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Xu M, Lin R, Wen H, Wang Y, Wong J, Peng Z, Liu L, Nie B, Luo J, Tang X, Cui S. Electroacupuncture Enhances the Functional Connectivity of Limbic System to Neocortex in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Neuroscience 2024; 544:28-38. [PMID: 38423162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.02.025] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that acupuncture may exhibit therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD) through the activation of metabolism in memory-related brain regions. However, the underlying functional mechanism remains poorly understood and warrants further investigation. In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) to explore the potential effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We found that the EA group exhibited significant improvements in the number of platforms crossed and the time spent in the target quadrant when compared with the Model group (p < 0.05). The functional connectivity (FC) of left hippocampus (Hip) was enhanced significantly among 12 regions of interest (ROIs) in the EA group (p < 0.05). Based on the left Hip as the seed point, the rsfMRI analysis of the entire brain revealed increased FC between the limbic system and the neocortex in the 5xFAD mice after EA treatment. Additionally, the expression of amyloid-β(Aβ) protein and deposition in the Hip showed a downward trend in the EA group compared to the Model group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings indicate that EA treatment can improve the learning and memory abilities and inhibit the expression of Aβ protein and deposition of 5xFAD mice. This improvement may be attributed to the enhancement of the resting-state functional activity and connectivity within the limbic-neocortical neural circuit, which are crucial for cognition, motor function, as well as spatial learning and memory abilities in AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China.
| | - Run Lin
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Huaneng Wen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China; The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixiao Wang
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - John Wong
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhihua Peng
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tang
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China
| | - Shaoyang Cui
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen 518034, China.
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2
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Williamson JN, James SA, Mullen SP, Sutton BP, Wszalek T, Mulyana B, Mukli P, Yabluchanskiy A, Yang Y. Sex differences in interacting genetic and functional connectivity biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01151-x. [PMID: 38598069 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01151-x] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
As of 2023, it is estimated that 6.7 million individuals in the United States live with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prior research indicates that AD disproportionality affects females; females have a greater incidence rate, perform worse on a variety of neuropsychological tasks, and have greater total brain atrophy. Recent research shows that hippocampal functional connectivity differs by sex and may be related to the observed sex differences in AD, and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carriers have reduced hippocampal functional connectivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if the ApoE genotype plays a role in the observed sex differences in hippocampal functional connectivity in Alzheimer's disease. The resting state fMRI and T2 MRI of individuals with AD (n = 30, female = 15) and cognitively normal individuals (n = 30, female = 15) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were analyzed using the functional connectivity toolbox (CONN). Our results demonstrated intrahippocampal functional connectivity differed between those without an ε4 allele and those with at least one ε4 allele in each group. Additionally, intrahippocampal functional connectivity differed only by sex when Alzheimer's participants had at least one ε4 allele. These results improve our current understanding of the role of the interacting relationship between sex, ApoE genotype, and hippocampal function in AD. Understanding these biomarkers may aid in the development of sex-specific interventions for improved AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan N Williamson
- Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Shirley A James
- Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sean P Mullen
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Kinesiology & Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Informatics Programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Center for Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bradley P Sutton
- Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Tracey Wszalek
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Beni Mulyana
- Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yuan Yang
- Grainger College of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Clinical Imaging Research Center, Stephenson Family Clinical Research Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Endepols H, Anglada-Huguet M, Mandelkow E, Neumaier B, Mandelkow EM, Drzezga A. Fragmentation of functional resting state brain networks in a transgenic mouse model of tau pathology: A metabolic connectivity study using [ 18F]FDG-PET. Exp Neurol 2024; 372:114632. [PMID: 38052272 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114632] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study, regional reductions in cerebral glucose metabolism have been demonstrated in the tauopathy mouse model rTg4510 (Endepols et al., 2022). Notably, glucose hypometabolism was present in some brain regions without co-localized synaptic degeneration measured with [18F]UCB-H. We hypothesized that in those regions hypometabolism may reflect reduced functional connectivity rather than synaptic damage. To test this hypothesis, we performed seed-based metabolic connectivity analyses using [18F]FDG-PET data in this mouse model. Eight rTg4510 mice at the age of seven months and 8 non-transgenic littermates were injected intraperitoneally with 11.1 ± 0.8 MBq [18F]FDG and spent a 35-min uptake period awake in single cages. Subsequently, they were anesthetized and measured in a small animal PET scanner for 30 min. Three seed-based connectivity analyses were performed per group. Seeds were selected for apparent mismatch between [18F]FDG and [18F]UCB-H. A seed was placed either in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus or dorsal thalamus, and correlated with all other voxels of the brain across animals. In the control group, the emerging correlative pattern was strongly overlapping for all three seed locations, indicating a uniform fronto-thalamo-hippocampal resting state network. In contrast, rTg4510 mice showed three distinct networks with minimal overlap. Frontal and thalamic networks were greatly diminished. The hippocampus, however, formed a new network with the whole parietal cortex. We conclude that resting-state functional networks are fragmented in the brain of rTg4510 mice. Thus, hypometabolism can be explained by reduced functional connectivity of brain areas devoid of tau-related pathology, such as the thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Endepols
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Cologne, Germany; Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Eckhard Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn-Cologne, Germany; Department Neurodegenerative Diseases & Gerontopsychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Bernd Neumaier
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging, Cologne, Germany; Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Nuclear Chemistry (INM-5), Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany.
