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Pinilla-Fernández I, Ríos-León M, Deelchand DK, Garrido L, Torres-Llacsa M, García-García F, Vidorreta M, Ip IB, Bridge H, Taylor J, Barriga-Martín A. Chronic neuropathic pain components in whiplash-associated disorders correlate with metabolite concentrations in the anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: a consensus-driven MRS re-examination. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1404939. [PMID: 39156690 PMCID: PMC11328873 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1404939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Whiplash injury (WHI) is characterised by a forced neck flexion/extension, which frequently occurs after motor vehicle collisions. Previous studies characterising differences in brain metabolite concentrations and correlations with neuropathic pain (NP) components with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) have been demonstrated in affective pain-processing areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, the detection of a difference in metabolite concentrations within these cortical areas with chronic WAD pain has been elusive. In this study, single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), following the latest MRSinMRS consensus group guidelines, was performed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and occipital cortex (OCC) to quantify differences in metabolite concentrations in individuals with chronic WAD with or without neuropathic pain (NP) components. Materials and methods Healthy individuals (n = 29) and participants with chronic WAD (n = 29) were screened with the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire (DN4) and divided into groups without (WAD-noNP, n = 15) or with NP components (WAD-NP, n = 14). Metabolites were quantified with LCModel following a single session in a 3 T MRI scanner within the ACC, DLPFC, and OCC. Results Participants with WAD-NP presented moderate pain intensity and interference compared with the WAD-noNP group. Single-voxel MRS analysis demonstrated a higher glutamate concentration in the ACC and lower total choline (tCho) in the DLPFC in the WAD-NP versus WAD-noNP group, with no intergroup metabolite difference detected in the OCC. Best fit and stepwise multiple regression revealed that the normalised ACC glutamate/total creatine (tCr) (p = 0.01), DLPFC n-acetyl-aspartate (NAA)/tCr (p = 0.001), and DLPFC tCho/tCr levels (p = 0.02) predicted NP components in the WAD-NP group (ACC r 2 = 0.26, α = 0.81; DLPFC r 2 = 0.62, α = 0.98). The normalised Glu/tCr concentration was higher in the healthy than the WAD-noNP group within the ACC (p < 0.05), but not in the DLPFC or OCC. Neither sex nor age affected key normalised metabolite concentrations related to WAD-NP components when compared to the WAD-noNP group. Discussion This study demonstrates that elevated glutamate concentrations within the ACC are related to chronic WAD-NP components, while higher NAA and lower tCho metabolite levels suggest a role for increased neuronal-glial signalling and cell membrane dysfunction in individuals with chronic WAD-NP components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Pinilla-Fernández
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Grupo de Sistemas Complejos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ríos-León
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Dinesh Kumar Deelchand
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Leoncio Garrido
- Departamento de Química-Física, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mabel Torres-Llacsa
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | - Fernando García-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | | | - I. Betina Ip
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Bridge
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Taylor
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrés Barriga-Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Research Group in Spine Pathology, Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Castilla La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Strohman A, Payne B, In A, Stebbins K, Legon W. Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound to the Human Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Attenuates Acute Pain Perception and Autonomic Responses. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1011232023. [PMID: 38182418 PMCID: PMC10883612 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1011-23.2023] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) is a critical brain area for pain and autonomic processing, making it a promising noninvasive therapeutic target. We leverage the high spatial resolution and deep focal lengths of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to noninvasively modulate the dACC for effects on behavioral and cardiac autonomic responses using transient heat pain stimuli. A N = 16 healthy human volunteers (6 M/10 F) received transient contact heat pain during either LIFU to the dACC or Sham stimulation. Continuous electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), and electrodermal response (EDR) were recorded. Outcome measures included pain ratings, heart rate variability, EDR response, blood pressure, and the amplitude of the contact heat-evoked potential (CHEP).LIFU reduced pain ratings by 1.09 ± 0.20 points relative to Sham. LIFU increased heart rate variability indexed by the standard deviation of normal sinus beats (SDNN), low-frequency (LF) power, and the low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio. There were no effects on the blood pressure or EDR. LIFU resulted in a 38.1% reduction in the P2 CHEP amplitude. Results demonstrate LIFU to the dACC reduces pain and alters autonomic responses to acute heat pain stimuli. This has implications for the causal understanding of human pain and autonomic processing in the dACC and potential future therapeutic options for pain relief and modulation of homeostatic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Strohman
