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Rizzo A, Mautone A, Sitibondo A, Nucera G, Tarchi L, Khabbache H, Ait Ali D, Ouazizi K, Szarpak Ł, Pruc M, Yıldırım M, Chirico F. VISCERAL SENSITIVITY INDEX (VSI-IT): Italian Adaptation and Validation. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1953-1968. [PMID: 39056645 PMCID: PMC11275253 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14070130] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI) represents a significant advancement in the assessment of gastrointestinal-specific anxiety among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)-such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. However, an Italian version of the instrument is not yet available for the Italian-speaking population. This study utilized a national sample of 500 individuals divided into four groups: (a) patients with Crohn's disease, (b) patients with ulcerative colitis, (c) patients with IBS, and (d) healthy controls (individuals without any diagnoses) to test the validity and reliability of the Italian VSI. Using back-translation methodology to ensure translation fidelity, this research applied a questionnaire and the VSI through an online format to 500 participants. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed that the Italian VSI had excellent psychometric properties, demonstrating high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.949) and construct validity. The scale proved sensitive in detecting significant differences in visceral sensitivity among groups, highlighting its utility as a clinical and research assessment tool. Specifically, the Italian VSI exhibited a unidimensional factorial structure and maintained a strong correlation with interoceptive awareness, type of disease, and gastrointestinal symptom severity, confirming its role in enhancing the understanding and management of IBD and IBS in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Rizzo
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychological, Educational, and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Aurora Mautone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Aldo Sitibondo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Nucera
- Department of Emergency, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli and Sacco, 20121 Milan, Italy;
| | - Livio Tarchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50127 Florence, Italy;
| | - Hicham Khabbache
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco; (H.K.); (D.A.A.); (K.O.)
| | - Driss Ait Ali
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco; (H.K.); (D.A.A.); (K.O.)
| | - Khalid Ouazizi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences Fès-Saïss, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco; (H.K.); (D.A.A.); (K.O.)
| | - Łukasz Szarpak
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, LUXMED Group, 02-676 Warsaw, Poland; (Ł.S.)
| | - Michal Pruc
- Department of Clinical Research and Development, LUXMED Group, 02-676 Warsaw, Poland; (Ł.S.)
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Ağrı 04100, Türkiye;
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Francesco Chirico
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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Sarb OF, Sarb AD, Iacobescu M, Vlad IM, Milaciu MV, Ciurmarnean L, Vacaras V, Tantau AI. From Gut to Brain: Uncovering Potential Serum Biomarkers Connecting Inflammatory Bowel Diseases to Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5676. [PMID: 38891863 PMCID: PMC11171869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115676] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation due to abnormal immune responses to gut microflora. The gut-brain axis is disrupted in IBDs, leading to neurobiological imbalances and affective symptoms. Systemic inflammation in IBDs affects the brain's inflammatory response system, hormonal axis, and blood-brain barrier integrity, influencing the gut microbiota. This review aims to explore the association between dysregulations in the gut-brain axis, serum biomarkers, and the development of cognitive disorders. Studies suggest a potential association between IBDs and the development of neurodegeneration. The mechanisms include systemic inflammation, nutritional deficiency, GBA dysfunction, and the effect of genetics and comorbidities. The objective is to identify potential correlations and propose future research directions to understand the impact of altered microbiomes and intestinal barrier functions on neurodegeneration. Serum levels of vitamins, inflammatory and neuronal damage biomarkers, and neuronal growth factors have been investigated for their potential to predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases, but current results are inconclusive and require more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliviu-Florentiu Sarb
- Department of Neuroscience, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.-F.S.); (I.-M.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-V.M.); (L.C.); (A.-I.T.)
| | - Adriana-Daniela Sarb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Heart Institute, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Maria Iacobescu
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics, MEDFUTURE Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Irina-Maria Vlad
- Department of Neuroscience, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.-F.S.); (I.-M.V.)
| | - Mircea-Vasile Milaciu
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-V.M.); (L.C.); (A.-I.T.)
| | - Lorena Ciurmarnean
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-V.M.); (L.C.); (A.-I.T.)
| | - Vitalie Vacaras
- Department of Neuroscience, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.-F.S.); (I.-M.V.)
| | - Alina-Ioana Tantau
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.-V.M.); (L.C.); (A.-I.T.)