| | - Eva-Maria Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn-Cologne, Germany; Department Neurodegenerative Diseases & Gerontopsychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Drzezga
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cologne, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn-Cologne, Germany; Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Molecular Organization of the Brain (INM-2), Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52428, Germany
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Williamson J, James SA, Mukli P, Yabluchanskiy A, Wu DH, Sonntag W, Yang Y. Sex difference in brain functional connectivity of hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2024; 46:563-572. [PMID: 37743414 PMCID: PMC10828268 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00943-x] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), affecting nearly 6.5 million people, is the fifth leading cause of death in individuals 65 years or older in the USA. Prior research has shown that AD disproportionality affects females; females have a greater incidence rate, perform worse on a variety of neuropsychological tasks, and have greater total brain atrophy. Recent research has linked these sex differences to neuroimaging markers of brain pathology, such as hippocampal volumes. Specifically, research from our lab found that functional connectivity from the hippocampus to the precuneus cortex and brain stem was significantly stronger in males than in females with mild cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to extend our understanding to individuals with AD and to determine if these potential sex-specific functional connectivity biomarkers extend through different disease stages. The resting state fMRI and T2 MRI of cognitively normal individuals (n = 32, female = 16) and individuals with AD (n = 32, female = 16) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were analyzed using the Functional Connectivity Toolbox (CONN). Our results demonstrate that males had a significantly stronger interhemispheric functional connectivity between the left and right hippocampus compared to females. These results improve our current understanding of the role of the hippocampus in sex differences in AD. Understanding the contribution of impaired functional connectivity sex differences may aid in the development of sex-specific precision medicine for improved AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Williamson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Shirley A James
- Department of Public Health, Health Science Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dee H Wu
- Department of Radiological Science and Medical Physics, Health Science Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Data Institute for Societal Challenges, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - William Sonntag
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Neurosurgery, Health Sciences Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Science Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Data Institute for Societal Challenges, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- SFCRI Clinical Imaging Research Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Hunsberger HC, Lee S, Jin M, Lanio M, Whye A, Cha J, Scarlata M, Jayaseelan K, Denny CA. Sex-Specific Effects of Anxiety on Cognition and Activity-Dependent Neural Networks: Insights from (Female) Mice and (Wo)Men. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.07.548180. [PMID: 37503264 PMCID: PMC10369916 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.548180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), such as depression and anxiety, are observed in 90% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, two-thirds of whom are women. NPS usually manifest long before AD onset creating a therapeutic opportunity. Here, we examined the impact of anxiety on AD progression and the underlying brain-wide neuronal mechanisms. METHODS To gain mechanistic insight into how anxiety impacts AD progression, we performed a cross-sectional analysis on mood, cognition, and neural activity utilizing the ArcCreERT2 x enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) x APP/PS1 (AD) mice. The ADNI dataset was used to determine the impact of anxiety on AD progression in human subjects. RESULTS Female AD mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior and cognitive decline at an earlier age than control (Ctrl) mice and male mice. Brain-wide analysis of c-Fos+ revealed changes in regional correlations and overall network connectivity in AD mice. Sex-specific memory trace changes were observed; female AD mice exhibited impaired memory traces in dorsal CA3 (dCA3), while male AD mice exhibited impaired memory traces in the dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG). In the ADNI dataset, anxiety predicted transition to dementia. Female subjects positive for anxiety and amyloid transitioned more quickly to dementia than male subjects. CONCLUSIONS While future studies are needed to understand whether anxiety is a predictor, a neuropsychiatric biomarker, or a comorbid symptom that occurs during disease onset, these results suggest that AD network dysfunction is sexually dimorphic, and that personalized medicine may benefit male and female AD patients rather than a one size fits all approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly C. Hunsberger
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) / New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, USA
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/The Chicago Medical School; North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC); New York, NY, USA
- Mental Health Data Science, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) / New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Jin
- Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B) Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcos Lanio
- Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B) Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Alicia Whye
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC); New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiook Cha
- Department of Biostatistics (in Psychiatry), Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYSPI/RFMH; New York, NY, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University; Seoul, South Korea
| | - Miranda Scarlata
- Department of Neuroscience, Vassar College; Poughkeepsie, NY USA
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford; Oxford, England
| | - Keerthana Jayaseelan
- Barnard College, Columbia University; New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center; Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Christine. A. Denny
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) / New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC); New York, NY, USA
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Bergamino M, Nelson MR, Numani A, Scarpelli M, Healey D, Fuentes A, Turner G, Stokes AM. Assessment of complementary white matter microstructural changes and grey matter atrophy in a preclinical model of Alzheimer's disease. Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 101:57-66. [PMID: 37028608 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2023.03.024] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been associated with amyloid and tau pathology, as well as neurodegeneration. Beyond these hallmark features, white matter microstructural abnormalities have been observed using MRI. The objective of this study was to assess grey matter atrophy and white matter microstructural changes in a preclinical mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and free-water (FW) diffusion tensor imaging (FW-DTI). Compared to controls, lower grey matter density was observed in the 3xTg-AD model, corresponding to the small clusters in the caudate-putamen, hypothalamus, and cortex. DTI-based fractional anisotropy (FA) was decreased in the 3xTg model, while the FW index was increased. Notably, the largest clusters for both FW-FA and FW index were in the fimbria, with other regions including the anterior commissure, corpus callosum, forebrain septum, and internal capsule. Additionally, the presence of amyloid and tau in the 3xTg model was confirmed with histopathology, with significantly higher levels observed across many regions of the brain. Taken together, these results are consistent with subtle neurodegenerative and white matter microstructural changes in the 3xTg-AD model that manifest as increased FW, decreased FW-FA, and decreased grey matter density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Bergamino
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Megan R Nelson
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Asfia Numani
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Matthew Scarpelli
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Deborah Healey