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Alexander In
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Katelyn Stebbins
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
| | - Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016
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3
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Wang S, Du SH, Wang XQ, Lu JY. Mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1269636. [PMID: 38356687 PMCID: PMC10865494 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1269636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a recurrent pain condition that can be challenging to treat. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a promising non-invasive therapeutic option in alleviating FMS pain, but the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness are not yet fully understood. In this article, we discuss the most current research investigating the analgesic effects of tDCS on FMS and discuss the potential mechanisms. TDCS may exert its analgesic effects by influencing neuronal activity in the brain, altering cortical excitability, changing regional cerebral blood flow, modulating neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, and inducing neuroplasticity. Overall, evidence points to tDCS as a potentially safe and efficient pain relief choice for FMS by multiple underlying mechanisms. This article provides a thorough overview of our ongoing knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying tDCS and emphasizes the possibility of further studies to improve the clinical utility of tDCS as a pain management tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Health School, Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Yan Lu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Li Y, Yan ZP, Zhang NN, Ni J, Wang ZY. Investigation into the Effectiveness of Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation as Treatment Options for Poststroke Shoulder Pain by Utilizing Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:875-887. [PMID: 37965238 PMCID: PMC10642376 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s431816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on post stroke shoulder pain (PSSP). Methods We enrolled 13 individuals in this study who underwent three different treatments in a random sequence: active tDCS+active TENS, active tDCS+sham TENS, and sham tDCS+active TENS. Each treatment was administered once, with a 3-day washout period between interventions. A blinded rater assessed the visual analog scale (VAS) scores, fNIRS readings, and sensory and pain tolerance thresholds of the participants before and after the stimulation. Results All three treatment methods can significantly alleviate PSSP (p<0.05). Compared with using tDCS alone, tDCS+TENS can significantly improve pain, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). In the 2KHz PTT task, the three treatment methods showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the mean oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) levels in the false premotor cortex (PMC)/auxiliary motor area (SMA) before and after intervention. Conclusion The combination of tDCS+TENS can increase the pain-relieving impact on PSSP when compared to using tDCS alone. TENS may contribute an additional effect on the inhibitory systems influenced by tDCS that help reduce pain. Clinical Registration Number Registration website: https://www.chictr.org.cn. Registration date: 2022-02-25. Registration number: ChiCTR2200056970.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Peng Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan-Nan Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Ni
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, People’s Republic of China
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Zin LEF, Vizuete AFK, Callai EMM, Catarina LS, Fróes F, Moreira AP, de Oliveira Marques C, Leal MB, Ponzoni D, Puricelli E, da Silva Torres IL, Gonçalves CA, Quevedo AS. Astroglial Alterations in the Hippocampus of Rats Submitted to a Single Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation Trial. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3447-3456. [PMID: 37464227 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) provides therapeutic benefits in different situations, such as epilepsy, depression, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Despite the increasing use of tDCS, its cellular and molecular basis remains unknown. Astrocytes display a close functional and structural relationship with neurons and have been identified as mediators of neuroprotection in tDCS. Considering the importance of hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmission in nociceptive pathways, we decided to investigate short-term changes in the hippocampal astrocytes of rats subjected to tDCS, evaluating specific cellular markers (GFAP and S100B), as well as markers of astroglial activity; glutamate uptake, glutamine synthesis by glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutathione content. Data clearly show that a single session of tDCS increases the pain threshold elicited by mechanical and thermal stimuli, as evaluated by von Frey and hot plate tests, respectively. These changes involve inflammatory and astroglial neurochemical changes in the hippocampus, based on specific changes in cell markers, such as S100B and GS. Alterations in S100B were also observed in the cerebrospinal fluid of tDCS animals and, most importantly, specific functional changes (increased glutamate uptake and increased GS activity) were detected in hippocampal astrocytes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tDCS as a therapeutic strategy for nervous disorders and reinforce the importance of astrocytes as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandra Eda Fusinato Zin
