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1.
Acta Neurol Belg ; 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38758353

ABSTRACT

Assisted suicide and euthanasia are long debated topics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients care. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the attitudes of ALS patients and their caregivers toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia. Also, we were interested to identify the factors associated with the positive or negative attitude of patients and caregivers towards PAS/euthanasia. A thorough search of the online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was conducted and eligibility criteria according to the PRISMA guidelines were used to include the studies in the current meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of the selected studies was carried out using a pre-specified set of criteria by Cochrane. The studies that were selected for this meta-analysis suggested that the expression of the wish to die is more likely correlated with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and lack of optimism. The overall prevalence of considering PAS/euthanasia significantly varies in a dependent manner over the cultural, legal, and societal factors. In this context, we found that the opinion on this topic can be deeply personal and may vary widely among individuals and communities. Lower quality of life and lower religiosity were associated with a positive attitude toward PAS/euthanasia. On the other hand, patients who are more religious are less likely to choose PAS/euthanasia. Gender does not appear to play a significant role in determining attitudes towards PAS/euthanasia in ALS patients. Other factors, such as education and psychological state, could also be important. In conclusion, end-of-life decisions in ALS patients are complex and require careful consideration of individual values, beliefs, and preferences. Understanding the factors that influence a patient's attitude towards PAS/euthanasia can help healthcare providers to offer appropriate care and support for these patients and their families.

2.
Acta Neurol Belg ; 124(3): 791-802, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38194159

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Various manifestations ranging from physical symptoms to cognitive and emotional impairments could often be seen following head concussions that lead to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These symptoms are commonly comprising the post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and their resolution could be influenced by multiple factors. Personality traits have been suggested as potential risk factors for the emergence and persistence of PCS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible predisposition to PCS given by certain personality traits. METHODS: Prospective cohort studies, observational studies, and cross-phenotype polygenic risk score analyses were selected from the main scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science) based on multiple-step screening, using keywords (such as "personality traits", "post-concussion syndrome", "traumatic brain injury", "anxiety", "depression", "resilience", and "somatization") and inclusion/exclusion criteria (English written studies available in full text presenting relevant data on TBI patients and their personality traits; reviews, animal studies, and studies not written in English, not available in full text, or not presenting full demographical and clinical data were excluded). The investigated personality traits included emotional reserve, somatic trait anxiety, embitterment, mistrust, parental anxiety, state anxiety, trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, helplessness, sports-concussion symptom load, and cognitive resilience. RESULTS: The reviewed data from 16 selected studies suggested that personality traits play an essential role in the development and persistence of PCS. Emotional reserve, cognitive resilience, and lower levels of somatic trait anxiety were associated with better outcomes in PCS. However, higher levels of anxiety sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, helplessness, and sports-concussion symptom load were associated with worse outcomes in PCS. Parental anxiety was not associated with persistent symptoms in children following concussion. Despite the statistical analysis regarding the included publications bias was low, further studies should further investigate the correlation between TBI and some personality traits, as some of the selected studies did not included healthy individuals and their psychological profiles for comparison and correlation analysis. CONCLUSION: Personality traits may help predict the development and persistence of PCS following mTBI. Understanding the personality traits roles in PCS could assist the development of targeted interventions for the prevention and treatment of PCS. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions between personality traits, neurobiological factors, and psychosocial factors in PCS.


Subject(s)
Personality , Post-Concussion Syndrome , Humans , Personality/physiology , Post-Concussion Syndrome/psychology , Anxiety/etiology , Anxiety/psychology
3.
Neurol Int ; 15(4): 1212-1226, 2023 Sep 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37873833

