1
|
The role of pineal gland volume in the development of scoliosis. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2023; 32:181-189. [PMID: 36374335 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-022-07452-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is believed to be caused by genetic, neurological, osseous growth anomalies, histological variables including muscle fiber percentage and core structure changes, metabolic and hormonal dysfunction, vestibular dysfunction, and platelet microarchitecture. The objective of this study was to contribute to the determination of the cause of AIS by analyzing the changes in pineal gland volume in AIS cases. METHODS Study (AIS) and control group were each comprised of 26 patients who met the inclusion requirements. Scoliosis radiograph and MRI of the pineal glands were used for radiological examinations. The distribution of age, gender, Risser grading for skeletal radiological development, and sexual maturation according to Tanner categorization were uniform and statistically insignificant between groups. RESULTS When the pineal gland volumes of the cases were evaluated according to age, the AIS group was found to have significantly reduced pineal gland volumes in all age groups. The pineal gland volume was found to be 38.1% lower in the AIS group compared to the control group (p˂0.001). In the AIS group, patients aged 13 years had the lowest pineal gland volume (77.2 ± 13.86 mm3), while patients aged 15 years had the highest volume (97.9 ± 16.47 mm3). CONCLUSION Changes in pineal gland volume support the role of the pineal gland in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.
Collapse
|
2
|
Braam W, Spruyt K. Reference intervals for 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin in urine: a meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2022; 63:101614. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
3
|
Sisakhti M, Shafaghi L, Batouli SAH. The Volumetric Changes of the Pineal Gland with Age: An Atlas-based Structural Analysis. Exp Aging Res 2022; 48:474-504. [DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2033593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Sisakhti
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Sciences Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Lida Shafaghi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Computational Cognition, Humanlab Technologies, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Seyed Amir Hossein Batouli
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leon-Llamas JL, Villafaina S, Murillo-Garcia A, Rohlfs Domínguez P, Gusi N. Relationship between pineal gland, sleep and melatonin in fibromyalgia women: a magnetic resonance imaging study. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2021; 34:1-9. [PMID: 34903309 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A total of 80% of fibromyalgia (FM) population have reported poor sleep. In this regard, the pineal gland, involved in circadian rhythm processes as a key neuroendocrine organ which mainly synthesises and secretes melatonin, has never been studied before in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the parenchyma pineal volume and its relation to sleep hours, sleep quality index and melatonin level at night. A total of 50 participants, 30 women with FM and 20 healthy control women underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging. The total pineal volume, cyst pineal volume and parenchyma pineal volume were manually calculated in cubic millimetres. Also, the total pineal volume was estimated using Hasehawa method. Parenchyma pineal volume was significantly correlated with sleep hours (p-value = 0.041) and nocturnal melatonin level (p-value = 0.027). Moreover, there was also a non-significant correlation between parenchyma pineal volume and sleep quality index (p-value = 0.055). Furthermore, a mean parenchyma pineal volume of 102.00 (41.46) mm³ was observed, with a prevalence of 29.60% cyst in FM group. This is the first study that has reported pineal gland volumes, cyst prevalence and correlative relationships between parenchyma pineal volume and sleep hours and melatonin levels in women with FM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luis Leon-Llamas
- AFYCAV Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Santos Villafaina
- AFYCAV Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Teacher Training Collegue, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alvaro Murillo-Garcia
- AFYCAV Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paloma Rohlfs Domínguez
- AFYCAV Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Anthropology, School of Nursing and Occupational Therapy, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Psychology and Education, Faculty of Education, University of Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Narcis Gusi
- AFYCAV Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tikhomirova OV, Zybina NN, Kozhevnikova VV. [The effect of long-term beta-blockers on melatonin secretion, sleep quality, and vascular brain damage]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:7-12. [PMID: 34481429 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20211210817] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythm of pineal melatonin production is paced by the thalamus suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) depending on the lighting conditions via signal transduction to pinealocytes beta-receptors. Melatonin is a natural regulator of many physiological processes, and the decrease of its synthesis leads to various diseases, in particular, insomnia and metabolic disorders. It is known that administration of beta-blockers reduces melatonin production, but the data showing clinical significance of melatonin reduction associated with beta-blockers administration are still contradictory. OBJECTIVE The influence of long-term administration of beta-blockers to melatonin synthesis, sleep quality and vascular brain damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS The main study group included 114 patients, aged 47-83, with cardiovascular diseases, who were under a complex therapy with long-term administration of beta-blockers. The comparison group included 