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Beswick E, Christides A, Symonds A, Johnson M, Fawcett T, Newton J, Lyle D, Weaver C, Chandran S, Pal S. Exploratory study to evaluate the acceptability of a wearable accelerometer to assess motor progression in motor neuron disease. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12449-3. [PMID: 38805054 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12449-3] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive condition traditionally assessed using a questionnaire to evaluate physical function, the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Its use can be associated with poor sensitivity in detecting subtle changes over time and there is an urgent need for more sensitive and specific outcome measures. The ActiGraph GT9X is a wearable device containing multiple sensors that can be used to provide metrics that represent physical activity. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the initial suitability and acceptability of limb-worn wearable devices to group of people with MND in Scotland. A secondary aim was to explore the preliminary associations between the accelerometer sensor data within the ActiGraph GT9X and established measures of physical function. 10 participants with MND completed a 12-week schedule of assessments including fortnightly study visits, both in-person and over videoconferencing software. Participants wore the device on their right wrist and right ankle for a series of movements, during a 6-min walking test and for a period of 24-h wear, including overnight. Participants also completed an ALSFRS-R and questionnaires on their experience with the devices. 80% of the participants found wearing these devices to be a positive experience and no one reported interference with daily living or added burden. However, 30% of the participants experienced technical issues with their devices. Data from the wearable devices correlated with established measures of physical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Alexander Christides
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Alexander Symonds
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Micheaela Johnson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Thomas Fawcett
- The School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Judith Newton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Dawn Lyle
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Christine Weaver
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Bjelica B, Bartels MB, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Petri S. Non-motor symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current state and future directions. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12455-5. [PMID: 38805053 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12455-5] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. A defining histopathological feature in approximately 97% of all ALS cases is the accumulation of phosphorylated trans-activation response (TAR) DNA-binding protein 43 protein (pTDP-43) aggregates in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system. Traditionally, it was believed that the accumulation of TDP-43 aggregates and subsequent neurodegeneration primarily occurs in motor neurons. However, contemporary evidence suggests that as the disease progresses, other systems and brain regions are also affected. Despite this, there has been a limited number of clinical studies assessing the non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. These studies often employ various outcome measures, resulting in a wide range of reported frequencies of non-motor symptoms in ALS patients. The importance of assessing the non-motor symptoms reflects in a fact that they have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, yet they frequently go underdiagnosed and unreported during clinical evaluations. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge concerning non-motor symptoms in ALS. Furthermore, we address their diagnosis and treatment in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Bjelica
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Maj-Britt Bartels
- Precision Neurology of Neuromuscular and Motoneuron Diseases, University of Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jasper Hesebeck-Brinckmann
- Neurology Department, Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 1, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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Shojaie A, Al Khleifat A, Sarraf P, Al-Chalabi A. Analysis of non-motor symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:237-241. [PMID: 37981575 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2280618] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated non-motor symptoms in ALS using sequential questionnaires; here we report the findings of the second questionnaire. METHODS A social media platform (Twitter, now known as X) was used to publicize the questionnaires. Data were downloaded from SurveyMonkey and analyzed by descriptive statistics, comparison of means, and regression models. RESULTS There were 182 people with ALS and 57 controls. The most important non-motor symptoms were cold limbs (60.4% cases, 14% controls, p = 9.67 x 10-10) and appetite loss (29.7% cases, 5.3% controls, p = 1.6 x 10-4). The weaker limb was most likely to feel cold (p = 9.67 x 10-10), and symptoms were more apparent in the evening and night. Appetite loss was reported as due to feeling full and the time taken to eat. People with ALS experienced medium-intensity pain, more usually shock-like pain than burning or cold-like pain, although the most prevalent type of pain was non-differentiated. CONCLUSIONS Non-motor symptoms are an important feature of ALS. Further investigation is needed to understand their physiological basis and whether they represent phenotypic differences useful for subtyping ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shojaie
