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Luo Q, Zhang JX, Huang S, Hu YH, Wang H, Chen X. Effects of long-term exposure to high altitude on brain structure in healthy people: an MRI-based systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1196113. [PMID: 37435401 PMCID: PMC10330765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1196113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies of brain MRI, this paper assesses the effects of long-term exposure to high-altitude on brain structures in healthy people. Methods Observational studies related to high-altitude, brain and MRI were systematically searched based on data retrieved from PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. The timescale for collecting literature was from the establishment of the databases to 2023. NoteExpress 3.2 was used to manage the literature. Two investigators performed literature screening and data extraction based on inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and literature quality. The quality of the literature was assessed using the NOS Scale. Finally, meta-analysis of included studies was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.3. Results Initially, 3,626 articles were retrieved. After screening, 16 articles (n = 756 participants) were included in the systematic review, and meta-analysis was performed on 6 articles (n = 350 participants). The overall quality of the included articles was at medium level, with a mean NOS score of 5.62. The results of meta-analysis showed that the differences between the HA group and LA group were not statistically significant, in total GM volume (MD: -0.60, 95% CI: -16.78 to 15.58, P = 0.94), WM volume (MD: 3.05, 95% CI: -15.72 to 21.81, P = 0.75) and CSF volume (MD: 5.00, 95% CI: -11.10 to 21.09, P = 0.54).The differences between HA and LA in FA values of frontotemporal lobes were not statistically significant: right frontal lobe (MD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03, P = 0.38), left frontal lobe (MD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.04, P = 0.65), right temporal lobe (MD: -0.00, 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.02, P = 0.78) and left temporal lobe (MD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.02, P = 0.62). However, there were significant differences in GM volume, GM density and FA values in local brain regions between HA group and LA group. Conclusion Compared with LA area, there were no significant differences in total GM, WM and CSF volumes in healthy people living at high-altitude area for long-term, while there were significant differences in GM volume and FA values in local brain regions. Long-term exposure to high-altitude area caused the adaptive structural changes in local brain regions. Since heterogeneity existed between the studies, further studies are needed to uncover the effects of high-altitude on brain of healthy people. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023403491.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Luo
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie-Xin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Clinical Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong-He Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Wang
- The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Chen
- The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu City, Chengdu, China
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Zhang X, Xie W, Liu Y, Li M, Lin J, Yin W, Yang L, Li P, Sun Y, Li T, Liu H, Ma H, Zhang J. Brain Structural and Functional Alterations in Native Tibetans Living at High Altitude. Neuroscience 2023; 520:134-143. [PMID: 36716913 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Tibetans have adapted to high altitude environments. However, the genetic effects in their brains have not been identified. Twenty-five native Tibetans living in Lhasa (3650 m) were recruited for comparison with 20 Han immigrants who originated from lowlands and had been living in Lhasa for two years. The physiological characteristics, brain structure and neuronal spontaneous activity were investigated. Compared with Han immigrants, Tibetans showed higher peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and lower heart rate, red blood cell counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Tibetans showed increased gray matter volume in the visual cortex, hippocampus, and rectus; increased the amplitudes of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) values in the left putamen and left fusiform gyrus; and decreased voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) values in the precentral gyrus. Moreover, Tibetans have decreased functional connectivity (FC) between the left precentral gyrus and the frontal gyrusand right precuneus. In Tibetans and Han immigrants, hemoglobin and hematocrit were negatively correlated with total gray matter volume in males, SpO2 was also positively correlated with ALFF in the left fusiform gyrus, while hemoglobin, and hematocrit were positively correlated with VMHC in the precentral gyrus and FC in the precentral gyrus with other brain regions, SpO2 was also found to be negatively correlated with VMHC in the precentral gyrus, and hemoglobin and hematocrit were negatively correlated with ALFF in the left putamen and left fusiform gyrus. In summary, genetic mutations may result in modulation of some brain regions, which was further confirmed by the identification of correlations with hemoglobin and hematocrit in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weiwei Xie
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa 850012, China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Minglu Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lhasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lihui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lhasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Pengji Li
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa 850012, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa 850012, China
| | - Tianzhi Li
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa 850012, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region Women's and Children's Hospital, Lhasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hailin Ma
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa 850012, China.
