1
|
Sakaguchi K, Tawata S. Giftedness and atypical sexual differentiation: enhanced perceptual functioning through estrogen deficiency instead of androgen excess. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1343759. [PMID: 38752176 PMCID: PMC11094242 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1343759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum conditions (ASC), such as Klinefelter syndrome, also manifest hypogonadism. Compared to the popular Extreme Male Brain theory, the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model explains the connection between ASC, savant traits, and giftedness more seamlessly, and their co-emergence with atypical sexual differentiation. Overexcitability of primary sensory inputs generates a relative enhancement of local to global processing of stimuli, hindering the abstraction of communication signals, in contrast to the extraordinary local information processing skills in some individuals. Weaker inhibitory function through gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors and the atypicality of synapse formation lead to this difference, and the formation of unique neural circuits that process external information. Additionally, deficiency in monitoring inner sensory information leads to alexithymia (inability to distinguish one's own emotions), which can be caused by hypoactivity of estrogen and oxytocin in the interoceptive neural circuits, comprising the anterior insular and cingulate gyri. These areas are also part of the Salience Network, which switches between the Central Executive Network for external tasks and the Default Mode Network for self-referential mind wandering. Exploring the possibility that estrogen deficiency since early development interrupts GABA shift, causing sensory processing atypicality, it helps to evaluate the co-occurrence of ASC with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and schizophrenia based on phenotypic and physiological bases. It also provides clues for understanding the common underpinnings of these neurodevelopmental disorders and gifted populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kikue Sakaguchi
- Research Department, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Tawata
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoxhaj P, Habiya SK, Sayabugari R, Balaji R, Xavier R, Ahmad A, Khanam M, Kachhadia MP, Patel T, Abdin ZU, Haider A, Nazir Z. Investigating the Impact of Epilepsy on Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e41223. [PMID: 37525802 PMCID: PMC10387362 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41223] [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] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been noted that people who have epilepsy have an increased propensity for cognitive dysfunction. We explored 25 relevant articles on PubMed and Cochrane Library after implementing inclusion criteria. Different factors have been postulated and studied that may cause cognitive dysfunction in these patients; structural brain abnormalities, polypharmacy of antiepileptic medication, and neuropsychiatric disorders are the most common causes. Cognitive assessments such as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) are the mainstay tools used to diagnose the degree of cognitive decline, and alterations in EEG (electroencephalogram) parameters have also been noted in people with cognitive decline. The mechanisms and treatments for cognitive decline are still being studied, while attention has also been directed toward preventive and predictive methods. Early detection and treatment of cognitive impairment can help minimize its impact on the patient's quality of life. Regular cognitive assessments are essential for epileptic patients, particularly those on multiple antiepileptic drugs. While proper management of epilepsy and related comorbidities would reduce cognitive decline and improve the overall quality of life for people with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranvera Hoxhaj
- Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Tirana, ALB
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Scher & Kerenyi MDS, New York, USA
| | - Sana K Habiya
- Internal Medicine, Indian Institute of Medical Science and Research, Jalna, IND
- Public Health, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Roghan Balaji
- Neurology, Ponjesly Super Speciality Hospital, Nagercoil, IND
- Neurology, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry, IND
| | - Roshni Xavier
- Internal Medicine, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
- Internal Medicine, Carewell Hospital, Malappuram, IND
| | - Arghal Ahmad
- Internal Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, PAK
| | | | | | - Tirath Patel
- Internal Medicine, American University of Antigua, St John, ATG
| | - Zain U Abdin
- Internal Medicine, District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, PAK
| | - Ali Haider
- Internal Medicine, Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences, Quetta, PAK
| | - Zahra Nazir
