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Vicente-Acosta A, Herranz-Martín S, Pazos MR, Galán-Cruz J, Amores M, Loria F, Díaz-Nido J. Glial cell activation precedes neurodegeneration in the cerebellar cortex of the YG8-800 murine model of Friedreich ataxia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106631. [PMID: 39111701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106631] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder resulting from reduced levels of the protein frataxin due to an expanded GAA repeat in the FXN gene. This deficiency causes progressive degeneration of specific neuronal populations in the cerebellum and the consequent loss of movement coordination and equilibrium, which are some of the main symptoms observed in affected individuals. Like in other neurodegenerative diseases, previous studies suggest that glial cells could be involved in the neurodegenerative process and disease progression in patients with Friedreich ataxia. In this work, we followed and characterized the progression of changes in the cerebellar cortex in the latest version of Friedreich ataxia humanized mouse model, YG8-800 (Fxnnull:YG8s(GAA)>800), which carries a human FXN transgene containing >800 GAA repeats. Comparative analyses of behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical parameters were conducted between the control strain Y47R and YG8-800 mice at different time points. Our findings revealed that YG8-800 mice exhibit an ataxic phenotype characterized by poor motor coordination, decreased body weight, cerebellar atrophy, neuronal loss, and changes in synaptic proteins. Additionally, early activation of glial cells, predominantly astrocytes and microglia, was observed preceding neuronal degeneration, as was increased expression of key proinflammatory cytokines and downregulation of neurotrophic factors. Together, our results show that the YG8-800 mouse model exhibits a stronger phenotype than previous experimental murine models, reliably recapitulating some of the features observed in humans. Accordingly, this humanized model could represent a valuable tool for studying Friedreich ataxia molecular disease mechanisms and for preclinical evaluation of possible therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vicente-Acosta
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saúl Herranz-Martín
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ruth Pazos
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Galán-Cruz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Francisco Tomás y Valiente, 7, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Amores
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Frida Loria
- Laboratorio de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Budapest 1, Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Díaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Francisco Tomás y Valiente, 7, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro, Segovia de Arana, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Joaquín Rodrigo 1, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain.
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Cocozza S, Bosticardo S, Battocchio M, Corben L, Delatycki M, Egan G, Georgiou‐Karistianis N, Monti S, Palma G, Pane C, Saccà F, Schiavi S, Selvadurai L, Tranfa M, Daducci A, Brunetti A, Harding IH. Gradient of microstructural damage along the dentato-thalamo-cortical tract in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:1691-1702. [PMID: 38952134 PMCID: PMC11251475 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52048] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dentato-thalamo-cortical tract (DTT) is the main cerebellar efferent pathway. Degeneration of the DTT is a core feature of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). However, it remains unclear whether DTT disruption is spatially specific, with some segments being more impacted than others. This study aimed to investigate microstructural integrity along the DTT in FRDA using a profilometry diffusion MRI (dMRI) approach. METHODS MRI data from 45 individuals with FRDA (mean age: 33.2 ± 13.2, Male/Female: 26/19) and 37 healthy controls (mean age: 36.5 ± 12.7, Male/Female:18/19) were included in this cross-sectional multicenter study. A profilometry analysis was performed on dMRI data by first using tractography to define the DTT as the white matter pathway connecting the dentate nucleus to the contralateral motor cortex. The tract was then divided into 100 segments, and dMRI metrics of microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity) at each segment were compared between groups. The process was replicated on the arcuate fasciculus for comparison. RESULTS Across all diffusion metrics, the region of the DTT connecting the dentate nucleus and thalamus was more impacted in FRDA than downstream cerebral sections from the thalamus to the cortex. The arcuate fasciculus was minimally impacted. INTERPRETATION Our study further expands the current knowledge about brain involvement in FRDA, showing that microstructural abnormalities within the DTT are weighted to early segments of the tract (i.e., the superior cerebellar peduncle). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis of DTT undergoing anterograde degeneration arising from the dentate nuclei and progressing to the primary motor cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Sara Bosticardo
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Matteo Battocchio
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Louise Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Martin Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Gary Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nellie Georgiou‐Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Serena Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and BioimagingNational Research CouncilNapoliItaly
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- Institute of NanotechnologyNational Research CouncilLecceItaly
| | - Chiara Pane
- Department of Neurosciences Reproductive and Odontostomatological SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Saccà
- Department of Neurosciences Reproductive and Odontostomatological SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
- ASG Superconductors SpAGenoaItaly
| | - Louisa Selvadurai
- School of Psychological Sciences, The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mario Tranfa
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Alessandro Daducci
- Department of Computer Science, Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) LabUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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3
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Destrebecq V, Rovai A, Trotta N, Comet C, Naeije G. Proprioceptive and tactile processing in individuals with Friedreich ataxia: an fMRI study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1224345. [PMID: 37808498 PMCID: PMC10556689 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1224345] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Friedreich ataxia (FA) neuropathology affects dorsal root ganglia, posterior columns in the spinal cord, the spinocerebellar tracts, and cerebellar dentate nuclei. The impact of the somatosensory system on ataxic symptoms remains debated. This study aims to better evaluate the contribution of somatosensory processing to ataxia clinical severity by simultaneously investigating passive movement and tactile pneumatic stimulation in individuals with FA. Methods Twenty patients with FA and 20 healthy participants were included. All subjects underwent two 6 min block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigms consisting of twelve 30 s alternating blocks (10 brain volumes per block, 120 brain volumes per paradigm) of a tactile oddball paradigm and a passive movement paradigm. Spearman rank correlation tests were used for correlations between BOLD levels and ataxia severity. Results The passive movement paradigm led to the lower activation of primary (cSI) and secondary somatosensory cortices (cSII) in FA compared with healthy subjects (respectively 1.1 ± 0.78 vs. 0.61 ± 1.02, p = 0.04, and 0.69 ± 0.5 vs. 0.3 ± 0.41, p = 0.005). In the tactile paradigm, there was no significant difference between cSI and cSII activation levels in healthy controls and FA (respectively 0.88 ± 0.73 vs. 1.14 ± 0.99, p = 0.33, and 0.54 ± 0.37 vs. 0.55 ± 0.54, p = 0.93). Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between cSI activation levels in the tactile paradigm and the clinical severity (R = 0.481, p = 0.032). Interpretation Our study captured the difference between tactile and proprioceptive impairments in FA using somatosensory fMRI paradigms. The lack of correlation between the proprioceptive paradigm and ataxia clinical parameters supports a low contribution of afferent ataxia to FA clinical severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Destrebecq
- Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles (LNT), UNI – ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonin Rovai
- Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles (LNT), UNI – ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicola Trotta
- Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles (LNT), UNI – ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Camille Comet
- Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles (LNT), UNI – ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Naeije G, Rovai A, Destrebecq V, Trotta N, De Tiège X. Anodal Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Reduces Motor and Cognitive Symptoms in Friedreich's Ataxia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial. Mov Disord 2023; 38:1443-1450. [PMID: 37310043 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29453] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich Ataxia is the most common recessive ataxia with only one therapeutic drug approved solely in the United States. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to investigate whether anodal cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) reduces ataxic and cognitive symptoms in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) and to assess the effects of ctDCS on the activity of the secondary somatosensory (SII) cortex. METHODS We performed a single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover trial with anodal ctDCS (5 days/week for 1 week, 20 min/day, density current: 0.057 mA/cm2 ) in 24 patients with FRDA. Each patient underwent a clinical evaluation (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, composite cerebellar functional severity score, cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale) before and after anodal and sham ctDCS. Activity of the SII cortex contralateral to a tactile oddball stimulation of the right index finger was evaluated with brain functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after anodal/sham ctDCS. RESULTS Anodal ctDCS led to a significant improvement in the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (-6.5%) and in the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale (+11%) compared with sham ctDCS. It also led to a significant reduction in functional magnetic resonance imaging signal at the SII cortex contralateral to tactile stimulation (-26%) compared with sham ctDCS. CONCLUSIONS One week of treatment with anodal ctDCS reduces motor and cognitive symptoms in individuals with FRDA, likely by restoring the neocortical inhibition normally exerted by cerebellar structures. This study provides class I evidence that ctDCS stimulation is effective and safe in FRDA. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Université libre de Bruxelles, UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonin Rovai
- Université libre de Bruxelles, UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Department of Translational Neuroimaging, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Virginie Destrebecq
- Université libre de Bruxelles, UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Department of Neurology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicola Trotta
- Université libre de Bruxelles, UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier De Tiège
- Université libre de Bruxelles, UNI-ULB Neuroscience Institute, Laboratoire de Neuroanatomie et de Neuroimagerie translationnelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Department of Translational Neuroimaging, Brussels, Belgium
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Adanyeguh IM, Joers JM, Deelchand DK, Hutter DH, Eberly LE, Guo B, Iltis I, Bushara KO, Henry PG, Lenglet C. Brain MRI detects early-stage alterations and disease progression in Friedreich ataxia. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad196. [PMID: 37483529 PMCID: PMC10360047 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad196] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cerebellar and spinal atrophy. However, studies to elucidate the longitudinal progression of the pathology in the brain are somewhat inconsistent and limited, especially for early-stage Friedreich ataxia. Using a multimodal neuroimaging protocol, combined with advanced analysis methods, we sought to identify macrostructural and microstructural alterations in the brain of patients with early-stage Friedreich ataxia to better understand its distribution patterns and progression. We enrolled 28 patients with Friedreich ataxia and 20 age- and gender-matched controls. Longitudinal clinical and imaging data were collected in the patients at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. Macrostructural differences were observed in patients with Friedreich ataxia, compared to controls, including lower volume of the cerebellar white matter (but not cerebellar grey matter), superior cerebellar peduncle, thalamus and brainstem structures, and higher volume of the fourth ventricle. Diffusion tensor imaging and fixel-based analysis metrics also showed microstructural differences in several brain regions, especially in the cerebellum and corticospinal tract. Over time, many of these macrostructural and microstructural alterations progressed, especially cerebellar grey and white matter volumes, and microstructure of the superior cerebellar peduncle, posterior limb of the internal capsule and superior corona radiata. In addition, linear regressions showed significant associations between many of those imaging metrics and clinical scales. This study provides evidence of early-stage macrostructural and microstructural alterations and of progression over time in the brain in Friedreich ataxia. Moreover, it allows to non-invasively map such brain alterations over a longer period (3 years) than any previous study, and identifies several brain regions with significant involvement in the disease progression besides the cerebellum. We show that fixel-based analysis of diffusion MRI data is particularly sensitive to longitudinal change in the cerebellar peduncles, as well as motor and sensory white matter tracts. In combination with other morphometric measures, they may therefore provide sensitive imaging biomarkers of disease progression for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac M Adanyeguh
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James M Joers
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Dinesh K Deelchand
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Diane H Hutter
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Lynn E Eberly
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bin Guo
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Isabelle Iltis
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Khalaf O Bushara
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Kerestes R, Cummins H, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Egan GF, Harding IH. Reduced cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity correlates with disease severity and impaired white matter integrity in Friedreich ataxia. J Neurol 2023; 270:2360-2369. [PMID: 36859626 PMCID: PMC10130106 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease characterised in most cases by progressive and debilitating motor dysfunction. Degeneration of cerebellar white matter pathways have been previously reported, alongside indications of cerebello-cerebral functional alterations. In this work, we examine resting-state functional connectivity changes within cerebello-cerebral circuits, and their associations with disease severity (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]), psychomotor function (speeded and paced finger tapping), and white matter integrity (diffusion tensor imaging) in 35 adults with FRDA and 45 age and sex-matched controls. Voxel-wise seed-based functional connectivity was assessed for three cerebellar cortical regions (anterior lobe, lobules I-V; superior posterior lobe, lobules VI-VIIB; inferior posterior lobe, lobules VIIIA-IX) and two dentate nucleus seeds (dorsal and ventral). Compared to controls, people with FRDA showed significantly reduced connectivity between the anterior cerebellum and bilateral pre/postcentral gyri, and between the superior posterior cerebellum and left dorsolateral PFC. Greater disease severity correlated with lower connectivity in these circuits. Lower anterior cerebellum-motor cortex functional connectivity also correlated with slower speeded finger tapping and less fractional anisotropy in the superior cerebellar peduncles, internal capsule, and precentral white matter in the FRDA cohort. There were no significant between-group differences in inferior posterior cerebellar or dentate nucleus connectivity. This study indicates that altered cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity is associated with functional status and white matter damage in cerebellar efferent pathways in people with FRDA, particularly in motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kerestes
