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Lefort M, Sharmin S, Andersen JB, Vukusic S, Casey R, Debouverie M, Edan G, Ciron J, Ruet A, De Sèze J, Maillart E, Zephir H, Labauge P, Defer G, Lebrun-Frenay C, Moreau T, Berger E, Clavelou P, Pelletier J, Stankoff B, Gout O, Thouvenot E, Heinzlef O, Al-Khedr A, Bourre B, Casez O, Cabre P, Montcuquet A, Wahab A, Camdessanché JP, Maurousset A, Ben Nasr H, Hankiewicz K, Pottier C, Maubeuge N, Dimitri-Boulos D, Nifle C, Laplaud DA, Horakova D, Havrdova EK, Alroughani R, Izquierdo G, Eichau S, Ozakbas S, Patti F, Onofrj M, Lugaresi A, Terzi M, Grammond P, Grand'Maison F, Yamout B, Prat A, Girard M, Duquette P, Boz C, Trojano M, McCombe P, Slee M, Lechner-Scott J, Turkoglu R, Sola P, Ferraro D, Granella F, Shaygannejad V, Prevost J, Maimone D, Skibina O, Buzzard K, Van der Walt A, Karabudak R, Van Wijmeersch B, Csepany T, Spitaleri D, Vucic S, Koch-Henriksen N, Sellebjerg F, Soerensen PS, Hilt Christensen CC, Rasmussen PV, Jensen MB, Frederiksen JL, Bramow S, Mathiesen HK, Schreiber KI, Butzkueven H, Magyari M, Kalincik T, Leray E. Impact of methodological choices in comparative effectiveness studies: application in natalizumab versus fingolimod comparison among patients with multiple sclerosis. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:155. [PMID: 35637426 PMCID: PMC9150358 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01623-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natalizumab and fingolimod are used as high-efficacy treatments in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Several observational studies comparing these two drugs have shown variable results, using different methods to control treatment indication bias and manage censoring. The objective of this empirical study was to elucidate the impact of methods of causal inference on the results of comparative effectiveness studies. Methods Data from three observational multiple sclerosis registries (MSBase, the Danish MS Registry and French OFSEP registry) were combined. Four clinical outcomes were studied. Propensity scores were used to match or weigh the compared groups, allowing for estimating average treatment effect for treated or average treatment effect for the entire population. Analyses were conducted both in intention-to-treat and per-protocol frameworks. The impact of the positivity assumption was also assessed. Results Overall, 5,148 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients were included. In this well-powered sample, the 95% confidence intervals of the estimates overlapped widely. Propensity scores weighting and propensity scores matching procedures led to consistent results. Some differences were observed between average treatment effect for the entire population and average treatment effect for treated estimates. Intention-to-treat analyses were more conservative than per-protocol analyses. The most pronounced irregularities in outcomes and propensity scores were introduced by violation of the positivity assumption. Conclusions This applied study elucidates the influence of methodological decisions on the results of comparative effectiveness studies of treatments for multiple sclerosis. According to our results, there are no material differences between conclusions obtained with propensity scores matching or propensity scores weighting given that a study is sufficiently powered, models are correctly specified and positivity assumption is fulfilled. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01623-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lefort
- Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Rennes, France.,Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Investigation Clinique de Rennes)], CIC 1414 [(Centre d, 35000, InsermRennes, France
| | - S Sharmin
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne MS Centre, Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J B Andersen
- Department of Neurology, The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Denmark
| | - S Vukusic
- Service de Neurologie, Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de La Myéline Et Neuro-Inflammation, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677, Lyon/Bron, France.,Centre Des Neurosciences de Lyon, UMR5292, Observatoire Français de La Sclérose en Plaques, INSERM, 1028 et CNRS, 69003, Lyon, France.,Université, Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de médecine Lyon Est, 69000, Lyon, France
| | - R Casey
- Service de Neurologie, Sclérose en Plaques, Pathologies de La Myéline Et Neuro-Inflammation, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677, Lyon/Bron, France.,Centre Des Neurosciences de Lyon, UMR5292, Observatoire Français de La Sclérose en Plaques, INSERM, 1028 et CNRS, 69003, Lyon, France.,Université, Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de médecine Lyon Est, 69000, Lyon, France.,Eugene Devic EDMUS Foundation, 69677, Lyon/Bron, France
| | - M Debouverie
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Hôpital Central, Service de neurologie, Nancy, France
| | - G Edan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Hôpital Pontchaillou, Service de neurologie, Rennes, France
| | - J Ciron
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, CRC-SEP, Département de neurologie, Toulouse, France
| | - A Ruet
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Hôpital Pellegrin, Service de neurologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - J De Sèze
- Service des maladies inflammatoires du système nerveux - neurologie, centre d'investigation clinique de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, INSERM 1434, Strasbourg, France
| | - E Maillart
- Assistance Publique Des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de neurologie, Paris, France
| | - H Zephir
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Hôpital Salengro, Service de neurologie D, Lille, France
| | - P Labauge
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Service de neurologie, Montpellier, France
| | - G Defer
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen Normandie, Hôpital Côte de Nacre, Service de neurologie, Caen, France
| | - C Lebrun-Frenay
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, UR2CA-URRIS,, Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Hôpital, Pasteur 2, Service de neurologie, Nice, France
| | - T Moreau
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Bourgogne, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Maladies Inflammatoires du Système Nerveux Et Neurologie Générale, Service de neurologie, Dijon, France
| | - E Berger
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Besançon, Hôpital Jean Minjoz, Service de neurologie, Besançon, France
| | - P Clavelou
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, Hôpital Gabriel-Montpied, Service de neurologie, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - J Pelletier
- Service de Neurologie, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital de La Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - B Stankoff
- Assistance Publique Des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de neurologie, Paris, France
| | - O Gout
- Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild de L'œil Et du Cerveau, Service de neurologie, Paris, France
| | - E Thouvenot
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nîmes, Hôpital Carémeau, Service de neurologie, Nîmes, France
| | - O Heinzlef
- Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Service de neurologie, Poissy, France
| | - A Al-Khedr
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Amiens Picardie, Site sud, Service de neurologie, Amiens, France
| | - B Bourre
- Rouen University Hospital, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - O Casez
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Site nord, Service de neurologie, Grenoble/La Tronche, France
| | - P Cabre
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique, Hôpital Pierre Zobda-Quitman, Service de neurologie, Fort-de-France, France
| | - A Montcuquet
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Limoges, Hôpital Dupuytren, Service de neurologie, Limoges, France
| | - A Wahab
- Assistance Publique Des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Service de neurologie, Créteil, France
| | - J P Camdessanché
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Étienne, Hôpital Nord, Service de neurologie, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - A Maurousset
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, Service de neurologie, Tours, France
| | - H Ben Nasr
- Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien, Service de neurologie, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - K Hankiewicz
- Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis, Hôpital Casanova, Service de neurologie, Saint-Denis, France
| | - C Pottier
- Centre Hospitalier de Pontoise, Service de neurologie, Pontoise, France
| | - N Maubeuge
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Site de La Milétrie, Service de neurologie, Poitiers, France
| | - D Dimitri-Boulos
- Assistance Publique Des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Service de neurologie, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - C Nifle
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Hôpital André-Mignot, Service de neurologie, Le Chesnay, France
| | - D A Laplaud
- CHU de Nantes, Service de Neurologie & CIC015 INSERM, 44093, Nantes, France.,INSERM CR1064, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - D Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - E K Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - R Alroughani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | - G Izquierdo