- Internal Medicine Clinical Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Proteomic and Bioinformatic Tools to Identify Potential Hub Proteins in the Audiogenic Seizure-Prone Hamster GASH/Sal. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13061048. [PMID: 36980356 PMCID: PMC10047193 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The GASH/Sal (Genetic Audiogenic Seizure Hamster, Salamanca) is a model of audiogenic seizures with the epileptogenic focus localized in the inferior colliculus (IC). The sound-induced seizures exhibit a short latency (7–9 s), which implies innate protein disturbances in the IC as a basis for seizure susceptibility and generation. Here, we aim to study the protein profile in the GASH/Sal IC in comparison to controls. Protein samples from the IC were processed for enzymatic digestion and then analyzed by mass spectrometry in Data-Independent Acquisition mode. After identifying the proteins using the UniProt database, we selected those with differential expression and performed ontological analyses, as well as gene-protein interaction studies using bioinformatics tools. We identified 5254 proteins; among them, 184 were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), with 126 upregulated and 58 downregulated proteins, and 10 of the DEPs directly related to epilepsy. Moreover, 12 and 7 proteins were uniquely found in the GASH/Sal or the control. The results indicated a protein profile alteration in the epileptogenic nucleus that might underlie the inborn occurring audiogenic seizures in the GASH/Sal model. In summary, this study supports the use of bioinformatics methods in proteomics to delve into the relationship between molecular-level protein mechanisms and the pathobiology of rodent models of audiogenic seizures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Senn L, Costa AM, Avallone R, Socała K, Wlaź P, Biagini G. Is the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma a putative target for epilepsy treatment? Current evidence and future perspectives. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108316. [PMID: 36436690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108316] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which belongs to the family of nuclear receptors, has been mainly studied as an important factor in metabolic disorders. However, in recent years the potential role of PPARγ in different neurological diseases has been increasingly investigated. Especially, in the search of therapeutic targets for patients with epilepsy the question of the involvement of PPARγ in seizure control has been raised. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causing a major impact on the psychological, social, and economic conditions of patients and their families, besides the problems of the disease itself. Considering that the world prevalence of epilepsy ranges between 0.5% - 1.0%, this condition is the fourth for importance among the other neurological disorders, following migraine, stroke, and dementia. Among others, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy in adult patients. About 65% of individuals who receive antiseizure medications (ASMs) experience seizure independence. For those in whom seizures still recur, investigating PPARγ could lead to the development of novel ASMs. This review focuses on the most important findings from recent investigations about the potential intracellular PPARγ-dependent processes behind different compounds that exhibited anti-seizure effects. Additionally, recent clinical investigations are discussed along with the promising results found for PPARγ agonists and the ketogenic diet (KD) in various rodent models of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Senn
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Anna-Maria Costa
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Rossella Avallone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Viggiano A, Dell’Isola GB, Dini G, Verrotti A, Coppola G. Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment in Childhood and Adolescence: A Mini-Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1646-1665. [PMID: 35794776 PMCID: PMC10514538 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220706102708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing epilepsy in people with an intellectual disability remains a therapeutic challenge and must take into account additional issues such as diagnostic difficulties and frequent drug resistance. Advances in genomic technologies improved our understanding of epilepsy and raised the possibility to develop patients-tailored treatments acting on the key molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease. In addition to conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs), ketogenic diet, hormone therapy and epilepsy surgery play an important role, especially in cases of drugresistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mainfactors influencing cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy and the main therapeutic options available for the epilepsies associated with intellectual disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manna SSS. Dual effects of anandamide in the antiepileptic activity of diazepam in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:527-541. [PMID: 36094027 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The prototype endocannabinoid, anandamide activates both CB 1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels (TRPV1) receptor at different concentrations. At high concentrations, anandamide-mediated TRPV1 effects are opposite to its effects at low concentrations via CB 1 receptor. Thus, synaptic concentrations of anandamide govern the neuronal activity and consequently might affect the response of a drug. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of high and low doses of anandamide on the anticonvulsant action of diazepam on the subcutaneous dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in Swiss mice weighing 20-25 g. Results revealed that intracerebroventricular administration of capsazepine (a TRPV1 antagonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) and the low doses (10 µg/mouse) of anandamide, AM404 (anandamide transport inhibitor), or URB597 (fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor) augmented the anticonvulsant effect of diazepam. Conversely, higher dose of anandamide, AM404, URB597 (100 µg/mouse) as well as capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) attenuated the protective effect of diazepam against PTZ-induced seizures. Thus, this study demonstrates that the effects of diazepam may be augmented by activating CB 1 receptors or dampened via TRPV1 receptors. The findings of the present study can be extrapolated to understand the use of TRPV1 blockers alone or in combination of benzodiazepines in the treatment of benzodiazepines-refractory status epilepticus, a condition associated with maladaptive trafficking of synaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate receptors. However, potential clinical applications are needed to further support such preclinical studies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dohm-Hansen S, Donoso F, Lucassen PJ, Clarke G, Nolan YM. The gut microbiome and adult hippocampal neurogenesis: A new focal point for epilepsy? Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105746. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
8
|
Novak A, Vizjak K, Rakusa M. Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:267. [PMID: 35012007 PMCID: PMC8746065 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
People with epilepsy frequently have cognitive impairment. The majority of cognitive problems is influenced by a variety of interlinked factors, including the early onset of epilepsy and the frequency, intensity and duration of seizures, along with the anti-epileptic drug treatment. With a systematic review, we investigate significant factors about the cognitive impairment in epilepsy. Most cognitive problems in adult people with epilepsy include memory, attention and executive function deficits. However, which cognitive area is mainly affected highly depends on the location of epileptic activity. Moreover, modifications in signalling pathways and neuronal networks have an essential role in both the pathophysiology of epilepsy and in the mechanism responsible for cognitive impairment. Additionally, studies have shown that the use of polytherapy in the treatment of epilepsy with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) heightens the risk for cognitive impairment. It can be challenging to distinguish the contribution of each factor, because they are often closely intertwined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Rakusa
- Department of Neurologic Diseases, University Medical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.N.); (K.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tsai CM, Chang SF, Chang H. Transcranial photobiomodulation attenuates pentylenetetrazole-induced status epilepticus in peripubertal rats. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2020; 13:e202000095. [PMID: 32362066 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Convulsive status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency in children. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) reverses elevated rodent neurotransmitters after status epilepticus (SE) yet whether tPBM can attenuate seizure behaviors remains unknown. Here, we applied near-infrared laser at wavelength 808 nm transcranially to peripubertal Sprague-Dawley rats prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection. Hematoxylin-eosin, immunofluorescence (IF) staining with anti-parvalbumin (PV) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay after IF staining was performed. Behaviorally, tPBM attenuated the mean seizure score and reduced the incidence of SE and mortality. Histochemically, tPBM reduced dark neurons in the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus, lessened the apoptotic ratio of parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV-INs) and alleviated the aberrant extent of PV-positive unstained somata of PCs in the hippocampus. Conclusively, tPBM attenuated PTZ-induced seizures, SE and mortality in peripubertal rats and reduced PTZ-induced neuronal injury, apoptosis of PV-INs and preserved PV positive perisomatic inhibitory network in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Min Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Fen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu Q, Zhao CW, Long Z, Xiao B, Feng L. Anatomy Based Networks and Topology Alteration in Seizure-Related Cognitive Outcomes. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:25. [PMID: 29681801 PMCID: PMC5898178 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a paroxysmal neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Cognitive dysfunction induced by seizures is a severe comorbidity of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes and reduces patients’ quality of life. Seizures, along with accompanying histopathological and pathophysiological changes, are associated with cognitive comorbidities. Advances in imaging technology and computing allow anatomical and topological changes in neural networks to be visualized. Anatomical components including the hippocampus, amygdala, cortex, corpus callosum (CC), cerebellum and white matter (WM) are the fundamental components of seizure- and cognition-related topological networks. Damage to these structures and their substructures results in worsening of epilepsy symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. In this review article, we survey structural, network changes and topological alteration in different regions of the brain and in different epilepsy and epileptic syndromes, and discuss what these changes may mean for cognitive outcomes related to these disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Charlie W Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Zhe Long
- Sydney Medical School and the Brain & Mind Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|