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hannah Cummins
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa P Selvadurai
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Serrallach BL, Orman G, Boltshauser E, Hackenberg A, Desai NK, Kralik SF, Huisman TAGM. Neuroimaging in cerebellar ataxia in childhood: A review. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:825-851. [PMID: 35749078 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13017] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia is one of the most common pediatric movement disorders and can be caused by a large number of congenital and acquired diseases affecting the cerebellum or the vestibular or sensory system. It is mainly characterized by gait abnormalities, dysmetria, intention tremor, dysdiadochokinesia, dysarthria, and nystagmus. In young children, ataxia may manifest as the inability or refusal to walk. The diagnostic approach begins with a careful clinical history including the temporal evolution of ataxia and the inquiry of additional symptoms, is followed by a meticulous physical examination, and, depending on the results, is complemented by laboratory assays, electroencephalography, nerve conduction velocity, lumbar puncture, toxicology screening, genetic testing, and neuroimaging. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in either providing the final diagnosis, narrowing the differential diagnosis, or planning targeted further workup. In this review, we will focus on the most common form of ataxia in childhood, cerebellar ataxia (CA). We will discuss and summarize the neuroimaging findings of either the most common or the most important causes of CA in childhood or present causes of pediatric CA with pathognomonic findings on MRI. The various pediatric CAs will be categorized and presented according to (a) the cause of ataxia (acquired/disruptive vs. inherited/genetic) and (b) the temporal evolution of symptoms (acute/subacute, chronic, progressive, nonprogressive, and recurrent). In addition, several illustrative cases with their key imaging findings will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina L Serrallach
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gunes Orman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eugen Boltshauser
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette Hackenberg
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nilesh K Desai
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen F Kralik
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thierry A G M Huisman
- Edward B. Singleton Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Rawat V, Tyagi R, Singh I, Das P, Srivastava AK, Makharia GK, Sharma U. Cerebellar Abnormalities on Proton MR Spectroscopy and Imaging in Patients With Gluten Ataxia: A Pilot Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:782579. [PMID: 35655925 PMCID: PMC9152097 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.782579] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gluten ataxia is a rare immune-mediated neurological disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten. The diagnosis is not straightforward as antibodies are present in only up to 38% of patients, but often at lower titers. The symptoms of ataxia may be mild at the onset but lead to permanent damage if remain untreated. It is characterized by damage to the cerebellum however, the pathophysiology of the disease is not clearly understood. The present study investigated the neurochemical profile of vermis and right cerebellum and structural changes in various brain regions of patients with gluten ataxia (n = 6, age range 40–65 years) and compared it with healthy controls (n = 10, 40–55 years). Volumetric 3-D T1 and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the three planes (axial, coronal, and sagittal) of the whole brain and single-voxel 1H- magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the vermis and right cerebellum were acquired on 3 T human MR scanner. The metabolite concentrations were estimated using LC Model (6.1–4A) while brain volumes were estimated using the online tool volBrain pipeline and CERES and corrected for partial volumes. The levels of neuro-metabolites (N-acetyl aspartate + N-acetyl aspartate glutamate, glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine, and total creatine) were found to be significantly lower in vermis, while N-acetyl aspartate + N-acetyl aspartate glutamate and glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine was lower in cerebellum regions in the patients with gluten ataxia compared to healthy controls. A significant reduction in the white matter of (total brain, cerebellum, and cerebrum); reduction in the volumes of cerebellum lobe (X) and thalamus while lateral ventricles were increased in the patients with gluten ataxia compared to healthy controls. The reduced neuronal metabolites along with structural changes in the brain suggested neuronal degeneration in the patients with gluten ataxia. Our preliminary findings may be useful in understanding the gluten-induced cerebral damage and indicated that MRI and MRS may serve as a non-invasive useful tool in the early diagnosis, thereby enabling better management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishwa Rawat
- Department of NMR and MRI Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Tyagi
- Department of NMR and MRI Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Inder Singh
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasenjit Das
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Govind K. Makharia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Uma Sharma
- Department of NMR and MRI Facility, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Uma Sharma
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9
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Recessive cerebellar and afferent ataxias - clinical challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:257-272. [PMID: 35332317 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar and afferent ataxias present with a characteristic gait disorder that reflects cerebellar motor dysfunction and sensory loss. These disorders are a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the large number of acquired and inherited diseases that cause cerebellar and sensory neuron damage. Among such conditions that are recessively inherited, Friedreich ataxia and RFC1-associated cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) include the characteristic clinical, neuropathological and imaging features of ganglionopathies, a distinctive non-length-dependent type of sensory involvement. In this Review, we discuss the typical and atypical phenotypes of Friedreich ataxia and CANVAS, along with the features of other recessive ataxias that present with a ganglionopathy or polyneuropathy, with an emphasis on recently described clinical features, natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations. We review the main developments in understanding the complex pathology that affects the sensory neurons and cerebellum, which seem to be most vulnerable to disorders that affect mitochondrial function and DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss disease-modifying therapeutic advances in Friedreich ataxia, highlighting the most promising candidate molecules and lessons learned from previous clinical trials.