ABSTRACT

Stroke has become the first cause of functional disability and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to develop accurate biomarkers to assess stroke risk and prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests that neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) levels may serve as a valuable biomarker to predict stroke occurrence and functional outcome. NETs are known to create a procoagulant state by serving as a scaffold for tissue factor (TF) and platelets inducing thrombosis by activating coagulation pathways and endothelium. A literature search was conducted in two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) to trace all relevant studies published between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022, addressing the potential utility of NETs as a stroke biomarker. Only full-text articles in English were included. The current review includes thirty-three papers. Elevated NET levels in plasma and thrombi seem to be associated with increased mortality and worse functional outcomes in stroke, with all acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage included. Additionally, higher NET levels seem to correlate with worse outcomes after recanalization therapies and are more frequently found in strokes of cardioembolic or cryptogenic origin. Additionally, total neutrophil count in plasma seems also to correlate with stroke severity. Overall, NETs may be a promising predictive tool to assess stroke severity, functional outcome, and response to recanalization therapies.

4.
Brain Sci ; 13(7)2023 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37508960

ABSTRACT

Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex and debilitating condition that can develop after head concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). PPCS is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and emotional changes, that can persist for months or even years after the initial injury. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of PPCS are still poorly understood; furthermore, there are limited resources to predict PPCS development in mTBI patients and no established treatment. Similar to PPCS, the etiology and pathogenesis of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are not clear neither fully described. Nonspecific multifactorial interactions that were also seen in PPCS have been identified as possible predispositions for FND onset and progression. Thus, we aimed to describe a functional overlay model of PPCS that emphasizes the interplay between functional and structural factors in the development and perpetuation of PPCS symptoms. Our model suggests that the initial brain injury triggers a cascade of physiological and psychological processes that disrupt the normal functioning of the brain leading to persistent symptoms. This disruption can be compounded by pre-existing factors, such as genetics, prior injury, and psychological distress, which can increase the vulnerability to PPCS. Moreover, specific interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and physical exercise can target the PPCS treatment approach. Thus, the functional overlay model of PPCS provides a new framework for understanding the complex nature of this condition and for developing more effective treatments. By identifying and targeting specific functional factors that contribute to PPCS symptoms, clinicians and researchers can improve the diagnosis, management, and ultimately, outcomes of patients with this condition.

5.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 13(8)2023 Apr 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37189468

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: While mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major public health issue, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) remains a controversial entity. In both cases, the clinical diagnosis is mainly based on the symptoms and brain imaging evaluation. The current molecular biomarkers were described from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), yet both fluid collection methods are invasive. Saliva could be preferred in molecular diagnosis due to its non-invasive and non-expensive methods of acquisition, transport, and samples processing. (2) Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to review the latest developments in salivary biomarkers and their potential role in diagnosing mild TBIs, and PCS. (3) Results: In TBIs and PCS, a few novel studies focusing on salivary biomarkers have emphasized their importance in diagnosis. The previous studies mainly focused on micro RNAs, and only a few on extracellular vesicles, neurofilament light chain, and S100B. (4) Conclusions: The combination between salivary biomarkers, clinical history and examination, self-reported symptoms, and cognitive/balance testing can provide a non-invasive alternative diagnostic methodology, as compared to the currently approved plasma and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.

6.
Int J Neurosci ; 133(11): 1211-1217, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32364415

ABSTRACT

Sporadic inclusion body myositis is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy over the age of 50, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Symptoms onset before age of 60 occurs in 18-20% of patients, with a delay in diagnosis of 5 to 8 years.The classic clinical presentation of SIBM consists of proximal leg and distal arm weakness, and most commonly patients present early slowly progressive quadriceps weakness which leads to falls and to difficulties in climbing stairs, while less common the initial complaints refer to finger flexor weakness and atrophy, foot drop, or dysphagia, and rare presentations include prominent forearm weakness, sparing the quadriceps. The aetiopathogenesis of the disease remains unclear and despite some preliminary promising results, to the day there is no effective treatment.The diagnosis of SIBM is based on the clinical presentation and the histopathological findings in muscle biopsy, however increasing evidence on genetics and paraclinical biomarkers has recently come to light giving new insights on the pathogenesis, the diagnosis and the potential treatment of the disease. In the present study we aim to review the histopathological findings, genetics and blood biomarkers, and to review the role of muscle biopsy in the diagnosis of SIBM.

