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Wu Z, Feng K, Huang J, Ye X, Yang R, Huang Q, Jiang Q. Brain region changes following a spinal cord injury. Neurochem Int 2024; 174:105696. [PMID: 38354751 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105696] [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] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Brain-related complications are common in clinical practice after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the molecular mechanisms of these complications are still unclear. Here, we reviewed the changes in the brain regions caused by SCI from three perspectives: imaging, molecular analysis, and electrophysiology. Imaging studies revealed abnormal functional connectivity, gray matter volume atrophy, and metabolic abnormalities in brain regions after SCI, leading to changes in the structure and function of brain regions. At the molecular level, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and damage-associated molecular patterns produced in the injured area were retrogradely transmitted through the corticospinal tract, cerebrospinal fluid, or blood circulation to the specific brain area to cause pathologic changes. Electrophysiologic recordings also suggested abnormal changes in brain electrical activity after SCI. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and deep brain stimulation alleviated pain and improved motor function in patients with SCI; therefore, transcranial therapy may be a new strategy for the treatment of patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwu Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Kaiming Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Jinqing Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xinyun Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Ruijin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Qianliang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Qiuhua Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital (Ganzhou Hospital-Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University), 16th Mei-guan Avenue, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Mokhtari T, Uludag K. Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Post-Spinal-Cord-Injury Anxiety and Depression: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:56-70. [PMID: 38109051 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00596] [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: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of research on the long-term effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) has primarily focused on neuropathic pain (NP), psychological issues, and sensorimotor impairments. Among SCI patients, mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, have been extensively studied. It has been found that chronic stress and NP have negative consequences and reduce the quality of life for individuals living with SCI. Our review examined both human and experimental evidence to explore the connection between mood changes following SCI and inflammatory pathways, with a specific focus on NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. We observed increased proinflammatory factors in the blood, as well as in the brain and spinal cord tissues of SCI models. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in various diseases by controlling the release of proinflammatory molecules like interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in key brain regions associated with pain processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, contributes to the development of mood disorders following SCI. In this review, we summarized recent research on the expression and regulation of components related to NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in mood disorders following SCI. Finally, we discussed potential therapeutic approaches that target the NLRP3 inflammasome and regulate proinflammatory cytokines as a way to treat mood disorders following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahmineh Mokhtari
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kadir Uludag
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
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Jacobsen HB, Brun A, Stubhaug A, Reme SE. Stress specifically deteriorates working memory in peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad194. [PMID: 37465756 PMCID: PMC10351603 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the influence of chronic stress, measured through hair cortisol, on executive functions in individuals with chronic pain. We expected that there would be significant differences in chronic stress and executive functioning between pain patients and healthy controls, as well as between primary and secondary pain classifications. We also hypothesized that hair cortisol concentration was predictive of worse performance on tests of executive functions, controlling for objective and subjective covariates. For this study, 122 participants provided a hair sample (n = 40 with fibromyalgia; n = 24 with peripheral neuropathic pain; n = 58 matched healthy controls). Eighty-four of these participants also completed highly detailed testing of executive functions (n = 40 with fibromyalgia; n = 24 with peripheral neuropathic pain; n = 20 healthy controls). To assess differences in stress levels and executive functions, t-tests were used to compare patients with controls as well as fibromyalgia with peripheral neuropathic pain. Then, univariate regressions were used to explore associations between stress and executive functioning in both chronic pain classifications. Any significant univariate associations were carried over to hierarchical multivariate regression models. We found that patients with chronic pain had significantly higher cortisol levels than healthy controls, but all groups showed similar executive functioning. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses disclosed that in a model controlling for age, sex and pain medication usage, hair cortisol levels explained 8% of the variance in spatial working memory strategy in individuals with chronic pain. The overall model explained 24% of the variance in spatial working memory. In a second model using imputed data, including both objective and subjectively reported covariates, hair cortisol levels explained 9% of the variance, and the full model 31% of the variance in spatial working memory performance. Higher levels of cortisol indicated worse performance. In this study, an applied measure of chronic stress, namely hair cortisol, explained a substantial part of the variance on a spatial working memory task. The current results have important implications for understanding and treating cognitive impairments in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Børsting Jacobsen