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - S Eichau
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - S Ozakbas
- Dokuz Eylul University, Konak/Izmir, Turkey
| | - F Patti
- GF Ingrassia Department, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Policlinico G Rodolico, Catania, Italy
| | - M Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Lugaresi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche E Neuromotorie, Università Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Terzi
- Medical Faculty, 19 Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - P Grammond
- CISSS Chaudiere-Appalache, Levis, Canada
| | | | - B Yamout
- Nehme and Therese Tohme Multiple Sclerosis Center, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - A Prat
- Hopital Notre Dame, Montreal, Canada.,CHUM and Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Girard
- Hopital Notre Dame, Montreal, Canada.,CHUM and Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - P Duquette
- Hopital Notre Dame, Montreal, Canada.,CHUM and Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - C Boz
- KTU Medical Faculty Farabi Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - M Trojano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - P McCombe
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - M Slee
- Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - J Lechner-Scott
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - R Turkoglu
- Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - P Sola
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - D Ferraro
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - F Granella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,Department of Emergency and General Medicine, Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | | | - J Prevost
- CSSS Saint-Jérôme, Saint-Jerome, Canada
| | | | - O Skibina
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - K Buzzard
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - B Van Wijmeersch
- Rehabilitation and MS-Centre Overpelt and Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - T Csepany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - D Spitaleri
- Azienda Ospedaliera Di Rilievo Nazionale San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino, Avellino, Italy
| | - S Vucic
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - N Koch-Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - F Sellebjerg
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - P S Soerensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - C C Hilt Christensen
- Department of Neurology, Aalborg University Hospital, Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - P V Rasmussen
- Aarhus University Hospital, Neurology, PJJ Boulevard, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - M B Jensen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Northern Sealand, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J L Frederiksen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Bramow
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - H K Mathiesen
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K I Schreiber
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - H Butzkueven
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Box Hill Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Magyari
- Melbourne MS Centre, Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Danish Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, 2600, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - T Kalincik
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - E Leray
- Arènes - UMR 6051, RSMS (Recherche sur les Services et Management en Santé) - U 1309, Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, Inserm, Rennes, France. .,Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Investigation Clinique de Rennes)], CIC 1414 [(Centre d, 35000, InsermRennes, France.
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Nicoletti A, Vasta R, Venti V, Mostile G, Lo Fermo S, Patti F, Scillieri R, De Cicco D, Volanti P, Marziolo R, Maimone D, Fiore M, Ferrante M, Zappia M. The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals. Eur J Neurol 2016; 23:964-72. [PMID: 26924209 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Trace elements (TEs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and volcanic degassing is the major natural source of TEs. Mount Etna, in the province of Catania, is the largest active volcano in Europe. Our aim was to assess the incidence of ALS in the province of Catania during 2005-2010 and its spatial distribution with respect to volcanic gas deposition. METHODS Cases from all neurological centres of the province of Catania and of the boundary provinces were retrospectively collected. Patients who had onset during 2005-2010 and fulfilled the El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. The incidence of ALS was estimated for the entire province and separately for the population living on the eastern and western flank of Mount Etna, respectively, the most and least exposed areas to volcanogenic TEs, considered as a possible risk factor for ALS. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-six (57 men) ALS patients were enrolled. The mean annual crude incidence rate was 2.0/100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval 1.7-2.4). A higher incidence rate was found in the population living on the eastern flank compared to the western flank (2.4/100 000 and 0.9/100 000 respectively) with a relative risk of 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.64-4.89; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of ALS in the province of Catania is close to those reported worldwide. The incidence was higher amongst the population living on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, which could be interpreted as a possible role of volcanogenic TEs. Further research on TEs and genetic factors is necessary to support this assumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Vasta
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - V Venti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - G Mostile
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Lo Fermo
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - F Patti
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - R Scillieri
- Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - D De Cicco
- Intensive Neurorehabilitation Unit, ALS Centre, IRCCS 'Salvatore Maugeri' Foundation, Mistretta, Italy
| | - P Volanti
- Intensive Neurorehabilitation Unit, ALS Centre, IRCCS 'Salvatore Maugeri' Foundation, Mistretta, Italy
| | - R Marziolo
- Neurology Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - M Fiore
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory - LIAA, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Ferrante
- Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory - LIAA, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - M Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences, Department GF Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Bruno E, Nicoletti A, Messina S, Lo Fermo S, Raciti L, Quattrocchi G, Dibilio V, Paradisi V, Maimone D, Patti F, Zappia M. Restless legs syndrome and multiple sclerosis: a population based case−control study in Catania, Sicily. Eur J Neurol 2014; 22:1018-21. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Bruno
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - A. Nicoletti
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - S. Messina
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - S. Lo Fermo
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - L. Raciti
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - G. Quattrocchi
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - V. Dibilio
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - V. Paradisi
- Catania Municipality Section; Italian Society of General Medicine (SIMG); Catania Italy
| | - D. Maimone
- Division of Neurology; Garibaldi Hospital; Catania Italy
| | - F. Patti
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - M. Zappia
- Section of Neurosciences; Department GF Ingrassia; University of Catania; Catania Italy
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Restivo DA, Marchese-Ragona R, Patti F, Solaro C, Maimone D, Zappalá G, Pavone A. Botulinum toxin improves dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2010; 18:486-90. [PMID: 20731706 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) for severe oro-pharyngeal dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). PATIENTS AND METHODS BoNT/A was injected percutaneously into the hyperactive cricopharyngeal muscle of 14 dysphagic MS patients under electromyographic control. Patients were evaluated by videofluoroscopic and electromyographic examinations and by the Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS), at week 1, 4, 12, 16, 18, and 24 after BoNT/A injection. RESULTS All patients showed a significant improvement in all the swallowing outcome measures. CONCLUSION No specific treatment for oro-pharyngeal dysphagia related to MS has been described to date. Our preliminary findings suggest a potential benefit from BoNT/A treatment in MS patients with dysphagia associated with upper esophageal sphincter hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Restivo
- Department of Neurology, Nuovo Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy.
