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Naro A, Marra A, Billeri L, Portaro S, De Luca R, Maresca G, La Rosa G, Lauria P, Bramanti P, Calabrò RS. New Horizons in Early Dementia Diagnosis: Can Cerebellar Stimulation Untangle the Knot? J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1470. [PMID: 31527392 PMCID: PMC6780127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiating Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from dementia and estimating the risk of MCI-to-dementia conversion (MDC) are challenging tasks. Thus, objective tools are mandatory to get early diagnosis and prognosis. About that, there is a growing interest on the role of cerebellum-cerebrum connectivity (CCC). The aim of this study was to differentiate patients with an early diagnosis of dementia and MCI depending on the effects of a transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol (intermittent theta-burst stimulation -iTBS) delivered on the cerebellum able to modify cortico-cortical connectivity. Indeed, the risk of MDC is related to the response to iTBS, being higher in non-responder individuals. All patients with MCI, but eight (labelled as MCI-), showed preserved iTBS aftereffect. Contrariwise, none of the patients with dementia showed iTBS aftereffects. None of the patients showed EEG aftereffects following a sham TBS protocol. Five among the MCI- patients converted to dementia at 6-month follow-up. Our data suggest that cerebellar stimulation by means of iTBS may support the differential diagnosis between MCI and dementia and potentially identify the individuals with MCI who may be at risk of MDC. These findings may help clinicians to adopt a better prevention/follow-up strategy in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Angela Marra
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Simona Portaro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa Maresca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Gianluca La Rosa
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Paola Lauria
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, S.S. 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
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Silvestro S, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Role of miRNAs in Alzheimer's Disease and Possible Fields of Application. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3979. [PMID: 31443326 PMCID: PMC6720959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNAs (or microRNAs) are a class of single-stranded RNA molecules, responsible for post-transcriptional gene silencing through binding to the coding region as well as 3' and 5' untranslated region of target genes. About 70% of experimentally detectable miRNAs are expressed in the brain and some studies suggest that miRNAs are intimately involved in synaptic function and in specific signals during memory formation. More and more evidence demonstrates the possible involvement of miRNAs in Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of senile dementia, a disease that affects memory and cognitive functions. It is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of synapses, extracellular amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), and intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU protein. This review aims to provide an overview of the in vivo studies of the last 5 years in the literature describing the role of the different miRNAs involved in AD. miRNAs hold huge potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and, at the same time, their modulation could be a potential therapeutic strategy against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Silvestro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
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Naro A, Calabrò RS, La Rosa G, Andronaco VA, Billeri L, Lauria P, Bramanti A, Bramanti P. Toward understanding the neurophysiological basis of peripersonal space: An EEG study on healthy individuals. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218675. [PMID: 31233542 PMCID: PMC6590804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The subcortical mechanisms subtending the sensorimotor processes related to the peripersonal space (PPS) have been well characterized, whereas less evidence is available concerning the cortical mechanisms. We investigated the theta, alpha and beta event-related spectral perturbations (ERSP) while holding the forearm in different positions into the PPS of the face. Fifty healthy individuals were subjected to EEG recording while being provided with median nerve electric stimulation at the wrist of the right hand held at different hand-to-face distances. Theta and beta rhythms were significantly perturbed depending on the hand-to-face distance, whereas alpha oscillations reflected a more general, non-specific oscillatory response to the motor task. The perturbation of theta and beta frequency bands may reflect the processes of top-down modulation overseeing the conscious spatiotemporal encoding of sensory-motor information within the PPS. In other words, such perturbation reflects the continuous update of the conscious internal representations of the PPS to build up a purposeful and reflexive motor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca La Rosa
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Luana Billeri
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Lauria
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
| | - Placido Bramanti
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy
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Calabrò RS, De Cola MC, Gervasi G, Portaro S, Naro A, Accorinti M, Manuli A, Marra A, De Luca R, Bramanti P. The Efficacy of Cocoa Polyphenols in the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E156. [PMID: 31108983 PMCID: PMC6571795 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognition impairment that does not interfere with the usual activities of daily living. It is considered to be a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. No treatment is available for MCI. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 55 patients (29 males and 26 females, aged 56-75 years) with a diagnosis of amnestic MCI who attended the Center for Cognitive Disorder and Dementia of the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo (Messina, Italy) between January and December of 2017. As we aimed to evaluate the effect of cocoa polyphenols on cognition, the study population was separated into two groups depending on the change in their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score at a one-year follow-up. Results: Compared to G2 (i.e., patients with a worsening in cognitive functions), the rate of polyphenol intake was significantly higher in patients without a worsening in cognition (i.e., G1) (χ2 = 13.79, df = 1, p-value < 0.001). By subdividing G1 patients based on whether they improved or were stable at follow-up, we found that 46.2% of those who had improved were treated with polyphenols. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation of cocoa flavonoids seems to reduce the progression of MCI to dementia. Further prospective studies with larger sample volumes are required to confirm these promising findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina De Cola
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Gervasi
- Hygiene and Preventive Medicine School, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Portaro
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonino Naro
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Accorinti
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Manuli
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Angela Marra
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
| | - Placido Bramanti
- Behavioral and Robotic Neurorehab Unit, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", 98123 Messina, Italy.
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Chillura A, Naro A, Ciappina F, Bramanti A, Lauria P, Bramanti P, Calabrò RS. Detecting peripersonal space: The promising role of ultrasonics. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01085. [PMID: 30094963 PMCID: PMC6160641 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The approach of an external stimulus to the peripersonal space (PPS) modifies some physiological measures, including the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the supplementary motor area and premotor cortex. CBF measurement may be useful to assess brain activations when producing specific motor responses, likely mediated by cortical and subcortical neural circuits. METHODS This study investigated PPS in 15 healthy humans by characterizing the hemodynamic responses (pulsatility index, PI; and heart rate, HR) related to different directions of movements of individual's hand toward and backward his/her own face, so to perturb PPS). RESULTS We observed that the CBF and HR were enhanced more when the stimulated hand was inside the PPS of the face in the passive and active condition than when the hand was outside the PPS and during motor imagery task. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the modulation of PPS-related brain responses depends on specific sensory-motor integration processes related to the location and the final position of a target in the PPS. We may thus propose TCD as a rapid and easy approach to get information concerning brain responses related to stimuli approaching the PPS. Understanding the modulations of brain activations during tasks targeting PPS can help to understand the results of psychophysical and behavioral trials and to plan patient-tailored cognitive rehabilitative training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola Lauria
- IRCCS centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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