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Rittmannsberger H, Barth M, Lamprecht B, Malik P, Yazdi-Zorn K. [Interaction of somatic findings and psychiatric symptoms in COVID-19. A scoping review]. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2024; 38:1-23. [PMID: 38055146 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
An infection with SARS-CoV‑2 can affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological as well as psychiatric symptoms. In this respect, mechanisms of inflammation seem to be of much greater importance than the virus itself. This paper deals with the possible contributions of organic changes to psychiatric symptomatology and deals especially with delirium, cognitive symptoms, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and psychosis. Processes of neuroinflammation with infection of capillary endothelial cells and activation of microglia and astrocytes releasing high amounts of cytokines seem to be of key importance in all kinds of disturbances. They can lead to damage in grey and white matter, impairment of cerebral metabolism and loss of connectivity. Such neuroimmunological processes have been described as a organic basis for many psychiatric disorders, as affective disorders, psychoses and dementia. As the activation of the glia cells can persist for a long time after the offending agent has been cleared, this can contribute to long term sequalae of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Rittmannsberger
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich.
| | - Martin Barth
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Med Campus III, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Linz, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Österreich
| | - Peter Malik
- Abteilung Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr, Steyr, Österreich
| | - Kurosch Yazdi-Zorn
- Neuromed Campus, Klinik für Psychiatrie mit Schwerpunkt Suchtmedizin, Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, Linz, Österreich
- Medizinische Fakultät, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Linz, Österreich
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2
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Blaylock RL, Faria M. New concepts in the development of schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and degenerative brain diseases based on chronic inflammation: A working hypothesis from continued advances in neuroscience research. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:556. [PMID: 34877042 PMCID: PMC8645502 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1007_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper was written prompted by a poignant film about adolescent girl with schizophrenia who babysits for a younger girl in an isolated cabin. Schizophrenia is an illness that both authors are fascinated with and that they continue to study and investigate. There is now compelling evidence that schizophrenia is a very complex syndrome that involves numerous neural pathways in the brain, far more than just dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. One of the more popular theories in recent literature is that it represents a hypo glutaminergic deficiency of certain pathways, including thalamic ones. After much review of research and study in this area, we have concluded that most such theories contain a number of shortcomings. Most are based on clinical responses to certain drugs, particularly antipsychotic drugs affecting the dopaminergic neurotransmitters; thus, assuming dopamine release was the central cause of the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. The theory was limited in that dopamine excess could only explain the positive symptoms of the disorder. Antipsychotic medications have minimal effectiveness for the negative and cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It has been estimated that 20–30% of patients show either a partial or no response to antipsychotic medications. In addition, the dopamine hypothesis does not explain the neuroanatomic findings in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Faria
- Clinical Professor of Surgery (Neurosurgery, ret.) and Adjunct Professor of Medical History (ret.), Mercer University School of Medicine, United States
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3
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Blaylock RL. Covid-19 pandemic: What is the truth? Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:591. [PMID: 34992908 PMCID: PMC8720447 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1008_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing “pandemic” involving the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) has several characteristics that make it unique in the history of pandemics. This entails not only the draconian measures that some countries and individual states within the United States and initiated and made policy, most of which are without precedent or scientific support, but also the completely unscientific way the infection has been handled. For the 1st time in medical history, major experts in virology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and vaccinology have not only been ignored, but are also demonized, marginalized and in some instances, become the victim of legal measures that can only be characterized as totalitarian. Discussions involving various scientific opinions have been eliminated, top scientists have been frightened into silence by threats to their careers, physicians have lost their licenses, and the concept of early treatment has been virtually eliminated. Hundreds of thousands of people have died needlessly as a result of, in my opinion and the opinion of others, poorly designed treatment protocols, mostly stemming from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which have been rigidly enforced among all hospitals. The economic, psychological, and institutional damage caused by these unscientific policies is virtually unmeasurable. Whole generations of young people will suffer irreparable damage, both physical and psychological, possibly forever. The truth must be told.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review A better understanding of the key molecules/pathways underlying the pathophysiology of depression and schizophrenia may contribute to novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we have discussed the recent developments on the role of inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis of depression and schizophrenia. Recent Findings Inflammation is an innate immune response that can be triggered by various factors, including pathogens, stress and injury. Under normal conditions, the inflammatory responses quiet after pathogen clearance and tissue repair. However, abnormal long-term or chronic inflammation can lead to damaging effects. Accumulating evidence suggest that dysregulated inflammation is linked to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we have discussed the roles of complement system, infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS), the gut-brain axis, and the kynurenine pathway in depression and schizophrenia. Summary There is a large body of compelling evidence on the role of inflammatory pathways in depression and schizophrenia. Although most of these findings show their roles in the pathophysiology of the above disorders, additional studies are warranted to investigate the therapeutic potential of various immune signaling targets discussed in this article.