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Vecchio R, Bianca M, Cuccia I, Zappalà G, Pavone A, Maimone D. FP17-TU-03 Predictive value of oligoclonal bands in clinically isolated syndrome. J Neurol Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(09)70352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bergamaschi R, Rezzani C, Minguzzi S, Amato MP, Patti F, Marrosu MG, Bonavita S, Grasso MG, Ghezzi A, Rottoli M, Gasperini C, Restivo D, Maimone D, Rossi P, Stromillo ML, Montomoli C, Solaro C. Validation of the DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. Funct Neurol 2009; 24:159-162. [PMID: 20018144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Swallowing problems can complicate the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, no validated questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in MS is currently available. We previously developed a 10-item DYsphagia in Multiple Sclerosis questionnaire (DYMUS). In the present study, this questionnaire was submitted to a validation process. Thirteen Italian MS centres took part in this research in which DYMUS was administered to 1734 consecutive MS patients during routine checkups outside relapse. The questionnaire showed very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.914). It was then subdivided into two subscales, both of which also showed very good internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha was 0.885 for the 'dysphagia for solids' subscale and 0.864 for the 'dysphagia for liquids' subscale. The DYMUS questionnaire was found to be an easy and reliable tool for detecting dysphagia and also for the preliminary selection of patients requiring more specific instrumental analyses, and those suitable for aspiration prevention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bergamaschi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS C Mondino Institute of Neurology, Pavia, Italy.
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Nicoletti A, Patti F, Fermo SL, Liberto A, Castiglione A, Laisa P, Garifoli A, Naia FL, Maimone D, Sorbello V, Contrafatto D, Zappia M. Headache and Multiple Sclerosis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Catania, Sicily. Cephalalgia 2008; 28:1163-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2008.01662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We carried out a population-based case-control study to evaluate the association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and headache. We had previously determined the incidence of MS during 1990-1999 in Catania, Sicily, identifying 155 incident MS patients; these subjects underwent a telephone interview using a standardized questionnaire for headache. Diagnosis and classification of headaches were made according to International Headache Society criteria (1988). A control group was selected from the general population through random digit dialling. One hundred and one (65.2±) MS patients, of the 155 identified, and 101 controls were screened for headaches. Fifty-eight (57.4±) MS patients and 38 (37.2±) controls fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of headache. A significant association between MS and headache was found with an adjusted odds ratio, estimated by logistic regression, of 2.18 (95± confidence interval 1.27, 3.93). Frequency of headaches in our MS population is higher than in the general population, supporting the hypothesis of a possible association between these two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicoletti
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | - F Patti
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | - S Lo Fermo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | - A Liberto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | | | - P Laisa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | - A Garifoli
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | - F La Naia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | | | - V Sorbello
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
| | | | - M Zappia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania,
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Bergamaschi R, Crivelli P, Rezzani C, Patti F, Solaro C, Rossi P, Restivo D, Maimone D, Romani A, Bastianello S, Tavazzi E, D'Amico E, Montomoli C, Cosi V. The DYMUS questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2008; 269:49-53. [PMID: 18280504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2007] [Revised: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Swallowing problems can be relevant, even if underestimated, in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. However, no specific questionnaire for the assessment of dysphagia in MS is available. We built a questionnaire (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis, DYMUS) that was administered to 226 consecutive MS patients (168 F, 58 M, mean age 40.5 years, mean disease duration 10.1 years, mean EDSS 3.1) during control visits in four Italian MS Centres. DYMUS was abnormal in 80 cases (35%). The patients who claimed to have swallowing problems had a significantly higher mean DYMUS score that the other patients (p<0.0001). Mean DYMUS scores were significantly higher in the progressive forms (p=0.003). DYMUS values were significantly correlated to EDSS (p=0.0007). DYMUS showed a very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.877). Factor analysis allowed us to sub-divide DYMUS in two sub-scales, 'dysphagia for solid' and 'dysphagia for liquid', both of them had a very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.852 and 0.870 respectively). DYMUS demonstrated to be an easy and consistent tool to detect dysphagia and its main characteristics in MS. It can be used for preliminary selection of patients to submit to more specific instrumental analyses, and to direct toward programs for prevention of aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bergamaschi
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Neurological Institute C. Mondino, Pavia, Italy.
