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Serra L, Petrucci A, Bruschini M, Botta A, Campisi C, Caltagirone C, Bozzali M. Different neuropsychological and brain volumetric profiles in a pair of identical twins with myotonic dystrophy type 1 indicate a non-genetic modulation of clinical phenotype. Neuromuscul Disord 2024; 40:24-30. [PMID: 38810327 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2024.04.007] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
We report on genetic and environmental modulation of social cognition abilities and brain volume correlates in two monozygotic twins (Twin1 and Twin2) with genetically confirmed myotonic dystrophy-type1 who grew up in different environmental settings. They both underwent neuropsychological assessment (i.e., Intelligent Quotient [IQ], theory of mind, emotion recognition tests), and MRI scanning to evaluate regional brain volumetrics compared to 10 gender and sex-matched healthy controls. Against a normal IQ level in both patients, Twin1 was more impaired in emotional processing and Twin2 in cognitive aspects of social cognition. Both patients showed grey matter (GM) atrophy in Brodmann Areas 23/31 (BA23/31) and BA7 bilaterally, while Twin2 showed additional GM loss in right BA46. Both patients showed a similar pattern of white matter atrophy involving the thalamus, basal ganglia, and uncinate fasciculus. White matter atrophy appeared to be mostly driven by genetics, while grey matter volumes appeared associated with different impairments in social cognition and possibly modulated by environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serra
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Petrucci
- UOC Neurologia e Neurofisiopatologia, AO San Camillo Forlanini, Via Portuense, 332, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Bruschini
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Via Ardeatina, 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Botta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Genetics Unit, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Campisi
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Clinical and Behavioural Neurology Laboratory Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Neuroscience Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin Italy
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2
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Gelfo F, Petrosini L, Mandolesi L, Landolfo E, Caruso G, Balsamo F, Bonarota S, Bozzali M, Caltagirone C, Serra L. Land/Water Aerobic Activities: Two Sides of the Same Coin. A Comparative Analysis on the Effects in Cognition of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1181-1197. [PMID: 38552114 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231279] [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] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Evidence in the literature indicates that aerobic physical activity may have a protective role in aging pathologies. However, it has not been clarified whether different types of aerobic exercise produce different effects. In particular, these potential differences have not been explored in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present narrative review has the specific aim of evaluating whether land (walking/running) and water (swimming) aerobic activities exert different effects on cognitive functions and neural correlates in AD patients. In particular, the investigation is carried out by comparing the evidence provided from studies on AD animal models and on patients. On the whole, we ascertained that both human and animal studies documented beneficial effects of land and water aerobic exercise on cognition in AD. Also, the modulation of numerous biological processes is documented in association with structural modifications. Remarkably, we found that aerobic activity appears to improve cognition per se, independently from the specific kind of exercise performed. Aerobic exercise promotes brain functioning through the secretion of molecular factors from skeletal muscles and liver. These molecular factors stimulate neuroplasticity, reduce neuroinflammation, and inhibit neurodegenerative processes leading to amyloid-β accumulation. Additionally, aerobic exercise improves mitochondrial activity, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing ATP production. Aerobic activities protect against AD, but implementing exercise protocols for patients is challenging. We suggest that health policies and specialized institutions should direct increasing attention on aerobic activity as lifestyle modifiable factor for successful aging and age-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Mandolesi
- Department of Humanities, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Balsamo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bonarota
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Department of Neuroscience 'Rita Levi Montalcini', University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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Cutuli D, Petrosini L, Gelfo F. Advance in Neurotoxicity Research from Development to Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15112. [PMID: 37894793 PMCID: PMC10606676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A substance capable of inducing a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction in the chemistry or structure of the nervous system may be defined as neurotoxic [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
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4
