraction (MWF). Assessment of cognitive function included processing speed (Trail Making Test Part A), set shifting (Trail Making Test Part B minus A), working memory (Verbal Digit Span Backwards Test), and inhibition (Stroop Test). Multiple linear regression analyses assessed the contribution of NAWM MWF on cognitive outcomes controlling for age, education, and total white matter hyperintensity volume. The overall alpha was set at ≤0.05. RESULTS After accounting for age, education, and total white matter hyperintensity volume, lower NAWM MWF was significantly associated with slower processing speed (β = -0.29, p = 0.037) and poorer working memory (β= 0.30, p = 0.048). NAWM MWF was not significantly associated with set shifting or inhibitory control (p > 0.132). CONCLUSION Myelin loss in NAWM may play a role in the evolution of impaired processing speed and working memory in people with cSVD. Future studies, with a longitudinal design and larger sample sizes, are needed to fully elucidate the role of myelin as a potential biomarker for cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Dao
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Roger Tam
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Radiology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Biomedical Engineering, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ging-Yuek R Hsiung
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Division of Neurology, UBC Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lisanne Ten Brinke
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Rachel Crockett
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cindy K Barha
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Walid Al Keridy
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Division of Neurology, UBC Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, King Saud University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Stephanie H Doherty
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- Department of Radiology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alex L MacKay
- Department of Radiology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,UBC MRI Research Centre, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Teo W, Caprariello AV, Morgan ML, Luchicchi A, Schenk GJ, Joseph JT, Geurts JJG, Stys PK. Nile Red fluorescence spectroscopy reports early physicochemical changes in myelin with high sensitivity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2016897118. [PMID: 33593907 PMCID: PMC7923366 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016897118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular composition of myelin membranes determines their structure and function. Even minute changes to the biochemical balance can have profound consequences for axonal conduction and the synchronicity of neural networks. Hypothesizing that the earliest indication of myelin injury involves changes in the composition and/or polarity of its constituent lipids, we developed a sensitive spectroscopic technique for defining the chemical polarity of myelin lipids in fixed frozen tissue sections from rodent and human. The method uses a simple staining procedure involving the lipophilic dye Nile Red, whose fluorescence spectrum varies according to the chemical polarity of the microenvironment into which the dye embeds. Nile Red spectroscopy identified histologically intact yet biochemically altered myelin in prelesioned tissues, including mouse white matter following subdemyelinating cuprizone intoxication, as well as normal-appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis brain. Nile Red spectroscopy offers a relatively simple yet highly sensitive technique for detecting subtle myelin changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wulin Teo
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Andrew V Caprariello
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Megan L Morgan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert J Schenk
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey T Joseph
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter K Stys
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|