110 patients with cardiovascular diseases, similar in age and sex, who did not receive beta-blockers in their complex therapy. The circadian dynamics of melatonin synthesis was observed by excretion of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SM), the major metabolite of melatonin, in three urinary samples (day, evening, night). All the patients underwent night polysomnography to assess the severity of sleep disorders. The severity of vascular brain damage was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The analyses showed large variability in individual values of 6-SM circadian excretion of patients with cardiovascular diseases (from 0.9 to 133 μg/24h with a mid-point 16.8 μg/24h). A considerable decrease of 6-SM circadian excretion is detected in the group of patients taking beta-blockers comparing to those not Me [q 25; q 75]: 12.8 [6.2; 21.1] and 24.0 [12.5; 41.5] μg/24h, respectively (p<0.001), with no differences in sleep values and severity of vascular brain damage. Comparing subgroups of patients with 6-SM circadian excretion lower and higher than 16.8 μg/24h showed a significant increase of sleep latency, decrease of rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep), increasing number of gliosis foci in white matter of the brain with higher values of leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio and glycohemoglobin in the group of patients with 6-SM circadian excretion ≤16.8 μg/24h. CONCLUSION A low level of endogenous melatonin is a risk factor for development of sleep structure and quality disorders, vascular white matter brain damages with a higher risk for metabolic disorders. Long-term beta-blockers administration decrease endogenous melatonin synthesis to 50% increasing the risk for insomnia and vascular brain damage, mostly in patients with lower initial level of 6-SM circadian excretion.: melatonin, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, beta-blockers, insomnia, vascular white matter brain damage, leptin, adiponectin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O V Tikhomirova
- Nikiforov Federal State Budgetary Institution «All-Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine», St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - N N Zybina
- Nikiforov Federal State Budgetary Institution «All-Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine», St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V V Kozhevnikova
- Nikiforov Federal State Budgetary Institution «All-Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine», St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bazzi LA, Sigurdardottir LG, Sigurdsson S, Valdimarsdottir U, Torfadottir J, Aspelund T, Czeisler CA, Lockley SW, Jonsson E, Launer L, Harris T, Gudnason V, Mucci LA, Markt SC. Exploratory assessment of pineal gland volume, composition, and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels on prostate cancer risk. Prostate 2021; 81:487-496. [PMID: 33860950 PMCID: PMC8194005 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melatonin levels are partially driven by the parenchyma volume of the pineal gland. Low urinary levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin have been associated with increased risk of advanced prostate cancer, but the relationship between pineal gland volume and composition and prostate cancer risk has not been examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS We utilized data from 864 men from the AGES-Reykjavik Study with complete pineal gland volumes and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin measurements. Pineal parenchyma, calcification, and cyst volumes were calculated from brain magnetic resonance imaging. Levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were assayed from prediagnostic urine samples. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between parenchyma volume and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) comparing prostate cancer risk across parenchyma volume tertiles and across categories factoring in parenchyma volume, gland composition, and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level. RESULTS Parenchyma volume was moderately correlated with urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level (r = .24; p < .01). There was no statistically significant association between parenchyma volume tertile and prostate cancer risk. Men with high parenchyma volume, pineal cysts and calcifications, and low urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels had almost twice the risk of total prostate cancer as men with low parenchyma volume, no pineal calcifications or cysts, and low urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.84; p: .04). CONCLUSIONS Although parenchyma volume is not associated with prostate cancer risk, pineal gland composition and other circadian dynamics may influence risk for prostate cancer. Additional studies are needed to examine the interplay of pineal gland volume, composition, and melatonin levels on prostate cancer risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Latifa A Bazzi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lara G Sigurdardottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Unnur Valdimarsdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Thor Aspelund
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, Iceland
| | - Charles A Czeisler
- Division Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven W Lockley
- Division Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eirikur Jonsson
- Department of Urology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Lenore Launer
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Tamara Harris
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Science, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Vilmundur Gudnason
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Icelandic Heart Association, Kopavogur, Iceland
| | - Lorelei A Mucci
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah C Markt