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Vaquero-Rodríguez A, Ortuzar N, Lafuente JV, Bengoetxea H. Enriched environment as a nonpharmacological neuroprotective strategy. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:553-560. [PMID: 37309729 PMCID: PMC10350798 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231171915] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure and functions of the central nervous system are influenced by environmental stimuli, which also play an important role in brain diseases. Enriched environment (EE) consists of producing modifications in the environment of standard laboratory animals to induce an improvement in their biological conditions. This paradigm promotes transcriptional and translational effects that result in ameliorated motor, sensory, and cognitive stimulation. EE has been shown to enhance experience-dependent cellular plasticity and cognitive performance in animals housed under these conditions compared with animals housed under standard conditions. In addition, several studies claim that EE induces nerve repair by restoring functional activities through morphological, cellular, and molecular adaptations in the brain that have clinical relevance in neurological and psychiatric disorders. In fact, the effects of EE have been studied in different animal models of psychiatric and neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, ischemic brain injury, or traumatic brain injury, delaying the onset and progression of a wide variety of symptoms of these disorders. In this review, we analyze the action of EE focused on diseases of the central nervous system and the translation to humans to develop a bridge to its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vaquero-Rodríguez
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Naiara Ortuzar
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Harkaitz Bengoetxea
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
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Decandia D, Gelfo F, Landolfo E, Balsamo F, Petrosini L, Cutuli D. Dietary Protection against Cognitive Impairment, Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease Animal Models of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065921. [PMID: 36982996 PMCID: PMC10051444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a rapidly growing epidemic with a heavy social and economic burden. Evidence suggests that systemic inflammation, dysregulation of the immune response and the resulting neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration play a significant role in AD pathogenesis. Currently, given that there is no fully convincing cure for AD, the interest in lifestyle factors (such as diet), which potentially delay onset and reduce the severity of symptoms, is increasing. This review is aimed at summarizing the effects of dietary supplementation on cognitive decline, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in AD-like animal models with a focus on neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, which mimics systemic inflammation in animals. The compounds reviewed include curcumin, krill oil, chicoric acid, plasmalogens, lycopene, tryptophan-related dipeptides, hesperetin and selenium peptides. Despite the heterogeneity of these compounds, there is a strong consensus on their counteracting action on LPS-induced cognitive deficits and neuroinflammatory responses in rodents by modulating cell-signaling processes, such as the NF-κB pathway. Overall, dietary interventions could represent an important resource to oppose AD due to their influence in neuroprotection and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Decandia
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Landolfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Balsamo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
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6
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Landolfo E, Cutuli D, Decandia D, Balsamo F, Petrosini L, Gelfo F. Environmental Enrichment Protects against Neurotoxic Effects of Lipopolysaccharide: A Comprehensive Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065404. [PMID: 36982478 PMCID: PMC10049264 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a pathophysiological condition associated with damage to the nervous system. Maternal immune activation and early immune activation have adverse effects on the development of the nervous system and cognitive functions. Neuroinflammation during adulthood leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used in preclinical research to mimic neurotoxic effects leading to systemic inflammation. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been reported to cause a wide range of beneficial changes in the brain. Based on the above, the purpose of the present review is to describe the effects of exposure to EE paradigms in counteracting LPS-induced neuroinflammation throughout the lifespan. Up to October 2022, a methodical search of studies in the literature, using the PubMed and Scopus databases, was performed, focusing on exposure to LPS, as an inflammatory mediator, and to EE paradigms in preclinical murine models. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 22 articles were considered and analyzed in the present review. EE exerts sex- and age-dependent neuroprotective and therapeutic effects in animals exposed to the neurotoxic action of LPS. EE’s beneficial effects are present throughout the various ages of life. A healthy lifestyle and stimulating environments are essential to counteract the damages induced by neurotoxic exposure to LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Landolfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Decandia