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
- Atitus Educação, Campus Santa Teresinha, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Fróes
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Moreira
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | | | - Miriara B Leal
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Deise Ponzoni
- Dentistry Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Silva Quevedo
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
- Dentistry Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Shin DH, Son S, Kim EY. Low-Energy Transcranial Navigation-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Neuropathic Pain: An Exploratory Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1433. [PMID: 37891801 PMCID: PMC10605299 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation using high-energy focused ultrasound (FUS) has recently been developed for various neurological disorders, including tremors, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. We investigated the safety and efficacy of low-energy FUS for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. We conducted a prospective single-arm trial with 3-month follow-up using new transcranial, navigation-guided, focused ultrasound (tcNgFUS) technology to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex. Eleven patients underwent FUS with a frequency of 250 kHz and spatial-peak temporal-average intensity of 0.72 W/cm2. A clinical survey based on the visual analog scale of pain and a brief pain inventory (BPI) was performed during the study period. The average age was 60.55 ± 13.18 years-old with a male-to-female ratio of 6:5. The median current pain decreased from 10.0 to 7.0 (p = 0.021), median average pain decreased from 8.5 to 6.0 (p = 0.027), and median maximum pain decreased from 10.0 to 8.0 (p = 0.008) at 4 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the sum of daily life interference based on BPI was improved from 59.00 ± 11.66 to 51.91 ± 9.18 (p = 0.021). There were no side effects such as burns, headaches, or seizures, and no significant changes in follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging. Low-energy tcNgFUS could be a safe and noninvasive neuromodulation technique for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Neurology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong Son
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
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Widerström-Noga E. Neuropathic Pain and Spinal Cord Injury: Management, Phenotypes, and Biomarkers. Drugs 2023:10.1007/s40265-023-01903-7. [PMID: 37326804 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain after a spinal cord injury (SCI) continues to be a complex condition that is difficult to manage due to multiple underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the association with psychosocial factors. Determining the individual contribution of each of these factors is currently not a realistic goal; however, focusing on the primary mechanisms may be more feasible. One approach used to uncover underlying mechanisms includes phenotyping using pain symptoms and somatosensory function. However, this approach does not consider cognitive and psychosocial mechanisms that may also significantly contribute to the pain experience and impact treatment outcomes. Indeed, clinical experience supports that a combination of self-management, non-pharmacological, and pharmacological approaches is needed to optimally manage pain in this population. This article will provide a broad updated summary integrating the clinical aspects of SCI-related neuropathic pain, potential pain mechanisms, evidence-based treatment recommendations, neuropathic pain phenotypes and brain biomarkers, psychosocial factors, and progress regarding how defining neuropathic pain phenotypes and other surrogate measures in the neuropathic pain field may lead to targeted treatments for neuropathic pain after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Widerström-Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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8
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Wang Y, Li Z, Chen R. Simultaneous Determination of Metabolites Related to Arginine Metabolism in Rat plasma by Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J Chromatogr Sci 2023; 61:203-210. [PMID: 35704851 DOI: 10.1093/chromsci/bmac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Arginine and its metabolites play important roles in pain and analgesia. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive quantification method for amino acids and metabolites related to arginine metabolism in rat plasma by hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). Rat plasma was diluted to reduce the matrix effect and deproteinized with acetonitrile. The analytes were separated on a Syncronis HILIC column with a gradient elution. MS analysis was performed in positive ion mode with an electrospray ionization source using multiple reaction monitoring technology. All calibration curves for the 10 analytes showed good linear regression (R2 > 0.99). The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.9-13.4 μg/L. The established method was validated for intra-day and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation [RSDs] < 6.21%) and accuracy (average recovery ranged from 87.34% to 100.35% with the RSD values less than 11.41%). This method was successfully applied to characterize dynamic alterations in the plasma of rats with neuropathic pain and thus provide service to explore the mechanism of action between metabolite changes and clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