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jenkinson MD, Mills S, Mallucci CL, Santarius T. Management of pineal and colloid cysts. Pract Neurol 2021; 21:practneurol-2020-002838. [PMID: 34039752 PMCID: PMC8327315 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2020-002838] [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] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of MRI has led to the increasingly frequent diagnosis of pineal and colloid cysts. While most are small and incidental, do not require long-term monitoring and will never need treatment, they are a cause of patient anxiety and clinician uncertainty regarding the optimal management-particularly for larger cysts or those with an atypical appearance. Occasionally pineal cysts, and more commonly colloid cysts, cause hydrocephalus that requires urgent neurosurgical treatment. More recently the non-hydrocephalic symptomatic pineal cyst has been described in the neurosurgical literature but there is controversy over this entity and its management. This review addresses the difficulties in managing pineal and colloid cysts and provides a pragmatic framework for the practising clinician.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Jenkinson
- Clinical and Molecular Cancer, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
- Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Samantha Mills
- Neuroradiology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Conor L Mallucci
- Paediatric Neurosurgery, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Thomas Santarius
- Clinical and Academic Neuroscience, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Razavi F, Raminfard S, Kalantar Hormozi H, Sisakhti M, Batouli SAH. A Probabilistic Atlas of the Pineal Gland in the Standard Space. Front Neuroinform 2021; 15:554229. [PMID: 34079447 PMCID: PMC8165226 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2021.554229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pineal gland (PG) is a structure located in the midline of the brain, and is considered as a main part of the epithalamus. There are numerous reports on the facilitatory role of this area for brain function; hormone secretion and its role in sleep cycle are the major reports. However, reports are rarely available on the direct role of this structure in brain cognition and in information processing. A suggestion for the limited number of such studies is the lack of a standard atlas for the PG; none of the available MRI templates and atlases has provided parcellations for this structure. In this study, we used the three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted MRI data of 152 healthy young volunteers, and provided a probabilistic map of the PG in the standard Montreal Neurologic Institute (MNI) space. The methods included collecting the data using a 64-channel head coil on a 3-Tesla Prisma MRI Scanner, manual delineation of the PG by two experts, and robust template and atlas construction algorithms. This atlas is freely accessible, and we hope importing this atlas in the well-known neuroimaging software packages would help to identify other probable roles of the PG in brain function. It could also be used to study pineal cysts, for volumetric analyses, and to test any associations between the cognitive abilities of the human and the structure of the PG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Foroogh Razavi
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Raminfard
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Kalantar Hormozi
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Sisakhti
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Sciences Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Hossein Batouli
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Is there any relationship between autism and pineal gland volume? Pol J Radiol 2021; 86:e225-e231. [PMID: 34093919 PMCID: PMC8147713 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2021.105689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Abnormalities in melatonin physiology and circadian rhythm are detected in patients with autism. Melatonin is produced predominantly in the pineal gland and the amount of melatonin released is proportional to the pineal gland volume. This study aimed to examine whether the pineal gland volume in children with autism is different from that in healthy children. Material and methods Brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 120 paediatric patients with autism and 82 control paediatric subjects were examined; pineal parenchymal volume (PPV), pineal cyst rate (PCR), and total pineal gland volume (TPGV) were measured using a multimodality viewer (MMV), but only the TPGVs were measured using a tumour tracking (TT) method. Measurements were taken by 2 separate radiologists. Results In patients with autism, the PPV and TPGV according to MMV, and the TPGV according to TT were significantly lower, and the PCR was significantly higher. Moreover, the ratio of PPV to TPGV was significantly lower in the autism patient group. In both groups, the TPGVs were significantly lower in the autism patient group than the controls among all age groups. Conclusions Our study was the first to examine TPGVs in detail in paediatric patients with autism using 2 different methods. Low PPV-TPGV and high PCR have been observed in autism. This study also provides comparable reference values for pineal gland size in healthy children or autistic children aged 2-17 years. These results show promising potential for further research to understand the relationship between autism pathogenesis and the pineal gland.