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Payam Sarraf
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Iranian Centre of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Papadopoulou M, Papapostolou A, Dimakopoulos R, Salakou S, Koropouli E, Fanouraki S, Bakola E, Moschovos C, Tsivgoulis G. Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Pain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:770. [PMID: 38610192 PMCID: PMC11011838 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070770] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons. Some ALS patients exhibit concomitant nonmotor signs; thus, ALS is considered a multisystemic disorder. Pain is an important nonmotor symptom. Observational and case-control studies report high frequency of pain in ALS patients and it has been correlated with depression and quality of life. There are no specific scales for the assessment of pain and no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the drug management of pain in ALS. AIM To systematically review the evidence for the nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) in relieving pain in ALS, on March 2024, we searched the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. We also checked the bibliographies of trials identified to include further published or unpublished trials. MAIN RESULTS A total of 1003 records were identified. Finally, five RCTs including 131 patients (64 in the intervention group and 67 in the control group) were included for meta-analysis. The interventions of the included RCTs consisted of muscle exercise, combined aerobics-strength intervention, and osteopathic manual treatment. The meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant difference in favor of NPIs for alleviating pain in ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS ALS has a fulminant course and irreversibly leads to death. Pain in ALS patients, although a common nonmotor symptom, is often unrecognized and undertreated, and this is underlined by the lack of any RCTs on drug therapy for pain. Albeit NPIs are considered safe, as adverse effects are rarely reported, this systematic review did not provide sufficient evidence for a beneficial effect on pain. The scarceness of relevant literature highlights the need for future studies, with larger samples, more homogeneous in terms of interventions and population characteristics (stage of disease), and better choice of measurement scales to further investigate the efficacy, if any, of various pain interventions in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Papadopoulou
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Athens, Greece;
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Apostolos Papapostolou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Rigas Dimakopoulos
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavroula Salakou
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Eleftheria Koropouli
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Stella Fanouraki
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Eleni Bakola
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Christos Moschovos
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Georgios Tsivgoulis
- Second Department of Neurology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Rimini 1, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.S.); (E.K.); (S.F.); (E.B.); (C.M.); (G.T.)
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Jia H, Li Z, Liu H, Ren M, Liu T, Zhou X, Li X, Li R, Liu Q, Liu Y, Dong H. The Beaumont behavioral intervention in a Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:88-95. [PMID: 37855109 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2271518] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of behavior impairment (27.38%) in the Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cohort is lower. We hypothesize that the screening scales used among studies might not be appropriate to diagnose behavioral disorders in ALS patients. So, we urgently need to find a behavior scale with a high detection rate designed specifically for ALS. This study aims to verify the Chinese translation of the Beaumont Behavioral Inventory (BBI) as an effective assessment in a Chinese ALS cohort. METHODS Ninety-eighty ALS patients and ninety-three healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants took emotional state, overall cognitive, sleep quality and gastroenteric function, and behavioral evaluation. RESULTS The BBI scores showed a strong association with the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia-Questionnaire (ALS-FTD-Q) (rs = 0.71, p < 0.001) as well as a moderate correlation with the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) (rs = 0.55, p < 0.001). High internal consistency was demonstrated in patients using BBI-after items (Cronbach's a = 0.89). When tested against clinical diagnoses, the optimal cutoff of total BBI score was identified at 5.5 (AUC = 0.95; SE = 0.02; 95% CI [0.91, 0.99]), the BBI reached optimal sensitivity and specificity values (91.5% and 87.2%). The BBI turned out to be more precise than the FBI (AUC = 0.76; SE = 0.05; 95% CI [0.66, 0.86]) and the ALS-FTD-Q (AUC = 0.84; SE = 0.04; 95% CI [0.77, 0.92]). CONCLUSION The Chinese version of BBI is a quicker and more efficient instrument for assessing behavioral impairment in the ALS population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongning Jia