7.
Diagnostics (Basel) ; 12(3)2022 Mar 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35328293

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury is a significant public health issue and represents the main contributor to death and disability globally among all trauma-related injuries. Martial arts practitioners, military veterans, athletes, victims of physical abuse, and epileptic patients could be affected by the consequences of repetitive mild head injuries (RMHI) that do not resume only to short-termed traumatic brain injuries (TBI) effects but also to more complex and time-extended outcomes, such as post-concussive syndrome (PCS) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). These effects in later life are not yet well understood; however, recent studies suggested that even mild head injuries can lead to an elevated risk of later-life cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease. While most of the PCS hallmarks consist in immediate consequences and only in some conditions in long-termed processes undergoing neurodegeneration and impaired brain functions, the neuropathological hallmark of CTE is the deposition of p-tau immunoreactive pre-tangles and thread-like neurites at the depths of cerebral sulci and neurofibrillary tangles in the superficial layers I and II which are also one of the main hallmarks of neurodegeneration. Despite different CTE diagnostic criteria in clinical and research approaches, their specificity and sensitivity remain unclear and CTE could only be diagnosed post-mortem. In CTE, case risk factors include RMHI exposure due to profession (athletes, military personnel), history of trauma (abuse), or pathologies (epilepsy). Numerous studies aimed to identify imaging and fluid biomarkers that could assist diagnosis and probably lead to early intervention, despite their heterogeneous outcomes. Still, the true challenge remains the prediction of neurodegeneration risk following TBI, thus in PCS and CTE. Further studies in high-risk populations are required to establish specific, preferably non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for CTE, considering the aim of preventive medicine.

8.
Exp Ther Med ; 23(2): 167, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35069848

ABSTRACT

Essential tremor (ET) is a progressive neurological syndrome characterised by involuntary tremors of the hands or arms, head, jaw and voice. The pathophysiology of ET is not clearly understood yet. However, previous studies have reported several changes in the brain of patients with ET. One of the brain areas extensively investigated is the cerebellum. In the present study, a morphometric analysis of Purkinje cells in patients with ET and ET-plus was performed, and subsequently compared with normal controls using the Golgi silver staining method and 3D neuronal reconstruction. Substantial morphological changes were uncovered in the Purkinje cells of patients with ET compared with normal controls, including a decreased dendritic length and field density, an overall loss of terminal branches and a decreased density of dendritic spines.

9.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 57(11)2021 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34833354

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is an idiopathic generalized epileptic syndrome, with a genetic basis clinically identified by myoclonic jerks of the upper limbs upon awaking, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and less frequent absences. Although the brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is by definition normal, computer-based Voxel-Based morphometry studies have shown a number of volumetric changes in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Thus, the aim of the present Voxel-Wise Meta-Analysis was to determine the most consistent regional differences of gray matter volume between JME patients and healthy controls. Materials and Methods. The initial search returned 31 studies. After excluding reviews and studies without control groups or without detailed peak coordinates, 12 studies were finally included in the present meta-analysis. The total number of JME patients was 325, and that of healthy controls was 357. Results. Our study showed a statistically significant increase of the gray matter in the left median cingulate/paracingulate gyri, the right superior frontal gyrus, the left precentral gyrus, the right supplementary motor area and left supplementary motor area. It also showed a decrease in the gray matter volume in the left thalamus, and in the left insula. Conclusions. Our findings could be related to the functional deficits and changes described by previous studies in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. In this way, the volumetric changes found in the present study could be related to the impaired frontal lobe functions, the emotional dysfunction and impaired pain empathy, and to the disrupted functional connectivity of supplementary motor areas described in JME. It additionally shows changes in the volume of the left thalamus, supporting the theory of thalamocortical pathways being involved in the pathogenesis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Gray Matter/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile/diagnostic imaging
10.
J Clin Neuromuscul Dis ; 23(1): 31-38, 2021 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34431799