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Balsamo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Gelfo F, Serra L, Petrosini L. New prospects on cerebellar reserve: Remarks on neuroprotective effects of experience in animals and humans. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 16:1088587. [PMID: 36685287 PMCID: PMC9854258 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1088587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of the brain to change structure and function in response to experience accounts for its ability to successfully adapt to the environment in both learning processes and unique phases, such as during development and repair. On this basis, the occurrence of the brain, cognitive, and neural reserves has been advanced to explain the discrepancies between the extent of neurological damage and the severity of clinical manifestations described in patients with different life span experiences. Research on this topic highlighted the neuroprotective role of complex stimulations, allowing the brain to better cope with the damage. This framework was initially developed by observing patients with Alzheimer's disease, and it has since been progressively expanded to multifarious pathological states. The cerebellum is known to be particularly responsive to experience through extensive plastic rearrangements. The neuroprotective value exerted by reserve mechanisms appears to be suitable for basic neuronal plasticity in the cerebellum. Thus, it is of primary interest to deepen our understanding of how life experiences modify individuals' cerebellar morphology and functionality. The present study is aimed at analyzing the evidence provided on this topic by animal and human studies. For animals, we considered the studies in which subjects were submitted to enhanced stimulations before the damage occurred. For humans, we considered studies in which previous lifelong high-level experiences were associated with superior cerebellar abilities to cope with injury. Detailed indications of the processes underlying cerebellar reserves may be important in proposing effective interventions for patients suffering from pathologies that directly or indirectly damage cerebellar functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Francesca Gelfo ✉
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8
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Serra L, Petrosini L, Mandolesi L, Bonarota S, Balsamo F, Bozzali M, Caltagirone C, Gelfo F. Walking, Running, Swimming: An Analysis of the Effects of Land and Water Aerobic Exercises on Cognitive Functions and Neural Substrates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16310. [PMID: 36498383 PMCID: PMC9740550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the brain and cognitive reserves framework, aerobic exercise is considered as a protective lifestyle factor able to induce positive effects on both brain structure and function. However, specific aspects of such a beneficial effect still need to be completely clarified. To this aim, the present narrative review focused on the potential brain/cognitive/neural reserve-construction mechanisms triggered by different aerobic exercise types (land activities; such as walking or running; vs. water activities; such as swimming), by considering human and animal studies on healthy subjects over the entire lifespan. The literature search was conducted in PubMed database. The studies analyzed here indicated that all the considered kinds of activities exert a beneficial effect on cognitive/behavioral functions and on the underlying brain neurobiological processes. In particular, the main effects observed involve the cognitive domains of memory and executive functions. These effects appear related to structural and functional changes mainly involving the fronto-hippocampal axis. The present review supports the requirement of further studies that investigate more specifically and systematically the effects of each type of aerobic activity, as a basis to plan more effective and personalized interventions on individuals as well as prevention and healthy promotion policies for the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serra
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Mandolesi
- Department of Humanities, Federico II University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bonarota
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Balsamo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Department of Neuroscience ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RY, UK
| | | | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Rome, Italy
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Serra L, Giancaterino G, Giulietti G, Petrosini L, Di Domenico C, Marra C, Caltagirone C, Bassi A, Cercignani M, Bozzali M. Cognitive Reserve Modulates Brain Structure and Cortical Architecture in the Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:811-824. [PMID: 35964192 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve (CR) explains the individual resilience to neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated the effect of CR in modulating brain cortical architecture. METHODS 278 individuals [110 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 104 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) due to AD, 64 healthy subjects (HS)] underwent a neuropsychological evaluation and 3T-MRI. Cortical thickness (CTh) and fractal dimension (FD) were assessed. Years of formal education were used as an index of CR by which participants were divided into high and low CR (HCR and LCR). Within-group differences in cortical architecture were assessed as a function of CR. Associations between cognitive scores and cortical measures were also evaluated. RESULTS aMCI-HCR compared to aMCI-LCR patients showed significant decrease of CTh in the right temporal and in the left prefrontal lobe. Moreover, they showed increased FD in the right temporal and in the left temporo-parietal lobes. Patients with AD-HCR showed reduced CTh in several brain areas and reduced FD in the left temporal cortices when compared with AD-LCR subjects. HS-HCR showed a significant increase of CTh in prefrontal areas bilaterally, and in the right parieto-occipital cortices. Finally, aMCI-HCR showed significant positive associations between brain measures and memory and executive performance. CONCLUSION CR modulates the cortical architecture at pre-dementia stage only. Indeed, only patients with aMCI showed both atrophy (likely due to neurodegeneration) alongside richer brain folding (likely due to reserve mechanisms) in temporo-parietal areas. This opposite trend was not observed in AD and HS. Our data confirm the existence of a limited time-window for CR modulation at the aMCI stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serra