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gheban BA, Colosi HA, Gheban-Rosca IA, Pop B, Domșa AMT, Georgiu C, Gheban D, Crișan D, Crișan M. Age-Related Changes of the Pineal Gland in Humans: A Digital Anatomo-Histological Morphometric Study on Autopsy Cases with Comparison to Predigital-Era Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57040383. [PMID: 33921100 PMCID: PMC8071372 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The pineal gland is a photoneuroendocrine organ in the midline of the brain, responsible primarily for melatonin synthesis. It is composed mainly of pinealocytes and glial tissue. This study examined human postmortem pineal glands to microscopically assess age-related changes using digital techniques, and offers a perspective on evolutionary tendencies compared to the past. Materials and Methods: A retrospective autopsy study has been performed on 72 pediatric and adult autopsy cases. The glands have been processed for histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Slides were assessed under polarized light and digitally scanned. Morphometric data were obtained using CaseViewer and ImageJ. Results: Thirty-three females and 39 males were included in the study, grouped under three age groups: 0–25, 46–65, and 66–96 years of age. The peak gland volume was found within the 46–65 age group, the overall mean volume was 519 mm3, the main architectural types were lobular and insular, and the mean percentage of pineal calcification was 15% of the gland, peaking within the 66–96 age group, with a predominantly globular shape. Glial cysts were found in 20.8% of cases. The intensity of GFAP stain was maximal in the pediatric age group, but the extent of glial tissue was much larger in elderly patients. Discussion: The degenerative process of the pineal gland can be quantified by measuring normal parenchyma, calcifications, glial tissue, and glial cysts. Morphometric differences have been observed and compared to a similar studies performed in the published literature. The current study, unfortunately, lacks a 26–45 age group. Digital techniques seemed to offer a more exact analysis, but returned similar results to studies performed over 40 years ago, therefore offering important information on evolutionary tendencies. Conclusions: Increase in glial tissue, calcifications, and glial cysts have a defining role as age-related changes in the pineal gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence: (B.-A.G.); (H.A.C.)
| | - Horațiu Alexandru Colosi
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (B.-A.G.); (H.A.C.)
| | | | - Bogdan Pop
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
- The Oncology Institute “Ion Chiricuţă”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ana-Maria Teodora Domșa
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Carmen Georgiu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dan Gheban
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
- Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doinița Crișan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.); (A.-M.T.D.); (C.G.); (D.G.); (D.C.)
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Maria Crișan
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Berntsson SG, Kristoffersson A, Daniilidou M, Dahl N, Ekström C, Semnic R, Markström A, Niemelä V, Partinen M, Hallböök F, Landtblom AM. Aniridia with PAX6 mutations and narcolepsy. J Sleep Res 2020; 29:e12982. [PMID: 31943460 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PAX6 gene mutations cause a variety of eye and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Aniridia is often accompanied by CNS abnormalities such as pineal gland atrophy or hypoplasia, leading to disturbed circadian rhythm and sleep disorders. Less is known on the coincidence of narcolepsy in this patient group. We aimed to find out whether the circadian rhythm or sleep-wake structure was affected in patients with aniridia. Four members of a family segregating with congenital aniridia in two generations were included in the study. The patients were subjected to genetic testing for a PAX6 mutation, multiple sleep latency test, whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hypocretin-1 in cerebrospinal fluid, and Human Leukocyte Antigen DQ beta1*06:02. All four members were heterozygous for the pathogenic c.959-1G>A mutation in the PAX6 gene. Sleep disturbance was observed in all family members. The index patient was diagnosed with narcolepsy. MRI showed a hypoplastic pineal gland in all members. We describe the first case of a patient with PAX6 haploinsufficiency, aniridia and pineal gland hypoplasia diagnosed with narcolepsy type-1, suggesting a complex sleep disorder pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Kristoffersson
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Makrina Daniilidou
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Dahl
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Curt Ekström
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Semnic
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agneta Markström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy, and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Valter Niemelä
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Markku Partinen
- Vitalmed Research Center, Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Landtblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Patel S, Rahmani B, Gandhi J, Seyam O, Joshi G, Reid I, Smith NL, Waltzer WC, Khan SA. Revisiting the pineal gland: a review of calcification, masses, precocious puberty, and melatonin functions. Int J Neurosci 2020; 130:464-475. [PMID: 31714865 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2019.1692838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The pineal gland, an endocrine organ of the posterior cranial fossa famously involved in sleep and wakefulness, has continually been a topic of scientific advancement and curiosity. Methods: We review present an up-to-date review including the anatomy, embryology, and physiology of the pineal gland and its ability to secrete hormones including melatonin, pathophysiology of pineal gland tumors, cysts, and calcifications, their clinical presentation including their association with parkinsonism and precocious puberty, and various treatment approaches. Results: Exploring the biochemistry of melatonin, various calcification morphologies, and pineal tumors may uncover a wider role and the exhaustive case study consolidation allows clinicians to carefully review the literature and aid their treatment approaches. Conclusion: It is imperative that clinicians and diagnosticians are able to distinguish manifestations of an overlooked gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shrey Patel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Rahmani
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jason Gandhi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Medical Student Research Institute, St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Omar Seyam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Gunjan Joshi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY, USA
