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Martini M, Arias N. Disentangling the effects of near-infrared light stimulation and exercise on cognitive function in fNIRS studies. Neuroimage 2024; 292:120615. [PMID: 38631617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120615] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) studies often aim to measure changes in the brain's hemodynamic response in relation to a specific intervention. We recently showed how a fNIRS device could induce photobiomodulatory effects on cognition by using its near-infrared (NIR) light. However, so far, fNIRS research has overlooked the stimulatory potential intrinsic to this technique. The work by Kuwamizu et al. (2023) on pupil dynamics during exercise is no exception. Here, we suggest a fix to their experimental design, which could be taken into account in other fNIRS studies, to guarantee an adequate level of control for possible unconsidered photobiomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Martini
- Department of Humanities, Letters, Cultural Heritage and Educational Studies, via Arpi, Foggia 71121, Italy.
| | - Natalia Arias
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Psychology and Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), Oviedo 33005, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo 33011, Spain; BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, Madrid 28248, Spain
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2
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Wagner S, Süer E, Sigdel B, Zrenner E, Strasser T. Monocular transcorneal electrical stimulation induces ciliary muscle thickening in contralateral eye. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109475. [PMID: 37061116 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109475] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) is used as therapy for retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and was suggested for assessing retinal sensitivity by determining phosphene thresholds, subjective luminance impressions caused by retinal stimulation. Further applications concerned the accommodation process, revealing an improved accommodative amplitude in presbyopic eyes after TES treatment. The respective changes of the ciliary muscle (CM), the structure most important for near vision, during TES are yet unknown. In a pilot study, we aimed to assess whether monocular TES leads to morphological and functional CM changes and whether central accommodation control is affected. Ten healthy, near-emmetropic adults participated in the trial (4 females, age 26.3 ± 3.6 years). Using a wavefront and a stimulus generator, a biphasic square-wave stimulus (2 s positive and 6 s negative amplitude) of 0 μA average current was produced and transferred to the eye by means of a Dawson-Trick & Litzkow electrode. Prior to the stimulation, an individual determination of phosphene thresholds served to define individual TES current amplitudes, which ranged between 60 and 100 μA. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the right eye's temporal ciliary muscle was performed before and during ipsi-as well as contralateral monocular TES in randomized order in the morning and afternoon of the same day. During imaging, subjects fixated a target at 4 m distance and refraction was simultaneously recorded via eccentric infrared photorefraction. OCT images were assessed using previously published custom-developed software, allowing the definition of selective CM thickness (CMT) readings, and plotting of continuous CMT profiles along the muscle border. CMT profiles revealed that both stimulations, on the ipsi- and contralateral eye, induced a thickening of the CM compared to the non-stimulated state. The selective CMT readings confirmed a significant increase with ipsi- (31 ± 30 μm; p = 0.010) and contralateral (25 ± 16 μm; p = 0.001) TES. However, refraction during far vision was not significantly affected by either stimulation (ipsilateral [n = 5]: median Δw/-w/o = 0 D; contralateral [n = 7]: Δw/-w/o = 0.13 D). Pupil size on average increased during TES, but without reaching significance (ipsilateral [n = 5] median Δw/-w/o = 0.23 mm, contralateral [n = 7] Δw/-w/o = 0.39 mm). Ipsilateral CM thickening could be explained by local changes within the stimulated ciliary muscle, such as increased blood flow or interstitial fluid rise induced by TES. However, the CMT increase in the right eye when TES was performed contralaterally, on the left eye, indicates an involvement of the central control circuit of accommodation. Further possible explanations for this finding are a synchronization of neuronal activities in the visual pathway, the release of vasoactive neuropeptides, or effects on the central blood pressure regulation. Given a neuromodulation effect on the CM function, TES might have implications for children with accommodation insufficiencies and as additional therapy in myopia control management, e.g. in combination with multifocal contact lens treatment. Our study is important for the clinical application of TES, and the outcome might add crucial knowledge to the current understanding of the accommodation process and inform research and treatment of both myopia and presbyopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wagner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Esra Süer
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Bishesh Sigdel
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; University Eye Hospital Tuebingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), Otfried-Mueller-Str. 25, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Torsten Strasser
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany; University Eye Hospital Tuebingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str.7, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.