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9
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Rodolico C, Mazzeo A, Toscano A, Pastura C, Maimone D, Musumeci O, Musolino C, Vita G. Amyloid myopathy presenting with rhabdomyolysis: evidence of complement activation. Neuromuscul Disord 2006; 16:514-7. [PMID: 16919949 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2006.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
At age of 57 years, a man experienced an episode of rhabdomyolysis. On that occasion muscle biopsy was not performed, however monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was diagnosed. Further he developed a moderate proximal muscle weakness with CK level persistently elevated (1000-1200U/l). When he came to our observation, at age 67, a muscle biopsy revealed an amyloid myopathy and multiple myeloma was at the same time disclosed. Terminal complement complex C5b9 (membrane attack complex) deposits were found in the vessel walls and muscle fibers surface depicted by amyloid. Our case suggests to keep in mind the possibility that amyloid myopathy may begin as an isolate episode of rhabdomyolysis. The detection of complement complex C5b9 suggests that complement cascade is implicated in the muscular damage of amyloid myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodolico
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatry and Anaesthesiology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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10
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update prevalence and incidence rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Catania, Italy during 1990 to 1999 and evaluate their temporal profiles to assess a possible increase in the MS risk in our study population. METHODS We studied the frequency of MS in Catania, Italy (population of 313,110 as reported in the 2001 census). The primary sources for the case ascertainment were the neurologic and motor-rehabilitation departments, the MS centers, the Italian MS Association, private neurologists, and family doctors. We considered as prevalent and incident cases all patients who satisfied Poser's criteria for clinically definite MS (CDMS), laboratory-supported definite MS (LSDMS), clinically probable MS (CPMS), and laboratory-supported probable MS (LSPMS). RESULTS We found 288 subjects with MS who had onset of disease before December 31, 1999 (prevalence day) in a population of 313,110 inhabitants. The prevalence rate was 92.0/100,000 (95% CI 81.8 to 103.2) and was higher in women (102.4/100,000) than in men (80.4/100,000). The age-specific prevalence showed a peak in the group aged 35 to 44 years (208.2/100,000). From 1990 to 1999, 155 patients with MS had the clinical onset of the disease. The mean annual incidence was 4.7/100,000 (95% CI 4.0 to 5.5). Age-specific incidence showed a peak in the group aged 25 to 34 years (11.7/100,000). Mean annual incidence for 5-year intervals increased from 3.9/100,000 during 1990 to 1994 to 5.5/100,000 during 1995 to 1999. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence and incidence rates of multiple sclerosis have further increased during the last decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nicoletti
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Restivo
- Neurological Division, Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy.
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Restivo
- Department of Neurology, Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy.
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13
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Grimaldi LM, Salemi G, Grimaldi G, Rizzo A, Marziolo R, Lo Presti C, Maimone D, Savettieri G. High incidence and increasing prevalence of MS in Enna (Sicily), southern Italy. Neurology 2001; 57:1891-3. [PMID: 11723283 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.10.1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty years after a first survey, a follow-up study was performed on the prevalence of MS in Enna (Sicily), southern Italy. The prevalence of definite MS rose from 53 to 120.2 per 100,000 population. The incidence of definite MS for the period 1986 to 1995 was 5.7 per 100,000 per year. The innermost part of Sicily shows an elevated prevalence of MS, second only to Sardinia in the Mediterranean area.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Grimaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, Azienda Unita Sanitaria Locale 2, Caltanissetta, Italy
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14
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Abstract
Current knowledge of sporadic degenerative disorders suggests that, despite their multifactorial etiopathogenesis, genetics plays a primary role in orchestrating the pathological events, and even dramatically changes the disease phenotype from patient to patient. Genes may act as susceptibility factors, increasing the risk of disease development, or may operate as regulatory factors, modulating the magnitude and severity of pathogenic processes or the response to drug treatment. The goal of pharmacogenomics is the application of this knowledge to elaborate more specific and effective treatments and to tailor therapies to individual patients according to their genetic profile. Here, we outline the leading theories on the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer disease, and we review the potential role of genetic variations, such as gene mutations and polymorphisms, in each context. We also suggest potential targets for new therapeutic approaches and variability factors for current treatments based on genotype features. Finally, we propose a few options of preventive therapeutic interventions in patients with a high genetic risk of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale Garibaldi, Piazza S. Maria di Gesù 5, 95123 Catania, Italy
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15
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Caudai C, Maimone D, Almi P, Annunziata P, Bastianoni I, Boggiano CA, Guazzi GC, Padula M, Valensin PE. The potential role of hepatitis C virus in the pathogenesis of the neurological syndrome in chronic hepatitis C. Gut 1997; 41:411-2. [PMID: 9378402 PMCID: PMC1891496 DOI: 10.1136/gut.41.3.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A 72-year-old man developed chronic sensory neuropathy (CSN) during chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Neurological symptoms began one year after acute HCV hepatitis and slowly worsened over three years. No conventional cause for CSN was found. Circulating antinervous tissue antibodies (including anti-Hu) and inflammatory infiltrates in sural nerve biopsy specimens were absent. However, the presence of anti-HCV antibody and HCV-RNA in cerebrospinal fluid indicated that HCV had reached the intrathecal compartment, suggesting the direct viral involvement in the pathogenesis of CSN.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Caudai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Siena, Italy
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16
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Maimone D, Villanova M, Stanta G, Bonin S, Malandrini A, Guazzi GC, Annunziata P. Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA and complement membrane attack complex deposits in the sural nerve of a patient with chronic polyneuropathy and tertiary Lyme disease. Muscle Nerve 1997; 20:969-75. [PMID: 9236787 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199708)20:8<969::aid-mus6>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We report a patient who developed a chronic sensory-motor polyneuropathy and a progressive myelopathy 4 years after a tick bite. An increased serum antibody titer to Borrelia burgdorferi suggested a diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis, although a concomitant cervical spondylosis probably contributed to spinal cord damage. Treatment with ceftriaxone resulted in a marked improvement of neuropathic symptoms, providing indirect evidence of spirochetal infection. Search for B. burgdorferi DNA by polymerase chain reaction amplification on sural nerve confirmed the diagnosis, demonstrating that the spirochete localized in the peripheral nervous system. The presence of complement membrane attack complex deposits and macrophage infiltrates around epineurial vessels and within the endoneurium suggests that the neuropathy in our patient was immune-mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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17