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Greenmyer JR, Gaultney RA, Brissette CA, Watt JA. Primary Human Microglia Are Phagocytically Active and Respond to Borrelia burgdorferi With Upregulation of Chemokines and Cytokines. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:811. [PMID: 29922241 PMCID: PMC5996889 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lyme disease causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi has an affinity for the central nervous system (CNS) and has been isolated from human cerebral spinal fluid by 18 days following Ixodes scapularis tick bite. Signaling from resident immune cells of the CNS could enhance CNS penetration by B. burgdorferi and activated immune cells through the blood brain barrier resulting in multiple neurological complications, collectively termed neuroborreliosis. The ensuing symptoms of neurological impairment likely arise from a glial-driven, host inflammatory response to B. burgdorferi. To date, however, the mechanism by which the bacterium initiates neuroinflammation leading to neural dysfunction remains unclear. We hypothesized that dead B. burgdorferi and bacterial debris persist in the CNS in spite of antibiotic treatment and contribute to the continuing inflammatory response in the CNS. To test our hypothesis, cultures of primary human microglia were incubated with live, antibiotic-killed and antibiotic-killed sonicated B. burgdorferi to define the response of microglia to different forms of the bacterium. We demonstrate that primary human microglia treated with B. burgdorferi show increased expression of pattern recognition receptors and genes known to be involved with cytoskeletal rearrangement and phagocytosis including MARCO, SCARB1, PLA2, PLD2, CD14, and TLR3. In addition, we observed increased expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and neurotrophic factors such as IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-1, and CXCL-10. Our data also indicate that B. burgdorferi interacts with the cell surface of primary human microglia and may be internalized following this initial interaction. Furthermore, our results indicate that dead and sonicated forms of B. burgdorferi induce a significantly larger inflammatory response than live bacteria. Our results support our hypothesis and provide evidence that microglia contribute to the damaging inflammatory events associated with neuroborreliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R. Greenmyer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | | | - Catherine A. Brissette
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - John A. Watt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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6
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Blaylock RL. Parkinson's disease: Microglial/macrophage-induced immunoexcitotoxicity as a central mechanism of neurodegeneration. Surg Neurol Int 2017; 8:65. [PMID: 28540131 PMCID: PMC5421223 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_441_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is one of the several neurodegenerative disorders that affects aging individuals, with approximately 1% of those over the age of 60 years developing the disorder in their lifetime. The disease has the characteristics of a progressive disorder in most people, with a common pattern of pathological change occurring in the nervous system that extends beyond the classical striatal degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Earlier studies concluded that the disease was a disorder of alpha-synuclein, with the formation of aggregates of abnormal alpha-synuclein being characteristic. More recent studies have concluded that inflammation plays a central role in the disorder and that the characteristic findings can be accounted for by either mutation or oxidative damage to alpha-synuclein, with resulting immune reactions from surrounding microglia, astrocytes, and macrophages. What has been all but ignored in most of these studies is the role played by excitotoxicity and that the two processes are intimately linked, with inflammation triggered cell signaling enhancing the excitotoxic cascade. Further, there is growing evidence that it is the excitotoxic reactions that actually cause the neurodegeneration. I have coined the name immunoexcitotoxicity to describe this link between inflammation and excitotoxicity. It appears that the two processes are rarely, if ever, separated in neurodegenerative diseases.