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo 0373, Norway
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0853, Norway
| | - Aurora Brun
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo 0373, Norway
| | - Audun Stubhaug
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0853, Norway
| | - Silje Endresen Reme
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo 0373, Norway
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0853, Norway
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Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Haro S, Álvarez-Mon MÁ, De Leon-Oliva D, Gomez-Lahoz AM, Monserrat J, Atienza-Pérez M, Díaz D, Lopez-Dolado E, Álvarez-Mon M. A comprehensive look at the psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology of spinal cord injury and its progression: mechanisms and clinical opportunities. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:26. [PMID: 37291666 PMCID: PMC10251601 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and disabling medical condition generally caused by a traumatic event (primary injury). This initial trauma is accompanied by a set of biological mechanisms directed to ameliorate neural damage but also exacerbate initial damage (secondary injury). The alterations that occur in the spinal cord have not only local but also systemic consequences and virtually all organs and tissues of the body incur important changes after SCI, explaining the progression and detrimental consequences related to this condition. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) is a growing area of research aiming to integrate and explore the interactions among the different systems that compose the human organism, considering the mind and the body as a whole. The initial traumatic event and the consequent neurological disruption trigger immune, endocrine, and multisystem dysfunction, which in turn affect the patient's psyche and well-being. In the present review, we will explore the most important local and systemic consequences of SCI from a PNIE perspective, defining the changes occurring in each system and how all these mechanisms are interconnected. Finally, potential clinical approaches derived from this knowledge will also be collectively presented with the aim to develop integrative therapies to maximize the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Haro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M. Gomez-Lahoz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Monserrat
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Atienza-Pérez
- Service of Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Paraplegic Patients, Carr. de la Peraleda, S/N, 45004 Toledo, Spain
| | - David Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Lopez-Dolado
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Alcala, 28801 Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service and Internal Medicine, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias (CIBEREHD), 28806 Alcala de Henares, Spain
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Aroke EN, Hobson JM, Ptacek T, Jackson P, Goodin BR. Genome-wide DNA methylation study identifies significant epigenomic changes associated with internalized stigma in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:1021963. [PMID: 36518098 PMCID: PMC9742283 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.1021963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-specific chronic low back pain (cLBP) represents a common musculoskeletal condition with no identifiable cause. It cannot be diagnosed with conventional neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT). The diagnostic uncertainty that characterizes non-specific cLBP can lead to stigmatizing responses from others that can become internalized Among individuals with non-specific cLBP, internalized stigma is associated with greater pain intensity and disability. Yet, no study has examined the biological mechanism linking high internalized stigma to worse outcomes in individuals with non-specific cLBP. We aimed to identify differentially methylated loci (DML), enrichment pathways, and associated network interactions among individuals with non-specific cLBP experiencing low vs. high internalized stigma. We examined DNA methylation in whole blood samples from 48 adults, ages 19-85, using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). After controlling for age, sex, race, and multiple testing, differentially methylated loci (DML) differed in adults with low vs. high internalized stigma by at least 10% and q < 0.01 in 3,665 CpG sites: 2,280 hypomethylated and 1,385 hypermethylated. Gene ontology (GO) analyses of the annotated genes from these sites revealed significant enrichment of 274 biological processes, 29 cellular components, and 24 molecular functions (adjusted p < 0.05). The top enriched molecular functions regulate protein binding and DNA binding of transcription factor activity. Pathway analyses indicated that many functional genomic pathways, including Hippo Signaling, Melanogenesis, and Pathways in Cancer, were enriched with differentially methylated genes. Also, there was a significant interaction between relevance pathways such as P53, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and Wnt signaling pathways. These pathways have previously been associated with neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and stress-related conditions. Thus, findings point to possible stress-induced DNAm changes as the link between high levels of internalized stigma and worse outcomes in adults with non-specific cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N. Aroke