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10
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Naeije G, Schulz JB, Corben LA. The cognitive profile of Friedreich ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:97. [PMID: 35300598 PMCID: PMC8928653 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Study the cognitive profile of individuals with Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) and seek evidence for correlations between clinical, genetic and imaging characteristics and neuropsychological impairments. METHODS Based on PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was realized using the Pubmed and Scopus databases to identify studies (1950-2021) reporting neuropsychological test results in genetically confirmed FRDA and control participants in at least one of the following cognitive domains: attention/executive, language, memory and visuo-spatial functions as well as emotion. Studies using identical outcomes in a minimum of two studies were pooled. Pooled effect sizes were calculated with Cohen's d. RESULTS Eighteen studies were included. Individuals with FRDA displayed significantly lower performance than individuals without FRDA in most language, attention, executive function, memory visuospatial function, emotion regulation and social cognitive tasks. Among the included studies, thirteen studies examined the relationship between neuropsychological test results and clinical parameters and reported significant association with disease severity and six studies reviewed the relationship between neuroimaging measures and cognitive performance and mainly reported links between reduced cognitive performance and changes in cerebellar structure. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with FRDA display significantly lower performances in many cognitive domains compared to control participants. The spectrum of the cognitive profile alterations in FRDA and its correlation with disease severity and cerebellar structural parameters suggest a cerebellar role in the pathophysiology of FRDA cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du Cerveau (LCFC), UNI - ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 808 Lennik Street, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, Aachen, Germany.,JARA Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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11
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Vavla M, Arrigoni F, Peruzzo D, Montanaro D, Frijia F, Pizzighello S, De Luca A, Della Libera E, Tessarotto F, Guerra P, Harding IH, Martinuzzi A. Functional MRI Studies in Friedreich's Ataxia: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol 2022; 12:802496. [PMID: 35360279 PMCID: PMC8960250 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.802496] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited neurodegenerative movement disorder with early onset, widespread cerebral and cerebellar pathology, and no cure still available. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies, although currently limited in number, have provided a better understanding of brain changes in people with FRDA. This systematic review aimed to provide a critical overview of the findings and methodologies of all fMRI studies conducted in genetically confirmed FRDA so far, and to offer recommendations for future study designs. About 12 cross-sectional and longitudinal fMRI studies, included 198 FRDA children and young adult patients and, 205 healthy controls (HCs), according to the inclusion criteria. Details regarding GAA triplet expansion and demographic and clinical severity measures were widely reported. fMRI designs included motor and cognitive task paradigms, and resting-state studies, with widespread changes in functionally activated areas and extensive variability in study methodologies. These studies highlight a mixed picture of both hypoactivation and hyperactivation in different cerebral and cerebellar brain regions depending on fMRI design and cohort characteristics. Functional changes often correlate with clinical variables. In aggregate, the findings provide support for cerebro-cerebellar loop damage and the compensatory mechanism hypothesis. Current literature indicates that fMRI is a valuable tool for gaining in vivo insights into FRDA pathology, but addressing that its limitations would be a key to improving the design, interpretation, and generalizability of studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Vavla
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Pieve di Soligo, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marinela Vavla ;
| | - Filippo Arrigoni
- Neuroimaging Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- Neuroimaging Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Domenico Montanaro
- U.O.C. Risonanza Magnetica Specialistica e Neuroradiologia, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
- U.O.S.D. Servizio Autonomo di Risonanza Magnetica, Dipartimento Clinico di Neuroscienze dell'Età Evolutiva - IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris - Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Frijia
- U.O.C. Bioingegneria e Ing. Clinica, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Pizzighello
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Pieve di Soligo, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
| | - Alberto De Luca
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Federica Tessarotto
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Pieve di Soligo, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
| | - Paola Guerra
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Pieve di Soligo, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
| | - Ian H. Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Pieve di Soligo, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Pieve di Soligo, Italy
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12
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Shishegar R, Harding IH, Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Egan GF, Georgiou-Karistianis N. Longitudinal investigation of brain activation during motor tasks in Friedreich ataxia: 24-month data from IMAGE-FRDA. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 227:809-819. [PMID: 34687355 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02413-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive autosomal recessive disease. While motor dysfunction is the primary neurological hallmark, little is known about the underlying neurobiological changes associated with motor deficits over the course of disease. We investigated the hypothesis that progressive functional changes in both the cerebellum and cerebrum are related to longitudinal changes in performance on complex motor tasks in individuals with FRDA. Twenty-two individuals with FRDA and 28 controls participated over 24 months. The longitudinal investigation included finger tapping tasks with different levels of complexity (i.e., visually cued, multi-finger; self-paced, single finger), performed in conjunction with fMRI acquisitions, to interrogate changes in the neurobiology of motor and attentional brain networks including the cerebellum and cerebrum. We demonstrated evidence for significant longitudinal decreased cerebral fMRI activity over time in individuals with FRDA, relative to controls, during an attentionally-demanding motor task (visually cued tapping of multiple fingers) in six cerebral regions: right and left superior frontal gyri, right superior temporal gyrus, right primary somatosensory area, right anterior cingulate cortex, and right medial frontal gyrus. Importantly, longitudinal decreased activity was associated with more severe disease status at baseline, higher GAA1 repeat length and earlier age of onset. These findings suggest a dynamic pattern of neuronal activity in motor, attention and executive control networks over time in individuals with FRDA, which is associated with increased disease severity at baseline, increased GAA1 repeat length and earlier age at onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Shishegar
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Australian e-Health Research Centre, CSIRO, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louisa P Selvadurai
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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13