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Warren A, Nyavor Y, Beguelin A, Frame LA. Dangers of the chronic stress response in the context of the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis and mental health: a narrative review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1365871. [PMID: 38756771 PMCID: PMC11096445 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1365871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
More than 20% of American adults live with a mental disorder, many of whom are treatment resistant or continue to experience symptoms. Other approaches are needed to improve mental health care, including prevention. The role of the microbiome has emerged as a central tenet in mental and physical health and their interconnectedness (well-being). Under normal conditions, a healthy microbiome promotes homeostasis within the host by maintaining intestinal and brain barrier integrity, thereby facilitating host well-being. Owing to the multidirectional crosstalk between the microbiome and neuro-endocrine-immune systems, dysbiosis within the microbiome is a main driver of immune-mediated systemic and neural inflammation that can promote disease progression and is detrimental to well-being broadly and mental health in particular. In predisposed individuals, immune dysregulation can shift to autoimmunity, especially in the presence of physical or psychological triggers. The chronic stress response involves the immune system, which is intimately involved with the gut microbiome, particularly in the process of immune education. This interconnection forms the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis and promotes mental health or disorders. In this brief review, we aim to highlight the relationships between stress, mental health, and the gut microbiome, along with the ways in which dysbiosis and a dysregulated immune system can shift to an autoimmune response with concomitant neuropsychological consequences in the context of the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis. Finally, we aim to review evidenced-based prevention strategies and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Warren
- The Frame-Corr Laboratory, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yvonne Nyavor
- Department of Biotechnology, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg, PA, United States
| | - Aaron Beguelin
- The Department of Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Leigh A. Frame
- The Frame-Corr Laboratory, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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Kong N, Zhou F, Zhang F, Gao C, Wu L, Guo Y, Gao Y, Lin J, Xu M. Morphological and regional spontaneous functional aberrations in the brain associated with Crohn's disease: a systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analyses. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae116. [PMID: 38566507 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease is an acknowledged "brain-gut" disorder with unclear physiopathology. This study aims to identify potential neuroimaging biomarkers of Crohn's disease. Gray matter volume, cortical thickness, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, and regional homogeneity were selected as indices of interest and subjected to analyses using both activation likelihood estimation and seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images. In comparison to healthy controls, Crohn's disease patients in remission exhibited decreased gray matter volume in the medial frontal gyrus and concurrently increased regional homogeneity. Furthermore, gray matter volume reduction in the medial superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate/paracingulate gyri, decreased regional homogeneity in the median cingulate/paracingulate gyri, superior frontal gyrus, paracentral lobule, and insula were observed. The gray matter changes of medial frontal gyrus were confirmed through both methods: decreased gray matter volume of medial frontal gyrus and medial superior frontal gyrus were identified by activation likelihood estimation and seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images, respectively. The meta-regression analyses showed a positive correlation between regional homogeneity alterations and patient age in the supplementary motor area and a negative correlation between gray matter volume changes and patients' anxiety scores in the medial superior frontal gyrus. These anomalies may be associated with clinical manifestations including abdominal pain, psychiatric disorders, and possibly reflective of compensatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Kong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Feini Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Chen Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Linyu Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yifan Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yiyuan Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jiangnan Lin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Maosheng Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
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Yang R, Liu J, Diao L, Wei L, Luo H, Cai L. A meta-analysis of the changes in the Gut microbiota in patients with intractable epilepsy compared to healthy controls. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 120:213-220. [PMID: 38290181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore gut microbiota changes in intractable epilepsy patients compared to healthy control individuals through meta-analysis. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, medRxiv, bioRxiv, ilae.org, clinical trial databases, and papers from the International Epilepsy Congress (IEC) were searched, and the literature on the correlation between intractable epilepsy and the gut microbiota reported from database establishment to June 2023 was included. Literature meeting the inclusion criteria was screened, and meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using RevMan5.4 software. RESULTS Ten case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. There were 183 patients with intractable epilepsy and 283 healthy control subjects. The analysis results indicated that Bacteroidetes (MD = -0.64, 95 %-CI = -1.21 to -0.06) and Ruminococcaceae (MD = -1.44, 95 % CI = -1.96 to -0.92) were less abundant in the patients with intractable epilepsy than in the normal population. Proteobacteria (MD = 0.53, 95 % CI = 0.02 to 1.05) and Verrucomicrobia (MD = 0.26, 95 % CI = 0.06 to 0.45) were more abundant in the patients with intractable epilepsy than in the normal population. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis indicated that the abundances of Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceae were reduced while those of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were significantly increased in patients with intractable epilepsy. The above changes in these four taxa of the gut microbiota may have been induced by intractable epilepsy, which may increase the risk of seizures. Their roles in the pathogenesis of intractable epilepsy need to be further explored, and related factors that influence microbiota changes should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China
| | - Limei Diao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China
| | - Liping Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China
| | - Huazheng Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China
| | - Lun Cai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530023, PR China.
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