| | - ZhiRong Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
| | - RongXiang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
- Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, P. R. China
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9
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Xiong HY, Cao YQ, Du SH, Yang QH, He SY, Wang XQ. Effects of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Anterior Cingulate Cortex on the Pain Thresholds: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PAIN MEDICINE 2023; 24:89-98. [PMID: 36066447 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of existing clinical studies used active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over superficial areas of the pain neuromatrix to regulate pain, with conflicting results. Few studies have investigated the effect of tDCS on pain thresholds by focusing on targets in deep parts of the pain neuromatrix. METHODS This study applied a single session of high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) targeting the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and used a parallel and sham-controlled design to compare the antinociceptive effects in healthy individuals by assessing changes in pain thresholds. Sixty-six female individuals (mean age, 20.5 ± 2.4 years) were randomly allocated into the anodal, cathodal, or sham HD-tDCS groups. The primary outcome of the study was pain thresholds (pressure pain threshold, heat pain threshold, and cold pain threshold), which were evaluated before and after stimulation through the use of quantitative sensory tests. RESULTS Only cathodal HD-tDCS targeting the ACC significantly increased heat pain threshold (P < 0.05) and pressure pain threshold (P < 0.01) in healthy individuals compared with sham stimulation. Neither anodal nor cathodal HD-tDCS showed significant analgesic effects on cold pain threshold. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found in pain thresholds between anodal and sham HD-tDCS (P > 0.38). Independent of HD-tDCS protocols, the positive and negative affective schedule scores were decreased immediately after stimulation compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS The present study has found that cathodal HD-tDCS targeting the ACC provided a strong antinociceptive effect (increase in pain threshold), demonstrating a positive biological effect of HD-tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin-Quan Cao
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Hao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yi He
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopaedic Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Asthana P, Kumar G, Milanowski LM, Au NPB, Chan SC, Huang J, Feng H, Kwan KM, He J, Chan KWY, Wszolek ZK, Ma CHE. Cerebellar glutamatergic system impacts spontaneous motor recovery by regulating Gria1 expression. NPJ Regen Med 2022; 7:45. [PMID: 36064798 PMCID: PMC9445039 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-022-00243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) often results in spontaneous motor recovery; however, how disrupted cerebellar circuitry affects PNI-associated motor recovery is unknown. Here, we demonstrated disrupted cerebellar circuitry and poor motor recovery in ataxia mice after PNI. This effect was mimicked by deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) lesion, but not by damaging non-motor area hippocampus. By restoring cerebellar circuitry through DCN stimulation, and reversal of neurotransmitter imbalance using baclofen, ataxia mice achieve full motor recovery after PNI. Mechanistically, elevated glutamate-glutamine level was detected in DCN of ataxia mice by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Transcriptomic study revealed that Gria1, an ionotropic glutamate receptor, was upregulated in DCN of control mice but failed to be upregulated in ataxia mice after sciatic nerve crush. AAV-mediated overexpression of Gria1 in DCN rescued motor deficits of ataxia mice after PNI. Finally, we found a correlative decrease in human GRIA1 mRNA expression in the cerebellum of patients with ataxia-telangiectasia and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 patient iPSC-derived Purkinje cells, pointing to the clinical relevance of glutamatergic system. By conducting a large-scale analysis of 9,655,320 patients with ataxia, they failed to recover from carpal tunnel decompression surgery and tibial neuropathy, while aged-match non-ataxia patients fully recovered. Our results provide insight into cerebellar disorders and motor deficits after PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Asthana
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Lukasz M Milanowski
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ngan Pan Bennett Au
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Siu Chung Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jianpan Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hemin Feng
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kin Ming Kwan
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Cell and Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jufang He
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kannie Wai Yan Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Chi Him Eddie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR.
