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Longitudinal course of cortical thickness decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2014; 261:1871-80. [PMID: 25022938 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To determine longitudinal rates of cortical atrophy in classical Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS variants. Rates of cortical thinning were determined between 2 scans, 3-15 months apart, in 77 ALS patients: 51 classical, 12 upper motor neuron (UMN), and 14 lower motor neuron (LMN) ALS variants. Cortical thickness at the first assessment was compared with 60 healthy controls matched by age and gender. Atrophy rates were compared between patient sub-groups and correlated with disease duration, progression, and severity. Using a cross-sectional analysis, we found a significant difference in cortical thickness between ALS patients and controls in the motor and extra-motor areas (left medial orbito frontal gyrus, left inferior parietal gyrus, bilateral insular cortex, right fusiform gyrus, bilateral precuneus). Using a longitudinal analysis, we found a significant decline of cortical thickness in frontal, temporal, and parietal regions over the course of the study in ALS patients. Effects were independent of the clinical subtype, with exception of the precentral gyrus (p < 0.001). The LMN ALS variants demonstrated the highest rates of cortical thinning in the precentral gyrus, the UMN-dominant subjects exhibited intermediate rates of atrophy, and the classical ALS patients exhibited no such change. Atrophy of the precentral gyrus in classical ALS indicates a floor effect at the first assessment, resulting in a lack of further atrophy over time. Structural loss of the precentral gyrus appears to be an early sign of classical ALS. Over time, patterns of cortical thinning in extra-motor areas can be identified in ALS, regardless of the phenotype.
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Ravits J, Appel S, Baloh RH, Barohn R, Brooks BR, Elman L, Floeter MK, Henderson C, Lomen-Hoerth C, Macklis JD, McCluskey L, Mitsumoto H, Przedborski S, Rothstein J, Trojanowski JQ, van den Berg LH, Ringel S. Deciphering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: what phenotype, neuropathology and genetics are telling us about pathogenesis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14 Suppl 1:5-18. [PMID: 23678876 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.778548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized phenotypically by progressive weakness and neuropathologically by loss of motor neurons. Phenotypically, there is marked heterogeneity. Typical ALS has mixed upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement. Primary lateral sclerosis has predominant UMN involvement. Progressive muscular atrophy has predominant LMN involvement. Bulbar and limb ALS have predominant regional involvement. Frontotemporal dementia has significant cognitive and behavioral involvement. These phenotypes can be so distinctive that they would seem to have differing biology. However, they cannot be distinguished, at least neuropathologically or genetically. In sporadic ALS (SALS), they are mostly characterized by ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43. In familial ALS (FALS), where phenotypes are indistinguishable from SALS and similarly heterogeneous, each mutated gene has its own genetic and molecular signature. Overall, since the same phenotypes can have multiple causes including different gene mutations, there must be multiple molecular mechanisms causing ALS - and ALS is a syndrome. Since, however, multiple phenotypes can be caused by one single gene mutation, a single molecular mechanism can cause heterogeneity. What the mechanisms are remain unknown, but active propagation of the pathology neuroanatomically seems to be a principal component. Leading candidate mechanisms include RNA processing, cell-cell interactions between neurons and non-neuronal neighbors, focal seeding from a misfolded protein that has prion-like propagation, and fatal errors introduced during neurodevelopment of the motor system. If fundamental mechanisms could be identified and understood, ALS therapy could rationally target progression and stop the disease - a goal that seems increasingly achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
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Song F, Chiang P, Ravits J, Loeb JA. Activation of microglial neuregulin1 signaling in the corticospinal tracts of ALS patients with upper motor neuron signs. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 15:77-83. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.853802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Schuster C, Kasper E, Machts J, Bittner D, Kaufmann J, Benecke R, Teipel S, Vielhaber S, Prudlo J. Focal thinning of the motor cortex mirrors clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their phenotypes: a neuroimaging study. J Neurol 2013; 260:2856-64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-013-7083-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Gladman M, Cudkowicz M, Zinman L. Enhancing clinical trials in neurodegenerative disorders: lessons from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Opin Neurol 2013; 25:735-42. [PMID: 23160423 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0b013e32835a309d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review article is focused on strategies that may enhance clinical trial efficiency in neurodegenerative disorders, as demonstrated within the research field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RECENT FINDINGS Unravelling ALS pathophysiology will result in an increased number of candidate therapeutics. Recent ALS clinical trials have employed novel study designs that expedite the drug development process and limit sample size, including futility, lead-in, selection, adaptive and sequential designs. The search for sensitive and specific biomarkers in ALS continues to develop, and they are essential in accelerating the drug discovery process. Several candidate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers have been recently described in ALS, and some have been successfully employed as secondary outcome measures in clinical trials. The advent of web-based technologies has provided a complementary platform to expedite clinical trials, through electronic data capture, teleconferencing and online registries. In addition, the formation of ALS consortia has enhanced collaborative multicentre studies. SUMMARY ALS research studies have employed novel strategies to accelerate the efficiency and pace of drug discovery. The importance of adapting to novel measures that enhance study efficiency is not unique to ALS and can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases in search of effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gladman
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto Medical School, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Britton D, Cleary S, Miller R. What is ALS and What is the Philosophy of Care? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1044/sasd22.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Britton
- University of Washington—Rehabilitation MedicineSeattle, WA
| | - Stuart Cleary
- University of Alberta—Rehabilitation MedicineEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert Miller
- University of Washington—Speech & Hearing SciencesSeattle, WA
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Raaphorst J, Tuijp J, Verweij L, Westermann EJA, van der Kooi AJ, Gaytant MA, van den Berg LH, de Visser M, Kampelmacher MJ. Treatment of respiratory impairment in patients with motor neuron disease in the Netherlands: patient preference and timing of referral. Eur J Neurol 2013; 20:1524-30. [PMID: 23398243 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We assessed the first evaluation at a large ventilation clinic in the Netherlands to: (i) determine what proportion of patients with motor neuron disease would benefit from earlier referral; and (ii) examine the patient preferences regarding ventilatory support. METHODS Observational study at a single centre with a catchment area of 7.6 million inhabitants. Data on disease status, the referral process and patients' preferences regarding ventilatory support were collected during the first home ventilation services (HVS) assessment and analysed for correlation with the presence of daytime hypercapnia and suspected nocturnal hypoventilation. The latter conditions require immediate (within 48 h) or subacute (within 3 weeks) initiation of ventilatory support. RESULTS Vital capacity (in percentage of predicted value, VC%pred) was assessed by referring physicians in 84% of the 217 referred patients; the mean VC%pred was 69% (SD 16). One-hundred and ninety-one patients attended the first HVS assessment without ventilatory support, at a median of 21 days following referral: 18% had respiratory failure (daytime hypercapnia), 19% had normocapnia but were suspected of nocturnal hypoventilation, and 63% had normocapnia without symptoms. Following the HVS assessment, 25 patients (13%) declined home mechanical ventilation; this occurred more often in patients with (14/70) compared with patients without respiratory impairment (11/121; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A meaningful proportion of patients who desire ventilatory support are referred to a ventilation clinic after already developing respiratory failure. Future studies could examine means, including more sensitive respiratory measures, to detect those patients who could benefit from earlier referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Raaphorst
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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D'Amico E, Pasmantier M, Lee YW, Weimer L, Mitsumoto H. Clinical evolution of pure upper motor neuron disease/dysfunction (PUMMD). Muscle Nerve 2012; 47:28-32. [PMID: 23169452 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION PLS is defined as pure upper motor neuron disease/dysfunction (PUMND) beyond 48 months after symptom onset. We know little about its early stages, but such knowledge would help to identify the mechanisms underlying PLS and ALS and determine why PLS patients seem to be protected against lower MND (LMND). METHODS We reviewed 622 MND cases during a 4-year period and identified 34 patients with PUMND (5.4%). RESULTS Among 23 cases with follow-up data/electromyograms (EMGs; 2 had only 1 EMG), 13 (57%) remained classified as PUMND, and 8 (35%) developed LMND (mean, 51.4 months after onset). Of these 8, LMND developed in 3 after 48 months from symptom onset. Patients with PUMND and LMND were more functionally impaired (P = 0.02). Separately, we identified 5 patients with PUMND who developed LMND long after 48 months (range, 50-127 months). CONCLUSIONS PLS belongs to the ALS spectrum, and perhaps all cases eventually develop LMND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele D'Amico
- Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Dentel C, Palamiuc L, Henriques A, Lannes B, Spreux-Varoquaux O, Gutknecht L, René F, Echaniz-Laguna A, Gonzalez de Aguilar JL, Lesch KP, Meininger V, Loeffler JP, Dupuis L. Degeneration of serotonergic neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a link to spasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 136:483-93. [PMID: 23114367 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spasticity is a common and disabling symptom observed in patients with central nervous system diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spasticity is traditionally thought to be the result of degeneration of the upper motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, although degeneration of other neuronal types, in particular serotonergic neurons, might also represent a cause of spasticity. We performed a pathology study in seven patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and six control subjects and observed that central serotonergic neurons suffer from a degenerative process with prominent neuritic degeneration, and sometimes loss of cell bodies in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, distal serotonergic projections to spinal cord motor neurons and hippocampus systematically degenerated in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In SOD1 (G86R) mice, a transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, serotonin levels were decreased in brainstem and spinal cord before onset of motor symptoms. Furthermore, there was noticeable atrophy of serotonin neuronal cell bodies along with neuritic degeneration at disease onset. We hypothesized that degeneration of serotonergic neurons could underlie spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and investigated this hypothesis in vivo using tail muscle spastic-like contractions in response to mechanical stimulation as a measure of spasticity. In SOD1 (G86R) mice, tail muscle spastic-like contractions were observed at end-stage. Importantly, they were abolished by 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b/c receptors inverse agonists. In line with this, 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b receptor expression was strongly increased at disease onset. In all, we show that serotonergic neurons degenerate during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and that this might underlie spasticity in mice. Further research is needed to determine whether inverse agonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b/c receptors could be of interest in treating spasticity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Almeida V, de Carvalho M, Scotto M, Pinto S, Pinto A, Ohana B, Swash M. Primary lateral sclerosis: Predicting functional outcome. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2012; 14:141-5. [DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.719237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Administration of Recombinant Heat Shock Protein 70 Delays Peripheral Muscle Denervation in the SOD1(G93A) Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurol Res Int 2012; 2012:170426. [PMID: 22900172 PMCID: PMC3415202 DOI: 10.1155/2012/170426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A prominent clinical feature of ALS is muscle weakness due to dysfunction, denervation and degeneration of motoneurons (MNs). While MN degeneration is a late stage event in the ALS mouse model, muscle denervation occurs significantly earlier in the disease. Strategies to prevent this early denervation may improve quality of life by maintaining muscle control and slowing disease progression. The precise cause of MN dysfunction and denervation is not known, but several mechanisms have been proposed that involve potentially toxic intra- and extracellular changes. Many cells confront these changes by mounting a stress response that includes increased expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). MNs do not upregulate Hsp70, and this may result in a potentially increased vulnerability. We previously reported that recombinant human hsp70 (rhHsp70) injections delayed symptom onset and increased lifespan in SOD1G93A mice. The exogenous rhHsp70 was localized to the muscle and not to spinal cord or brain suggesting it modulates peripheral pathophysiology. In the current study, we focused on earlier administration of Hsp70 and its effect on initial muscle denervation. Injections of the protein appeared to arrest denervation with preserved large myelinated peripheral axons, and reduced glial activation.