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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Zhang X, Xie W, Du W, Liu Y, Lin J, Yin W, Yang L, Yuan F, Zhang R, Liu H, Ma H, Zhang J. Consistent differences in brain structure and functional connectivity in high-altitude native Tibetans and immigrants. Brain Imaging Behav 2023; 17:271-281. [PMID: 36694086 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
It has been well-established that high-altitude (HA) environments affect the human brain; however, the differences in brain structural and functional networks between HA natives and acclimatized immigrants have not been well clarified. In this study, native HA Tibetans were recruited for comparison with Han immigrants (average of 2.3 ± 0.3 years at HA), with lowland residents recruited as controls. Cortical gray matter volume, thickness, and functional connectivity were investigated using magnetic resonance imaging data. In addition, reaction time and correct score in the visual movement task, hematology, and SpO2 were measured. In both Tibetans and HA immigrants vs. lowlanders, decreased SpO2, increased hematocrit and hemoglobin, and increased reaction time and correct score in the visual movement task were detected. In both Tibetans and HA immigrants vs. lowlanders, gray matter volumes and cortical thickness were increased in the left somatosensory and motor cortex, and functional connectivity was decreased in the visual, default mode, subcortical, somatosensory-motor, ventral attention, and subcortical networks. Furthermore, SpO2 increased, hematocrit and hemoglobin decreased, and gray matter volumes and cortical thickness increased in the visual cortex, left motor cortex, and right auditory cortex in native Tibetans compared to immigrants. Movement time and correct score in task were positively correlated with the thickness of the visual cortex. In conclusion, brain structural and functional network difference in both Tibetan natives and HA immigrants were largely consistent, with native Tibetans only showing more intense brain modulation. Different populations acclimatized to HA develop similar brain mechanisms to cope with hostile HA environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Weiwei Xie
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| | - Wenrui Du
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, 850000, China
| | - Lihui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Fengjuan Yuan
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region Women's and Children's Hospital, Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Hailin Ma
- Plateau Brain Science Research Centre, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China.
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
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Zhang X, Zhang J. The human brain in a high altitude natural environment: A review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:915995. [PMID: 36188182 PMCID: PMC9520777 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.915995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, more detailed information about the human brain at high altitude (HA) has been revealed. The present review aimed to draw a conclusion regarding changes in the human brain in both unacclimatized and acclimatized states in a natural HA environment. Using multiple advanced analysis methods that based on MRI as well as electroencephalography, the modulations of brain gray and white matter morphology and the electrophysiological mechanisms underlying processing of cognitive activity have been explored in certain extent. The visual, motor and insular cortices are brain regions seen to be consistently affected in both HA immigrants and natives. Current findings regarding cortical electrophysiological and blood dynamic signals may be related to cardiovascular and respiratory regulations, and may clarify the mechanisms underlying some behaviors at HA. In general, in the past 10 years, researches on the brain at HA have gone beyond cognitive tests. Due to the sample size is not large enough, the current findings in HA brain are not very reliable, and thus much more researches are needed. Moreover, the histological and genetic bases of brain structures at HA are also needed to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjuan Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Jiaxing Zhang,
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5