| | - Inefta Reid
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Wayne C Waltzer
- Department of Urology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sardar Ali Khan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Park J, Han JW, Suh SW, Byun S, Han JH, Bae JB, Kim JH, Kim KW. Pineal gland volume is associated with prevalent and incident isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:884-893. [PMID: 31918412 PMCID: PMC6977654 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the association of pineal gland volume with the risk of isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD). We enrolled 245 community-dwelling cognitively normal elderly individuals without major psychiatric or neurological disorders at the baseline evaluation, of whom 146 completed the 2-year follow-up evaluation. We assessed RBD symptoms using the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) and defined probable RBD (pRBD) as an RBDSQ score of ≥ 5. We manually segmented the pineal gland on 3T T1-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging and estimated its volume. The smaller the baseline pineal gland volume, the more severe the RBD symptoms at baseline. The individuals with isolated pRBD showed smaller pineal gland volumes than those without isolated pRBD. The larger the baseline pineal gland volume, the lower the risks of prevalent isolated pRBD at the baseline evaluation and incident isolated pRBD at the 2-year follow-up evaluation. Pineal gland volume showed good diagnostic accuracy for prevalent isolated pRBD and predictive accuracy for incident isolated pRBD in the receiver operator characteristic analysis. Our findings suggest that pineal gland volume may be associated with the severity of RBD symptoms and the risk of isolated RBD in cognitively normal elderly individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeongbin Park
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Won Han
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seung Wan Suh
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seonjeong Byun
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Han
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jong Bin Bae
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae Hyoung Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Woong Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tamtaji OR, Reiter RJ, Alipoor R, Dadgostar E, Kouchaki E, Asemi Z. Melatonin and Parkinson Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives for Molecular Mechanisms. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:15-23. [PMID: 31388798 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00720-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic and neurodegenerative disease with motor and nonmotor symptoms. Multiple pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of PD, including apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and changes in the neurotransmitters. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that melatonin supplementation is an appropriate therapy for PD. Administration of melatonin leads to inhibition of some pathways related to apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, inflammation, α-synuclein aggregation, and dopamine loss in PD. In addition, melatonin improves some nonmotor symptom in patients with PD. Limited studies, however, have evaluated the role of melatonin on molecular mechanisms and clinical symptoms in PD. This review summarizes what is known regarding the impact of melatonin on PD in preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Reza Alipoor
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | | | - Ebrahim Kouchaki
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gheban BA, Rosca IA, Crisan M. The morphological and functional characteristics of the pineal gland. Med Pharm Rep 2019; 92:226-234. [PMID: 31460502 PMCID: PMC6709953 DOI: 10.15386/mpr-1235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pineal gland is a photo-neuro-endocrine organ situated inside the brain, that secretes serotonin, melatonin and N,N-dymethyltriptamine. This narrative review will address the latest information gathered on this function of the gland as well as the unknown roles it may have. The different histological and pathological findings of the pineal gland have demonstrated a role in clinical manifestations of numerous endocrine, neurological and psychiatric pathologies. Materials For this narrative review we used the NCBI website database PubMed. The search terms were “Pineal Gland” AND/OR “histology, melatonin, DMT, pathology”. Total number of articles included were 86. Results We have reviewed physiological information of melatonin and DMT, anatomical, histological and histopathological information on the pineal gland and its role in endocrine, neurological and psychiatric pathology. Conclusion The role of melatonin in immunity and its potential therapeutic effects show promising potential for further research. DMT seems to have a role in psychiatric pathology and potential therapeutic effects. Proper tumoral screening and diagnostic protocol are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Alexandru Gheban
- Morphological Sciences Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Andreea Rosca
- Radiotherapy Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Crisan