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Tongue's motor evoked potentials in the diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS): preliminary report. J Neurol Sci 2012; 316:67-71. [PMID: 22342395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder due to a selective loss of precentral pyramidal neurons. Our purpose was to evaluate preferential impairment of pyramidal tract to bulbar muscles in patients with PLS and identify a valuable electrophysiological method to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). MATERIALS AND METHODS We recorded Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) from tongue's and anterior tibialis muscles in six patients with PLS and compared the results, in terms of Central Motor Conduction Time (CMCT), amplitude of MEPs and duration of controlateral silent period (cSP), with those obtained both from ten age-matched healthy volunteers and ten patients affected by ALS. RESULTS For lower limbs, CMCT resulted significantly increased in PLS and ALS samples compared with healthy subjects (p<0.01); we did not disclose any difference between ALS and PLS groups (p=0.417). Instead for tongue's recordings, CMCT, absolute amplitude of MEPs and cSP were significantly altered in PLS patients towards both ALS patients and healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS We showed that tongue's MEPs are selectively impaired in PLS. This technique could be helpful to differentiate patients with PLS from those affected by upper motor neuron-predominant variants of ALS. Tongue's MEPs could represent an interesting electrodiagnostic test, potentially useful for the diagnosis of PLS.
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Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a neuron-derived trophic molecule that supports axoglial and neuromuscular development through several alternatively spliced isoforms; its possible role in the pathogenesis and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not known. We analyzed the relationship of NRG1 isoform expression to glial cell activation and motor neuron loss in spinal cords of ALS patients and during disease progression in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) ALS mouse model. Microgliosis, astrocytosis, and motor neuron loss were observed in the ventral horns in ALS patients and were increased in SOD1 mice along with disease progression. Type III (membrane-bound) NRG1 expression was reduced in parallel with motor neuron loss, but Type I (secreted) NRG1 expression was increased and was associated with glial activation. Increased NRG1 receptor activation was observed on activated microglia in both ALS patients and in SOD1 mice. This activation was observed at the time of disease onset and before upregulation of NRG1 gene expression in the mice. The downregulation of membrane-bound Type III NRG1 forms may reflect motor neuron loss, but increased signaling by secreted-type NRG1 isoforms could contribute to disease pathogenesis through glial cell activation. NRG1 might, therefore, represent a novel therapeutic target against disease progression in ALS.
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Kosaka T, Fu YJ, Shiga A, Ishidaira H, Tan CF, Tani T, Koike R, Onodera O, Nishizawa M, Kakita A, Takahashi H. Primary lateral sclerosis: Upper-motor-predominant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal lobar degeneration - immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses of TDP-43. Neuropathology 2011; 32:373-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2011.01271.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lane MA. Spinal respiratory motoneurons and interneurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2011; 179:3-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2011.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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66
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Shoesmith C. Approach to Diseases of the Motor Neurons. Neuromuscul Disord 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119973331.ch29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Chen A, Mitsumoto H. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuromuscul Disord 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119973331.ch31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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68
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Borghero G, Floris G, Cannas A, Marrosu MG, Murru MR, Costantino E, Parish LD, Pugliatti M, Ticca A, Traynor BJ, Calvo A, Cammarosano S, Moglia C, Cistaro A, Brunetti M, Restagno G, Chiò A. A patient carrying a homozygous p.A382T TARDBP missense mutation shows a syndrome including ALS, extrapyramidal symptoms, and FTD. Neurobiol Aging 2011; 32:2327.e1-5. [PMID: 21803454 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have recently published data showing that a founder mutation of the TARDBP gene (p.A382T) accounts for approximately one third of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (Chiò et al., 2011). In that report, we identified a 53-year-old man carrying a homozygous A382T missense mutation of the TARDBP gene with a complex neurological syndrome including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, parkinsonian features, motor and vocal tics, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Due to the uniqueness of this case, here we provide a detailed clinical description, as well as neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging data for that case and his extended family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Borghero