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Abstract
By using a double-label immunohistochemistry technique, we demonstrated the presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in acute and chronic active plaques from the brain of six patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). IL-6 was mainly associated with astrocytes and rarely with macrophages or mononuclear infiltrating cells. The pattern of distribution for IL-6 immunoreactivity was similar to that of HLA-DR expression, but the two molecules almost never colocalized on the same cell. Our data indicate that in MS central nervous system IL-6 is predominantly located within resident glial cells which are concentrated at the sites of ongoing demyelination and immune activation. Although IL-6 exhibits several proinflammatory activities, indirect evidence suggests that the cytokine may also play an immunomodulatory role in inflammatory demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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18
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Annunziata P, Maimone D, Guazzi GC. Association of polyclonal anti-GM1 IgM and anti-neurofilament antibodies with CSF oligoclonal bands in a young with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand 1995; 92:387-93. [PMID: 8610492 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1995.tb00152.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The significance of the association of motor neuron syndromes with anti-GM1 antibodies remains unclear. We report the immunological study of a juvenile case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum anti-Gm1 and anti-neurofilament antibodies were assayed by ELISA and western blotting and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isoelectrofocusing was performed. Immunocytochemical studies were carried out with the patient's serum and CSF on human brain and spinal cord sections. RESULTS Serum polyclonal IgM anti-GM1, anti-neurofilament antibodies and CSF oligoclonal bands were detected. Furthermore, an in vitro production of anti-GM1 IgM was demonstrated. Immunocytochemical studies showed cytoplasm motor neuron immunostaining, due to both IgG and IgM, that substantially decreased after immunoabsorption of the serum with bovine neurofilament proteins but not with GM1-containing liposomes. No immunostaining was obtained with CSF. Immunosuppressive treatment with cyclophosphamide and two cycles of plasma exchanges lowered anti-GM1 antibody levels, but did not determine any clinical improvement. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report of ALS, associated with circulating levels and in vitro production of polyclonal IgM anti-GM1, anti-neurofilament antibodies and CSF oligoclonal bands. These findings suggest the occurrence in our patients of an autoimmune process that could be involved in the pathogenesis of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Annunziata
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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19
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Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals frequently develop a broad spectrum of neurological syndromes, classified as HIV-1-associated cognitive/motor complex. Diffuse demyelination of hemispheric white matter is a commonly observed in HIV-1 infected brain, but the events leading to myelin destruction are still obscure. Since oligodendrocyte infection by HIV-1 is not proven as yet, myelin damage in HIV-1 infection may result from indirect mechanisms such as the excessive release of myelinotoxic substances or the triggering of autoimmune responses directed to myelin constituents. To verify the latter hypothesis, we searched for elevated anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) IgG levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 25 patients with HIV-1 infection, 12 with multiple sclerosis (MS), and 9 with non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND). CSF, but not serum, anti-MBP IgG levels were more frequently elevated in HIV-1+ (16/25, 64%) than in MS (3/12, 25%) or NIND (0/9) patients. By using the anti-MBP IgG index, the anti-MBP IgG antibody specificity index (ASI), and the search for anti-MBP oligoclonal IgG, we ascertained that anti-MBP IgG were produced within the CNS in 13 of 25 (52%) HIV-1+, in 6 of 12 (50%) MS, and in none of NIND patients. The incidence of increased CSF anti-MBP IgG levels was higher among HIV-1+ patients at stage II-III (4/4, 100%) or at stage IV B (7/9, 78%) than among those at stage IV C-IV D (5/12, 42%). Although our data indicate that intrathecal anti-MBP IgG may occur early during HIV-1 infection and that they are more common in patients with HIV-1-associated cognitive/motor complex, the possible demyelinating role of these antibodies remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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20
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Maimone D, Annunziata P, Simone IL, Livrea P, Guazzi GC. Interleukin-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. J Neuroimmunol 1993; 47:55-61. [PMID: 8376548 DOI: 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental findings suggest that humoral factors, such as anti-peripheral nerve antibodies and cytokines, may be implicated in the immunopathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes immunoglobulin synthesis by B lymphocytes. Increased IL-6 release is associated with autoantibody production in a number of immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders. To investigate the possible involvement of abnormal IL-6 release in inflammatory polyneuropathies, we assayed IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 23 patients with acute GBS and seven with CIDP. We also studied 69 patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND), 25 with other inflammatory neurological diseases (IND), four with brain tumors (BT), and 15 normal donors (serum alone) as controls. We found detectable levels of IL-6 in the CSF of 57% of GBS, 43% of CIDP, 60% of IND, 75% of BT, and 4% of NIND. In GBS patients, no correlation was found between CSF IL-6 values and other laboratory or clinical parameters, such as CSF total protein, CSF albumin, CSF IgG, CSF/serum albumin ratio, functional disability score, and time elapsed from disease onset. Serum IL-6 levels were increased in six of 23 (26%) GBS, in one of 39 (3%) NIND, and in one of seven (14%) IND, but in none of the CIDP or BT patients. There was no correlation between serum and CSF IL-6 values, but cytokine levels in GBS sera correlated with time elapsed from clinical onset.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Istituto di Scienze Neurologiche, Universitá di Siena, Italy
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21
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Abstract