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
- Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiguang Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Huakang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mengsi Ren
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Clinical Neurology, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China, and
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Shojaie A, Al Khleifat A, Opie-Martin S, Sarraf P, Al-Chalabi A. Non-motor symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:61-66. [PMID: 37798838 PMCID: PMC11090076 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2263868] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While motor symptoms are well-known in ALS, non-motor symptoms are often under-reported and may have a significant impact on quality of life. In this study, we aimed to examine the nature and extent of non-motor symptoms in ALS. METHODS A 20-item questionnaire was developed covering the domains of autonomic function, sleep, pain, gastrointestinal disturbance, and emotional lability, posted online and shared on social media platforms to target people with ALS and controls. RESULTS A total of 1018 responses were received, of which 927 were complete from 506 people with ALS and 421 unaffected individuals. Cold limbs (p 1.66 × 10-36), painful limbs (p 6.14 × 10-28), and urinary urgency (p 4.70 × 10-23) were associated with ALS. People with ALS were more likely to report autonomic symptoms, pain, and psychiatric symptoms than controls (autonomic symptoms B = 0.043, p 6.10 × 10-5, pain domain B = 0.18, p 3.72 × 10-11 and psychiatric domain B = 0.173, p 1.32 × 10-4). CONCLUSIONS Non-motor symptoms in ALS are common. The identification and management of non-motor symptoms should be integrated into routine clinical care for people with ALS. Further research is warranted to investigate the relationship between non-motor symptoms and disease progression, as well as to develop targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for people with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shojaie
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Ahmad Al Khleifat
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Opie-Martin
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Payam Sarraf
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Iranian Centre of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, and
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
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Monov D, Molodozhnikova N. Biochemical parameters as a tool to assess the nutritional status of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1258224. [PMID: 38313408 PMCID: PMC10836144 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1258224] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The research aimed to analyze blood biochemical parameters in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to determine whether they can be used to assess their nutritional status. Methods The study included 45 patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): 28 (62.2%) were men and 17 (37.8%) were women. The mean age of the study participants was 50.69 ± 7.24 years. The control group consisted of 30 practically healthy individuals. Results Compared with practically healthy individuals, patients with ALS had significantly lower blood parameters, including total lymphocyte count (1.49 ± 0.11 vs. 2.86 ± 0.25, p < 0.05), total protein (60.55 ± 2.38 vs. 77.80 ± 4.41, p < 0.05), albumin (33.70 ± 2.03 vs. 46.49 ± 3.22, p < 0.05), urea (3.09 ± 0.36 vs. 5.37 ± 0.50, p < 0.05), creatinine (51.28 ± 4.42 vs. 70.91 ± 5.13, p < 0.05), and transferrin (1.84 ± 0.12 vs. 2.32 ± 0.10, p < 0.05). These parameters correspond to first-degree malnutrition. There were direct correlations between anthropometric and biochemical parameters in the ALS group. BMI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.22, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.27, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0.33, p < 0.05), creatinine (r = 0.30, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.18, p < 0.05), and total lymphocyte count (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). PNI correlated with the blood levels of total protein (r = 0.53, p < 0.05), albumin (r = 0.87, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.34, p < 0.05), transferrin (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), total lymphocyte count (r = 0.79, p < 0.05), urea (r = 0, 37, p < 0.05), and creatinine (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusion The study presents compelling evidence supporting the utilization of biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count, for potentially evaluating the nutritional status of individuals diagnosed with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Monov
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Natalia Molodozhnikova
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Beswick E, Forbes D, Johnson M, Newton J, Dakin R, Glasmcher S, Abrahams S, Carson A, Chandran S, Pal S. Non-motor symptoms in motor neuron disease: prevalence, assessment and impact. Brain Commun 2023; 6:fcad336. [PMID: 38162906 PMCID: PMC10754319 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad336] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