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Harding IH, Lynch DR, Koeppen AH, Pandolfo M. Central Nervous System Therapeutic Targets in Friedreich Ataxia. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:1226-1236. [PMID: 33238751 PMCID: PMC7757690 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited multisystem disease, characterized by marked differences in the vulnerability of neuronal systems. In general, the proprioceptive system appears to be affected early, while later in the disease, the dentate nucleus of the cerebellum and, to some degree, the corticospinal tracts degenerate. In the current era of expanding therapeutic discovery in FRDA, including progress toward novel gene therapies, a deeper and more specific consideration of potential treatment targets in the nervous system is necessary. In this work, we have re-examined the neuropathology of FRDA, recognizing new issues superimposed on classical findings, and dissected the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) aspects of the disease and the affected cell types. Understanding the temporal course of neuropathological changes is needed to identify areas of modifiable disease progression and the CNS and PNS locations that can be targeted at different time points. As most major targets of long-term therapy are in the CNS, this review uses multiple tools for evaluation of the importance of specific CNS locations as targets. In addition to clinical observations, the conceptualizations in this study include physiological, pathological, and imaging approaches, and animal models. We believe that this review, through analysis of a more complete set of data derived from multiple techniques, provides a comprehensive summary of therapeutic targets in FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David R Lynch
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arnulf H Koeppen
- Research, Neurology, and Pathology Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Harding IH, Chopra S, Arrigoni F, Boesch S, Brunetti A, Cocozza S, Corben LA, Deistung A, Delatycki M, Diciotti S, Dogan I, Evangelisti S, França MC, Göricke SL, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Gramegna LL, Henry PG, Hernandez-Castillo CR, Hutter D, Jahanshad N, Joers JM, Lenglet C, Lodi R, Manners DN, Martinez ARM, Martinuzzi A, Marzi C, Mascalchi M, Nachbauer W, Pane C, Peruzzo D, Pisharady PK, Pontillo G, Reetz K, Rezende TJR, Romanzetti S, Saccà F, Scherfler C, Schulz JB, Stefani A, Testa C, Thomopoulos SI, Timmann D, Tirelli S, Tonon C, Vavla M, Egan GF, Thompson PM. Brain Structure and Degeneration Staging in Friedreich Ataxia: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetrics from the ENIGMA-Ataxia Working Group. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:570-583. [PMID: 34435700 PMCID: PMC9292360 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited neurological disease defined by progressive movement incoordination. We undertook a comprehensive characterization of the spatial profile and progressive evolution of structural brain abnormalities in people with FRDA. Methods A coordinated international analysis of regional brain volume using magnetic resonance imaging data charted the whole‐brain profile, interindividual variability, and temporal staging of structural brain differences in 248 individuals with FRDA and 262 healthy controls. Results The brainstem, dentate nucleus region, and superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles showed the greatest reductions in volume relative to controls (Cohen d = 1.5–2.6). Cerebellar gray matter alterations were most pronounced in lobules I–VI (d = 0.8), whereas cerebral differences occurred most prominently in precentral gyri (d = 0.6) and corticospinal tracts (d = 1.4). Earlier onset age predicted less volume in the motor cerebellum (rmax = 0.35) and peduncles (rmax = 0.36). Disease duration and severity correlated with volume deficits in the dentate nucleus region, brainstem, and superior/inferior cerebellar peduncles (rmax = −0.49); subgrouping showed these to be robust and early features of FRDA, and strong candidates for further biomarker validation. Cerebral white matter abnormalities, particularly in corticospinal pathways, emerge as intermediate disease features. Cerebellar and cerebral gray matter loss, principally targeting motor and sensory systems, preferentially manifests later in the disease course. Interpretation FRDA is defined by an evolving spatial profile of neuroanatomical changes beyond primary pathology in the cerebellum and spinal cord, in line with its progressive clinical course. The design, interpretation, and generalization of research studies and clinical trials must consider neuroanatomical staging and associated interindividual variability in brain measures. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:570–583
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sidhant Chopra
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Filippo Arrigoni
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Sylvia Boesch
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Arturo Brunetti
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sirio Cocozza
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Louise A Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Deistung
- University Clinic and Outpatient Clinic for Radiology, Department for Radiation Medicine, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Imis Dogan
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Stefania Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sophia L Göricke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura L Gramegna
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Carlos R Hernandez-Castillo
- Faculty of Computer Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,CONACYT-Institute of Neuroethology, University of Veracruz, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Diane Hutter
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
| | - James M Joers
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Christophe Lenglet
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David N Manners
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Center, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Chiara Marzi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi,", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio,", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, ISPRO, Oncological Network, Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Pane
- NSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Pramod K Pisharady
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Giuseppe Pontillo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thiago J R Rezende
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sandro Romanzetti
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Francesco Saccà
- NSRO Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Christoph Scherfler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Research Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Testa
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sophia I Thomopoulos
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefania Tirelli
- Neuroimaging Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Caterina Tonon
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marinela Vavla
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Conegliano-Pieve di Soligo Research Center, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Gary F Egan
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA
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15
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Öz G, Harding IH, Krahe J, Reetz K. MR imaging and spectroscopy in degenerative ataxias: toward multimodal, multisite, multistage monitoring of neurodegeneration. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 33:451-461. [PMID: 32657886 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Degenerative ataxias are rare and currently untreatable movement disorders, primarily characterized by neurodegeneration in the cerebellum and brainstem. We highlight MRI studies with the most potential for utility in pending ataxia trials and underscore advances in disease characterization and diagnostics in the field. RECENT FINDINGS With availability of advanced MRI acquisition methods and specialized software dedicated to the analysis of MRI of the cerebellum, patterns of cerebellar atrophy in different degenerative ataxias are increasingly well defined. The field further embraced rigorous multimodal investigations to study network-level microstructural and functional brain changes and their neurochemical correlates. MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy were shown to be more sensitive to disease progression than clinical scales and to detect abnormalities in premanifest mutation carriers. SUMMARY Magnetic resonance techniques are increasingly well placed for characterizing the expression and progression of degenerative ataxias. The most impactful work has arguably come through multi-institutional studies that monitor relatively large cohorts, multimodal investigations that assess the sensitivity of different measures and their interrelationships, and novel imaging approaches that are targeted to known pathophysiology (e.g., iron and spinal imaging in Friedreich ataxia). These multimodal, multi-institutional studies are paving the way to clinical trial readiness and enhanced understanding of disease in degenerative ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülin Öz
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Ian H Harding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janna Krahe
- Department of Neurology.,JARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Ju[Combining Diaeresis]lich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Reetz