The brain is "immunologically privileged," in part because class I and II MHC antigens are not normally present on glia or neurons. However, under certain conditions such as transplantation, glial cells express MHC proteins at levels sufficient for glia to become targets of immune responses. Cultured astrocytes expressing very low levels of MHC class I protein are killed efficiently by MHC class I antigen-specific CTL. Mouse brain allografts, however, are rejected by CD4+ T cells that are likely to be class II MHC-specific. The level of expression of MHC class II antigen needed to trigger specific killing of astrocytes by CD4+ T cells, independent of exogenous antigen, has not been studied. We examined the role of glial class II MHC in the lysis of cultured neonatal mouse astrocytes by an alloreactive murine CD4+ CTL alone. IFN-gamma induced functionally relevant increases in MHC class II antigen on target cells. Astrocytes were lysed by the CD4+ clone only when class II MHC antigens reached levels readily detectable by flow cytometry. MHC class II expression and lysis increased when astrocytes were coincubated with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Conversely, lysis decreased when class II expression was downregulated by IFN-alpha/beta or dbcAMP. Cytolysis by CD4+ clones was blocked by antibodies to CD4 and LFA-1 on T cells, and to ICAM-1 and class II molecules on astrocytes. The role of LFA-1 in CD4+ cell-mediated lysis was greater than that of LFA-1/ICAM-1 in CD8+ T cell-mediated lysis. CD4+ cells may lyse activated astrocytes when the immune privilege of the brain is compromised as in transplantation, tumors, and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Reder
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637
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22
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Maimone D, Cioni C, Rosa S, Macchia G, Aloisi F, Annunziata P. Norepinephrine and vasoactive intestinal peptide induce IL-6 secretion by astrocytes: synergism with IL-1 beta and TNF alpha. J Neuroimmunol 1993; 47:73-81. [PMID: 8376550 DOI: 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90286-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Resident glial cells and invading inflammatory cells are responsible for cytokine production within the brain. Astrocytes are known to secrete a variety of cytokines upon stimulation with cytokines themselves, protein kinase C activators, bacterial or viral constituents. Astrocytes also have surface receptors for a wide number of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides and some of these substances affect astrocyte immune functions, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen expression. To elucidate the activity of neuromediators on cytokine secretion by glial cells, we studied the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by cultured rat astrocytes after incubation with various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Norepinephrine (NE) and the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (IPT) induced IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. NE effect was predominantly mediated by beta 2-adrenergic receptors with a minor contribution of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. The induction of IL-6 release by dibutyryl-cAMP indicated that IL-6 secretion secondary to beta 2-adrenergic receptor activation probably occurs through cAMP signalling pathways. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was the sole neuropeptide able to induce IL-6 secretion. NE and VIP promoted IL-6 mRNA synthesis and both substances synergized with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in inducing IL-6 release. Our findings provide further evidence that neurons modulate astrocyte cytokine production and thereby regulate central nervous system immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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23
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Abstract
To investigate the function of peripheral blood monocytes in multiple sclerosis (MS), we measured the production of the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the procoagulant, tissue factor (TF) in 17 patients with chronic progressive MS and 15 normal controls. Monocyte activity was tested under unstimulated, minimal endotoxin conditions and after culture with various stimuli, including Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), crude supernatant from anti-CD3-activated T cells, recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2), and recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma). A higher number of MS patients than controls had circulating monocytes which spontaneously secreted IL-6 or contained detectable cell-associated IL-1 beta. Monocyte responses to LPS were comparable between the two groups; LPS caused production and secretion of all cytokines and TF in every MS patient and control. In contrast, crude T cell supernatants, rIL-2, and rIFN-gamma induced IL-1 beta release in a higher number of MS monocytes than that in controls, whereas the production and secretion of the other cytokines and TF activity were similar between the groups. We conclude that some MS patients have "primed" circulating monocytes, as shown by excessive spontaneous IL-6 release and intracellular IL-1 beta synthesis. Unstimulated MS monocytes, however, are not different from controls with respect to spontaneous secretion of small amounts of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha and expression of cell surface TF. Excessive IL-1 beta secretion by MS monocytes after stimulation with T-cell-derived lymphokines suggests dysregulation of T cell-monocyte interactions which may be most relevant in the central nervous system plaques where activated T cells are found.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637
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24
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Simone IL, Annunziata P, Maimone D, Liguori M, Leante R, Livrea P. Serum and CSF anti-GM1 antibodies in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. J Neurol Sci 1993; 114:49-55. [PMID: 8433097 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(93)90048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
High titers of antibodies directed against gangliosides, especially GM1, are found in the serum of patients with a variety of polyneuropathies, including those of the inflammatory type. We assayed anti-GM1 IgG and IgM levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 23 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and 10 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) to investigate whether this immune response may also be localized within the intrathecal compartment and correlate with clinical parameters such as time interval since disease onset, disability score, preceding infectious episodes, and GM1 therapy. When compared to the control group, anti-GM1 IgG was increased in the serum of 39% of GBS and 10% of CIDP patients, whereas anti-GM1 IgM was elevated in 17% of GBS and none of the CIDP patients. In both patient groups, however, anti-GM1 antibody levels were more frequently elevated in CSF than paired sera: they belonged to the IgG class in 48% of GBS and 50% of CIDP patients, and to the IgM class in 48% of GBS and 55% of CIDP patients. In the GBS group, anti-GM1 IgM serum levels inversely correlated with time elapsed between sample collection and onset of disease (P < 0.05), whereas serum anti-GM1 IgG levels positively correlated with the loss of functional ability (P < 0.005). Increased anti-GM1 antibodies in GBS serum were not associated with clinical or serological evidence of infectious antecedents nor with previous GM1 treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- I L Simone
- Institute of Neurology, University of Bari, Italy
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25
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Abstract
Sixteen vitreous and paired serum samples from 13 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, vitreous samples from seven cadaveric control subjects, and aqueous humor samples from 15 normal control subjects were assayed for the cytokines interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interferon-gamma. Interleukin-6 was detected in 15 of 16 vitreous samples (94%) from diabetic patients, but it was not detected in any of the aqueous humor samples. Vitreous interleukin-6 levels positively correlated with ocular disease activity. Interleukin-1 was detected in seven of 16 vitreous samples (44%) and in four of ten aqueous humor samples (40%), whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma were never detected in vitreous or aqueous fluid. Serum samples from diabetic patients and control subjects contained comparable low levels of interleukin-6. Interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma were not found in any of the sera. Because interleukin-6 can function as B-cell differentiation factor, this cytokine may have a role in immunoglobulin deposition in the ocular tissues and in the immunopathologic characteristics of proliferative retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Abu el Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt
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26
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el-Asrar AM, Morse PH, Maimone D, Torczynski E, Reder AT. MK-801 protects retinal neurons from hypoxia and the toxicity of glutamate and aspartate. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1992; 33:3463-8. [PMID: 1358858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The protective effect of the anticonvulsant MK-801 and the antitussive dextromethorphan, which are both N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists, and kynurenic acid, a broad-spectrum excitotoxin antagonist, was tested in cultured rat retinal cells in an hypoxic environment. The protective effect of these antagonists also was tested in cultured retinal cells and in intact adult rat retinas exposed to the exogenous excitotoxins L-glutamic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid. MK-801 and kynurenic acid protected retinal neurons from hypoxic damage and from the toxicity of exogenous L-glutamic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid. Dextromethorphan, a less potent antagonist, did not protect the retinal neurons from hypoxic damage or the toxicity of exogenous L-glutamic acid, but did attenuate N-methyl-D-aspartate toxicity. These results provide evidence that the synaptic release of excitatory transmitters, most likely glutamate and aspartate, mediate the death of hypoxic retinal neurons. Compounds related to MK-801 may have possible therapeutic applications in the management of retinal ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M el-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt
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27
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Abstract
We report two brothers with the clinical symptoms and neuropathological findings of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type IV but with normal sweating function and absence of recurrent fever. We propose that our patients may have a lower degree of expression of the genetic defect underlying HSAN type IV or that they represent a separate genetic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pavone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Italy
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28
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el-Asrar AM, Maimone D, Morse PH, Lascola C, Reder AT. Interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor induce expression of major histocompatibility complex antigen on rat retinal astrocytes. Br J Ophthalmol 1991; 75:473-5. [PMID: 1908315 PMCID: PMC1042434 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.75.8.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cultured rat retinal astrocytes were tested by indirect immunofluorescence staining for their ability to express class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens under basal culture conditions and after three days of stimulation with two recombinant cytokines, rat interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Under basal culture conditions low levels of class I antigens were detected on a small percentage of cells, but there was no visible class II. IFN-gamma and TNF alpha stimulation enhanced class I expression. TNF alpha had no effect on class II expression, whereas IFN-gamma induced the expression of class II in a dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that retinal astrocytes might play a part in immunological events occurring in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M el-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt
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Abstract
CD8 is a membrane glycoprotein of 34 kd on cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes and is an endogenous ligand for MHC class I proteins on target cells. CD8 is released in a soluble form upon T-lymphocyte activation. In multiple sclerosis (MS), T lymphocytes exhibit decreased membrane expression of the CD8 molecule and defective suppressor function. We measured soluble CD8 (sCD8) levels in the CSF of patients with MS, other inflammatory neurologic diseases (INDs), and noninflammatory neurologic diseases (NINDs). sCD8 levels in the CSF of MS and IND patients were elevated compared with NIND patients. Patients with acute infections of the CNS showed the highest absolute values of sCD8, but the amount of sCD8 per CSF white blood cell was greatest in MS and NIND patients. We found no difference in serum sCD8 levels among the groups. In MS, the combination of increased CSF sCD8 levels and sCD8 per cell may reflect CD8 T-lymphocyte activation within the brain or immunodysregulation confined to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, IL 60637
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30
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Abstract
In active multiple sclerosis (MS), T cell adhesion to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) is deficient. The CD2 protein mediates adhesion to SRBC. Since ligands that bind CD2 can activate T cells, we studied adhesion and activation through CD2 in leukocytes from MS patients. Mononuclear cells (MNC) from patients with MS formed markedly fewer avid T cells (TA; T cells binding greater than or equal to 10 SRBC) than MNC from controls. CD2 antigen expression as measured by FACS analysis on T cells and on T cell subsets was equivalent in MS and controls and rose to a comparable extent in both groups after cell activation; yet activated MS MNC continued to form fewer TA than control cells. Avid rosette formation may be reduced by prostaglandins (PG) secreted by monocytes. Exposure to PG in vitro decreased TA% only in controls, suggesting refractoriness to exogenous PG in MS, perhaps because endogenous PG had already acted. The finding that indomethacin increased TA in MS cells favors this formulation. MNC were activated through CD2 using mAb 9-1 paired with mAb 9.6. Proliferation was significantly diminished in MNC from MS patients compared to MNC from normal controls. Thus, even though T cell membrane expression of CD2 appeared normal in MS, adhesion to SRBC and activation through the CD2 protein were defective.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Reder
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL 60637
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Grimaldi LM, Castagna A, Maimone D, Martino GV, Dolci A, Pristera R, Lazzarin A, Roos RP. Kappa light chain predominance in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients. J Neuroimmunol 1991; 32:259-68. [PMID: 1903402 DOI: 10.1016/0165-5728(91)90196-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We measured kappa/lambda light chain ratios of Ig and IgG in 41 serum and 34 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 47 patients at different clinical stages of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and in serum and CSF samples from control subjects. Both ratios were more elevated in HIV-1 seropositive subjects than controls. The elevation was more evident in samples from asymptomatic seropositive patients (ASP) than those from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, there was a statistically significant elevation of Ig kappa/lambda ratios in ASP CSF compared to serum. We also delineated the light chain composition of oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) by isoelectric focusing followed by immunofixation in CSF and serum samples from selected ASP and patients with AIDS who had neurological involvement. Five of six AIDS and all seven ASP samples had IgG OCB exclusively or predominantly of the kappa type. Four IgG OCB of the lambda type and one free lambda chain band were seen in CSF from a pediatric AIDS patient. The presence of an abnormally elevated kappa/lambda ratio correlated with the presence of IgG kappa OCB (p less than 0.02). We conclude that HIV-1 infection is associated with a kappa light chain predominance and with OCB mainly composed of kappa light chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Grimaldi