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an acquired muscle disease and the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy over the age of 50. It is characterized by male predominance, with a prevalence rate between 1 and 71 cases per million, reaching 139 cases per million over the age of 50 globally. The diagnosis of IBM is based on clinical presentation and muscle biopsy findings. However, there is increasing evidence for the role of genetics and serum biomarkers in supporting a diagnosis. Antibodies against the cytosolic 5'-nucleotidase 1A (Anti-CN1A), an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of adenosine monophosphate into adenosine and phosphate and is abundant in skeletal muscle, has been reported to be present in IBM and could be of crucial significance in the diagnosis of the disease. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of anti-CN1A antibodies for sporadic IBM in comparison with other inflammatory myopathies, autoimmune disorders, motor neurone disease, using a hierarchical bivariate approach, and a Bayesian model taking into account the variable prevalence. The results of the present analysis show that anti-CN1A antibodies have moderate sensitivity, and despite having high specificity, they are not useful biomarkers for the diagnosis of IBM, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, other autoimmune conditions, or neuromuscular disorders. Neither the hierarchical bivariate nor the Bayesian analysis showed any significant usefulness of anti-CN1A antibodies in the diagnosis of IBM.


Subject(s)
Myositis, Inclusion Body , Myositis , 5'-Nucleotidase , Autoantibodies , Bayes Theorem , Humans , Male , Muscle, Skeletal , Myositis, Inclusion Body/diagnosis
11.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 57(3)2021 Mar 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33809965

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most studied neurotrophins. Low BDNF concentrations have been noted in patients with traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and have been associated with the increased risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA). We aimed to study the correlation of BDNF serum levels with acute stroke severity and its potential role as a biomarker in predicting functional outcome. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database using specific keywords. The endpoints examined were the correlation of BDNF with functional outcome, the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) measured at the acute phase, and stroke infarct volume. We also compared serum BDNF levels between stroke patients and healthy controls. Results: Twenty-six records were included from the initial 3088 identified. Twenty-five studies reported NIHSS and BDNF levels on the first day after acute stroke. Nine studies were further meta-analyzed. A statistically significant negative correlation between NIHSS and BDNF levels during the acute phase of stroke was noted (COR: -0.3013, 95%CI: (-0.4725; -0.1082), z = -3.01, p = 0.0026). We also noted that BDNF levels were significantly lower in patients with stroke compared to healthy individuals. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, we only conducted a qualitative analysis regarding serum BDNF and functional outcome, while no correlation between BDNF levels and stroke infarct volume was noted. Conclusions: We conclude that in the acute stroke phase, stroke severity is negatively correlated with BDNF levels. Concurrently, patients with acute stroke have significantly lower BDNF levels in serum compared to healthy controls. No correlations between BDNF and stroke infarct volume or functional outcome at follow-up were noted.


Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia , Ischemic Attack, Transient , Stroke , Biomarkers , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , Humans
13.
Acta Neurol Belg ; 121(2): 341-349, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33486717

ABSTRACT

Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease which belongs to the family of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases. Historically, CJD diagnosis has been based on the combination of clinical features and in vivo markers, including CSF protein assays, MRI and EEG changes. Brain-derived CSF proteins, such as 14-3-3, t-tau and p-tau have been largely used to support the diagnosis of probable CJD, although with certain limitations concerning sensitivity and specificity of these tests. More recently, a new method for the pre-mortem diagnosis of sporadic CJD has been developed, based on the ability of PrPsc to induce the polymerization of protease-sensitive recombinant PrP (PrPsen) into amyloid fibrils, and is known as Real-Time Quaking- Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) assay allows the detection of > 1 fg of PrPsc in diluted CJD brain homogenate and a variety of biological tissues and fluids. In the present study, we did a meta-analysis on the liability of RT-QuIC method in the diagnosis of sporadic CJD, in comparison to 14-3-3 and Tau protein. Twelve studies were finally included in the statistical analysis which showed that RT-QuIC has a very high specificity and comparable sensitivity to 14-3-3 protein and Tau protein in the CSF, and hence can be used as a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of sporadic CJD.