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Bao H, He X, Wang F, Kang D. Study of Brain Structure and Function in Chronic Mountain Sickness Based on fMRI. Front Neurol 2022; 12:763835. [PMID: 35069409 PMCID: PMC8777079 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.763835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Headache and memory impairment are the primary clinical symptoms of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). In this study, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and the amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation method (ALFF) based on blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) to identify changes in the brain structure and function caused by CMS. Materials and Methods: T1W anatomical images and a resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) of the whole brain were performed in 24 patients diagnosed with CMS and 25 normal controls matched for age, sex, years of education, and living altitude. MRI images were acquired, followed by VBM and ALFF data analyses. Results: Compared with the control group, the CMS group had increased gray matter volume in the left cerebellum crus II area, left inferior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right insula, right caudate nucleus, and bilateral lentiform nucleus along with decreased gray matter volume in the left middle occipital gyrus and left middle temporal gyrus. White matter was decreased in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus and increased in the right Heschl's gyrus. Resting-state fMRI in patients with CMS showed increased spontaneous brain activity in the left supramarginal gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus along with decreased spontaneous brain activity in the right cerebellum crus I area and right supplementary motor area. Conclusion: Patients with CMS had differences in gray and white matter volume and abnormal spontaneous brain activity in multiple brain regions compared to the controls. This suggests that long-term chronic hypoxia may induce changes in brain structure and function, resulting in CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihua Bao
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Dongjie Kang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
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Normobaric oxygen treatment for mild-to-moderate depression: a randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept trial. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18911. [PMID: 34556722 PMCID: PMC8460750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98245-9] [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: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen enriched air may increase oxygen pressure in brain tissue and have biochemical effects even in subjects without lung disease. Consistently, several studies demonstrated that normobaric oxygen treatment has clinical benefits in some neurological conditions. This study examined the efficacy of normobaric oxygen treatment in subjects with depression. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 55 participants aged 18-65 years with mild to moderate depression (had a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HRSD] score of ≥ 8) were recruited to the study from the Southern district in Israel. Participants underwent a psychiatric inclusion assessment at baseline and then were randomly assigned to either normobaric oxygen treatment of 35% fraction of inspired oxygen or 21% fraction of inspired oxygen (room air) through a nasal tube, for 4 weeks, during the night. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after commencement of study interventions, using the following tools: HRSD; Clinical Global Impression (CGI) questionnaire; World Health Organization-5 questionnaire for the estimation of Quality of Life (WHO-5-QOL); Sense of Coherence (SOC) 13-item questionnaire; and, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). A multivariate regression analysis showed that the mean ± standard deviation [SD] changes in the HRSD scores from baseline to week four were - 4.2 ± 0.3 points in the oxygen-treated group and - 0.7 ± 0.6 in the control group, for a between-group difference of 3.5 points (95% confidence interval [CI] - 5.95 to - 1.0; P = 0.007). Similarly, at week four there was a between-group difference of 0.71 points in the CGI score (95% CI - 1.00 to - 0.29; P = 0.001). On the other hand, the analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in WHO-5-QOL, SOC-13 or SDS scores between the groups. This study showed a significant beneficial effect of oxygen treatment on some symptoms of depression.Trial registration: NCT02149563 (29/05/2014).
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Wang X, Wei W, Yuan F, Li S, Lin J, Zhang J. Regional cerebral blood flow in natives at high altitude: An arterial spin labeled MRI study. J Magn Reson Imaging 2018; 48:708-717. [PMID: 29493838 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is known that a neurologic sequence occurs at high altitudes (HA); hence, cerebral blood flow (CBF) might vary by altitude. PURPOSE To use arterial spin labeled (ASL) MRI to evaluate absolute CBF differences between subjects who live at HA and lowlands. STUDY TYPE Cohort prospective trial. POPULATION In all, 64 HA Tibetans, 19 lowland Tibetans, and 25 lowland Han subjects. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE CBF was measured with the pulsed ASL sequence at 3T. ASSESSMENT CBF was correlated with abode altitude in HA Tibetans; CBF differences among HA Tibetans, lowland Tibetans, and lowland Han subjects was assessed. STATISTICAL TESTS Pearson correlation assessed the correlation. Independent t-tests analyzed group differences. RESULTS In HA Tibetans, CBF decreased with altitude in the bilateral anterior and posterior cingulate gyri, fusiform gyrus, cerebellar tonsil and cortices, and thalamus as well as left middle and inferior temporal gyri and right insula (P < 0.05); HA Tibetans (vs. lowland Tibetans) had lower CBF in the left hemisphere (precuneus, anterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and lingual gyrus) and right hemisphere (superior parietal lobule, precuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus, and cerebellar tonsil), while they had higher CBF in the left inferior parietal lobule, lentiform nucleus, and inferior frontal gyrus (P < 0.05). The overlapping regions, in which CBF in HA Tibetans correlated with altitude and decreased (vs. lowland Tibetans), were selected for region of interest analysis, and the results showed lower CBF in HA Tibetans than lowland Han subjects (P < 0.05). DATA CONCLUSION HA adaptation in Tibetans is associated with a decrease of regional CBF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenping Wei
- MRI Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fengjuan Yuan
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shanhua Li
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Magnetic Resonance Center, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Institute of Brain Diseases and Cognition, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Forbes TA, Gallo V. All Wrapped Up: Environmental Effects on Myelination. Trends Neurosci 2017; 40:572-587. [PMID: 28844283 PMCID: PMC5671205 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To date, studies have demonstrated the dynamic influence of exogenous environmental stimuli on multiple regions of the brain. This environmental influence positively and negatively impacts programs governing myelination, and acts on myelinating oligodendrocyte (OL) cells across the human lifespan. Developmentally, environmental manipulation of OL progenitor cells (OPCs) has profound effects on the establishment of functional cognitive, sensory, and motor programs. Furthermore, central nervous system (CNS) myelin remains an adaptive entity in adulthood, sensitive to environmentally induced structural changes. Here, we discuss the role of environmental stimuli on mechanisms governing programs of CNS myelination under normal and pathological conditions. Importantly, we highlight how these extrinsic cues can influence the intrinsic power of myelin plasticity to promote functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Forbes
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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Chen J, Zhang J, Liu X, Wang X, Xu X, Li H, Cao B, Yang Y, Lu J, Chen Z. Abnormal subcortical nuclei shapes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eur Radiol 2017; 27:4247-4256. [PMID: 28374074 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-4790-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of brain atrophy and dementia. We aimed to elucidate deep grey matter (GM) structural abnormalities and their relationships with T2DM cognitive deficits by combining region of interest (ROI)-based volumetry, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and shape analysis. METHODS We recruited 23 T2DM patients and 24 age-matched healthy controls to undergo T1-weighted structural MRI scanning. Images were analysed using the three aforementioned methods to obtain deep GM structural shapes and volumes. Biochemical and cognitive assessments were made and were correlated with the resulting metrics. RESULTS Shape analysis revealed that T2DM is associated with focal atrophy in the bilateral caudate head and dorso-medial part of the thalamus. ROI-based volumetry only detected thalamic volume reduction in T2DM when compared to the controls. No significant between-group differences were found by VBM. Furthermore, a worse performance of cognitive processing speed correlated with more severe GM atrophy in the bilateral dorso-medial part of the thalamus. Also, the GM volume in the bilateral dorso-medial part of the thalamus changed negatively with HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS Shape analysis is sensitive in identifying T2DM deep GM structural abnormalities and their relationships with cognitive impairments, which may greatly assist in clarifying the neural substrate of T2DM cognitive dysfunction. KEY POINTS • Type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied with brain atrophy and cognitive dysfunction • Deep grey matter structures are essential for multiple cognitive processes • Shape analysis revealed local atrophy in the dorso-medial thalamus and caudatum in patients • Dorso-medial thalamic atrophy correlated to cognitive processing speed slowing and high HbA1c. • Shape analysis has advantages in unraveling neural substrates of diabetic cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Junxiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, Anhui, China
| | - Xuebing Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangjin Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Bo Cao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanqiu Yang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Jingjing Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Ziqian Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China.