- Clinica Neurologica IV, Università di Milano, IRCCS H. San Raffaele, Italy
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32
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Abstract
Interleukin (IL) 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and IL-6 are cytokines which mediate cellular responses during immune activation and inflammation. In multiple sclerosis (MS) they might be responsible for T-cell activation (IL-1 beta), for demyelination (TNF alpha), and for immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis (IL-6) within the central nervous system. We studied IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, and IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 34 patients with MS, 43 patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND), and 19 patients with inflammatory neurological diseases (IND). IL-6 was found in the CSF of 29% of MS, 7% of NIND, and 47% of IND patients. TNF alpha was detected in the CSF of 23% of MS, 7% of NIND, and 29% of IND. CSF IL-6 and TNF alpha levels were significantly higher in MS and IND than in NIND. IL-1 beta was rarely detected in the CSF of any group. At least one cytokine was detected in 52% of MS CSF, 11% of NIND CSF, and 64% of IND CSF. In MS patients, no relationship was observed between the incidence or the amount of intrathecal IgG synthesis or oligoclonal bands and the presence of any cytokine. We also evaluated cytokine levels in paired sera from 11 MS and 13 NIND patients. Low levels of IL-6 were detected in most sera from MS and NIND patients. TNF alpha was detected in only two MS sera, and IL-1 beta was undetectable in any sample. Our results indicate that increased CSF levels of the cytokines IL-6 and TNF alpha occur frequently in MS and IND, but there is no obvious relationship to intrathecal Ig synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, IL 60637
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Abstract
A patient developed hemilateral tonic spasms associated with a relapse of multiple sclerosis. An area of demyelination in the right internal capsule was observed on a magnetic resonance imaging scan. This lesion was not detectable on a second magnetic resonance imaging scan 10 months after the spasms had ceased. Paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis may represent transient phenomena related to inflammation in acute plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Ill
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Maimone D, Cioni C, Annunziata P. Norepinephrine and VIP induce IL-6 release by rat astrocytes. J Neuroimmunol 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/0165-5728(91)90951-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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35
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D. [Therapy of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with intrathecal alpha-interferon]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1989; 11:211-5. [PMID: 2782117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Clinical benefits were noted in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis patients treated with a total of 15 x 10(6) I.U. of alpha-interferon administered intrathecally over a period of one month. Improvements did not correlate with major variations in anti-measles IgG titers or variation of pattern, IgG subclass or light chain composition of CSF oligoclonal bands.
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Maimone D, Grimaldi LM, Incorpora G, Biondi R, Sofia V, Mancuso GR, Siciliano L, Ruscica M, Pavone L. Intrathecal interferon in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Acta Neurol Scand 1988; 78:161-6. [PMID: 3227800 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Three patients at Stage II of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were treated with semipurified alpha-interferon (IFN) using different combinations of intrathecal and intravenous routes: 1 x 10(6) IU of alpha-IFN were given every other day up to a total of 15 x 10(6) IU. Transient improvement of neurological symptoms and electroencephalogram were noted in all 3, while cognitive function slightly improved in 2 of them. Clinical benefits gradually disappeared 2 to 6 months after cessation of IFN. Intrathecal antibody production did not change substantially, but CSF Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio appeared to increase. No significant side effects were observed, except for a mild meningeal inflammatory reaction after each intrathecal administration of IFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Maimone
- Department of Neurology, University of Catania, Italy
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37
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Azzia N, Sciacca A, Maimone D, Grimaldi LM. Leukocyte function in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Ann Neurol 1988; 23:423. [PMID: 3382185 DOI: 10.1002/ana.410230430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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38
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, Reggio A, Raffaele R. IgG1,3 and 4 oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. Ital J Neurol Sci 1986; 7:507-13. [PMID: 3542897 DOI: 10.1007/bf02342029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 10 patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and 7 with other neurological diseases (OND) were studied in order to detect oligoclonal restriction of IgG subclasses 1,3 and 4. Agarose isoelectric focusing (AGA-IEF) followed by Western capillary blotting and immunoperoxidase staining with specific monoclonal antibodies were used. All MS samples showed oligoclonal IgG1 and 6 of them also had IgG3 or IgG4 bands. In the OND group only patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) and Guillain-Barré disease (GBD) showed CSF oligoclonal patterns for IgG subclasses. Our results demonstrate that in MS CSF other IgG subclasses beside IgG1 may display an oligoclonal pattern. The finding of more than one subclass in the same band indicates a microheterogeneous composition of these oligoclonal bands.
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, Grasso AA, Nicoletti F. [Cultures of peripheral lymphocytes of multiple sclerosis patients. Isoelectrophoretic analysis after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1986; 8:217-20. [PMID: 3739767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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40
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, De Simone D, Finocchiaro AM, Reggio A. [Subclasses of IgG in the cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands of multiple sclerosis patients. Preliminary studies]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1986; 8:221-5. [PMID: 3739768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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41
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, Tigano G, Milici A, Magro E. [Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid IgA and IgG in patients with the Guillain-Barré syndrome]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1986; 8:230-3. [PMID: 3739770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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42
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, Grasso AA, Pennisi G, Nicoletti F. [Oligoclonal IgG and IgA in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1986; 8:226-9. [PMID: 3739769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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43
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Grimaldi LM, Maimone D, Grimaldi G. [Silver nitrate staining of unconcentrated cerebrospinal fluid proteins. Clinico-statistical analysis of 53 neurology patients]. Acta Neurol (Napoli) 1986; 8:204-8. [PMID: 2426928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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