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Joanna M. Hobson
- Biobehavioral Pain Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Travis Ptacek
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Pamela Jackson
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Burel R. Goodin
- Biobehavioral Pain Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Center for Addiction and Pain Prevention and Intervention (CAPPI), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Sosa MK, Boorman DC, Keay KA. Sciatic nerve injury rebalances the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in rats with persistent changes to their social behaviours. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13131. [PMID: 35487591 PMCID: PMC9286784 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increased glucocorticoids characterise acute pain responses, but not the chronic pain state, suggesting specific modifications to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis preventing the persistent nature of chronic pain from elevating basal glucocorticoid levels. Individuals with chronic pain mount normal HPA-axis responses to acute stressors, indicating a rebalancing of the circuits underpinning these responses. Preclinical models of chronic neuropathic pain generally recapitulate these clinical observations, but few studies have considered that the underlying neuroendocrine circuitry may be altered. Additionally, individual differences in the behavioural outcomes of these pain models, which are strikingly similar to the range of behavioural subpopulations that manifest in response to stress, threat and motivational cues, may also be reflected in divergent patterns of HPA-axis activity, which characterises these other behavioural subpopulations. We investigated the effects of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) on adrenocortical and hypothalamic markers of HPA-axis activity in the subpopulation of rats showing persistent changes in social interactions after CCI (Persistent Effect) and compared them with rats that do not show these changes (No Effect). Basal plasma corticosterone did not change after CCI and did not differ between groups. However, adrenocortical sensitivity to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) diverged between these groups. No Effect rats showed large increases in basal plasma ACTH with no change in adrenocortical melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2 R) expression, whereas Persistent Effect rats showed modest decreases in plasma ACTH and large increases in MC2 R expression. In the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of Persistent Effect rats, single labelling revealed significantly increased numbers of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) +ve and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) +ve neurons. Double-labelling revealed fewer GR +ve CRF +ve neurons, suggesting a decreased hypothalamic sensitivity of CRF neurons to circulating corticosterone in Persistent Effect rats. We suggest that in addition to rebalancing the HPA-axis, the increased CRF expression in Persistent Effect rats contributes to changes in complex behaviours, and in particular social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Karmina Sosa
- School of Medical Sciences and the Brain and Mind CentreThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Damien C. Boorman
- School of Medical Sciences and the Brain and Mind CentreThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kevin A. Keay
- School of Medical Sciences and the Brain and Mind CentreThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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Goldsmith JA, Ennasr AN, Farkas GJ, Gater DR, Gorgey AS. Role of exercise on visceral adiposity after spinal cord injury: a cardiometabolic risk factor. Eur J Appl Physiol 2021; 121:2143-2163. [PMID: 33891156 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-021-04688-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic disease risk in able-bodied (AB) populations. However, the underlying mechanisms of VAT-induced disease risk are unknown in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Potential mechanisms of VAT-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction in persons with SCI include systemic inflammation, liver adiposity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and anabolic deficiency. Moreover, how exercise interventions impact these mechanisms associated with VAT-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction are still being explored. METHODS A search for relevant scientific literature about the effects of exercise on VAT and cardiometabolic health was conducted on the PubMed database. Literature from reference lists was also included when appropriate. RESULTS Both aerobic and resistance exercise training beneficially impact health and VAT mass via improving mitochondrial function, glucose effectiveness, and inflammatory signaling in SCI and AB populations. Specifically, aerobic exercise appears to also modulate cellular senescence in AB populations and animal models, while resistance exercise seems to augment anabolic signaling in persons with SCI. CONCLUSIONS The current evidence supports regular engagement in exercise to reduce VAT mass and the adverse effects on cardiometabolic health in persons with SCI. Future research is needed to further elucidate the precise mechanisms by which VAT negatively impacts health following SCI. This will likely facilitate the development of rehabilitation protocols that target VAT reduction in persons with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Goldsmith
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA
| | - Areej N Ennasr
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA
| | - Gary J Farkas
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - David R Gater
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ashraf S Gorgey
- Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Center, Central Virginia VA Health Care System, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA, 23249, USA. .,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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