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Petrosini
- Laboratory of Experimental and Behavioural Neurophysiology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Camillo Marra
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinicaland Behavioural Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Bassi
- Department of Clinicaland Behavioural Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Cardiff University Brain Imaging Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex -Brighton, United Kingdom.,Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Gelfo F, Petrosini L. Environmental Enrichment Enhances Cerebellar Compensation and Develops Cerebellar Reserve. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095697. [PMID: 35565093 PMCID: PMC9099498 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain is able to change its structure and function in response to environmental stimulations. Several human and animal studies have documented that enhanced stimulations provide individuals with strengthened brain structure and function that allow them to better cope with damage. In this framework, studies based on the exposure of animals to environmental enrichment (EE) have provided indications of the mechanisms involved in such a beneficial action. The cerebellum is a very plastic brain region that responds to every experience with deep structural and functional rearrangement. The present review specifically aims to collect and synthesize the evidence provided by animal models on EE exposure effects on cerebellar structure and function by considering the studies on healthy subjects and on animals exposed to EE both before and after damage involving cerebellar functionality. On the whole, the evidence supports the role of EE in enhancing cerebellar compensation and developing cerebellar reserve. However, since studies addressing this issue are still scarce, large areas of inconsistency and lack of clarity remain. Further studies are required to provide suggestions on possible mechanisms of enhancement of compensatory responses in human patients following cerebellar damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Petrosini
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy;
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Cutuli D, Landolfo E, Petrosini L, Gelfo F. Environmental Enrichment Effects on the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Healthy Condition, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:975-992. [PMID: 34897089 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family, is known to be heavily involved in synaptic plasticity processes that support brain development, post-lesion regeneration, and cognitive performances, such as learning and memory. Evidence indicates that BDNF expression can be epigenetically regulated by environmental stimuli and thus can mediate the experience-dependent brain plasticity. Environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm based on the exposure to complex stimulations, constitutes an efficient means to investigate the effects of high-level experience on behavior, cognitive processes, and neurobiological correlates, as the BDNF expression. In fact, BDNF exerts a key role in mediating and promoting EE-induced plastic changes and functional improvements in healthy and pathological conditions. This review is specifically aimed at providing an updated framework of the available evidence on the EE effects on brain and serum BDNF levels, by taking into account both changes in protein expression and regulation of gene expression. A further purpose of the present review is analyzing the potential of BDNF regulation in coping with neurodegenerative processes characterizing Alzheimer's disease (AD), given BDNF expression alterations are described in AD patients. Moreover, attention is also paid to EE effects on BDNF expression in other neurodegenerative disease. To investigate such a topic, evidence provided by experimental studies is considered. A deeper understanding of environmental ability in modulating BDNF expression in the brain may be fundamental in designing more tuned and effective applications of complex environmental stimulations as managing approaches to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Landolfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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13
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Mitoma H, Kakei S, Yamaguchi K, Manto M. Physiology of Cerebellar Reserve: Redundancy and Plasticity of a Modular Machine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4777. [PMID: 33946358 PMCID: PMC8124536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum is endowed with the capacity for compensation and restoration after pathological injury, a property known as cerebellar reserve. Such capacity is attributed to two unique morphological and physiological features of the cerebellum. First, mossy fibers that convey peripheral and central information run mediolaterally over a wide area of the cerebellum, resulting in the innervation of multiple microzones, commonly known as cerebellar functional units. Thus, a single microzone receives redundant information that can be used in pathological conditions. Secondly, the circuitry is characterized by a co-operative interplay among various forms of synaptic plasticity. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of redundant information and synaptic plasticity has allowed outlining therapeutic strategies potentiating these neural substrates to enhance the cerebellar reserve, taking advantage of the unique physiological properties of the cerebellum which appears as a modular and potentially reconfiguring brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Shinji Kakei
- Laboratory for Movement Disorders, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan;
