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Scher MS. Neonatal Encephalopathy is a Complex Phenotype Representing Reproductive and Pregnancy Exposome Effects on the Maternal-Placental-Fetal Triad. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:535-550. [PMID: 39095094 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive, pregnancy, and placental exposomes influence the fetal neural exposome through toxic stressor interplay, impairing the maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad. Neonatal encephalopathy represents different clinical presentations based on complex time-dependent etiopathogenetic mechanisms including hypoxia-ischemia that challenge diagnosis and prognosis. Reproductive, pregnancy, and placental exposomes impair the fetal neural exposome through toxic stressor interplay within the MPF triad. Long intervals often separate disease onset from phenotype. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training, practice, and research closes this knowledge gap. Maintaining reproductive health preserves MPF triad health with life-course benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/ MacDonald Hospital for Women, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 22315 Canterbury Lane, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, USA.
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Gonzalez FF, Monsell SE, Cornet MC, Glass H, Wisnowski J, Mathur A, McKinstry R, Li Y, Wu TW, Mayock DE, Heagerty PJ, Juul SE, Wu YW. Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke diagnosed in infants receiving therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03531-7. [PMID: 39191951 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can present with neonatal encephalopathy. We hypothesized that among infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia, presence of PAIS is associated with a higher risk of seizures and a lower risk of persistent encephalopathy after rewarming. METHODS We studied 473 infants with moderate or severe HIE enrolled in the HEAL Trial who received a brain MRI. We defined PAIS as focal ischemic infarct(s) within an arterial distribution, and HIE pattern of brain injury as central gray, peripheral watershed, or global injury. We compared the risk of seizures (clinically suspected or electrographic), and of an abnormal 5-day Sarnat exam, in infants with and without PAIS. RESULTS PAIS was diagnosed in 21(4%) infants, most of whom (16/21, 76%) also had concurrent HIE pattern of brain injury. Infants with PAIS were more likely to have seizures (RR 2.4, CI 2.8-3.3) and persistent moderate or severe encephalopathy on 5-day Sarnat exam (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9-3.4). CONCLUSION Among infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia, PAIS typically occurs with concurrent HIE pattern brain injury. The higher rate of encephalopathy after rewarming in infants with PAIS may be due to the frequent co-existence of PAIS and HIE patterns of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatrics; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Sarah E Monsell
- Department Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marie-Coralie Cornet
- Department of Pediatrics; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Glass
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Wisnowski
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amit Mathur
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert McKinstry
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington Univ School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tai-Wei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dennis E Mayock
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sandra E Juul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yvonne W Wu
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training improves brain health across the lifespan. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1411987. [PMID: 39026582 PMCID: PMC11254674 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1411987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrated fetal, neonatal, and pediatric training constitute an interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program. A dynamic neural exposome concept strengthens curriculum content. Trainees participate in mentoring committee selection for guidance during a proposed two-year program. Prenatal to postnatal clinical learning re-enforces early toxic stressor interplay that influences gene-environment interactions. Maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonatal, or childhood diseases require diagnostic and therapeutic decisions during the first 1,000 days when 80 % of neural connections contribute to life-course phenotypic expression. Pediatric follow-up through 3 years adjusts to gestational ages of preterm survivors. Cumulative reproductive, pregnancy, pediatric and adult exposome effects require educational experiences that emphasize a principle-to-practice approach to a brain capital strategy across the lifespan. More rigorous training during fetal, neonatal, and pediatric rotations will be offered to full time trainees. Adult neurology residents, medical students, and trainees from diverse disciplines will learn essential topics during time-limited rotations. Curriculum content will require periodic re-assessments using educational science standards that maintain competence while promoting creative and collaborative problem-solving. Continued career-long learning by FNN graduates will strengthen shared healthcare decisions by all stakeholders. Recognition of adaptive or maladaptive neuroplasticity mechanisms requires analytic skills that identify phenotypes associated with disease pathways. Developmental origins and life-course concepts emphasize brain health across the developmental-aging continuum, applicable to interdisciplinary research collaborations. Social determinants of health recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities with each neurological intervention, particularly for those challenged with disparities. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies must address resource challenges particularly throughout the Global South to effectively lower the worldwide burden of neurologic disease. Sustainable development goals proposed by the World Health Organization offer universally applicable guidelines in response to ongoing global and regional polycrises. Gender, race, ethnicity, and socio-economic equality promote effective preventive, rescue and reparative neuroprotective interventions. Global synergistic efforts can be enhanced by establishing leadership within academic teaching hubs in FNN training to assist with structure and guidance for smaller healthcare facilities in each community that will improve practice, education and research objectives. Reduced mortality with an improved quality of life must prioritize maternal-pediatric health and well-being to sustain brain health across each lifespan with transgenerational benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Bolini L, Campos RMP, Spiess DA, Lima-Rosa FL, Dantas DP, Conde L, Mendez-Otero R, Vale AM, Pimentel-Coelho PM. Long-term recruitment of peripheral immune cells to brain scars after a neonatal insult. Glia 2024; 72:546-567. [PMID: 37987116 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Although brain scars in adults have been extensively studied, there is less data available regarding scar formation during the neonatal period, and the involvement of peripheral immune cells in this process remains unexplored in neonates. Using a murine model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and confocal microscopy, we characterized the scarring process and examined the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to cortical and hippocampal scars for up to 1 year post-insult. Regional differences in scar formation were observed, including the presence of reticular fibrotic networks in the cortex and perivascular fibrosis in the hippocampus. We identified chemokines with chronically elevated levels in both regions and demonstrated, through a parabiosis-based strategy, the recruitment of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocyte-derived macrophages to the scars several weeks after the neonatal insult. After 1 year, however, neutrophils and lymphocytes were absent from the scars. Our data indicate that peripheral immune cells are transient components of HIE-induced brain scars, opening up new possibilities for late therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bolini
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Daiane Aparecida Spiess
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Frederico Luis Lima-Rosa
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danillo Pereira Dantas
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Conde
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andre M Vale
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1321674. [PMID: 38288328 PMCID: PMC10824035 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1321674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program over the first 1,000 days teaches perspectives of the neural exposome that are applicable across the life span. This curriculum strengthens neonatal neurocritical care, pediatric, and adult neurology training objectives. Teaching at maternal-pediatric hospital centers optimally merges reproductive, pregnancy, and pediatric approaches to healthcare. Phenotype-genotype expressions of health or disease pathways represent a dynamic neural exposome over developmental time. The science of uncertainty applied to FNN training re-enforces the importance of shared clinical decisions that minimize bias and reduce cognitive errors. Trainees select mentoring committee participants that will maximize their learning experiences. Standardized questions and oral presentations monitor educational progress. Master or doctoral defense preparation and competitive research funding can be goals for specific individuals. FNN principles applied to practice offer an understanding of gene-environment interactions that recognizes the effects of reproductive health on the maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonate, child, and adult. Pre-conception and prenatal adversities potentially diminish life-course brain health. Endogenous and exogenous toxic stressor interplay (TSI) alters the neural exposome through maladaptive developmental neuroplasticity. Developmental disorders and epilepsy are primarily expressed during the first 1,000 days. Communicable and noncommunicable illnesses continue to interact with the neural exposome to express diverse neurologic disorders across the lifespan, particularly during the critical/sensitive time periods of adolescence and reproductive senescence. Anomalous or destructive fetal neuropathologic lesions change clinical expressions across this developmental-aging continuum. An integrated understanding of reproductive, pregnancy, placental, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposome effects offers a life-course perspective of the neural exposome. Exosome research promises improved disease monitoring and drug delivery starting during pregnancy. Developmental origins of health and disease principles applied to FNN practice anticipate neurologic diagnoses with interventions that can benefit successive generations. Addressing health care disparities in the Global South and high-income country medical deserts require constructive dialogue among stakeholders to achieve medical equity. Population health policies require a brain capital strategy that reduces the global burden of neurologic diseases by applying FNN principles and practice. This integrative neurologic care approach will prolong survival with an improved quality of life for persons across the lifespan confronted with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Fleiss B, Gressens P. Role of Microglial Modulation in Therapies for Perinatal Brain Injuries Leading to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 37:591-606. [PMID: 39207715 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-55529-9_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass various conditions stemming from changes during brain development, typically diagnosed early in life. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, seizures, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many NDDs are linked to perinatal events like infections, oxygen disturbances, or insults in combination. This chapter outlines the causes and effects of perinatal brain injury as they relate to microglia, along with efforts to prevent or treat such damage. We primarily discuss therapies targeting microglia modulation, focusing on those either clinically used or in advanced development, often tested in large animal models such as sheep, non-human primates, and piglets-standard translational models in perinatal medicine. Additionally, it touches on experimental studies showcasing advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Fleiss
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Gressens
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France.