Subject(s)
Computer Systems/standards , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/diagnostic imaging , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/physiopathology , Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform/diagnostic imaging , Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform/physiopathology , Biomarkers/cerebrospinal fluid , Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/cerebrospinal fluid , Electroencephalography/methods , Electroencephalography/standards , Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform/cerebrospinal fluid , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/standards
14.
Aging Clin Exp Res ; 33(2): 265-272, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31939203

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressing neurodegenerative disorder and the main cause of serious irreversible cognitive decline in elderly people. Visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1) is a member of the family of calcium-binding proteins and plays a crucial role in AD pathophysiology. Multiple studies have shown that CSF levels of VILIP-1 are increased in AD patients compared to normal controls, or other neurodegenerative conditions. We searched online databases for studies on the levels of VILIP-1 in the CSF of AD patients in comparison to normal controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients. A total of ten studies were used for the comparison between AD and controls, three studies for the comparison between AD and MCI, two studies for AD and DLB and two studies for the comparison between stable MCI and MCI progressed to AD. We found that VILIP-1 levels are significantly higher in AD compared to normal controls, but not to the other groups, and furthermore, they are significantly higher in patient with MCI progressed to AD, than in stable MCI patients.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Aged , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Biomarkers , Humans , Neurocalcin , tau Proteins
15.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 58(1)2021 Dec 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35056368

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, associated with extensive neuronal loss, dendritic and synaptic changes resulting in significant cognitive impairment. An increased number of studies have given rise to the neuroinflammatory hypothesis in AD. It is widely accepted that AD brains show chronic inflammation, probably triggered by the presence of insoluble amyloid beta deposits and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and is also related to the activation of neuronal death cascade. In the present study we aimed to investigate the role of YKL-40 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the diagnosis of AD, and to discuss whether there are further potential roles of this protein in the management and treatment of AD. We conducted an online search on PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library databases from 1990 to 2021. The quantitative analysis showed that the levels of YKL-40 were significantly higher in Alzheimer's disease compared to controls, to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) AD (MCI-AD) and to stable MCI. They were also increased in MCI-AD compared to stable MCI. The present study shows that the CSF levels of YKL-40 could be potentially used as a biomarker for the prognosis of mild cognitive impairment and the likelihood of progression to AD, as well as for the differential diagnosis between AD and MCI.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Biomarkers , Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1 , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans
16.
Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord ; 34(3): 220-224, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32341240

ABSTRACT

SUBJECTIVES: Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer disease (AD). It is characterized by the accumulation of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites which are composed of aggregated phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, which is a presynaptic neuronal protein genetically and neuropathologically linked to Parkinson disease and to LBD. Alpha-synuclein is thought to contribute to LBD pathogenesis and to linked to disruption of cellular homeostasis and neuronal death, through effects on various intracellular targets, including synaptic function. METHODS: In the present study, we did a meta-analysis on the reliability of alpha-synuclein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the discrimination between LBD and other neurodegenerative disorders including AD, Parkinson disease (PD) dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). RESULTS: CSF alpha-synuclein levels were significantly different in LBD compared with AD, but no statistical difference was found between LBD, and dementia in PD, MSA, PSP, and FTD. CONCLUSION: Alpha-synuclein levels in the CSF can be used for the discrimination between LBD and AD, but not LBD and other neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia in PD, MSA, FTD, and PSP.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Diagnosis, Differential , Lewy Body Disease , alpha-Synuclein , Alzheimer Disease/cerebrospinal fluid , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Frontotemporal Dementia/cerebrospinal fluid , Frontotemporal Dementia/pathology , Humans , Lewy Body Disease/cerebrospinal fluid , Lewy Body Disease/diagnosis , Lewy Body Disease/pathology , Multiple System Atrophy/cerebrospinal fluid , Multiple System Atrophy/diagnosis , Multiple System Atrophy/pathology , Parkinson Disease/cerebrospinal fluid , Parkinson Disease/diagnosis , Parkinson Disease/pathology , alpha-Synuclein/analysis , alpha-Synuclein/cerebrospinal fluid
17.
Aging Clin Exp Res ; 32(9): 1639-1646, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31463927