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Alberto Fuentes
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Gregory Turner
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Ashley M Stokes
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
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Murdy TJ, Dunn AR, Singh S, Telpoukhovskaia MA, Zhang S, White JK, Kahn I, Febo M, Kaczorowski CC. Leveraging genetic diversity in mice to inform individual differences in brain microstructure and memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1033975. [PMID: 36703722 PMCID: PMC9871587 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1033975] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In human Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and AD mouse models, both differential pre-disease brain features and differential disease-associated memory decline are observed, suggesting that certain neurological features may protect against AD-related cognitive decline. The combination of these features is known as brain reserve, and understanding the genetic underpinnings of brain reserve may advance AD treatment in genetically diverse human populations. One potential source of brain reserve is brain microstructure, which is genetically influenced and can be measured with diffusion MRI (dMRI). To investigate variation of dMRI metrics in pre-disease-onset, genetically diverse AD mouse models, we utilized a population of genetically distinct AD mice produced by crossing the 5XFAD transgenic mouse model of AD to 3 inbred strains (C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, FVB/NJ) and two wild-derived strains (CAST/EiJ, WSB/EiJ). At 3 months of age, these mice underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to probe neural microanatomy in 83 regions of interest (ROIs). At 5 months of age, these mice underwent contextual fear conditioning (CFC). Strain had a significant effect on dMRI measures in most ROIs tested, while far fewer effects of sex, sex*strain interactions, or strain*sex*5XFAD genotype interactions were observed. A main effect of 5XFAD genotype was observed in only 1 ROI, suggesting that the 5XFAD transgene does not strongly disrupt neural development or microstructure of mice in early adulthood. Strain also explained the most variance in mouse baseline motor activity and long-term fear memory. Additionally, significant effects of sex and strain*sex interaction were observed on baseline motor activity, and significant strain*sex and sex*5XFAD genotype interactions were observed on long-term memory. We are the first to study the genetic influences of brain microanatomy in genetically diverse AD mice. Thus, we demonstrated that strain is the primary factor influencing brain microstructure in young adult AD mice and that neural development and early adult microstructure are not strongly altered by the 5XFAD transgene. We also demonstrated that strain, sex, and 5XFAD genotype interact to influence memory in genetically diverse adult mice. Our results support the usefulness of the 5XFAD mouse model and convey strong relationships between natural genetic variation, brain microstructure, and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy R. Dunn
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Surjeet Singh
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | | | | | - Itamar Kahn
- Department of Neuroscience, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Catherine C. Kaczorowski
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States,*Correspondence: Catherine C. Kaczorowski,
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Falangola MF, Nie X, Voltin J, Ward R, Dhiman S, Nietert PJ, Jensen JH. Brain microstructure abnormalities in the 3xTg-AD mouse - A diffusion MRI and morphology correlation study. Magn Reson Imaging 2022; 94:48-55. [PMID: 36116712 PMCID: PMC9695071 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2022.09.002] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The widely studied triple transgenic (3xTg-AD) mouse provides a robust model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with region dependent patterns of progressive amyloid-β (Aß) and tau pathology. Using diffusion MRI (dMRI), we investigated the sensitivity of dMRI measures in capturing AD pathology associated microstructure alterations in older 3xTg-AD mice, and the degree to which dMRI changes correlate with measurements of Aβ and tau pathology. 3xTg-AD and normal control (NC) mice, 15 to 21 months of age, were used in this study. In vivo dMRI data were acquired for the generation of diffusion tensor (DT) and diffusional kurtosis (DK) measures within the hippocampus and fimbria (Fi). For these same brain regions, Aβ and tau pathology were quantified by morphological analysis of Aß1-42 and AT8 immunoreactivity. Two-tailed, two-sample t-tests were performed to assess group differences in each brain region of interest (ROI), with the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) method being applied to adjust for multiple comparisons. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to investigate associations between diffusion and morphological measures. Our results revealed, depending on the brain region, DT and DK measures were able to detect group differences. In the dorsal hippocampus (HD), fractional anisotropy (FA) was significantly higher in the 3xTg-AD mice compared with NC mice. In the subiculum (SUB), FA, axial diffusivity (D||) and radial kurtosis (K┴) were significantly higher in 3xTg-AD mice compared with NC mice. Morphological quantification of Aß1-42 and AT8 immunoreactivity showed elevated Aß and tau in the Fi, ventral hippocampus (HV) and SUB of 3xTg-AD mice. The presence of Aβ and tau was significantly correlated with several DT and DK measures, particularly in the SUB, where an increase in tau correlated with an increase in mean kurtosis (MK) and K┴. This work demonstrates significant dMRI differences between older 3xTg-AD and NC mice in the hippocampus and Fi. Significant correlations were found between dMRI and morphological measures of Aβ and tau pathology. These results support the potential of dMRI-derived parameters as biomarkers of AD pathology. Since the imaging methods employed here are easily translatable to clinical MRI, our results are also relevant for human AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fatima Falangola
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Xingju Nie
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joshua Voltin
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ralph Ward
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Siddhartha Dhiman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jens H Jensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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9
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Maharjan S, Tsai AP, Lin PB, Ingraham C, Jewett MR, Landreth GE, Oblak AL, Wang N. Age-dependent microstructure alterations in 5xFAD mice by high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:964654. [PMID: 36061588 PMCID: PMC9428354 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.964654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the age-dependent microstructure changes in 5xFAD mice using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods The 5xFAD mice at 4, 7.5, and 12 months and the wild-type controls at 4 months were scanned at 9.4T using a 3D echo-planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence with the isotropic spatial resolution of 100 μm. The b-value was 3000 s/mm2 for all the diffusion MRI scans. The samples were also acquired with a gradient echo pulse sequence at 50 μm isotropic resolution. The microstructure changes were quantified with DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). The conventional histology was performed to validate with MRI findings. Results The FA values (p = 0.028) showed significant differences in the cortex between wild-type (WT) and 5xFAD mice at 4 months, while hippocampus, anterior commissure, corpus callosum, and fornix showed no significant differences for either FA and MD. FA values of 5xFAD mice gradually decreased in cortex (0.140 ± 0.007 at 4 months, 0.132 ± 0.008 at 7.5 months, 0.126 ± 0.013 at 12 months) and fornix (0.140 ± 0.007 at 4 months, 0.132 ± 0.008 at 7.5 months, 0.126 ± 0.013 at 12 months) with aging. Both FA (p = 0.029) and MD (p = 0.037) demonstrated significant differences in corpus callosum between 4 and 12 months age old. FA and MD were not significantly different in the hippocampus or anterior commissure. The age-dependent microstructure alterations were better captured by FA when compared to MD. Conclusion FA showed higher sensitivity to monitor amyloid deposition in 5xFAD mice. DTI may be utilized as a sensitive biomarker to monitor beta-amyloid progression for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Maharjan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Andy P. Tsai