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3
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Agadagba SK, Lim LW, Chan LLH. Advances in transcorneal electrical stimulation: From the eye to the brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1134857. [PMID: 36937185 PMCID: PMC10019785 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1134857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain is reported to contain about 106-109 neurons linked together to form complex networks. Physiologically, the neuronal networks interact in a rhythmic oscillatory pattern to coordinate the brain's functions. Neuromodulation covers a broad range of techniques that can alter neuronal network activity through the targeted delivery of electrical or chemical stimuli. Neuromodulation can be used to potentially treat medical conditions and can serve as a research tool for studying neural functions. Typically, the main method of neuromodulation is to electrically stimulate specific structures in both the central and peripheral nervous systems via surgically implanted electrodes. Therefore, it is imperative to explore novel and safer methods for altering neuronal network activity. Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has rapidly emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that can exert beneficial effects on the brain through the eyes. There is substantial evidence to show that TES can change the brain oscillations in rodents. Moreover, the molecular data clearly shows that TES can also activate non-visual brain regions. In this review, we first summarize the use of TES in the retina and then discuss its effects in the brain through the eye-brain connection. We then comprehensively review the substantial evidence from electrophysiological, behavioral, and molecular studies on the role of TES on modulating neurons in the brain. Lastly, we discuss the implications and possible future directions of the research on TES as a non-invasive tool for neuromodulation of the brain via directly stimulating the mammalian eye.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Leanne Lai Hang Chan
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Liu F, Zhang M, Xiong G, Han X, Lee VWH, So KF, Chiu K, Xu Y. Trans-Sclera Electrical Stimulation Improves Retinal Function in a Mouse Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12111917. [PMID: 36431052 PMCID: PMC9693292 DOI: 10.3390/life12111917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a photoreceptor-degenerating disease with no effective treatment. Trans-corneal electrical stimulation has neuroprotective effects in degenerating retinas, but repeated applications cause corneal injury. To avoid the risk of corneal damage, here we tested whether repetitive trans-sclera electrical stimulation (TsES) protects degenerating retinas in rd10 mice, a model of RP. At postnatal day 20 (P20), the right eyes of rd10 mice were exposed to 30 min of TsES daily or every other day till P25, at the amplitude of 50 or 100 μA, with zero current as the sham. Immunostaining, multi-electrode-array (MEA) recording, and a black-and-white transition box were applied to examine the morphological and functional changes of the treated retina. Functionally, TsES modified the retinal light responses. It also reduced the high spontaneous firing of retinal ganglion cells. TsES at 100 μA but not 50 μA increased the light sensitivities of ganglion cells as well as their signal-to-noise ratios. TsES at 100 μA increased the survival of photoreceptors without improving the visual behavior of rd10 mice. Our data suggest that repetitive TsES improves the retinal function of rd10 mice at the early degenerating stage, therefore, it might be an effective long-term strategy to delay retinal degeneration in RP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Ave., Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mengrong Zhang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Ave., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoyin Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiu Han
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Ave., Guangzhou 510632, China
| | | | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Ave., Guangzhou 510632, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (Y.X.); Tel.: +852-28315356 (K.C.); +86-20-85227086 (Y.X.); Fax: +852-28170491 (K.C.); +86-20-85223563 (Y.X.)
| | - Ying Xu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, 601 West Huangpu Ave., Guangzhou 510632, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (Y.X.); Tel.: +852-28315356 (K.C.); +86-20-85227086 (Y.X.); Fax: +852-28170491 (K.C.); +86-20-85223563 (Y.X.)