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7
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Debbabi M, Nury T, Helali I, Karym EM, Geillon F, Gondcaille C, Trompier D, Najid A, Terreau S, Bezine M, Zarrouk A, Vejux A, Andreoletti P, Cherkaoui-Malki M, Savary S, Lizard G. Flow Cytometric Analysis of the Expression Pattern of Peroxisomal Proteins, Abcd1, Abcd2, and Abcd3 in BV-2 Murine Microglial Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1595:257-265. [PMID: 28409470 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6937-1_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglial cells play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases including peroxisomal leukodystrophies. The BV-2 murine immortalized cells are widely used in the context of neurodegenerative researches. It is therefore important to establish the expression pattern of peroxisomal proteins by flow cytometry in these cells. So, the expression pattern of various peroxisomal transporters (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) contributing to peroxisomal β-oxidation was evaluated on BV-2 cells by flow cytometry and complementary methods (fluorescence microscopy, and RT-qPCR). By flow cytometry a strong expression of peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) was observed. These data were in agreement with those obtained by fluorescence microscopy (presence of numerous fluorescent dots in the cytoplasm characteristic of a peroxisomal staining pattern) and RT-qPCR (high levels of Abcd1, Abcd2, and Abcd3 mRNAs). Thus, the peroxisomal proteins (Abcd1, Abcd2, Abcd3) are expressed in BV-2 cells, and can be analyzed by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryam Debbabi
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Nutrition-Aliments Fonctionnels et Santé Vasculaire (LR12ES05), Monastir & Faculté de Médecine, Université de Monastir, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Thomas Nury
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Imen Helali
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Pharmacie, Laboratoire des Maladies Transmissibles et Substances Biologiquement Actives (LR99ES27), Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - El Mostafa Karym
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie et Neuroscience, Faculté de Sciences et Techniques, Université Hassan 1er, Settat, Morocco
| | - Flore Geillon
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Gondcaille
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Doriane Trompier
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Amina Najid
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Sébastien Terreau
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Maryem Bezine
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire de Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques (LVMT), Université de Tunis El Manar-Institut Pasteur, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amira Zarrouk
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Nutrition-Aliments Fonctionnels et Santé Vasculaire (LR12ES05), Monastir & Faculté de Médecine, Université de Monastir, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Anne Vejux
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Pierre Andreoletti
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Mustapha Cherkaoui-Malki
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Stéphane Savary
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Gérard Lizard
- Laboratoire 'Biochimie du peroxysome, inflammation et métabolisme lipidique', EA7270/INSERM, Faculté des Sciences Gabriel, Université de Bourgogne Franche Comté, 6 Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
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8
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Hardeland R, Cardinali DP, Brown GM, Pandi-Perumal SR. Melatonin and brain inflammaging. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 127-128:46-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Zhao Q, Xie X, Fan Y, Zhang J, Jiang W, Wu X, Yan S, Chen Y, Peng C, You Z. Phenotypic dysregulation of microglial activation in young offspring rats with maternal sleep deprivation-induced cognitive impairment. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9513. [PMID: 25830666 PMCID: PMC5381687 DOI: 10.1038/srep09513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the potential adverse effects of maternal sleep deprivation (MSD) on physiological and behavioral aspects of offspring, the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study was intended to investigate the roles of microglia on neurodevelopment and cognition in young offspring rats with prenatal sleep deprivation. Pregnant Wistar rats received 72 h sleep deprivation in the last trimester of gestation, and their prepuberty male offspring were given the intraperitoneal injection with or without minocycline. The results showed the number of Iba1+ microglia increased, that of hippocampal neurogenesis decreased, and the hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory were impaired in MSD offspring. The classical microglial activation markers (M1 phenotype) IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CD68 and iNOS were increased, while the alternative microglial activation markers (M2 phenotype) Arg1, Ym1, IL-4, IL-10 and CD206 were reduced in hippocampus of MSD offspring. After minocycline administration, the MSD offspring showed improvement in MWM behaviors and increase in BrdU+/DCX+ cells. Minocycline reduced Iba1+ cells, suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, and reversed the reduction of M2 microglial markers in the MSD prepuberty offspring. These results indicate that dysregulation in microglial pro- and anti-inflammatory activation is involved in MSD-induced inhibition of neurogenesis and impairment of spatial learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 6111376, China
| | - Yonghua Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jinqiang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Yubo Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 6111376, China
| | - Zili You
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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10