- Histology and Dermatology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bastos MAV, Oliveira Bastos PRHD, Portella RB, Soares LFG, Conde RB, Rodrigues PMF, Lucchetti G. Pineal gland and schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 104:100-114. [PMID: 30831343 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT), the main hormone of the pineal gland (PG), is assumed to support initiation and maintenance of sleep, and a stable sleep-wake cycle, exerting antioxidative and neuroprotective actions. Evidence demonstrates that sleep and circadian rhythm abnormalities are very common in schizophrenia patients. Some imaging studies suggest structural abnormalities of the PG in these patients as well. We aimed to critically appraise the literature on PG imaging and melatonin secretion in schizophrenia patients, in comparison to matched healthy controls, and to review placebo-controlled trials of add-on exogenous MLT treatment in schizophrenia patients. In this systematic review, twenty-nine studies were included. Meta-analytical evaluation of data was possible only for MLT secretion finding that midnight plasma levels were significantly reduced in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to healthy controls (Hedge`s g = 1.32, p < 0.01). Imaging studies demonstrated greater prevalence of enlarged calcifications (>1 cm) of the PG (2 out of 2 computed tomography studies) and smaller PG volume (2 out of 3 magnetic resonance studies) compared with healthy controls. Anatomic and functional abnormalities of the PG were not associated with duration of illness or with treatment factors, maybe suggesting them to be primary characteristics of the disease and genetically based. Add-on MLT treatment leads to a modest improvement of objective and subjective sleep quality, of metabolic adverse effects of antipsychotics, and of tardive dyskinesia symptoms in schizophrenia patients. It remains to be established whether MLT treatment in prodromal phases of the disease could prevent neurostructural abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Aurélio Vinhosa Bastos
- Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Postgraduate Program in Health and Development, Av. Senador Filinto Muller, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Roberto Haidamus de Oliveira Bastos
- Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Postgraduate Program in Health and Development, Av. Senador Filinto Muller, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Boschi Portella
- Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Faculty of Medicine, Av. Senador Filinto Muller, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Fabrício Gomes Soares
- Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Postgraduate Program in Health and Development, Av. Senador Filinto Muller, s/n - Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS, 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Brilhante Conde
- Proexames Imaging Clinic, Av. Mato Grosso, 1772 - Centro, Campo Grande, MS, 79020-201, Brazil
| | | | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Federal University of Juiz de Fora, School of Medicine, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n - Dom Bosco, Juiz de Fora, MG, 36036-330, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Maruani A, Dumas G, Beggiato A, Traut N, Peyre H, Cohen-Freoua A, Amsellem F, Elmaleh M, Germanaud D, Launay JM, Bourgeron T, Toro R, Delorme R. Morning Plasma Melatonin Differences in Autism: Beyond the Impact of Pineal Gland Volume. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:11. [PMID: 30787884 PMCID: PMC6372551 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While low plasma melatonin, a neuro-hormone synthesized in the pineal gland, has been frequently associated with autism, our understanding of the mechanisms behind it have remained unclear. In this exploratory study, we hypothesized that low melatonin levels in ASD could be linked to a decrease of the pineal gland volume (PGV). PGV estimates with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a voxel-based volumetric measurement method and early morning plasma melatonin levels were evaluated for 215 participants, including 78 individuals with ASD, 90 unaffected relatives, and 47 controls. We first found that both early morning melatonin level and PGV were lower in patients compared to controls. We secondly built a linear model and observed that plasma melatonin was correlated to the group of the participant, but also to the PGV. To further understand the relationship between PGV and melatonin, we generated a normative model of the PGV relationship with melatonin level based on control participant data. We found an effect of PGV on normalized melatonin levels in ASD. Melatonin deficit appeared however more related to the group of the subject. Thus, melatonin variations in ASD could be mainly driven by melatonin pathway dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maruani
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anita Beggiato
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Traut
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alicia Cohen-Freoua
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Amsellem
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Monique Elmaleh
- Pediatric Radiology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - David Germanaud
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Robert Debré Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Neuropaediatric Team, UNIACT, NeuroSpin, CEA-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- Biochemistry Department, INSERM U942, Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris EA 3621, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zybina NN, Tikhomirova OV. [Disturbances in melatonin secretion and the efficacy of replacement therapy in sleep disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:92-98. [PMID: 30059057 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181184292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The review presents data on the dependence of endogenous melatonin synthesis on the time of day, age, pineal gland size, lighting conditions, administration of beta-blockers and a number of other medications. The results of studies on parasecretion and efficacy of exogenous melatonin use in sleep-wake cycle disturbances, insomnia, neurodegeneration, diabetes mellitus and oncological diseases are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N N Zybina
- Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, EMERCOM of Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - O V Tikhomirova
- Nikiforov Russian Center of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, EMERCOM of Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
DelRosso LM, Martin K, Ferri R. A not so incidental finding in a 12-year old with sleepiness and headaches. Sleep Med 2018; 43:31-33. [PMID: 29482808 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes M DelRosso
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, CA, USA.
| | | | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tan DX, Xu B, Zhou X, Reiter RJ. Pineal Calcification, Melatonin Production, Aging, Associated Health Consequences and Rejuvenation of the Pineal Gland. Molecules 2018; 23:E301. [PMID: 29385085 PMCID: PMC6017004 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The pineal gland is a unique organ that synthesizes melatonin as the signaling molecule of natural photoperiodic environment and as a potent neuronal protective antioxidant. An intact and functional pineal gland is necessary for preserving optimal human health. Unfortunately, this gland has the highest calcification rate among all organs and tissues of the human body. Pineal calcification jeopardizes melatonin's synthetic capacity and is associated with a variety of neuronal diseases. In the current review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of how this process may occur under pathological conditions or during aging. We hypothesized that pineal calcification is an active process and resembles in some respects of bone formation. The mesenchymal stem cells and melatonin participate in this process. Finally, we suggest that preservation of pineal health can be achieved by retarding its premature calcification or even rejuvenating the calcified gland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dun Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Xinjia Zhou
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mutalik S, Tadinada A. Prevalence of pineal gland calcification as an incidental finding in patients referred for implant dental therapy. Imaging Sci Dent 2017; 47:175-180. [PMID: 28989900 PMCID: PMC5620462 DOI: 10.5624/isd.2017.47.3.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pineal gland calcification has been proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. This study evaluated the prevalence and extent of pineal gland calcification in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients referred for dental implant therapy who could possibly be a vulnerable group for this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective evaluation of 500 CBCT scans was conducted. Scans that showed the area where the pineal gland was located were included. The scans were initially screened by a single observer to record the prevalence and extent of calcification. Six weeks following the completion of the study, another investigator randomly reviewed and selected 50 scans to investigate inter-observer variation, which was evaluated using reliability analysis statistics. The prevalence and measurements of the calcifications were reported using descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence between males and females. RESULTS The prevalence of pineal gland calcification was 58.8%. There was no statistically significant correlation between age and the extent of the calcification. The prevalence of calcification was 58.6% in females and 59.0% in males. The average anteroposterior measurement was 3.73±1.63 mm, while the average mediolateral measurement was 3.47±1.31 mm. The average total calcified area was 9.79±7.59 mm2. CONCLUSION The prevalence of pineal gland calcification was high in patients undergoing implant therapy. While not all pineal gland calcifications lead to neurodegenerative disorders, they should be strongly considered in the presence of any symptoms as a reason to initiate further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Mutalik
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Aditya Tadinada
- Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Adams LC, Böker SM, Bender YY, Diederichs G, Fallenberg EM, Wagner M, Hamm B, Makowski MR. Diagnostic accuracy of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of pineal gland calcification. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172764. [PMID: 28278291 PMCID: PMC5344338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SWMR) for the detection of pineal gland calcifications (PGC) compared to conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, using computed tomography (CT) as a reference standard. Methods 384 patients who received a 1.5 Tesla MRI scan including SWMR sequences and a CT scan of the brain between January 2014 and October 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. 346 patients were included in the analysis, of which 214 showed PGC on CT scans. To assess correlation between imaging modalities, the maximum calcification diameter was used. Sensitivity and specificity and intra- and interobserver reliability were calculated for SWMR and conventional MRI sequences. Results SWMR reached a sensitivity of 95% (95% CI: 91%-97%) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 91%-99%) for the detection of PGC, whereas conventional MRI achieved a sensitivity of 43% (95% CI: 36%-50%) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 91%-99%). Detection rates for calcifications in SWMR and conventional MRI differed significantly (95% versus 43%, p<0.001). Diameter measurements between SWMR and CT showed a close correlation (R2 = 0.85, p<0.001) with a slight but not significant overestimation of size (SWMR: 6.5 mm ± 2.5; CT: 5.9 mm ± 2.4, p = 0.02). Interobserver-agreement for diameter measurements was excellent on SWMR (ICC = 0.984, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Combining SWMR magnitude and phase information enables the accurate detection of PGC and offers a better diagnostic performance than conventional MRI with CT as a reference standard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C. Adams
- Department of Radiology, Charité, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|