People with motor neuron disease often experience non-motor symptoms that may occur secondary to, or distinct from, motor degeneration and that may significantly reduce quality of life, despite being under-recognized and evaluated in clinical practice. Non-motor symptoms explored in this population-based study include pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, poor sleep, low mood, anxiety, problematic saliva, apathy, emotional lability, cognitive complaints and sexual dysfunction. People registered on the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation of motor neuron disease platform, the Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Register, were invited to complete a questionnaire on non-motor symptoms and a self-reported Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale. The questionnaire comprised a pre-defined list of 11 potential non-motor symptoms, with the opportunity to list additional symptoms. A total of 120 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study, a 39% response rate of those sent questionnaires (n = 311); 99% of participants recruited (n = 120) experienced at least one non-motor symptom, with 72% (n = 120) reporting five or more. The symptoms most often reported were pain and fatigue (reported by 76% of participants, respectively). The symptoms reported to be most impactful were gastrointestinal issues (reported as 'severe' by 54% of participants who experienced them), followed by pain and problematic saliva (51%, respectively). Lower Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale scores, indicating more advanced disease and being a long survivor [diagnosed over 8 years ago; Black et al. (Genetic epidemiology of motor neuron disease-associated variants in the Scottish population. Neurobiol Aging. 2017;51:178.e11-178.e20.)], were significantly associated with reporting more symptoms; 73% of respondents were satisfied with the frequency that non-motor symptoms were discussed in clinical care; 80% of participants indicated they believe evaluation of non-motor symptom is important to include as outcomes in trials, independent of their personal experience of these symptoms. The preferred method of assessment was completing questionnaires, at home. The overwhelming majority of people with motor neuron disease report non-motor symptoms and these frequently co-occur. Pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, sleep, mood, anxiety, problematic saliva, apathy, emotional lability, cognitive complaints and sexual dysfunction are prevalent. People with motor neuron disease who had worse physical function and those who were long survivors were more likely to report more symptoms. Where reported, these symptoms are frequent, impactful and a priority for people with motor neuron disease in clinical care and trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Deborah Forbes
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Micheala Johnson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel Dakin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stella Glasmcher
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Human Cognitive Neurosciences, Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Bombaci A, Lupica A, Pozzi FE, Remoli G, Manera U, Di Stefano V. Sensory neuropathy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. J Neurol 2023; 270:5677-5691. [PMID: 37610446 PMCID: PMC10632209 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11954-1] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motoneurons, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that ALS is indeed a multisystem disorder, associated with cognitive impairment, dysautonomia, pain and fatigue, excess of secretions, and sensory symptoms. To evaluate whether sensory neuropathy could broaden its spectrum, we systematically reviewed its presence and characteristics in ALS, extracting data on epidemiological, clinical, neurophysiological, neuropathological, and genetic features. Sensory neuropathy can be found in up to 20% of ALS patients, affecting both large and small fibers, although there is a great heterogeneity related to different techniques used for its detection (electromyography vs skin biopsy vs nerve biopsy). Moreover, the association between CIDP-like neuropathy and ALS needs to be better explored, although it could be interpreted as part of the neuroinflammatory process in the latter disease. Sensory neuropathy in ALS may be associated with a spinal onset and might be more frequent in SOD1 patients. Moreover, it seems mutually exclusive with cognitive impairment. No associations with sex and other genetic mutation were observed. All these data in the literature reveal the importance of actively looking for sensory neuropathy in ALS patients, and suggest including sensory neuropathy among ALS non-motor features, as it may explain sensory symptoms frequently reported throughout the course of the disease. Its early identification could help avoid diagnostic delays and improve patients' treatment and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bombaci
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Antonino Lupica
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Federico Emanuele Pozzi
- Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Department, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo, Monza, Italy.