- Department of Neurology.,JARA Brain Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Research Centre Ju[Combining Diaeresis]lich, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Selvadurai LP, Georgiou-Karistianis N, Shishegar R, Sheridan C, Egan GF, Delatycki MB, Harding IH, Corben LA. Longitudinal structural brain changes in Friedreich ataxia depend on disease severity: the IMAGE-FRDA study. J Neurol 2021; 268:4178-4189. [PMID: 33860369 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Friedreich ataxia is an inherited neurodegenerative disease, with cerebral and cerebellar pathology evident. Despite an increased understanding of its neuropathology, disease progression in this disease remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterise longitudinal change in brain structure using a multi-modal approach across cerebral and cerebellar grey and white matter. METHODS T1-weighted, diffusion-tensor, and magnetisation transfer magnetic resonance images were obtained from 28 individuals with Friedreich ataxia and 29 age- and gender-matched controls at two time-points, 2 years apart. Region-of-interest and exploratory between-group comparisons assessed changes in brain macrostructure (cerebellar lobule volume, cerebral cortical thickness/gyrification, brain white matter volume) and microstructure (white matter fractional anisotropy, mean/axial/radial diffusivity, magnetisation transfer ratio). Rates of change were correlated against change in neurological severity, Time 1 severity, and onset age. RESULTS Individuals with Friedreich ataxia had a greater rate of white matter volume loss than controls in the superior cerebellar peduncles and right peri-thalamic/posterior cerebral regions, and greater reduction in left primary motor cortex gyrification. Greater cerebellar/brainstem white matter volume loss and right dorsal premotor gyrification loss was observed amongst individuals with less severe neurological symptoms at Time 1. Conversely, cerebral atrophy and changes in axial diffusivity were observed in individuals with more severe Time 1 symptoms. Progression in radial diffusivity was more pronounced amongst individuals with earlier disease onset. Greater right ventral premotor gyrification loss correlated with greater neurological progression. CONCLUSION Heterogeneity in Friedreich ataxia progression is observed at the neurobiological level, with evidence of earlier cerebellar and later cerebral degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa P Selvadurai
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Rosita Shishegar
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,The Australian E-Health Research Centre, CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cathlin Sheridan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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17
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Viventi S, Frausin S, Howden SE, Lim SY, Finol-Urdaneta RK, McArthur JR, Abu-Bonsrah KD, Ng W, Ivanusic J, Thompson L, Dottori M. In vivo survival and differentiation of Friedreich ataxia iPSC-derived sensory neurons transplanted in the adult dorsal root ganglia. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10:1157-1169. [PMID: 33734599 PMCID: PMC8284774 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons, which is due to low levels of the mitochondrial protein Frataxin. To explore cell replacement therapies as a possible approach to treat FRDA, we examined transplantation of sensory neural progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and FRDA induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into adult rodent DRG regions. Our data showed survival and differentiation of hESC and FRDA iPSC-derived progenitors in the DRG 2 and 8 weeks post-transplantation, respectively. Donor cells expressed neuronal markers, including sensory and glial markers, demonstrating differentiation to these lineages. These results are novel and a highly significant first step in showing the possibility of using stem cells as a cell replacement therapy to treat DRG neurodegeneration in FRDA as well as other peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Viventi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stefano Frausin
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sara E Howden
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Shiang Y Lim
- O'Brien Institute Department, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Australia.,Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Rocio K Finol-Urdaneta
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, Australia
| | - Jeffrey R McArthur
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, Australia
| | - Kwaku Dad Abu-Bonsrah
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Wayne Ng
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| | - Jason Ivanusic
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lachlan Thompson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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18
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Shishegar R, Harding IH, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Storey E, Egan GF, Georgiou-Karistianis N. Longitudinal Increases in Cerebral Brain Activation During Working Memory Performance in Friedreich Ataxia: 24-Month Data from IMAGE-FRDA. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 19:182-191. [PMID: 31898277 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01094-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) has been associated with functional abnormalities in cerebral and cerebellar networks, particularly in the ventral attention network. However, how functional alterations change with disease progression remains largely unknown. Longitudinal changes in brain activation, associated with working memory performance (N-back task), and grey matter volume were assessed over 24 months in 21 individuals with FRDA and 28 healthy controls using functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Participants also completed a neurocognitive battery assessing working memory (digit span), executive function (Stroop, Haylings), and set-shifting (Trail Making Test). Individuals with FRDA displayed significantly increased brain activation over 24 months in ventral attention brain regions, including bilateral insula and inferior frontal gyrus (pars triangularis and pars opercularis), compared with controls, but there was no difference in working memory (N-back) performance between groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in grey matter volume changes between groups. Significant correlations between brain activations and both clinical severity and age at disease onset were observed in FRDA individuals only at 24 months. There was significant longitudinal decline in Trail Making Test (TMT) difference score (B-A) in individuals with FRDA, compared with controls. These findings provide the first evidence of increased longitudinal activation over time in the cerebral cortex in FRDA, compared with controls, despite comparable working memory performance. This finding represents a possible compensatory response in the ventral attention network to help sustain working memory performance in individuals with FRDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Shishegar
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,The Australian e-Health Research Centre, CSIRO, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ian H Harding
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise A Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Clinical Genetics, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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19
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Vavla M, Arrigoni F, Toschi N, Peruzzo D, D'Angelo MG, Gandossini S, Russo A, Diella E, Tirelli S, Salati R, Rufini A, Condo I, Testi R, Martinuzzi A. Sensitivity of Neuroimaging Indicators in Monitoring the Effects of Interferon Gamma Treatment in Friedreich's Ataxia. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:872. [PMID: 33162876 PMCID: PMC7583645 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of efficient markers of disease progression and response to possibly effective treatments is a key priority for slowly progressive, rare and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Friedreich’s ataxia. Various imaging modalities have documented specific abnormalities in Friedreich’s ataxia that could be tracked to provide useful indicators of efficacy in clinical trials. Advanced MRI imaging (diffusion tensor imaging, DTI; functional MRI, fMRI; and resting-state fMRI, rs-fMRI) and retinal imaging (optical coherence tomography, OCT) were tested longitudinally in a small group of Friedreich’s ataxia patients participating in an open-label clinical trial testing the safety and the efficacy of 6-month treatment with interferon gamma. While the DTI indices documented the slow progression of fractional anisotropy loss, fMRI and rs-fMRI were significantly modified during and after treatment. The fMRI changes significantly correlated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, which is used to monitor clinical response. OCT documented the known thickness reduction of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, but there was no change over time. This pilot study provides indications for the potential utility of fMRI and rs-fMRI as ancillary measures in clinical trials for Friedreich’s ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinela Vavla