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium;
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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Vicario S, Pérez-Rivas A, de Guevara-Miranda DL, Santín LJ, Sampedro-Piquero P. Cognitive reserve mediates the severity of certain neuropsychological deficits related to cocaine use disorder. Addict Behav 2020; 107:106399. [PMID: 32222563 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The concept of cognitive reserve (CR) is being considered in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) by observing that there are individuals whose brain alterations are not related to the cognitive symptomatology they present. Our aims were to characterise the possible neuropsychological deficits in a sample of subjects with SUD compared to healthy controls and to determine whether the degree of CR is a mediator in the cognitive functioning of these patients. To perform these objectives, the study involved a sample of subjects with SUD in outpatient treatment and a healthy control group. A CR questionnaire and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment were administered, and we also collected data related to drug consumption and psychological well-being. The SUD group showed poorer performance compared to the control group in several cognitive domains (attention, declarative memory, executive functions and emotional perception), as well as in psychological comfort. Interestingly, we observed that the deficits found in attention and processing speed were highly mediated by the CR level of the participants, an effect that we did not observe in the rest of the variables registered. Our results suggest that long-term drug consumption leads to cognitive deficits and affects the psychological well-being of the subjects. Moreover, the CR should be taken into account during the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with SUD due to its protective role against certain neuropsychological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vicario
- Fundación HÉROES, Málaga, Spain; Universidad de Málaga, Spain
| | - A Pérez-Rivas
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Spain
| | - D Ladrón de Guevara-Miranda
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Spain
| | - L J Santín
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Spain.
| | - P Sampedro-Piquero
- Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Spain.
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15
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Mitoma H, Buffo A, Gelfo F, Guell X, Fucà E, Kakei S, Lee J, Manto M, Petrosini L, Shaikh AG, Schmahmann JD. Consensus Paper. Cerebellar Reserve: From Cerebellar Physiology to Cerebellar Disorders. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 19:131-153. [PMID: 31879843 PMCID: PMC6978437 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar reserve refers to the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for tissue damage or loss of function resulting from many different etiologies. When the inciting event produces acute focal damage (e.g., stroke, trauma), impaired cerebellar function may be compensated for by other cerebellar areas or by extracerebellar structures (i.e., structural cerebellar reserve). In contrast, when pathological changes compromise cerebellar neuronal integrity gradually leading to cell death (e.g., metabolic and immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias, neurodegenerative ataxias), it is possible that the affected area itself can compensate for the slowly evolving cerebellar lesion (i.e., functional cerebellar reserve). Here, we examine cerebellar reserve from the perspective of the three cornerstones of clinical ataxiology: control of ocular movements, coordination of voluntary axial and appendicular movements, and cognitive functions. Current evidence indicates that cerebellar reserve is potentiated by environmental enrichment through the mechanisms of autophagy and synaptogenesis, suggesting that cerebellar reserve is not rigid or fixed, but exhibits plasticity potentiated by experience. These conclusions have therapeutic implications. During the period when cerebellar reserve is preserved, treatments should be directed at stopping disease progression and/or limiting the pathological process. Simultaneously, cerebellar reserve may be potentiated using multiple approaches. Potentiation of cerebellar reserve may lead to compensation and restoration of function in the setting of cerebellar diseases, and also in disorders primarily of the cerebral hemispheres by enhancing cerebellar mechanisms of action. It therefore appears that cerebellar reserve, and the underlying plasticity of cerebellar microcircuitry that enables it, may be of critical neurobiological importance to a wide range of neurological/neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - A Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - F Gelfo
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - X Guell
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Ataxia Unit, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - E Fucà
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - S Kakei
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Lee
- Komatsu University, Komatsu, Japan
| | - M Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - L Petrosini
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - A G Shaikh
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - J D Schmahmann
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Ataxia Unit, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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16
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Serra L, Petrosini L, Salaris A, Pica L, Bruschini M, Di Domenico C, Caltagirone C, Marra C, Bozzali M. Testing for the Myth of Cognitive Reserve: Are the Static and Dynamic Cognitive Reserve Indexes a Representation of Different Reserve Warehouses? J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 72:111-126. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-190716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serra