| | - Giulia Remoli
- Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- SC Neurologia 1U, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Stefano
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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10
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Pazian Martins M, González-Salazar C, de Lima FD, Bernardes Leoni T, R M Martinez A, Nunes Gonçalves JP, Nucci A, Cavalcante França M. Autonomic function in sporadic and familial ALS type 8. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 155:68-74. [PMID: 37769591 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.08.006] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize and compare autonomic function in patients with sporadic (sALS) and familial ALS type 8 (fALS8). METHODS We selected 11 patients with sALS (7 men), 14 with fALS8 (8 men) and 26 controls (15 men). All groups were gender and age-matched. For each subject, Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease for Autonomic Symptoms (SCOPA-AUT) was applied and data from heart rate variability, Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART) and skin sympathetic response (SSR) were collected. These data were compared across groups using nonparametric tests. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS SCOPA-AUT revealed predominant clinical complaints in thermoregulatory, pupillomotor and sexual domains in fALS8 relative to sALS as well as controls. Neurophysiological tests demonstrated significant differences in Valsalva ratio, Expiratory:Inspiratory index and RR minimum values in both ALS groups relative to controls. Sudomotor dysfunction was also observed in sALS and fALS8 groups, as shown by reduced medial forearm and foot QSART volumes and absence of SSR in lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS Dysautonomia - cardiac and sudomotor - is part of the phenotype in sALS and fALS8. The profile of autonomic symptoms, however, is different in each group. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with fALS8 and sALS have autonomic dysfunction involving both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Pazian Martins
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Carelis González-Salazar
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Diniz de Lima
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Tauana Bernardes Leoni
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alberto R M Martinez
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Anamarli Nucci
- Department of Neurology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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11
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Hirayama T, Shibukawa M, Yanagihashi M, Warita H, Atsuta N, Yamanaka K, Kano O. Investigation of non-motor symptoms in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neurol Belg 2023; 123:1797-1804. [PMID: 35987973 PMCID: PMC10505101 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-022-02036-6] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
[Objective] Few studies have comprehensively investigated the non-motor symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to investigate this aspect of ALS. [Methods] We held a nationwide webinar, titled "ALS Café," and distributed self-report questionnaires to ALS patients. In addition to the frequency of non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disorders, defecation disorders, sialorrhea, and sexual problems, we evaluated the quality of life (QoL), ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). [Results] The average age of the 33 respondents (19 male, 14 female) was 60.8 ± 11.2; 96.7% of respondents had some non-motor symptoms. The median ALSFRS-R was 32.0, and seven (21.2%) of the respondents had a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher. Fatigue was the most common non-motor symptom (81.8%), followed by pain (60.6%), defecation disorders (57.6%), sleep disorders (48.5%), sialorrhea (48.5%), and sexual problems (24.2%). Fatigue was more frequent in females (P = 0.03). Among the non-motor symptoms, pain was the most common factor affecting QoL, followed by fatigue. More than 90% of ALS patients answered that they had never consulted a physician/counselor about sexual problems. Patients with pain had higher PHQ-9 scores than those without (P = 0.01). There was no correlation between the ALSFRS-R score and QoL and PHQ-9. [Conclusions] Most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis had non-motor symptoms, and fatigue and pain were the most common. We showed that many non-motor symptoms affected QoL without correlating with ALSFRS-R score. Attention should be paid to those even if the motor symptoms of ALS are mild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Hirayama
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Shibukawa
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Yanagihashi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Warita
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Naoki Atsuta
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Kano
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.
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12
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de Jongh AD, van Eijk RPA, Bakker LA, Bunte TM, Beelen A, van der Meijden C, van Es MA, Visser-Meily JMA, Kruitwagen ET, Veldink JH, van den Berg LH. Development of a Rasch-Built Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Impairment Multidomain Scale to Measure Disease Progression in ALS. Neurology 2023; 101:e602-e612. [PMID: 37311649 PMCID: PMC10424842 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Current scales used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) attempt to summarize different functional domains or "dimensions" into 1 overall score, which may not accurately characterize the individual patient's disease severity or prognosis. The use of composite score risks declaring treatments ineffective if not all dimensions of ALS disease progression are affected equally. We aimed to develop the ALS Impairment Multidomain Scale (AIMS) to comprehensively characterize disease progression and increase the likelihood of identifying effective treatments. METHODS The Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and a preliminary questionnaire, based on literature review and patient input, were completed online by patients from the Netherlands ALS registry at bimonthly intervals over a period of 12 months. A 2-week test-retest, factor analysis, Rasch analysis, and a signal-to-noise optimization strategy were performed to create a multidomain scale. Reliability, longitudinal decline, and associations with survival were evaluated. The sample size required to detect a 35% reduction in progression rate over 6 or 12 months was assessed for a clinical trial that defines the ALSFRS-R or AIMS subscales as a primary endpoint family. RESULTS The preliminary questionnaire, consisting of 110 questions, was completed by 367 patients. Three unidimensional subscales were identified, and a multidomain scale was constructed with 7 bulbar, 11 motor, and 5 respiratory questions. Subscales fulfilled Rasch model requirements, with excellent test-retest reliability of 0.91-0.94 and a strong relationship with survival (p < 0.001). Compared with the ALSFRS-R, signal-to-noise ratios were higher as patients declined more uniformly per subscale. Consequently, the estimated sample size reductions achieved with the AIMS compared with those achieved with the ALSFRS-R were 16.3% and 25.9% for 6-month and 12-month clinical trials, respectively. DISCUSSION We developed the AIMS, consisting of unidimensional bulbar, motor, and respiratory subscales, which may characterize disease severity better than a total score. AIMS subscales have high test-retest reliability, are optimized to measure disease progression, and are strongly related to survival time. The AIMS can be easily administered and may increase the likelihood of identifying effective treatments in ALS clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan D de Jongh