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Neurogranin is a postsynaptic protein involved in long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity. Recent studies have shown increased neurogranin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients, and in patients with mild cognitive impairment. METHOD: We searched the online databases for studies on neurogranin cerebrospinal fluid levels in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and other neurodegenerative disorders, and we did a meta-analysis to clarify whether this can be a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and the discrimination from other disorders. RESULTS: The present meta-analysis showed that neurogranin CSF levels are significantly higher in AD patients compared to NC [SMD: 268.26, 95% CI (143.47, 393.04), Z = 4.21, P = 0.0001], MCI [SMD: 23.45 (15.97, 30.92), Z = 6.15, P < 0.00001], FTD [SMD: 1.91 (0.92, 2.89), Z = 3.80, P < 0.0001], but no significant difference was found between AD and LBD [SMD: 138.51 (- 14.92, 291.95), Z = 1.77, P = 0.08]. Comparison of stable MCI and MCI that progressed to AD showed significantly higher levels in the CSF of MCI patients who progressed to AD, compared to stable MCI patients [SMD: 230.84 (12.54, 449.14), Z = 2.07, P = 0.04]. Neurogranin can also be a useful biomarker for the differentiation MCI and NC, but not between MCI and FTD or LBD. CONCLUSION: Neurogranin could be added to the panel of existing biomarkers for a more accurate diagnosis and progress of AD and assessment of underlying pathological changes in the brain.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Cognitive Dysfunction , Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis , Amyloid beta-Peptides , Biomarkers , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Humans , Neurogranin , Peptide Fragments , tau Proteins
18.
Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen ; 34(7-8): 421-432, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31422676

ABSTRACT

Dementia with Lewy bodies is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, clinically characterized by gradual cognitive impairment and fluctuating cognition, behavioral changes and recurrent visual hallucinations, and autonomic function and movement symptoms in the type of parkinsonism. It is the second most common type of dementia in the Western world after Alzheimer disease. Over the last 20 years, many neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have been described toward a better discrimination between dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.In the present review, we aim to describe the neurophysiological, imaging, and CSF biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies and to question whether they could be reliable tools for the clinical practice.


Subject(s)
Biomarkers , Lewy Body Disease/cerebrospinal fluid , Lewy Body Disease/diagnostic imaging , Lewy Body Disease/physiopathology , Humans
19.
Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen ; 34(7-8): 439-449, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31256608

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia in senium and presenium. It is clinically characterized by memory impairment, deterioration of intellectual faculties, and loss of professional skills. The cerebellum is a critical part in the distributed neural circuits participating not only in motor function but also in autonomic, limbic, and cognitive behaviors. In present study, we aim to investigate the morphological changes in the Purkinje cells in different cerebellar regions in AD and to correlate them with the underlying AD pathology. Purkinje cells exhibit significant morphometric alterations in AD and prominently in the anterior lobe which is related to higher cognitive functions. The present study gives new insights into the cerebellar pathology in AD and confirms that Purkinje cells pathology is a key finding in AD brains and that AD is characterized by regional-specific atrophy picked in the anterior cerebellar lobe.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/pathology , Purkinje Cells/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Purkinje Cells/ultrastructure
20.
Acta Neurol Scand ; 139(6): 491-496, 2019 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30977113

ABSTRACT

Essential tremor is a chronic neurological syndrome of heterogenous clinical phenotypes and multiple etiologies. Numerous studies have been done in order to investigate the pathological, neuroimaging, physiological, and clinical features of essential tremor; however, a clear pathophysiological mechanism has not been identified. One of the brain structures has been extensively investigated at the macroscopic and the microscopic level in the cerebellum. In the present study, we aim to discuss the main neuroimaging and neuropathological changes of the cerebellum in essential tremor.


Subject(s)
Cerebellum/diagnostic imaging , Cerebellum/pathology , Essential Tremor/diagnostic imaging , Essential Tremor/pathology , Humans , Neuroimaging/methods
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