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Arrigoni
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata, " Rome, Italy.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia D'Angelo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Sandra Gandossini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Annamaria Russo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Eleonora Diella
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Stefania Tirelli
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Roberto Salati
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rufini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata, " Rome, Italy.,Fratagene Therapeutics, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Condo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata, " Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Testi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata, " Rome, Italy.,Fratagene Therapeutics, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinuzzi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) E. Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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20
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Hodge SM, Haselgrove C, Honor L, Kennedy DN, Frazier JA. An assessment of the autism neuroimaging literature for the prospects of re-executability. F1000Res 2020; 9:1031. [PMID: 33796274 PMCID: PMC7968525 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.25306.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The degree of reproducibility of the neuroimaging literature in psychiatric application areas has been called into question and the issues that relate to this reproducibility are extremely complex. Some of these complexities have to do with the underlying biology of the disorders that we study and others arise due to the technology we apply to the analysis of the data we collect. Ultimately, the observations we make get communicated to the rest of the community through publications in the scientific literature. Methods: We sought to perform a 're-executability survey' to evaluate the recent neuroimaging literature with an eye toward seeing if the technical aspects of our publication practices are helping or hindering the overall quest for a more reproducible understanding of brain development and aging. The topic areas examined include availability of the data, the precision of the imaging method description and the reporting of the statistical analytic approach, and the availability of the complete results. We applied the survey to 50 publications in the autism neuroimaging literature that were published between September 16, 2017 to October 1, 2018. Results: The results of the survey indicate that for the literature examined, data that is not already part of a public repository is rarely available, software tools are usually named but versions and operating system are not, it is expected that reasonably skilled analysts could approximately perform the analyses described, and the complete results of the studies are rarely available. Conclusions: We have identified that there is ample room for improvement in research publication practices. We hope exposing these issues in the retrospective literature can provide guidance and motivation for improving this aspect of our reporting practices in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Hodge
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Christian Haselgrove
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Leah Honor
- Lamar Soutter Library, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - David N. Kennedy
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Jean A. Frazier
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
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21
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Hodge SM, Haselgrove C, Honor L, Kennedy DN, Frazier JA. An assessment of the autism neuroimaging literature for the prospects of re-executability. F1000Res 2020; 9:1031. [PMID: 33796274 PMCID: PMC7968525 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.25306.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The degree of reproducibility of the neuroimaging literature in psychiatric application areas has been called into question and the issues that relate to this reproducibility are extremely complex. Some of these complexities have to do with the underlying biology of the disorders that we study and others arise due to the technology we apply to the analysis of the data we collect. Ultimately, the observations we make get communicated to the rest of the community through publications in the scientific literature. Methods: We sought to perform a 're-executability survey' to evaluate the recent neuroimaging literature with an eye toward seeing if our publication practices are helping or hindering the overall quest for a more reproducible understanding of brain development and aging. The topic areas examined include availability of the data, the precision of the imaging method description and the reporting of the statistical analytic approach, and the availability of the complete results. We applied the survey to 50 publications in the autism neuroimaging literature that were published between September 16, 2017 to October 1, 2018. Results: The results of the survey indicate that for the literature examined, data that is not already part of a public repository is rarely available, software tools are usually named but versions and operating system are not, it is expected that reasonably skilled analysts could approximately perform the analyses described, and the complete results of the studies are rarely available. Conclusions: We have identified that there is ample room for improvement in research publication practices. We hope exposing these issues in the retrospective literature can provide guidance and motivation for improving this aspect of our reporting practices in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Hodge
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Christian Haselgrove
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Leah Honor
- Lamar Soutter Library, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - David N. Kennedy
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
| | - Jean A. Frazier
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01655, USA
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22
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Selvadurai LP, Corben LA, Delatycki MB, Storey E, Egan GF, Georgiou‐Karistianis N, Harding IH. Multiple mechanisms underpin cerebral and cerebellar white matter deficits in Friedreich ataxia: The IMAGE-FRDA study. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:1920-1933. [PMID: 31904895 PMCID: PMC7267947 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Friedreich ataxia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with reported abnormalities in cerebellar, brainstem, and cerebral white matter. White matter structure can be measured using in vivo neuroimaging indices sensitive to different white matter features. For the first time, we examined the relative sensitivity and relationship between multiple white matter indices in Friedreich ataxia to more richly characterize disease expression and infer possible mechanisms underlying the observed white matter abnormalities. Diffusion-tensor, magnetization transfer, and T1-weighted structural images were acquired from 31 individuals with Friedreich ataxia and 36 controls. Six white matter indices were extracted: fractional anisotropy, diffusivity (mean, axial, radial), magnetization transfer ratio (microstructure), and volume (macrostructure). For each index, whole-brain voxel-wise between-group comparisons and correlations with disease severity, onset age, and gene triplet-repeat length were undertaken. Correlations between pairs of indices were assessed in the Friedreich ataxia cohort. Spatial similarities in the voxel-level pattern of between-group differences across the indices were also assessed. Microstructural abnormalities were maximal in cerebellar and brainstem regions, but evident throughout the brain, while macroscopic abnormalities were restricted to the brainstem. Poorer microstructure and reduced macrostructural volume correlated with greater disease severity and earlier onset, particularly in peri-dentate nuclei and brainstem regions. Microstructural and macrostructural abnormalities were largely independent. Reduced fractional anisotropy was most strongly associated with axial diffusivity in cerebral tracts, and magnetization transfer in cerebellar tracts. Multiple mechanisms likely underpin white matter abnormalities in Friedreich ataxia, with differential impacts in cerebellar and cerebral pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa P. Selvadurai
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Louise A. Corben
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Martin B. Delatycki
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health ResearchMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics ServicesParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of MedicineMonash UniversityPrahranVictoriaAustralia