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Leonhard A Bakker
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Tommy M Bunte
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Beelen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Conny van der Meijden
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Esther T Kruitwagen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- From the Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J., R.P.A.v.E., L.A.B., T.M.B., M.A.v.E., J.H.V., L.H.v.d.B.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht; Department of Neurology (A.D.d.J.), Tergooi Hospital, Blaricum; Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.v.E.), Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science and Sports (L.A.B., A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine (A.B., J.M.A.V.-M., E.T.K.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation; and ALS Patients Connected (C.v.d.M.), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
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13
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Tzeplaeff L, Wilfling S, Requardt MV, Herdick M. Current State and Future Directions in the Therapy of ALS. Cells 2023; 12:1523. [PMID: 37296644 PMCID: PMC10252394 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting upper and lower motor neurons, with death resulting mainly from respiratory failure three to five years after symptom onset. As the exact underlying causative pathological pathway is unclear and potentially diverse, finding a suitable therapy to slow down or possibly stop disease progression remains challenging. Varying by country Riluzole, Edaravone, and Sodium phenylbutyrate/Taurursodiol are the only drugs currently approved in ALS treatment for their moderate effect on disease progression. Even though curative treatment options, able to prevent or stop disease progression, are still unknown, recent breakthroughs, especially in the field of targeting genetic disease forms, raise hope for improved care and therapy for ALS patients. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of ALS therapy, including medication as well as supportive therapy, and discuss the ongoing developments and prospects in the field. Furthermore, we highlight the rationale behind the intense research on biomarkers and genetic testing as a feasible way to improve the classification of ALS patients towards personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tzeplaeff
- Department of Neurology, Rechts der Isar Hospital, Technical University of Munich, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Sibylle Wilfling
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany;
- Center for Human Genetics Regensburg, 93059 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria Viktoria Requardt
- Formerly: Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, Münster University Hospital (UKM), 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Meret Herdick
- Precision Neurology, University of Lübeck, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
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14
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Feldman EL, Goutman SA, Petri S, Mazzini L, Savelieff MG, Shaw PJ, Sobue G. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet 2022; 400:1363-1380. [PMID: 36116464 PMCID: PMC10089700 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal CNS neurodegenerative disease. Despite intensive research, current management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains suboptimal from diagnosis to prognosis. Recognition of the phenotypic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, global CNS dysfunction, genetic architecture, and development of novel diagnostic criteria is clarifying the spectrum of clinical presentation and facilitating diagnosis. Insights into the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, identification of disease biomarkers and modifiable risks, along with new predictive models, scales, and scoring systems, and a clinical trial pipeline of mechanism-based therapies, are changing the prognostic landscape. Although most recent advances have yet to translate into patient benefit, the idea of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as a complex syndrome is already having tangible effects in the clinic. This Seminar will outline these insights and discuss the status of the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for the general neurologist, along with future prospects that could improve care and outcomes for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy; Department of Neurology, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Masha G Savelieff
- Department of Neurology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gen Sobue
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
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15
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Urso D, Zoccolella S, Gnoni V, Logroscino G. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-The Complex Phenotype-From an Epidemiological Perspective: A Focus on Extrapyramidal and Non-Motor Features. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102537. [PMID: 36289799 PMCID: PMC9599737 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease (MND) and has emerged, among the disorders, with the largest increase in incidence in Western countries. Although the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves simultaneous upper and lower motor neurons, there is growing evidence that the neurodegeneration during the course of the disease can also involve other motor and non-motor regions. In this review, we analyzed and discussed available data from epidemiological population-based studies on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during the course of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Urso
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”, 73039 Tricase, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Correspondence: (D.U.); (G.L.)
| | - Stefano Zoccolella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”, 73039 Tricase, Italy
| | - Valentina Gnoni
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”, 73039 Tricase, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”, 73039 Tricase, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.U.); (G.L.)