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Lu Z, Zhou M, Guo T, Liang J, Wu W, Gao Q, Li L, Li H, Chai X. An in-silico analysis of retinal electric field distribution induced by different electrode design of trans-corneal electrical stimulation. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 36044887 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac8e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trans-corneal electrical stimulation (TcES) produces therapeutic effects on many ophthalmic diseases non-invasively. Existing clinical TcES devices use largely variable design of electrode distribution and stimulation parameters. Better understanding of how electrode configuration paradigms and stimulation parameters influence the electric field distribution on the retina, will be beneficial to the design of next-generation TcES devices. APPROACH In this study, we constructed a realistic finite element human head model with fine eyeball structure. Commonly used DTL-Plus and ERG-Jet electrodes were simulated. We then conducted in silico investigations of retina observation surface (ROS) electric field distributions induced by different return electrode configuration paradigms and different stimulus intensities. MAIN RESULTS Our results suggested that the ROS electric field distribution could be modulated by re-designing TcES electrode settings and stimulus parameters. Under far return location (FRL) paradigms, either DTL-Plus or ERG-Jet approach could induce almost identical ROS electric field distribution regardless where the far return was located. However, compared with the ERG-Jet mode, DTL-Plus stimulation induced stronger nasal lateralization. In contrast, ERG-Jet stimulation induced relatively stronger temporal lateralization. The ROS lateralization can be further tweaked by changing the DTL-Plus electrode length. SIGNIFICANCE These results may contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of DTL-Plus and ERG-Jet electrodes based electric field distribution on the retina, providing practical implications for the therapeutic application of TcES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuofan Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Address: 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Meixuan Zhou
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Tianruo Guo
- GSBME, University of New South Wales, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Sydney, Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, AUSTRALIA
| | - Junling Liang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Address: 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Shanghai, CN 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Weilei Wu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Biomedical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Shanghai, CN 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Qi Gao
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Address: 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Liming Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Heng Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Address: 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai Shanghai, CN 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
| | - Xinyu Chai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, Shanghai, 200240, CHINA
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Liu J, Ma AK, So KF, Lee VW, Chiu K. Mechanisms of electrical stimulation in eye diseases: A narrative review. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2022; 2:100060. [PMID: 37846384 PMCID: PMC10577855 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2022.100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Background In the last two decades, electrical stimulation (ES) has been tested in patients with various eye diseases and shows great treatment potential in retinitis pigmentosa and optic neuropathy. However, the clinical application of ES in ophthalmology is currently limited. On the one hand, optimization and standardization of ES protocols is still an unmet need. On the other hand, poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms has hindered clinical exploitation. Main Text Numerous experimental studies have been conducted to identify the treatment potential of ES in eye diseases and to explore the related cellular and molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarized the in vitro and in vivo evidence related to cellular and tissue response to ES in eye diseases. We highlighted several pathways that may be utilized by ES to impose its effects on the diseased retina. Conclusions Therapeutic effect of ES in retinal degenerative diseases might through preventing neuronal apoptosis, promoting neuronal regeneration, increasing neurotrophic factors production in Müller cells, inhibiting microglial activation, enhancing retinal blood flow, and modulating brain plasticity. Future studies are suggested to analyse changes in specific retinal cells for optimizing the treatment parameters and choosing the best fit ES delivery method in target diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kwok Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of Central Nervous System Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Vincent W.H. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, Hong Kong, China