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peter B. Lin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cynthia Ingraham
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Megan R. Jewett
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gary E. Landreth
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Adrian L. Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Nian Wang,
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10
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Lin B, Zhang L, Yin X, Chen X, Ruan C, Wu T, Liu Z, Huang J. Modulation of entorhinal cortex–hippocampus connectivity and recognition memory following electroacupuncture on 3×Tg-AD model: Evidence from multimodal MRI and electrophysiological recordings. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:968767. [PMID: 35968386 PMCID: PMC9372370 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.968767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory loss and aberrant neuronal network activity are part of the earliest hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Electroacupuncture (EA) has been recognized as a cognitive stimulation for its effects on memory disorder, but whether different brain regions or neural circuits contribute to memory recovery in AD remains unknown. Here, we found that memory deficit was ameliorated in 3×Tg-AD mice with EA-treatment, as shown by the increased number of exploring and time spent in the novel object. In addition, reduced locomotor activity was observed in 3×Tg-AD mice, but no significant alteration was seen in the EA-treated mice. Based on the functional magnetic resonance imaging, the regional spontaneous activity alterations of 3×Tg-AD were mainly concentrated in the accumbens nucleus, auditory cortex, caudate putamen, entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus, insular cortex, subiculum, temporal cortex, visual cortex, and so on. While EA-treatment prevented the chaos of brain activity in parts of the above regions, such as the auditory cortex, EC, hippocampus, subiculum, and temporal cortex. And then we used the whole-cell voltage-clamp recording to reveal the neurotransmission in the hippocampus, and found that EA-treatment reversed the synaptic spontaneous release. Since the hippocampus receives most of the projections of the EC, the hippocampus-EC circuit is one of the neural circuits related to memory impairment. We further applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tracking and functional connectivity, and found that hypo-connected between the hippocampus and EC with EA-treatment. These data indicate that the hippocampus–EC connectivity is responsible for the recognition memory deficit in the AD mice with EA-treatment, and provide novel insight into potential therapies for memory loss in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Lin
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lanlan Zhang
- TCM Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Yin
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaocheng Chen
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chendong Ruan
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tiecheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- TCM Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM), Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jia Huang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Huang,
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11
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Xu N, LaGrow TJ, Anumba N, Lee A, Zhang X, Yousefi B, Bassil Y, Clavijo GP, Khalilzad Sharghi V, Maltbie E, Meyer-Baese L, Nezafati M, Pan WJ, Keilholz S. Functional Connectivity of the Brain Across Rodents and Humans. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:816331. [PMID: 35350561 PMCID: PMC8957796 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.816331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), which measures the spontaneous fluctuations in the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal, is increasingly utilized for the investigation of the brain's physiological and pathological functional activity. Rodents, as a typical animal model in neuroscience, play an important role in the studies that examine the neuronal processes that underpin the spontaneous fluctuations in the BOLD signal and the functional connectivity that results. Translating this knowledge from rodents to humans requires a basic knowledge of the similarities and differences across species in terms of both the BOLD signal fluctuations and the resulting functional connectivity. This review begins by examining similarities and differences in anatomical features, acquisition parameters, and preprocessing techniques, as factors that contribute to functional connectivity. Homologous functional networks are compared across species, and aspects of the BOLD fluctuations such as the topography of the global signal and the relationship between structural and functional connectivity are examined. Time-varying features of functional connectivity, obtained by sliding windowed approaches, quasi-periodic patterns, and coactivation patterns, are compared across species. Applications demonstrating the use of rs-fMRI as a translational tool for cross-species analysis are discussed, with an emphasis on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Finally, open questions are presented to encapsulate the future direction of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Xu
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Theodore J. LaGrow
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nmachi Anumba
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Azalea Lee
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaodi Zhang
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Behnaz Yousefi
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yasmine Bassil
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gloria P. Clavijo
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Eric Maltbie
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Meyer-Baese
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Maysam Nezafati
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wen-Ju Pan
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shella Keilholz
- Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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12
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Manno FAM, Kumar R, An Z, Khan MS, Su J, Liu J, Wu EX, He J, Feng Y, Lau C. Structural and Functional Hippocampal Correlations in Environmental Enrichment During the Adolescent to Adulthood Transition in Mice. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 15:807297. [PMID: 35242015 PMCID: PMC8886042 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.807297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is known to induce neuronal changes; however, the underlying structural and functional factors involved are not fully known and remain an active area of study. To investigate these factors, we assessed enriched environment (EE) and standard environment (SE) control mice over 30 days using structural and functional MRI methods. Naïve adult male mice (n = 30, ≈20 g, C57BL/B6J, postnatal day 60 initial scan) were divided into SE and EE groups and scanned before and after 30 days. Structural analyses included volumetry based on manual segmentation as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Functional analyses included seed-based analysis (SBA), independent component analysis (ICA), the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF). Structural results indicated that environmental enrichment led to an increase in the volumes of cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus. Structural results indicated changes in radial diffusivity and mean diffusivity in the visual cortex and secondary somatosensory cortex after EE. Furthermore, SBA and ICA indicated an increase in resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) functional connectivity in the hippocampus. Using parallel structural and functional analyses, we have demonstrated coexistent structural and functional changes in the hippocampal subdivision CA1. Future research should map alterations temporally during environmental enrichment to investigate the initiation of these structural and functional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis A M Manno
- Center for Imaging Science, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rachit Kumar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ziqi An
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Shehzad Khan
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Junfeng Su
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ed X Wu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jufang He
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yanqiu Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Condon Lau