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11
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Jiang X, Dahmani S, Bronshteyn M, Yang FN, Ryan JP, Gallagher RC, Damera SR, Kumar PN, Moore DJ, Ellis RJ, Turkeltaub PE. Cingulate transcranial direct current stimulation in adults with HIV. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269491. [PMID: 35658059 PMCID: PMC9165807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal dysfunction plays an important role in the high prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in people with HIV (PWH). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-with its capability to improve neuronal function-may have the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic approach for HAND. Brain imaging and neurobehavioral studies provide converging evidence that injury to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is highly prevalent and contributes to HAND in PWH, suggesting that ACC may serve as a potential neuromodulation target for HAND. Here we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial crossover pilot study to test the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of anodal tDCS over cingulate cortex in adults with HIV, with a focus on the dorsal ACC (dACC). METHODS Eleven PWH (47-69 years old, 2 females, 100% African Americans, disease duration 16-36 years) participated in the study, which had two phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2. During Phase 1, participants were randomized to receive ten sessions of sham (n = 4) or cingulate tDCS (n = 7) over the course of 2-3 weeks. Treatment assignments were unknown to the participants and the technicians. Neuropsychology and MRI data were collected from four additional study visits to assess treatment effects, including one baseline visit (BL, prior to treatment) and three follow-up visits (FU1, FU2, and FU3, approximately 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months after treatment, respectively). Treatment assignment was unblinded after FU3. Participants in the sham group repeated the study with open-label cingulate tDCS during Phase 2. Statistical analysis was limited to data from Phase 1. RESULTS Compared to sham tDCS, cingulate tDCS led to a decrease in Perseverative Errors in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), but not Non-Perseverative Errors, as well as a decrease in the ratio score of Trail Making Test-Part B (TMT-B) to TMT-Part A (TMT-A). Seed-to-voxel analysis with resting state functional MRI data revealed an increase in functional connectivity between the bilateral dACC and a cluster in the right dorsal striatum after cingulate tDCS. There were no differences in self-reported discomfort ratings between sham and cingulate tDCS. CONCLUSIONS Cingulate tDCS is safe and well-tolerated in PWH, and may have the potential to improve cognitive performance and brain function. A future study with a larger sample is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sophia Dahmani
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Margarita Bronshteyn
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Fan Nils Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - John Paul Ryan
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - R. Craig Gallagher
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Srikanth R. Damera
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Princy N. Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - David J. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Ronald J. Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Peter E. Turkeltaub
- Department of Neurology and Center for Brain Plasticity and Recovery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America
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12
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The CanPain SCI clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitation management of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: 2021 update. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:548-566. [PMID: 35124700 PMCID: PMC9209331 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Clinical practice guidelines. OBJECTIVES The objective was to update the 2016 version of the Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING The guidelines are relevant for inpatient, outpatient and community SCI rehabilitation settings in Canada. METHODS The guidelines were updated in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. A Steering Committee and Working Group reviewed the relevant evidence on neuropathic pain management (encompassing screening and diagnosis, treatment and models of care) after SCI. The quality of evidence was scored using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A consensus process was followed to achieve agreement on recommendations and clinical considerations. RESULTS The working group identified and reviewed 46 additional relevant articles published since the last version of the guidelines. The panel agreed on 3 new screening and diagnosis recommendations and 8 new treatment recommendations. Two key changes to these treatment recommendations included the introduction of general treatment principles and a new treatment recommendation classification system. No new recommendations to model of care were made. CONCLUSIONS The CanPainSCI recommendations for the management of neuropathic pain after SCI should be used to inform practice.
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13
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Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on in-vivo assessed neuro-metabolites through magnetic resonance spectroscopy: a systematic review. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2021; 33:242-253. [PMID: 33926587 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.14] [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
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have examined the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the in-vivo concentrations of neuro-metabolites assessed through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in neurological and psychiatry disorders. This review aims to systematically evaluate the data on the effect of tDCS on MRS findings and thereby attempt to understand the potential mechanism of tDCS on neuro-metabolites. METHODS The relevant literature was obtained through PubMed and cross-reference (search till June 2020). Thirty-four studies were reviewed, of which 22 reported results from healthy controls and 12 were from patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. RESULTS The evidence converges to highlight that tDCS modulates the neuro-metabolite levels at the site of stimulation, which, in turn, translates into alterations in the behavioural outcome. It also shows that the baseline level of these neuro-metabolites can, to a certain extent, predict the outcome after tDCS. However, even though tDCS has shown promising effects in alleviating symptoms of various psychiatric disorders, there are limited studies that have reported the effect of tDCS on neuro-metabolite levels. CONCLUSIONS There is a compelling need for more systematic studies examining patients with psychiatric/neurological disorders with larger samples and harmonised tDCS protocols. More studies will potentially help us to understand the tDCS mechanism of action pertinent to neuro-metabolite levels modulation. Further, studies should be conducted in psychiatric patients to understand the neurological changes in this population and potentially unravel the neuro-metabolite × tDCS interaction effect that can be translated into individualised treatment.