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Faria MA. Longevity and compression of morbidity from a neuroscience perspective: Do we have a duty to die by a certain age? Surg Neurol Int 2015; 6:49. [PMID: 25883841 PMCID: PMC4392568 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.154273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for longevity, if not for immortality itself, has been as old as recorded history. The great strides made in the standard of living and the advances in scientific medicine, have resulted in unprecedented increases in longevity, concomitant with improved quality of life. Thanks to medical progress senior citizens, particularly octogenarians, have become the fastest growing segment of the population and the number of centenarians is increasing, even though in the last two decades, spurred by the bioethics movement, the priority assigned to the prolongation of lifespan has taken a back seat to the containment of health care costs. This article describes what individuals can do to lead healthy lifestyles and increase longevity, concomitant with preservation of quality of life until the very end of life-as postulated by Dr. James F. Fries' hypothesis of the compression of morbidity. This review article investigates the contention of bioethicist Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel that Fries' theory is a "fantasy" and not a realistic possibility. In this context recent advances in neurobiology, epigenetics, and aging are described, and the hypothesis of the compression of morbidity re-examined. We find that people are not only living longer but are remaining healthier. Recent studies suggest that brain plasticity develops and potential neurogenesis occurs in those individuals who continue to be mentally and physically active allowing them to thrive well into old age. Controlled studies as well as Medicare spending data strongly corroborate Fries' predictions and support my conclusion that compression of morbidity should be upgraded from a hypothesis to a theory. Lastly, leisure in association with or without retirement is discussed and suggestions are made as to how to use this time to remain intellectually sharp and physically vigorous until the very end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Faria
- Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery (ret.) and Adjunct Professor of Medical History (ret.), Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA
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11
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GASPARINI R, PANATTO D, LAI P, AMICIZIA D. The "urban myth" of the association between neurological disorders and vaccinations. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2015; 56:E1-8. [PMID: 26789825 PMCID: PMC4718347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In modern society, a potentially serious adverse event attributed to a vaccination is likely to be snapped up by the media, particularly newspapers and television, as it appeals to the emotions of the public. The widespread news of the alleged adverse events of vaccination has helped to create the "urban myth" that vaccines cause serious neurological disorders and has boosted antivaccination associations. This speculation is linked to the fact that the true causes of many neurological diseases are largely unknown. The relationship between vaccinations and the onset of serious neuropsychiatric diseases is certainly one of coincidence rather than causality. This claim results from controlled studies that have excluded the association between vaccines and severe neurological diseases, therefore it can be said, with little risk of error, that the association between modern vaccinations and serious neurological disorders is a true "urban myth".
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Affiliation(s)
- R. GASPARINI
- Correspondence: Roberto Gasparini, Department of Health Sciences, via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy - Tel. +39 010 3538527 - Fax +39 010 3538541 - E-mail:
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12
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Ignatowski TA, Spengler RN, Tobinick E. Authors' reply to Whitlock: Perispinal etanercept for post-stroke neurological and cognitive dysfunction: scientific rationale and current evidence. CNS Drugs 2014; 28:1207-13. [PMID: 25373629 PMCID: PMC4246125 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-014-0212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Ignatowski
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences and Program for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY USA
| | | | - Edward Tobinick
- Institute of Neurological Recovery, 2300 Glades Road Suite 305E, Boca Raton, FL 33431 USA
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13
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Neuroprotective role of liver growth factor "LGF" in an experimental model of cerebellar ataxia. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:19056-73. [PMID: 25338046 PMCID: PMC4227260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151019056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias (CA) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by a lack of motor coordination. They are caused by disturbances in the cerebellum and its associated circuitries, so the major therapeutic goal is to correct cerebellar dysfunction. Neurotrophic factors enhance the survival and differentiation of selected types of neurons. Liver growth factor (LGF) is a hepatic mitogen that shows biological activity in neuroregenerative therapies. We investigate the potential therapeutic activity of LGF in the 3-acetylpiridine (3-AP) rat model of CA. This model of CA consists in the lesion of the inferior olive-induced by 3-AP (40 mg/kg). Ataxic rats were treated with 5 µg/rat LGF or vehicle during 3 weeks, analyzing: (a) motor coordination by using the rota-rod test; and (b) the immunohistochemical and biochemical evolution of several parameters related with the olivo-cerebellar function. Motor coordination improved in 3-AP-lesioned rats that received LGF treatment. LGF up-regulated NeuN and Bcl-2 protein levels in the brainstem, and increased calbindin expression and the number of neurons receiving calbindin-positive projections in the cerebellum. LGF also reduced extracellular glutamate and GABA concentrations and microglia activation in the cerebellum. In view of these results, we propose LGF as a potential therapeutic agent in cerebellar ataxias.
