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Nakamura K, Sun Z, Hara-Cleaver C, Bodhinathan K, Avila RL. Natalizumab reduces loss of gray matter and thalamic volume in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A post hoc analysis from the randomized, placebo-controlled AFFIRM trial. Mult Scler 2024; 30:687-695. [PMID: 38469809 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241235055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of brain gray matter fractional volume predicts multiple sclerosis (MS) progression and is associated with worsening physical and cognitive symptoms. Within deep gray matter, thalamic damage is evident in early stages of MS and correlates with physical and cognitive impairment. Natalizumab is a highly effective treatment that reduces disease progression and the number of inflammatory lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of natalizumab on gray matter and thalamic atrophy. METHODS A combination of deep learning-based image segmentation and data augmentation was applied to MRI data from the AFFIRM trial. RESULTS This post hoc analysis identified a reduction of 64.3% (p = 0.0044) and 64.3% (p = 0.0030) in mean percentage gray matter volume loss from baseline at treatment years 1 and 2, respectively, in patients treated with natalizumab versus placebo. The reduction in thalamic fraction volume loss from baseline with natalizumab versus placebo was 57.0% at year 2 (p < 0.0001) and 41.2% at year 1 (p = 0.0147). Similar findings resulted from analyses of absolute gray matter and thalamic fraction volume loss. CONCLUSION These analyses represent the first placebo-controlled evidence supporting a role for natalizumab treatment in mitigating gray matter and thalamic fraction atrophy among patients with RRMS. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER NCT00027300URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00027300.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Nakamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Wilcox O, Amin M, Hancock L, Nakamura K, Lace J, Ontaneda D, Galioto R. Associations Between Cognitive Impairment and Neuroimaging in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:196-203. [PMID: 37699528 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease which commonly involves cognitive dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown that patients with MS (pwMS) have diffuse patterns of brain atrophy, however, the relationship between the presentation of cognitive dysfunction and brain tissue loss remains understudied. Given the integral function of thalamus as a central nervous system relay center and its involvement in various brain circuits, thalamic atrophy may play a key role in the development and progression of cognitive dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between cognitive impairment in pwMS and thalamic atrophy. METHODS A total of 121 pwMS who had neuropsychological testing and quantitative MRI within 1 year of each were retrospectively identified. Grouped LASSO linear regression with 10-fold cross validation was used to estimate each neuropsychological test score with thalamic volume as the focal predictor and all other demographic and MRI metrics as covariates. RESULTS Rates of impairment ranged from 19% to 44%. Results showed notable associations between thalamic volume and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (β = 0.11), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, delayed (β = 0.12), California Verbal Learning Test, delayed and total (β = 0.24 and β = 0.15 respectively), and Trail Making Test Part A (β = -0.01), after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate an independent association between thalamic volumes and processing speed and memory performance, after accounting for demographic, clinical, and other MRI variables, among pwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wilcox
- Neurological Institute, Section of Neuropsychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Moein Amin
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Laura Hancock
- Neurological Institute, Section of Neuropsychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Kunio Nakamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Rachel Galioto
- Neurological Institute, Section of Neuropsychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
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Balistreri CR, Monastero R. Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases: How Much Do We Still Not Know? Brain Sci 2023; 14:19. [PMID: 38248234 PMCID: PMC10812964 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "neuroinflammation" defines the typical inflammatory response of the brain closely related to the onset of many neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Neuroinflammation is well known, but its mechanisms and pathways are not entirely comprehended. Some progresses have been achieved through many efforts and research. Consequently, new cellular and molecular mechanisms, diverse and conventional, are emerging. In listing some of those that will be the subject of our description and discussion, essential are the important roles of peripheral and infiltrated monocytes and clonotypic cells, alterations in the gut-brain axis, dysregulation of the apelinergic system, alterations in the endothelial glycocalyx of the endothelial component of neuronal vascular units, variations in expression of some genes and levels of the encoding molecules by the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), or other epigenetic factors and distinctive transcriptional factors, as well as the role of autophagy, ferroptosis, sex differences, and modifications in the circadian cycle. Such mechanisms can add significantly to understanding the complex etiological puzzle of neuroinflammation and ND. In addition, they could represent biomarkers and targets of ND, which is increasing in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular and Molecular Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Unit of Neurology & Neuro-Physiopathology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), University of Palermo, Via La Loggia 1, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
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Wessels MHJ, Van Lierop ZYGJ, Noteboom S, Strijbis EMM, Heijst JA, Van Kempen ZLE, Moraal B, Barkhof F, Uitdehaag BMJ, Schoonheim MM, Killestein J, Teunissen CE. Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein in natalizumab-treated relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: An alternative to neurofilament light. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1229-1239. [PMID: 37530045 PMCID: PMC10503252 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231188625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) treatment for biomarkers that monitor neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, treatment response, and disease progression despite treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess the value of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) as a biomarker for clinical disease progression and brain volume measurements in natalizumab-treated RRMS patients. METHODS sGFAP and neurofilament light (sNfL) were measured in an observational cohort of natalizumab-treated RRMS patients at baseline, +3, +12, and +24 months and at the last sample follow-up (median 5.17 years). sGFAP was compared between significant clinical progressors and non-progressors and related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived volumes of the whole brain, ventricle, thalamus, and lesion. The relationship between sGFAP and sNfL was assessed. RESULTS A total of 88 patients were included, and 47.7% progressed. sGFAP levels at baseline were higher in patients with gadolinium enhancement (1.3-fold difference, p = 0.04) and decreased in 3 months of treatment (adj. p < 0.001). No association was found between longitudinal sGFAP levels and progressor status. sGFAP at baseline and 12 months was significantly associated with normalized ventricular (positively), thalamic (negatively), and lesion volumes (positively). Baseline and 12-month sGFAP predicted annualized ventricle volume change rate after 1 year of treatment. sGFAP correlated with sNfL at baseline (p < 0.001) and last sample follow-up (p < 0.001) but stabilized earlier. DISCUSSION sGFAP levels related to MRI markers of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark HJ Wessels
- Mark HJ Wessels Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Zoë YGJ Van Lierop
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Noteboom
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva MM Strijbis
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes A Heijst
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zoé LE Van Kempen
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan Moraal
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Bernard MJ Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joep Killestein
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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