| | - Gary F. Egan
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Monash Biomedical ImagingMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nellie Georgiou‐Karistianis
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ian H. Harding
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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23
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Naeije G, Wens V, Coquelet N, Sjøgård M, Goldman S, Pandolfo M, De Tiège XP. Age of onset determines intrinsic functional brain architecture in Friedreich ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:94-104. [PMID: 31854120 PMCID: PMC6952309 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is the commonest hereditary ataxia in Caucasians. Most patients are homozygous for expanded GAA triplet repeats in the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene, involved in mitochondrial iron metabolism. Here, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to characterize the main determinants of FRDA-related changes in intrinsic functional brain architecture. METHODS Five minutes of MEG signals were recorded at rest from 18 right-handed FRDA patients (mean age 27 years, 9 females; mean SARA score: 21.4) and matched healthy individuals. The MEG connectome was estimated as resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) matrices involving 37 nodes from six major resting state networks and the cerebellum. Source-level rsFC maps were computed using leakage-corrected broad-band (3-40 Hz) envelope correlations. Post hoc median-split was used to contrast rsFC in FRDA patients with different clinical characteristics. Nonparametric permutations and Spearman rank correlation test were used for statistics. RESULTS High rank correlation levels were found between rsFC and age of symptoms onset in FRDA mostly between the ventral attention, the default-mode, and the cerebellar networks; patients with higher rsFC developing symptoms at an older age. Increased rsFC was found in FRDA with later age of symptoms onset compared to healthy subjects. No correlations were found between rsFC and other clinical parameters. CONCLUSION Age of symptoms onset is a major determinant of FRDA patients' intrinsic functional brain architecture. Higher rsFC in FRDA patients with later age of symptoms onset supports compensatory mechanisms for FRDA-related neural network dysfunction and position neuromagnetic rsFC as potential marker of FRDA neural reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Naeije
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Vincent Wens
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Nicolas Coquelet
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Martin Sjøgård
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Serge Goldman
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Massimo Pandolfo
- Department of NeurologyCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Xavier P. De Tiège
- Laboratoire de Cartographie fonctionnelle du CerveauULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI)Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
- Department of Functional NeuroimagingService of Nuclear MedicineCUB Hôpital ErasmeUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)BrusselsBelgium
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24
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Cerebellum and cognition in Friedreich ataxia: a voxel-based morphometry and volumetric MRI study. J Neurol 2019; 267:350-358. [PMID: 31641877 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09582-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested the presence of a significant atrophy affecting the cerebellar cortex in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) patients, an area of the brain long considered to be relatively spared by neurodegenerative phenomena. Cognitive deficits, which occur in FRDA patients, have been associated with cerebellar volume loss in other conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between cerebellar volume and cognition in FRDA. METHODS Nineteen FRDA patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study and evaluated via a neuropsychological examination. Cerebellar global and lobular volumes were computed using the Spatially Unbiased Infratentorial Toolbox (SUIT). Furthermore, a cerebellar voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was also carried out. Correlations between MRI metrics and clinical data were tested via partial correlation analysis. RESULTS FRDA patients showed a significant reduction of the total cerebellar volume (p = 0.004), significantly affecting the Lobule IX (p = 0.001). At the VBM analysis, we found a cluster of significant reduced GM density encompassing the entire lobule IX (p = 0.003). When correlations were probed, we found a direct correlation between Lobule IX volume and impaired visuo-spatial functions (r = 0.58, p = 0.02), with a similar correlation that was found between the same altered function and results obtained at the VBM (r = 0.52; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS With two different image analysis techniques, we confirmed the presence of cerebellar volume loss in FRDA, mainly affecting the posterior lobe. In particular, Lobule IX atrophy correlated with worse visuo-spatial abilities, further expanding our knowledge about the physiopathology of cognitive impairment in FRDA.
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25
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Altered neocortical tactile but preserved auditory early change detection responses in Friedreich ataxia. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:1299-1310. [PMID: 31176929 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) the spatio-temporal dynamics of neocortical responses involved in sensory processing and early change detection in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). METHODS Tactile (TERs) and auditory (AERs) evoked responses, and early neocortical change detection responses indexed by the mismatch negativity (MMN) were recorded using tactile and auditory oddballs in sixteen FRDA patients and matched healthy subjects. Correlations between the maximal amplitude of each response, genotype and clinical parameters were investigated. RESULTS Evoked responses were detectable in all FRDA patients but one. In patients, TERs were delayed and reduced in amplitude, while AERs were only delayed. Only tactile MMN responses at the contralateral secondary somatosensory cortex were altered in FRDA patients. Maximal amplitudes of TERs, AERs and tactile MMN correlated with genotype, but did not correlate with clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS In FRDA, theamplitude of tactile MMN responses at SII cortex are reduced and correlate with the genotype, whileauditory MMN responses are not altered. SIGNIFICANCE Somatosensory pathways and tactile early change detection are selectively impaired in FRDA.
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26
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Liao XL, Yuan Q, Shi WQ, Li B, Su T, Lin Q, Min YL, Zhu PW, Ye L, Shao Y. ALTERED BRAIN ACTIVITY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY USING REGIONAL HOMOGENEITY: A RESTING-STATE fMRI STUDY. Endocr Pract 2019; 25:320-327. [PMID: 30995427 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2018-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Previous neuroimaging studies have shown that diabetic retinopathy (DR) is accompanied by abnormal spontaneous brain activity. The purpose of the current study was to investigate changes in brain neural homogeneity in patients with DR using regional homogeneity (ReHo). Methods: A total of 56 subjects were recruited, including 28 patients with DR (16 female and 12 male patients) and 28 healthy controls (HCs) (16 female and 12 male patients) approximately matched for age and sex. All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The ReHo method was applied to explore neural homogeneity in the brain. The patients with DR were distinguished from HCs following the construction of receiver operating characteristic curves. The ReHo method was applied to assess changes in synchronous neural activity. Results: Compared to HCs, the ReHo values in the left and right posterior lobes of the cerebellum in patients with DR were significantly increased, whereas ReHo values in the right anterior cingulate gyrus, right cuneus, bilateral precuneus, and left-middle frontal gyrus were significantly decreased. In addition, the ReHo value in the right cuneus showed a positive correlation with the best corrected visual acuity in patients with DR. Conclusion: Dysfunctional brain homology may reveal the pathological mechanisms underlying the visual pathways of patients with DR. Abbreviations: AUC = area under the curve; BA = Brodmann area; DR = diabetic retinopathy; fMRI = functional magnetic resonance imaging; HC = healthy control; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; rs-fMRI = resting-state fMRI; ReHo = regional homogeneity; ROC = receiver operating characteristic.
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