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14
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Determining the Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Consumers: A Randomized Controlled. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Xiao Y, Xie L, Xu QY, Chen L, Chen H, Xu GY, Zhang PA. Transcranial direct current stimulation relieves visceral hypersensitivity via normalizing GluN2B expression and neural activity in anterior cingulate cortex. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:1787-1797. [PMID: 33760644 PMCID: PMC8356761 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00025.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common challenging diseases for clinical treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has analgesic effect on visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in an animal model of IBS as well as the underlying mechanism. As the activation of GluN2B in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) takes part in VH, we examined whether and how GluN2B in ACC takes part in the effect of tDCS. Neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD), a valuable experimental model to study the IBS pathophysiology, was used to induce visceral hypersensitivity of rats. We quantified VH as colorectal distention threshold and performed patch-clamp recordings of ACC neurons. The expression of GluN2B were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The GluN2B antagonist Ro 25-6981 was microinjected into the rostral and caudal ACC. tDCS was performed for 7 consecutive days. It was found that NMD decreased expression of GluN2B, which could be obviously reversed by tDCS. Injection of Ro 25-6981 into rostral and caudal ACC of normal rats induced VH and also reversed the analgesic effect of tDCS. Our data sheds light on the nonpharmacological therapy for chronic VH in pathological states such as IBS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disease characterized by visceral hypersensitivity. This study showed a decrease of GluN2B expression and neural activity in ACC of IBS-model rats, which could be obviously reversed by tDCS. In addition, blockade of GluN2B in rostral and caudal ACC induced VH of normal rats. Furthermore, analgesic effect of tDCS on NMD rats was reversed by GluN2B antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiao
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Xie
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Ya Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Chen
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Yin Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping-An Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
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16
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Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Users with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/ijpbs.98062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective in reducing depression and anxiety. Objectives: This research is aimed at reducing depression and anxiety in methadone users with transcranial direct current stimulation. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial with a pretest-posttest. The sample of this study was 60 methadone users who had severe depression and anxiety. Participants were allocated to two experimental (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). The two regions, F3 (cathode) and F4 (anode) were stimulated with a current of 2 mA for 20 minutes in 10 sessions. Participants were assessed before and after stimulation with Beck’s depression inventory and Berger’s anxiety test. Results: Data analysis showed that tDCS reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety in methadone users (P < 0.01). Conclusions: It seems that the method of tDCS can reduce the severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, it can be claimed that this intervention can be considered by experts as a complementary intervention along with other psychological and pharmacological treatments.