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Arnoldussen IAC, Morrison MC, Wiesmann M, van Diepen JA, Worms N, Voskuilen M, Verweij V, Geenen B, Gualdo NP, van der Logt L, Gross G, Kleemann R, Kiliaan AJ. Milk fat globule membrane attenuates high fat diet-induced neuropathological changes in obese Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice. Int J Obes (Lond) 2022; 46:342-349. [PMID: 34716425 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00998-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure secreted by the mammary gland and present in mammalian milk. MFGM contains lipids and glycoproteins as well as gangliosides, which may be involved in myelination processes. Notably, myelination and thereby white matter integrity are often altered in obesity. Furthermore, MFGM interventions showed beneficial effects in obesity by affecting inflammatory processes and the microbiome. In this study, we investigated the impact of a dietary MFGM intervention on fat storage, neuroinflammatory processes and myelination in a rodent model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. METHODS 12-week-old male low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient Leiden mice were exposed to a HFD, a HFD enriched with 3% whey protein lipid concentrate (WPC) high in MFGM components, or a low fat diet. The impact of MFGM supplementation during 24-weeks of HFD-feeding was examined over time by analyzing body weight and fat storage, assessing cognitive tasks and MRI scanning, analyzing myelinization with polarized light imaging and examining neuroinflammation using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We found in this study that 24 weeks of HFD-feeding induced excessive fat storage, increased systolic blood pressure, altered white matter integrity, decreased functional connectivity, induced neuroinflammation and impaired spatial memory. Notably, supplementation with 3% WPC high in MFGM components restored HFD-induced neuroinflammation and attenuated the reduction in hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and hippocampal functional connectivity. CONCLUSIONS We showed that supplementation with WPC high in MFGM components beneficially contributed to hippocampal-dependent spatial memory, functional connectivity in the hippocampus and anti-inflammatory processes in HFD-induced obesity in rodents. Current knowledge regarding exact biological mechanisms underlying these effects should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse A C Arnoldussen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martine C Morrison
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maximilian Wiesmann
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Janna A van Diepen
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Worms
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke Voskuilen
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vivienne Verweij
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bram Geenen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Natàlia Pujol Gualdo
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke van der Logt
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Gross
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Reckitt Mead Johnson Nutrition Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Kleemann
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda J Kiliaan
- Department of Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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14
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Manno FA, An Z, Kumar R, Su AJ, Liu J, Wu EX, He J, Feng Y, Lau C. Environmental enrichment leads to behavioral circadian shifts enhancing brain-wide functional connectivity between sensory cortices and eliciting increased hippocampal spiking. Neuroimage 2022; 252:119016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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15
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Neuroimaging of Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020305. [PMID: 35203515 PMCID: PMC8869427 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have made great strides in the diagnosis and our understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Despite the knowledge gained from human studies, mouse models have and continue to play an important role in deciphering the cellular and molecular evolution of AD. MRI and PET are now being increasingly used to investigate neuroimaging features in mouse models and provide the basis for rapid translation to the clinical setting. Here, we provide an overview of the human MRI and PET imaging landscape as a prelude to an in-depth review of preclinical imaging in mice. A broad range of mouse models recapitulate certain aspects of the human AD, but no single model simulates the human disease spectrum. We focused on the two of the most popular mouse models, the 3xTg-AD and the 5xFAD models, and we summarized all known published MRI and PET imaging data, including contrasting findings. The goal of this review is to provide the reader with broad framework to guide future studies in existing and future mouse models of AD. We also highlight aspects of MRI and PET imaging that could be improved to increase rigor and reproducibility in future imaging studies.
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16
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Van der Linden A, Hoehn M. Monitoring Neuronal Network Disturbances of Brain Diseases: A Preclinical MRI Approach in the Rodent Brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:815552. [PMID: 35046778 PMCID: PMC8761853 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.815552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional and structural neuronal networks, as recorded by resting-state functional MRI and diffusion MRI-based tractography, gain increasing attention as data driven whole brain imaging methods not limited to the foci of the primary pathology or the known key affected regions but permitting to characterize the entire network response of the brain after disease or injury. Their connectome contents thus provide information on distal brain areas, directly or indirectly affected by and interacting with the primary pathological event or affected regions. From such information, a better understanding of the dynamics of disease progression is expected. Furthermore, observation of the brain's spontaneous or treatment-induced improvement will contribute to unravel the underlying mechanisms of plasticity and recovery across the whole-brain networks. In the present review, we discuss the values of functional and structural network information derived from systematic and controlled experimentation using clinically relevant animal models. We focus on rodent models of the cerebral diseases with high impact on social burdens, namely, neurodegeneration, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemie Van der Linden
- Bio-Imaging Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mathias Hoehn
- Research Center Jülich, Institute 3 for Neuroscience and Medicine, Jülich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mathias Hoehn
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17
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Ni R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12768. [PMID: 34884573 PMCID: PMC8657987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Aberrant Aβ accumulation induces neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular alterations, and synaptic deficits, leading to cognitive impairment. Animal models recapitulating the Aβ pathology, such as transgenic, knock-in mouse and rat models, have facilitated the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of therapeutics targeting Aβ. There is a rapid advance in high-field MRI in small animals. Versatile high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, such as diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, resting-state functional MRI, anatomical MRI, and MR spectroscopy, as well as contrast agents, have been developed for preclinical imaging in animal models. These tools have enabled high-resolution in vivo structural, functional, and molecular readouts with a whole-brain field of view. MRI has been used to visualize non-invasively the Aβ deposits, synaptic deficits, regional brain atrophy, impairment in white matter integrity, functional connectivity, and cerebrovascular and glymphatic system in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Many of the readouts are translational toward clinical MRI applications in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MRI for visualizing the pathophysiology in amyloidosis animal models. We discuss the outstanding challenges in brain imaging using MRI in small animals and propose future outlook in visualizing Aβ-related alterations in the brains of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich & University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Veale T, Malone IB, Poole T, Parker TD, Slattery CF, Paterson RW, Foulkes AJM, Thomas DL, Schott JM, Zhang H, Fox NC, Cash DM. Loss and dispersion of superficial white matter in Alzheimer's disease: a diffusion MRI study. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab272. [PMID: 34859218 PMCID: PMC8633427 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological cerebral white matter changes in Alzheimer's disease have been shown using diffusion tensor imaging. Superficial white matter changes are relatively understudied despite their importance in cortico-cortical connections. Measuring superficial white matter degeneration using diffusion tensor imaging is challenging due to its complex organizational structure and proximity to the cortex. To overcome this, we investigated diffusion MRI changes in young-onset Alzheimer's disease using standard diffusion tensor imaging and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging to distinguish between disease-related changes that are degenerative (e.g. loss of myelinated fibres) and organizational (e.g. increased fibre dispersion). Twenty-nine young-onset Alzheimer's disease patients and 22 healthy controls had both single-shell and multi-shell diffusion MRI. We calculated fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, neurite density index, orientation dispersion index and tissue fraction (1-free water fraction). Diffusion metrics were sampled in 15 a priori regions of interest at four points along the cortical profile: cortical grey matter, grey/white boundary, superficial white matter (1 mm below grey/white boundary) and superficial/deeper white matter (2 mm below grey/white boundary). To estimate cross-sectional group differences, we used average marginal effects from linear mixed effect models of participants' diffusion metrics along the cortical profile. The superficial white matter of young-onset Alzheimer's disease individuals had lower neurite density index compared to controls in five regions (superior and inferior parietal, precuneus, entorhinal and parahippocampus) (all P < 0.05), and higher orientation dispersion index in three regions (fusiform, entorhinal and parahippocampus) (all P < 0.05). Young-onset Alzheimer's disease individuals had lower fractional anisotropy in the entorhinal and parahippocampus regions (both P < 0.05) and higher fractional anisotropy within the postcentral region (P < 0.05). Mean diffusivity was higher in the young-onset Alzheimer's disease group in the parahippocampal region (P < 0.05) and lower in the postcentral, precentral and superior temporal regions (all P < 0.05). In the overlying grey matter, disease-related changes were largely consistent with superficial white matter findings when using neurite density index and fractional anisotropy, but appeared at odds with orientation dispersion and mean diffusivity. Tissue fraction was significantly lower across all grey matter regions in young-onset Alzheimer's disease individuals (all P < 0.001) but group differences reduced in magnitude and coverage when moving towards the superficial white matter. These results show that microstructural changes occur within superficial white matter and along the cortical profile in individuals with young-onset Alzheimer's disease. Lower neurite density and higher orientation dispersion suggests underlying fibres undergo neurodegeneration and organizational changes, two effects previously indiscernible using standard diffusion tensor metrics in superficial white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Veale
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ian B Malone
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Teresa Poole
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Thomas D Parker
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine F Slattery
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Ross W Paterson
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander J M Foulkes
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - David L Thomas
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jonathan M Schott
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Centre for Medical Image Computing, UCL, London, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, UK
| | - David M Cash
- The Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, UK
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Bjorkli C, Louet C, Flo TH, Hemler M, Sandvig A, Sandvig I. In Vivo Microdialysis in Mice Captures Changes in Alzheimer's Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Consistent with Developing Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:1781-1794. [PMID: 34719495 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can provide valuable insights into the onset and progression of the disease, such as changes in concentrations of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, such models are currently underutilized due to limited advancement in techniques that allow for longitudinal CSF monitoring. OBJECTIVE An elegant way to understand the biochemical environment in the diseased brain is intracerebral microdialysis, a method that has until now been limited to short-term observations, or snapshots, of the brain microenvironment. Here we draw upon patient-based findings to characterize CSF biomarkers in a commonly used preclinical mouse model for AD. METHODS Our modified push-pull microdialysis method was first validated ex vivo with human CSF samples, and then in vivo in an AD mouse model, permitting assessment of dynamic changes of CSF Aβ and tau and allowing for better translational understanding of CSF biomarkers. RESULTS We demonstrate that CSF biomarker changes in preclinical models capture what is observed in the brain; with a decrease in CSF Aβ observed when plaques are deposited, and an increase in CSF tau once tau pathology is present in the brain parenchyma. We found that a high molecular weight cut-off membrane allowed for simultaneous sampling of Aβ and tau, comparable to CSF collection by lumbar puncture in patients. CONCLUSION Our approach can further advance AD and other neurodegenerative research by following evolving neuropathology along the disease cascade via consecutive sampling from the same animal and can additionally be used to administer pharmaceutical compounds and assess their efficacy (Bjorkli, unpublished data).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Bjorkli
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Claire Louet
- Center for Molecular Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trude Helen Flo
- Center for Molecular Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mary Hemler
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Axel Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Neuro, Head and Neck, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neuro, Head and Neck, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ioanna Sandvig
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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20
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Manno FAM, An Z, Kumar R, Wu EX, He J, Feng Y, Lau C. Structural Alterations in a Rat Model of Short-Term Conductive Hearing Loss Are Associated With Reduced Resting State Functional Connectivity. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:655172. [PMID: 34456689 PMCID: PMC8397539 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.655172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conductive hearing loss (CHL) results in attenuation of air conducted sound reaching the inner ear. How a change in air conducted sound alters the auditory system resulting in cortical alterations is not well understood. Here, we have assessed structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an adult (P60) rat model of short-term conductive hearing loss (1 week). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial diffusivity alterations after hearing loss that circumscribed the auditory cortex (AC). Tractography found the lateral lemniscus tract leading to the bilateral inferior colliculus (IC) was reduced. For baseline comparison, DTI and tractography alterations were not found for the somatosensory cortex. To determine functional connectivity changes due to hearing loss, seed-based analysis (SBA) and independent component analysis (ICA) were performed. Short term conductive hearing loss altered functional connectivity in the AC and IC, but not the somatosensory cortex. The results present an exploratory neuroimaging assessment of structural alterations coupled to a change in functional connectivity after conductive hearing loss. The results and implications for humans consist of structural-functional brain alterations following short term hearing loss in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ziqi An
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rachit Kumar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ed X. Wu
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
- Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Signal Processing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Jufang He
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Yanqiu Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Condon Lau
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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21
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Falangola MF, Nie X, Ward R, Dhiman S, Voltin J, Nietert PJ, Jensen JH. Diffusion MRI detects basal forebrain cholinergic abnormalities in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 83:1-13. [PMID: 34229088 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Degeneration of the basal forebrain (BF) is detected early in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reduction in the number of BF cholinergic (ChAT) neurons associated with age-related hippocampal cholinergic neuritic dystrophy is described in the 3xTg-AD mouse model; however, no prior diffusion MRI (dMRI) study has explored the presence of BF alterations in this model. Here we investigated the ability of diffusion MRI (dMRI) to detect abnormalities in BF microstructure for the 3xTg-AD mouse model, along with related pathology in the hippocampus (HP) and white matter (WM) tracks comprising the septo-hippocampal pathway. 3xTg-AD and normal control (NC) mice were imaged in vivo using the specific dMRI technique known as diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) at 2, 8, and 15 months of age, and 8 dMRI parameters were measured at each time point. Our results revealed significant lower dMRI values in the BF of 2 months-old 3xTg-AD mice compared with NC mice, most likely related to the increased number of ChAT neurons seen in this AD mouse model at this age. They also showed significant age-related dMRI changes in the BF of both groups between 2 and 8 months of age, mainly a decrease in fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity, and an increase in radial kurtosis. These dMRI changes in the BF may be reflecting the complex aging and pathological microstructural changes described in this region. Group differences and age-related changes were also observed in the HP, fimbria (Fi) and fornix (Fx). In the HP, diffusivity values were significantly higher in the 2 months-old 3xTg-AD mice, and the HP of NC mice showed a significant increase in axial kurtosis after 8 months, reflecting a normal pattern of increased fiber density complexity, which was not seen in the 3xTg-AD mice. In the Fi, mean and radial diffusivity values were significantly higher, and fractional anisotropy, radial kurtosis and kurtosis fractional anisotropy were significantly lower in the 2 months-old 3xTg-AD mice. The age trajectories for both NC and TG mice in the Fi and Fx were similar between 2 and 8 months, but after 8 months there was a significant decrease in diffusivity metrics associated with an increase in kurtosis metrics in the 3xTg-AD mice. These later HP, Fi and Fx dMRI changes probably reflect the growing number of dystrophic neurites and AD pathology progression in the HP, accompanied by WM disruption in the septo-hippocampal pathway. Our results demonstrate that dMRI can detect early cytoarchitectural abnormalities in the BF, as well as related aging and neurodegenerative changes in the HP, Fi and Fx of the 3xTg-AD mice. Since DKI is widely available on clinical scanners, these results also support the potential of the considered dMRI parameters as in vivo biomarkers for AD disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fatima Falangola
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Xingju Nie
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ralph Ward
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Siddhartha Dhiman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joshua Voltin
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jens H Jensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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22
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Im S, Lee J, Kim S. Preliminary Comparison of Subcortical Structures in Elderly Subclinical Depression: Structural Analysis with 3T MRI. Exp Neurobiol 2021; 30:183-202. [PMID: 33972469 PMCID: PMC8118753 DOI: 10.5607/en20056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression in the elderly population has shown increased likelihood of neurological disorders due to structural changes in the subcortical area. However, further investigation into depression related subcortical changes is needed due to mismatches in structural analysis results between studies as well as scarcities in research regarding subcortical connectivity patterns of subclinical depression populations. This study aims to investigate structural differences in subcortical regions of aged participants with subclinical depression using 3Tesla MRI. In structural analysis, volumes of each subcortical region were measured to observe the volumetric difference and asymmetry between groups, but no significant difference was found. In addition, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) did not show any significant differences between groups. Structural analysis using probabilistic tractography indicated that the connection strength between left nucleus accumbens-right hippocampus, and right thalamus-right caudate was higher in the control group than the subclinical depression group. The differences in subcortical connection strength of subclinical depression groups, have shown to correlate with emotional and cognitive disorders, such as anxiety and memory impairment. We believe that the analysis of structural differences and cross-regional network measures in subcortical structures can help identify neurophysiological changes occurring in subclinical depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- SangJin Im
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer & Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
| | - Jeonghwan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Siekyeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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23
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Falangola MF, Nie X, Ward R, McKinnon ET, Dhiman S, Nietert PJ, Helpern JA, Jensen JH. Diffusion MRI detects early brain microstructure abnormalities in 2-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4346. [PMID: 32557874 PMCID: PMC7683375 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The 3×Tg-AD mouse is one of the most studied animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and develops both amyloid beta deposits and neurofibrillary tangles in a temporal and spatial pattern that is similar to human AD pathology. Additionally, abnormal myelination patterns with changes in oligodendrocyte and myelin marker expression are reported to be an early pathological feature in this model. Only few diffusion MRI (dMRI) studies have investigated white matter abnormalities in 3×Tg-AD mice, with inconsistent results. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of dMRI to capture brain microstructural alterations in 2-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice. In the fimbria, the fractional anisotropy (FA), kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA), and radial kurtosis (K┴ ) were found to be significantly lower in 3×Tg-AD mice than in controls, while the mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (D┴ ) were found to be elevated. In the fornix, K┴ was lower for 3×Tg-AD mice; in the dorsal hippocampus MD and D┴ were elevated, as were FA, MD, and D┴ in the ventral hippocampus. These results indicate, for the first time, dMRI changes associated with myelin abnormalities in young 3×Tg-AD mice, before they develop AD pathology. Morphological quantification of myelin basic protein immunoreactivity in the fimbria was significantly lower in the 3×Tg-AD mice compared with the age-matched controls. Our results demonstrate that dMRI is able to detect widespread, significant early brain morphological abnormalities in 2-month-old 3×Tg-AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fatima Falangola
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
| | - Xingju Nie
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
| | - Ralph Ward
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, US
| | - Emilie T McKinnon
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
| | - Siddhartha Dhiman
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, US
| | - Joseph A Helpern
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
| | - Jens H Jensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, US
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24