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Morley WA, Seneff S. Diminished brain resilience syndrome: A modern day neurological pathology of increased susceptibility to mild brain trauma, concussion, and downstream neurodegeneration. Surg Neurol Int 2014; 5:97. [PMID: 25024897 PMCID: PMC4093745 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.134731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of sports-related concussions has been steadily rising in recent years. Diminished brain resilience syndrome is a term coined by the lead author to describe a particular physiological state of nutrient functional deficiency and disrupted homeostatic mechanisms leading to increased susceptibility to previously considered innocuous concussion. We discuss how modern day environmental toxicant exposure, along with major changes in our food supply and lifestyle practices, profoundly reduce the bioavailability of neuro-critical nutrients such that the normal processes of homeostatic balance and resilience are no longer functional. Their diminished capacity triggers physiological and biochemical 'work around' processes that result in undesirable downstream consequences. Exposure to certain environmental chemicals, particularly glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide, Roundup(®), may disrupt the body's innate switching mechanism, which normally turns off the immune response to brain injury once danger has been removed. Deficiencies in serotonin, due to disruption of the shikimate pathway, may lead to impaired melatonin supply, which reduces the resiliency of the brain through reduced antioxidant capacity and alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid, reducing critical protective buffering mechanisms in impact trauma. Depletion of certain rare minerals, overuse of sunscreen and/or overprotection from sun exposure, as well as overindulgence in heavily processed, nutrient deficient foods, further compromise the brain's resilience. Modifications to lifestyle practices, if widely implemented, could significantly reduce this trend of neurological damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Seneff
- Spoken Language Systems Group, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge MA 02139, USA
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15
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Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the involvement of the immune signaling molecule, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), in the pathophysiology of stroke and chronic brain dysfunction. TNF plays an important role both in modulating synaptic function and in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Etanercept is a recombinant therapeutic that neutralizes pathologic levels of TNF. Brain imaging has demonstrated chronic intracerebral microglial activation and neuroinflammation following stroke and other forms of acute brain injury. Activated microglia release TNF, which mediates neurotoxicity in the stroke penumbra. Recent observational studies have reported rapid and sustained improvement in chronic post-stroke neurological and cognitive dysfunction following perispinal administration of etanercept. The biological plausibility of these results is supported by independent evidence demonstrating reduction in cognitive dysfunction, neuropathic pain, and microglial activation following the use of etanercept, as well as multiple studies reporting improvement in stroke outcome and cognitive impairment following therapeutic strategies designed to inhibit TNF. The causal association between etanercept treatment and reduction in post-stroke disability satisfy all of the Bradford Hill Criteria: strength of the association; consistency; specificity; temporality; biological gradient; biological plausibility; coherence; experimental evidence; and analogy. Recognition that chronic microglial activation and pathologic TNF concentration are targets that may be therapeutically addressed for years following stroke and other forms of acute brain injury provides an exciting new direction for research and treatment.
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16
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Swartz AM, Li QJ, Sampson JH. Rindopepimut: a promising immunotherapeutic for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Immunotherapy 2014; 6:679-90. [PMID: 25186601 PMCID: PMC4524671 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive glial cell-derived primary tumor. Current standard of care for patients with GBM includes maximal tumor resection plus adjuvant radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy, increasing median overall survival to a mere 15 months from diagnosis. Because these therapies are inherently nonspecific, there is an increased likelihood of off-target and incomplete effects; therefore, targeted modalities are required for enhanced safety and efficacy. Rindopepimut is emerging as a safe and potentially effective drug for the treatment of GBM. Rindopepimut consists of a 14-mer peptide that spans the length of EGF receptor variant III, a mutant variant of EGF receptor found on approximately 30% of primary GBM, conjugated to the carrier protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Vaccination with rindopepimut has been shown to specifically eliminate cells expressing EGF receptor variant III. Phase II clinical trials have suggested that vaccination of newly diagnosed GBM patients with rindopepimut plus adjuvant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor results in prolonged progression-free and overall survival with minimal toxicity. This review will outline the development of rindopepimut, as well as the current status of this vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- AM Swartz
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, DUMC Box 3050, Durham, NC 27710, Phone: (919) 684-9041, Fax: (919) 684-9045
| | - QJ Li
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, DUMC Box 3050, Durham, NC 27710, Phone: (919) 684-9041, Fax: (919) 684-9045
| | - JH Sampson
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, DUMC Box 3050, Durham, NC 27710, Phone: (919) 684-9041, Fax: (919) 684-9045
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