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrosini
- Laboratory of Experimental and Behavioural Neurophysiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salaris
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pica
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Camillo Marra
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, CISC, University of Sussex, Brighton, Falmer East Sussex, UK
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17
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Gelfo F. Does Experience Enhance Cognitive Flexibility? An Overview of the Evidence Provided by the Environmental Enrichment Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:150. [PMID: 31338030 PMCID: PMC6629767 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity accounts for the ability of the brain to change in both structure and function in consequence of life experiences. An enhanced stimulation provided by the environment is able to create a form of brain, neural, and cognitive reserve, which allows an individual to cope better with the environmental demands, also in case of neural damage leading to cognitive decline. With its complex manipulation of several stimuli, the animal experimental paradigm of environmental enrichment (EE) appears particularly effective in modulating the ability to successfully respond to the ever-changing characteristics of the environment. According to this point, it could be very relevant to analyze the specific effects of EE on cognitive flexibility (CF). CF could be defined as the ability to effectively change behavior in response to the environmental condition changing. This review article is specifically aimed to summarize and focus on the available evidence in relation to the effects of EE on CF. To this aim, findings obtained in behavioral tasks specifically structured to investigate animal CF, such as reversal learning and attentional set-shifting tests (tasks based on the request of responding to a rewarding rule that changes, within one or multiple perceptual dimensions), are reviewed. Data provided on the structural and biochemical correlates of these findings are also enumerated. Studies realized in healthy animals and also in pathological models are considered. On the whole, the summarized evidence clearly supports the specific beneficial effects of EE on CF. However, further studies on this key topic are strictly required to gain a comprehensive and detailed framework on the mechanisms by which an enhanced stimulation could improve CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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18
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Serra L, Gelfo F. What good is the reserve? A translational perspective for the managing of cognitive decline. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1219-1220. [PMID: 30804252 PMCID: PMC6425844 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.251328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Serra
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia; Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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Cutuli D, de Guevara-Miranda DL, Castilla-Ortega E, Santín L, Sampedro-Piquero P. Highlighting the Role of Cognitive and Brain Reserve in the Substance use Disorder Field. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:1056-1070. [PMID: 31204624 PMCID: PMC7052825 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190617100707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the ability of an individual to cope with brain pathology remaining free of cognitive symptoms. This protective factor has been related to compensatory and more efficient brain mechanisms involved in resisting brain damage. For its part, Brain reserve (BR) refers to individual differences in the structural properties of the brain which could also make us more resilient to suffer from neurodegenerative and mental diseases. OBJECTIVE This review summarizes how this construct, mainly mediated by educational level, occupational attainment, physical and mental activity, as well as successful social relationships, has gained scientific attention in the last years with regard to diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, stroke or traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, although CR has been studied in a large number of disorders, few researches have addressed the role of this concept in drug addiction. METHODS We provide a selective overview of recent literature about the role of CR and BR in preventing substance use onset. Likewise, we will also discuss how variables involved in CR (healthy leisure, social support or job-related activities, among others) could be trained and included as complementary activities of substance use disorder treatments. RESULTS Evidence about this topic suggests a preventive role of CR and BR on drug use onset and when drug addiction is established, these factors led to less severe addiction-related problems, as well as better treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION CR and BR are variables not taken yet into account in drug addiction. However, they could give us a valuable information about people at risk, as well as patient's prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - L.J. Santín
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Doctor Miguel Díaz Recio, 28 Málaga 29010, Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos S/N, 29071 Málaga, Spain; E-mails: (P. Sampedro-Piquero) and (L.J. Santín)
| | - P. Sampedro-Piquero
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Doctor Miguel Díaz Recio, 28 Málaga 29010, Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos S/N, 29071 Málaga, Spain; E-mails: (P. Sampedro-Piquero) and (L.J. Santín)
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