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Kanal HD, Levison SW. Neuroprotective Effects of Delayed TGF-β1 Receptor Antagonist Administration on Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:188-200. [PMID: 37348472 DOI: 10.1159/000531650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in neonatal encephalopathy triggers a wave of neuroinflammatory events attributed to causing the progressive degeneration and functional deficits seen weeks after the primary damage. The cellular processes mediating this prolonged neurodegeneration in HI injury are not sufficiently understood. Consequently, current therapies are not fully protective. In a recent study, we found significant improvements in neurologic outcomes when a small molecule antagonist for activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5), a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptor was used as a therapeutic in a rat model of moderate term HI. Here, we have extended those studies to a mouse preterm pup model of HI. For these studies, postnatal day 7 CD1 mice of both sexes were exposed to 35-40 min of HI. Beginning 3 days later, SB505124, the ALK5 receptor antagonist, was administered systemically through intraperitoneal injections performed every 12 h for 5 days. When evaluated 23 days later, SB505124-treated mice had ∼2.5-fold more hippocampal area and ∼2-fold more thalamic tissue. Approximately 90% of the ipsilateral hemisphere (ILH) was preserved in the SB505124-treated HI mice compared to the vehicle-treated HI mice, where the ILH was ∼60% of its normal size. SB505124 also preserved the subcortical white matter. SB505124 treatment preserved levels of aquaporin-4 and n-cadherin, key proteins associated with blood-brain barrier function. Importantly, SB505124 administration improved sensorimotor function as assessed by a battery of behavioral tests. Altogether, these data lend additional support to the conclusion that SB505124 is a candidate neuroprotective molecule that could be an effective treatment for HI-related encephalopathy in moderately injured preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hur Dolunay Kanal
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Steven W Levison
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Kim BH, Jeziorek M, Kanal HD, Contu VR, Dobrowolski R, Levison SW. Moderately Inducing Autophagy Reduces Tertiary Brain Injury after Perinatal Hypoxia-Ischemia. Cells 2021; 10:898. [PMID: 33919804 PMCID: PMC8070811 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) have highlighted slowly progressive neurodegeneration whose mechanisms remain elusive, but if blocked, could considerably improve long-term neurological function. We previously established that the cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 is highly elevated following HI and that delivering an antagonist for TGFβ receptor activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5)-SB505124-three days after injury in a rat model of moderate pre-term HI significantly preserved the structural integrity of the thalamus and hippocampus as well as neurological functions associated with those brain structures. To elucidate the mechanism whereby ALK5 inhibition reduces cell death, we assessed levels of autophagy markers in neurons and found that SB505124 increased numbers of autophagosomes and levels of lipidated light chain 3 (LC3), a key protein known to mediate autophagy. However, those studies did not determine whether (1) SB was acting directly on the CNS and (2) whether directly inducing autophagy could decrease cell death and improve outcome. Here we show that administering an ALK5 antagonist three days after HI reduced actively apoptotic cells by ~90% when assessed one week after injury. Ex vivo studies using the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine confirmed that SB505124 enhanced autophagy flux in the injured hemisphere, with a significant accumulation of the autophagic proteins LC3 and p62 in SB505124 + chloroquine treated brain slices. We independently activated autophagy using the stimulatory peptide Tat-Beclin1 to determine if enhanced autophagy is directly responsible for improved outcomes. Administering Tat-Beclin1 starting three days after injury preserved the structural integrity of the hippocampus and thalamus with improved sensorimotor function. These data support the conclusion that intervening at this phase of injury represents a window of opportunity where stimulating autophagy is beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H. Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (B.H.K.); (H.D.K.)
| | - Maciej Jeziorek
- Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.); (V.R.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Hur Dolunay Kanal
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (B.H.K.); (H.D.K.)
| | - Viorica Raluca Contu
- Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.); (V.R.C.); (R.D.)
| | - Radek Dobrowolski
- Federated Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.); (V.R.C.); (R.D.)
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Steven W. Levison
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (B.H.K.); (H.D.K.)
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