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Yu WS, Aquili L, Wong KH, Lo ACY, Chan LLH, Chan YS, Lim LW. Transcorneal electrical stimulation enhances cognitive functions in aged and 5XFAD mouse models. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1515:249-265. [PMID: 35751874 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dementia is a major burden on global health for which there are no effective treatments. The use of noninvasive visual stimulation to ameliorate cognitive deficits is a novel concept that may be applicable for treating dementia. In this study, we investigated the effects of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) on memory enhancement using two mouse models, in aged mice and in the 5XFAD model of Alzheimer's disease. After 3 weeks of TES treatment, mice were subjected to Y-maze and Morris water maze tests to assess hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Immunostaining of the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice was also performed to examine the effects of TES on amyloid plaque pathology. The results showed that TES improved the performance of both aged and 5XFAD mice in memory tests. TES also reduced hippocampal plaque deposition in male, but not female, 5XFAD mice. Moreover, TES significantly reversed the downregulated level of postsynaptic protein 95 in the hippocampus of male 5XFAD mice, suggesting the effects of TES involve a postsynaptic mechanism. Overall, these findings support further investigation of TES as a potential treatment for cognitive dysfunction and mechanistic studies of TES effects in other dementia models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Aquili
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kah Hui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Amy Cheuk Yin Lo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Agadagba SK, Eldaly ABM, Chan LLH. Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation Induces Long-Lasting Enhancement of Brain Functional and Directional Connectivity in Retinal Degeneration Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:785199. [PMID: 35197826 PMCID: PMC8860236 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.785199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate neuromodulation of functional and directional connectivity features in both visual and non-visual brain cortices after short-term and long-term retinal electrical stimulation in retinal degeneration mice. We performed spontaneous electrocorticography (ECoG) in retinal degeneration (rd) mice following prolonged transcorneal electrical stimulation (pTES) at varying currents (400, 500 and 600 μA) and different time points (transient or day 1 post-stimulation, 1-week post-stimulation and 2-weeks post-stimulation). We also set up a sham control group of rd mice which did not receive any electrical stimulation. Subsequently we analyzed alterations in cross-frequency coupling (CFC), coherence and directional connectivity of the primary visual cortex and the prefrontal cortex. It was observed that the sham control group did not display any significant changes in brain connectivity across all stages of electrical stimulation. For the stimulated groups, we observed that transient electrical stimulation of the retina did not significantly alter brain coherence and connectivity. However, for 1-week post-stimulation, we identified enhanced increase in theta-gamma CFC. Meanwhile, enhanced coherence and directional connectivity appeared predominantly in theta, alpha and beta oscillations. These alterations occurred in both visual and non-visual brain regions and were dependent on the current amplitude of stimulation. Interestingly, 2-weeks post-stimulation demonstrated long-lasting enhancement in network coherence and connectivity patterns at the level of cross-oscillatory interaction, functional connectivity and directional inter-regional communication between the primary visual cortex and prefrontal cortex. Application of electrical stimulation to the retina evidently neuromodulates brain coherence and connectivity of visual and non-visual cortices in retinal degeneration mice and the observed alterations are largely maintained. pTES holds strong possibility of modulating higher cortical functions including pathways of cognition, awareness, emotion and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Agadagba
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Abdelrahman B. M. Eldaly
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Leanne Lai Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Leanne Lai Hang Chan,
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Yu WS, Kwon SH, Agadagba SK, Chan LLH, Wong KH, Lim LW. Neuroprotective Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation for Depression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092492. [PMID: 34572141 PMCID: PMC8466154 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulation approach that exerts neuroprotection via diverse mechanisms, including neurotrophic, neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-glutamatergic, and vasodilation mechanisms. Although current studies of TES have mainly focused on its applications in ophthalmology, several lines of evidence point towards its putative use in treating depression. Apart from stimulating visual-related structures and promoting visual restoration, TES has also been shown to activate brain regions that are involved in mood alterations and can induce antidepressant-like behaviour in animals. The beneficial effects of TES in depression were further supported by its shared mechanisms with FDA-approved antidepressant treatments, including its neuroprotective properties against apoptosis and inflammation, and its ability to enhance the neurotrophic expression. This article critically reviews the current findings on the neuroprotective effects of TES and provides evidence to support our hypothesis that TES possesses antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Shan Yu
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.-S.Y.); (S.-H.K.); (K.-H.W.)
| | - So-Hyun Kwon
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.-S.Y.); (S.-H.K.); (K.-H.W.)
| | - Stephen Kugbere Agadagba
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.A.); (L.-L.-H.C.)
| | - Leanne-Lai-Hang Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.A.); (L.-L.-H.C.)
| | - Kah-Hui Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.-S.Y.); (S.-H.K.); (K.-H.W.)
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Lee-Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (W.-S.Y.); (S.-H.K.); (K.-H.W.)
- Correspondence:
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