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17
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Xiao X, Ding M, Zhang YQ. Role of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Translational Pain Research. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:405-422. [PMID: 33566301 PMCID: PMC7954910 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most common symptomatic reason to seek medical consultation, pain is a complex experience that has been classified into different categories and stages. In pain processing, noxious stimuli may activate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). But the function of ACC in the different pain conditions is not well discussed. In this review, we elaborate the commonalities and differences from accumulated evidence by a variety of pain assays for physiological pain and pathological pain including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain in the ACC, and discuss the cellular receptors and signaling molecules from animal studies. We further summarize the ACC as a new central neuromodulation target for invasive and non-invasive stimulation techniques in clinical pain management. The comprehensive understanding of pain processing in the ACC may lead to bridging the gap in translational research between basic and clinical studies and to develop new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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18
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Choi CH, Iordanishvili E, Shah NJ, Binkofski F. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy with transcranial direct current stimulation to explore the underlying biochemical and physiological mechanism of the human brain: A systematic review. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:2642-2671. [PMID: 33634527 PMCID: PMC8090777 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of molecular and neurophysiological evidence connects synaptic plasticity to specific functions and energy metabolism in particular areas of the brain. Furthermore, altered plasticity and energy regulation has been associated with a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. A favourable approach enabling the modulation of neuronal excitability and energy in humans is to stimulate the brain using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and then to observe the effect on neurometabolites using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this way, a well-defined modulation of brain energy and excitability can be achieved using a dedicated tDCS protocol to a predetermined brain region. This systematic review was guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis and summarises recent literature studying the effect of tDCS on neurometabolites in the human brain as measured by proton or phosphorus MRS. Limitations and recommendations are discussed for future research. The findings of this review provide clear evidence for the potential of using tDCS and MRS to examine and understand the effect of neurometabolites in the in vivo human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hoon Choi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Elene Iordanishvili
- Division of Clinical Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - N Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 11, JARA, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,JARA - BRAIN - Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Binkofski
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Division of Clinical Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,JARA - BRAIN - Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
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19
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Borovskis J, Cavaleri R, Blackstock F, Summers SJ. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Accelerates The Onset of Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia: A Randomized Controlled Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 22:263-274. [PMID: 32927091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) describes acute reductions in pain that occur following exercise. Current evidence suggests that the magnitude of EIH is small-to-moderate at best, warranting exploration of novel avenues to bolster these effects. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to relieve pain and represents a promising intervention that may enhance EIH. This study aimed to determine whether anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1) can augment EIH in healthy individuals experiencing experimentally-induced musculoskeletal pain. Twenty-four healthy subjects attended 2 experimental sessions ("Day 0" and "Day 2"). On Day 0, subjects were injected with nerve growth factor into their right extensor carpi radialis brevis to induce persistent elbow pain. On Day 2, each subject received active or sham tDCS over M1 followed by an isometric grip exercise. Pain intensity, muscle soreness, sensitivity (pressure pain thresholds), and conditioned pain modulation were assessed prior to the nerve growth factor injection, on Day 2 before tDCS, immediately post-exercise, and 15 minutes post-exercise. Active tDCS expedited the onset of EIH, inducing immediate reductions in pain intensity that were not present until 15 minutes post-exercise in the sham group. However, active tDCS did not reduce muscle soreness or sensitivity when compared to sham tDCS. PERSPECTIVE: These findings suggest that active tDCS accelerates the onset of EIH in healthy individuals experiencing experimentally-induced pain. This may represent a promising means of enhancing adherence to exercise protocols. However, larger randomised controlled trials in persistent pain populations are required to confirm the clinical impact of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Borovskis
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | - Rocco Cavaleri
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia
| | | | - Simon J Summers
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, Western Sydney University, NSW 2560, Australia; Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, ACT 2600, Australia.
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20