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Wei W, Wang X, Gong Q, Fan M, Zhang J. Cortical Thickness of Native Tibetans in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:553-560. [PMID: 28104637 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE High-altitude environmental factors and genetic variants together could have exerted their effects on the human brain. The present study was designed to investigate the cerebral morphology in high-altitude native Tibetans. MATERIALS AND METHODS T1-weighted brain images were obtained from 77 Tibetan adolescents on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (altitude, 2300-5300 m) and 80 matched Han controls living at sea level. Cortical thickness, curvature, and sulcus were analyzed by using FreeSurfer. RESULTS Cortical thickness was significantly decreased in the left posterior cingulate cortex, lingual gyrus, superior parietal cortex, precuneus, and rostral middle frontal cortex and the right medial orbitofrontal cortex, lateral occipital cortex, precuneus, and paracentral lobule. Curvature was significantly decreased in the left superior parietal cortex and right superior marginal gyrus; the depth of the sulcus was significantly increased in the left inferior temporal gyrus and significantly decreased in the right superior marginal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, and insular cortex. Moreover, cortical thickness was negatively correlated with altitude in the left superior and middle temporal gyri, rostral middle frontal cortex, insular cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, lingual gyrus, and the right superior temporal gyrus. Curvature was positively correlated with altitude in the left rostral middle frontal cortex, insular cortex, and middle temporal gyrus. The depth of the sulcus was negatively correlated with altitude in the left lingual gyrus and right medial orbitofrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Differences in cortical morphometry in native Tibetans may reflect adaptations related to high altitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Wei
- From the MRI Center (W.W.), First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Institute of Brain Disease and Cognition (W.W., J.Z.), Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology (X.W.), Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Q Gong
- Huaxi Magnetic Resonance Research Center (Q.G.), West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - M Fan
- Department of Cognitive Sciences (M.F.), Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J Zhang
- Institute of Brain Disease and Cognition (W.W., J.Z.), Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Fan C, Zhao Y, Yu Q, Yin W, Liu H, Lin J, Yang T, Fan M, Gesang L, Zhang J. Reversible Brain Abnormalities in People Without Signs of Mountain Sickness During High-Altitude Exposure. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33596. [PMID: 27633944 PMCID: PMC5025655 DOI: 10.1038/srep33596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of lowlanders ascending to high-altitude (HA) show no signs of mountain sickness. Whether their brains have indeed suffered from HA environment and the persistent sequelae after return to lowland remain unknown. Thirty-one sea-level college students, who had a 30-day teaching on Qinghai-Tibet plateau underwent MRI scans before, during, and two months after HA exposure. Brain volume, cortical structures, and white matter microstructure were measured. Besides, serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 and neuropsychiatric behaviors were tested. After 30-day HA exposure, the gray and white matter volumes and cortical surface areas significantly increased, with cortical thicknesses and curvatures changed in a wide spread regions; Anisotropy decreased with diffusivities increased in multiple sites of white matter tracts. Two months after HA exposure, cortical measurements returned to basal level. However, increased anisotropy with decreased diffusivities was observed. Behaviors and serum inflammatory factor did not significant changed during three time-point tests. NSE significantly decreased during HA but increased after HA exposure. Results suggest brain swelling occurred in people without neurological signs at HA, but no negative sequelae in cortical structures and neuropsychiatric functions were left after the return to lowlands. Reoxygenation changed white matter microstructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunxiu Fan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuhua Zhao
- Institute of high altitude medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Wu Yin
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jianzhong Lin
- Magnetic Resonance Center, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian, China
| | - Tianhe Yang
- Magnetic Resonance Center, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian, China
| | - Ming Fan
- Department of Brain Protection and Plasticity, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Luobu Gesang
- Institute of high altitude medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Lasa 850000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiaxing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
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Protein profiling reveals antioxidant and signaling activities of NAP (Davunetide) in rodent hippocampus exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 54:414-29. [PMID: 25038875 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
NAP (davunetide) is a clinical octapeptide and reportedly possesses neuroprotective, neurotrophic and cognitive protective properties. The information for NAP-mediated neuroproteome changes and associated signaling pathways during hypoxia will help in drug development programmes across the world. In the present study, we have evaluated the antioxidant activities of NAP in rat hippocampus exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (25,000 ft, 282 mm Hg) for 3, 6 and 12 h respectively. Using 2D-gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry, we have identified altered expression of 80 proteins in NAP-supplemented hippocampus after hypoxia. Pathway analysis revealed that NAP supplementation significantly regulated oxidative stress response, oxidoreductase activity and cellular response to stress pathways during hypoxia. Additionally, NAP supplementation also regulated energy production pathways along with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and signaling by Rho family GTPases pathways. We observed higher expression of antioxidant Sod1, Eno1, Prdx2 and Prdx5 proteins that were subsequently validated by Western blotting. A higher level of Prdx2 was also observed by immunohistochemistry in NAP-supplemented hippocampus during hypoxia. In corroboration, we are able to detect significant lower level of protein carbonyls in NAP-supplemented hypoxic hippocampus suggesting amelioration of oxidant molecules by NAP supplementation. These results emphasize the antioxidant and signaling properties of NAP in rodent hippocampus during hypobaric hypoxia.
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