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Müller HP, Roselli F, Rasche V, Kassubek J. Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Based Studies at the Group-Level Applied to Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:734. [PMID: 32982659 PMCID: PMC7487414 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of human and non-human microstructural brain alterations in the course of neurodegenerative diseases has substantially improved by the non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Animal models (including disease or knockout models) allow for a variety of experimental manipulations, which are not applicable to humans. Thus, the DTI approach provides a promising tool for cross-species cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations of the neurobiological targets and mechanisms of neurodegeneration. This overview with a systematic review focuses on the principles of DTI analysis as used in studies at the group level in living preclinical models of neurodegeneration. The translational aspect from in-vivo animal models toward (clinical) applications in humans is covered as well as the DTI-based research of the non-human brains' microstructure, the methodological aspects in data processing and analysis, and data interpretation at different abstraction levels. The aim of integrating DTI in multiparametric or multimodal imaging protocols will allow the interrogation of DTI data in terms of directional flow of information and may identify the microstructural underpinnings of neurodegeneration-related patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Roselli
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal MRI, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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25
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Detrez JR, Ben-Nejma IRH, Van Kolen K, Van Dam D, De Deyn PP, Fransen E, Verhoye M, Timmermans JP, Nuydens R, Van der Linden A, Keliris GA, De Vos WH. Progressive tau aggregation does not alter functional brain network connectivity in seeded hTau.P301L mice. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 143:105011. [PMID: 32653674 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau is a hallmark of various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. However, to date, the functional effects of tau pathology on brain network connectivity remain poorly understood. To directly interrogate the impact of tau pathology on functional brain connectivity, we conducted a longitudinal experiment in which we monitored a fibril-seeded hTau.P301L mouse model using correlative whole-brain microscopy and resting-state functional MRI. Despite a progressive aggravation of tau pathology across the brain, the major resting-state networks appeared unaffected up to 15 weeks after seeding. Targeted analyses also showed that the connectivity of regions with high levels of hyperphosphorylated tau was comparable to that observed in controls. In line with the ostensible retention of connectivity, no behavioural changes were detected between seeded and control hTau.P301L mice as determined by three different paradigms. Our data indicate that seeded tau pathology, with accumulation of tau aggregates throughout different regions of the brain, does not alter functional connectivity or behaviour in this mouse model. Additional correlative functional studies on different mouse models should help determine whether this is a generalizable trait of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Detrez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Kristof Van Kolen
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Belgium.
| | - Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology, Memory Clinic of Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA) Middelheim and Hoge Beuken, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik Fransen
- StatUa Center for Statistics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Rony Nuydens
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
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26
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Güell-Bosch J, Lope-Piedrafita S, Esquerda-Canals G, Montoliu-Gaya L, Villegas S. Progression of Alzheimer's disease and effect of scFv-h3D6 immunotherapy in the 3xTg-AD mouse model: An in vivo longitudinal study using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 33:e4263. [PMID: 32067292 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable disease that affects most of the 47 million people estimated as living with dementia worldwide. The main histopathological hallmarks of AD are extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. In recent years, Aβ-immunotherapy has been revealed as a potential tool in AD treatment. One strategy consists of using single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), which avoids the fragment crystallizable (Fc) effects that are supposed to trigger a microglial response, leading to microhemorrhages and vasogenic edemas, as evidenced in clinical trials with bapineuzumab. The scFv-h3D6 generated by our research group derives from this monoclonal antibody, which targets the N-terminal of the Aβ peptide and recognizes monomers, oligomers and fibrils. In this study, 3xTg-AD mice were intraperitoneally and monthly treated with 100 μg of scFv-h3D6 (a dose of ~3.3 mg/kg) or PBS, from 5 to 12 months of age (-mo), the age at which the mice were sacrificed and samples collected for histological and biochemical analyses. During treatments, four monitoring sessions using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI/MRS) were performed at 5, 7, 9, and 12 months of age. MRI/MRS techniques are widely used in both human and mouse research, allowing to draw an in vivo picture of concrete aspects of the pathology in a non-invasive manner and allowing to monitor its development across time. Compared with the genetic background, 3xTg-AD mice presented a smaller volume in almost all cerebral regions and ages examined, an increase in both the intra and extracellular Aβ1-42 at 12-mo, and an inflammation process at this age, in both the hippocampus (IL-6 and mIns) and cortex (IL-6). In addition, treatment with scFv-h3D6 partially recovered the values in brain volume, and Aβ, IL-6, and mIns concentrations, among others, encouraging further studies with this antibody fragment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Güell-Bosch
- Protein Design and Immunotherapy Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Lope-Piedrafita
- Servei de Ressonància Magnètica Nuclear, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - G Esquerda-Canals
- Protein Design and Immunotherapy Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Montoliu-Gaya
- Protein Design and Immunotherapy Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Villegas
- Protein Design and Immunotherapy Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Khan MS, Kumar R, Manno SH, Ahmed I, Lun Law AW, Cruces RR, Ma V, Cho WC, Cheng SH, Lau C. Glymphatic clearance of simulated silicon dispersion in mouse brain analyzed by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03702. [PMID: 32322711 PMCID: PMC7168738 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicon-based devices, such as neural probes, are increasingly used as electrodes for receiving electrical signals from neural tissue. Neural probes used chronically have been known to induce inflammation and elicit an immune response. The current study detects and evaluates silicon dispersion from a concentrated source in the mouse brain using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Element lines for Si (I) were found at the injection site at approximately 288 nm at 3hr post-implantation, even with tissue perfusion, indicating possible infusion into neural tissue. At 24hr and 1-week post-implantation, no silicon lines were found, indicating clearance. An isolated immune response was found by CD68 macrophage response at 24hr post injection. Future studies should measure chronic silicon exposure to determine if the inflammatory response is proportional to silicon administration. The present type of protocol, coupling laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, neuroimaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, and determination of clearance could be used to investigate the glymphatic system and different tissue states such as in disease (e.g. Alzheimer's).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachit Kumar
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sinai H.C. Manno
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
| | - Irfan Ahmed
- Electrical Engineering Department, Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur 65200, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Alan Wing Lun Law
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
| | - Raul R. Cruces
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Victor Ma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
| | - Shuk Han Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution (SKLMP), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
| | - Condon Lau
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, HKSAR, China
- Corresponding author.
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