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Universitaria-Ospedaliera of Cagliari and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Iwata NK, Kwan JY, Danielian LE, Butman JA, Tovar-Moll F, Bayat E, Floeter MK. White matter alterations differ in primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2011; 134:2642-55. [PMID: 21798965 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary lateral sclerosis is a sporadic disorder characterized by slowly progressive corticospinal dysfunction. Primary lateral sclerosis differs from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by its lack of lower motor neuron signs and long survival. Few pathological studies have been carried out on patients with primary lateral sclerosis, and the relationship between primary lateral sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains uncertain. To detect in vivo structural differences between the two disorders, diffusion tensor imaging of white matter tracts was carried out in 19 patients with primary lateral sclerosis, 18 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 19 age-matched controls. Fibre tracking was used to reconstruct the intracranial portion of the corticospinal tract and three regions of the corpus callosum: the genu, splenium and callosal fibres connecting the motor cortices. Both patient groups had reduced fractional anisotropy, a measure associated with axonal organization, and increased mean diffusivity of the reconstructed corticospinal and callosal motor fibres compared with controls, without changes in the genu or splenium. Voxelwise comparison of the whole brain white matter using tract-based spatial statistics confirmed the differences between patients and controls in the diffusion properties of the corticospinal tracts and motor fibres of the callosum. This analysis further revealed differences in the regional distribution of white matter alterations between the patient groups. In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the greatest reduction in fractional anisotropy occurred in the distal portions of the intracranial corticospinal tract, consistent with a distal axonal degeneration. In patients with primary lateral sclerosis, the greatest loss of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity occurred in the subcortical white matter underlying the motor cortex, with reduced volume, suggesting tissue loss. Clinical measures of upper motor neuron dysfunction correlated with reductions in fractional anisotropy in the corticospinal tract in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and increased mean diffusivity and volume loss of the corticospinal tract in patients with primary lateral sclerosis. Changes in the diffusion properties of the motor fibres of the corpus callosum were strongly correlated with changes in corticospinal fibres in patients, but not in controls. These findings indicate that degeneration is not selective for corticospinal neurons, but affects callosal neurons within the motor cortex in motor neuron disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobue K Iwata
- MD EMG section, National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, National Institute of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10 Room 7-5680, Bethesda, MD 20892-1404, USA
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Georgoulopoulou E, Vinceti M, Bonvicini F, Sola P, Goldoni CA, Girolamo GD, Ferraro D, Nichelli P, Mandrioli J. Changing incidence and subtypes of ALS in Modena, Italy: A 10-years prospective study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 12:451-7. [DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2011.593037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Ganesalingam J, Bowser R. The application of biomarkers in clinical trials for motor neuron disease. Biomark Med 2010; 4:281-97. [PMID: 20406070 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.09.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest and research into disease-related biomarkers has greatly accelerated over the last 10 years. The potential clinical benefits for disease-specific biomarkers include a more rapid and accurate disease diagnosis, and potential reduction in size and duration of clinical drug trials, which would speed up drug development. The application of biomarkers into the clinical arena of motor neuron disease should both determine if a drug hits its proposed target and whether the drug alters the course of disease. This article will highlight the progress made in discovering suitable biomarker candidates from a variety of sources, including imaging, neurophysiology and proteomics. For biomarkers to have clinical utility, specific criteria must be satisfied. While there has been tremendous effort to discover biomarkers, very few have been translated to the clinic. The bottlenecks in the biomarker pipeline will be highlighted as well as lessons that can be learned from other disciplines, such as oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeban Ganesalingam
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, UK
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Dion PA, Daoud H, Rouleau GA. Genetics of motor neuron disorders: new insights into pathogenic mechanisms. Nat Rev Genet 2009; 10:769-82. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg2680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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