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Pacheco-Barrios K, Cardenas-Rojas A, Thibaut A, Costa B, Ferreira I, Caumo W, Fregni F. Methods and strategies of tDCS for the treatment of pain: current status and future directions. Expert Rev Med Devices 2020; 17:879-898. [PMID: 32845195 PMCID: PMC7674241 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2020.1816168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that has been widely studied for the treatment of chronic pain. It is considered a promising and safe alternative pain therapy. Different targets have been tested, each having their own particular mechanisms for modulating pain perception. AREAS COVERED We discuss the current state of the art of tDCS to manage pain and future strategies to optimize tDCS' effects. Current strategies include primary motor cortex tDCS, prefrontal tDCS and tDCS combined with behavioral interventions while future strategies, on the other hand, include high-intensity tDCS, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, cerebellar tDCS, home-based tDCS, and tDCS with extended number of sessions. EXPERT COMMENTARY It has been shown that the stimulation of the prefrontal and primary motor cortex is efficient for pain reduction while a few other new strategies, such as high-intensity tDCS and network-based tDCS, are believed to induce strong neuroplastic effects, although the underlying neural mechanisms still need to be fully uncovered. Hence, conventional tDCS approaches demonstrated promising effects to manage pain and new strategies are under development to enhance tDCS effects and make this approach more easily available by using, for instance, home-based devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud. Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandra Cardenas-Rojas
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Costa
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isadora Ferreira
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Pain and Palliative Care Service at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Naylor B, Hesam-Shariati N, McAuley JH, Boag S, Newton-John T, Rae CD, Gustin SM. Reduced Glutamate in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is Associated With Emotional and Cognitive Dysregulation in People With Chronic Pain. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1110. [PMID: 31849800 PMCID: PMC6903775 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A decrease in glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been extensively found in animal models of chronic pain. Given that the mPFC is implicated in emotional appraisal, cognition and extinction of fear, could a potential decrease in glutamate be associated with increased pessimistic thinking, fear and worry symptoms commonly found in people with chronic pain? To clarify this question, 19 chronic pain subjects and 19 age- and gender-matched control subjects without pain underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both groups also completed the Temperament and Character, the Beck Depression and the State Anxiety Inventories to measure levels of harm avoidance, depression, and anxiety, respectively. People with chronic pain had significantly higher scores in harm avoidance, depression and anxiety compared to control subjects without pain. High levels of harm avoidance are characterized by excessive worry, pessimism, fear, doubt and fatigue. Individuals with chronic pain showed a significant decrease in mPFC glutamate levels compared to control subjects without pain. In people with chronic pain mPFC glutamate levels were significantly negatively correlated with harm avoidance scores. This means that the lower the concentration of glutamate in the mPFC, the greater the total scores of harm avoidance. High scores are associated with fearfulness, pessimism, and fatigue-proneness. We suggest that chronic pain, particularly the stress-induced release of glucocorticoids, induces changes in glutamate transmission in the mPFC, thereby influencing cognitive, and emotional processing. Thus, in people with chronic pain, regulation of fear, worry, negative thinking and fatigue is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Naylor
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - James H McAuley
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Boag
- School of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby Newton-John
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sylvia M Gustin
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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22
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Karri J, Li S, Chen YT, Stampas A, Li S. Observations of Autonomic Variability Following Central Neuromodulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury. Neuromodulation 2019; 24:427-433. [PMID: 31199549 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) persons with chronic neuropathic pain (NP) demonstrate maladaptive autonomic profiles compared to SCI counterparts without NP (SCI - NP) or able-bodied (AB) controls. These aberrations may be secondary to maladaptive neuroplasticity in the shared circuitry of the pain neuromatrix-central autonomic network interface (PNM-CAN). In this study, we explored the proposed PNM-CAN mechanism in SCI + NP and AB cohorts following centrally-directed neuromodulation to assess if the PNM and CAN are capable of being differentially modulated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Central neuromodulation was administered via breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim), previously evidenced to operate at the PNM. To quantify CAN activity, conventional heart rate variability (HRV) recordings were used to gather time and frequency domain parameters of autonomic modulation. SCI + NP (n = 10) and AB (n = 13) cohorts received null and active BreEStim randomly in crossover fashion. HRV data were gathered pretest and 30 minutes posttest. Pain modulation was quantified at both time-points by visual analog scale (VAS) for SCI + NP persons and electrical detection and pain threshold levels (EDT, EPT) for AB persons. RESULTS Following active BreEStim only, SCI + NP persons demonstrated increased parasympathetic tone (increased NN50, p = 0.03, and pNN50, p = 0.02, HRV parameters). This parasympathetic restoration was associated with analgesia (VAS reduction, p < 0.01). Similarly, AB persons demonstrated increased noxious tolerance (increased EPT, p = 0.03, with preserved EDL, p = 0.78) only following active BreEStim. However, this increased pain threshold was not associated with autonomic changes. CONCLUSIONS Central modulation targeting the PNM produced autonomic changes in SCI + NP persons but not AB persons. These findings suggest that AB persons exhibit intact CAN mechanisms capable of compensating for PNM aberrations or simply that SCI + NP persons exhibit altered PNM-CAN machinery altogether. Our collective findings confirm the interconnectedness and maladaptive plasticity of PNM-CAN machinery in SCI + NP persons and suggest that the PNM and CAN circuitry can be differentially modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Karri
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shengai Li
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Argyrios Stampas
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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