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16
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Johnson SA, Fang T, De Marchi F, Neel D, Van Weehaeghe D, Berry JD, Paganoni S. Pharmacotherapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Review of Approved and Upcoming Agents. Drugs 2022; 82:1367-1388. [PMID: 36121612 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving loss of upper and lower motor neurons, with most cases ending in death within 3-5 years of onset. Several molecular and cellular pathways have been identified to cause ALS; however, treatments to stop or reverse disease progression are yet to be found. Riluzole, a neuroprotective agent offering only a modest survival benefit, has long been the sole disease-modifying therapy for ALS. Edaravone, which demonstrated statistically significant slowing of ALS disease progression, is gaining approval in an increasing number of countries since its first approval in 2015. Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (PB-TURSO) was conditionally approved in Canada in 2022, having shown significant slowing of disease progression and prolonged survival. Most clinical trials have focused on testing small molecules affecting common cellular pathways in ALS: targeting glutamatergic, apoptotic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress mechanisms among others. More recently, clinical trials utilizing stem cell transplantation and other biologics have emerged. This rich and ever-growing pipeline of investigational products, along with innovative clinical trial designs, collaborative trial networks, and an engaged ALS community', provide renewed hope to finding a cure for ALS. This article reviews existing ALS therapies and the current clinical drug development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Johnson
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ton Fang
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Department of Neurology, ALS Centre, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Donatienne Van Weehaeghe
- Nuclear Medicine Subdivision, Department of Imaging and Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James D Berry
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute (NCRI), Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Wang Y, Yang X, Han Q, Liu M, Zhou C. Prevalence of Sialorrhea Among Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e387-e396. [PMID: 34920148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative motor neuron disease (MND), and sialorrhea is a known symptom in patients with ALS, which may cause a social embarrassment and discomfort. However, people do not pay attention to sialorrhea up to now. This study is aimed at conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of sialorrhea in ALS patients all around the world and raising awareness of salivation. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases to obtain the comprehensive literatures which reported the prevalence of sialorrhea. We used AHRQ and NOS to evaluate the literature quality. Subgroup analyses were performed based on screening instruments and severity of sialorrhea. At the meantime, sensitivity analyses was also conducted to identify the source of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 17 eligible studies which included 21 groups of data reported prevalence of sialorrhea. The pooled prevalence of sialorrhea among ALS patients was 30.8% (95% CI: 20.0%-44.2%). For studies using ALSFRS-R, direct questioning, postal survey, and ALSSoL average and ALSFRS-R, the pooled prevalence of sialorrhea was 22.7%, 25.8%, 29.8% and 52.0% respectively. According to the severity of sialorrhea, the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe sialorrhea were 25.1%, 11.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. And none of the studies alone had a significant effect on the overall prevalence of sialorrhea after we eliminated each study separately in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Sialorrhea is a relatively common symptom in ALS patients with a comparatively high prevalence. In our study, we found that the prevalence of sialorrhea in ALS patients is relatively higher than the results based on direct questioning or postal survey. Therefore, we deduced that sialorrhea should be evaluated by more complex professional assessment scales to improve the quality of life and improve early prognosis of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Neurology, (Y.W., X.Y., M.L.) The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Department of Neurology, (Y.W., X.Y., M.L.) The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qun Han
- Department of Orthopedics, (Q.H.) Xianggong Central Health Center, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Neurology, (Y.W., X.Y., M.L.) The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- Department of Neurology, (Y.W., X.Y., M.L.) The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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18
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Beswick E, Forbes D, Hassan Z, Wong C, Newton J, Carson A, Abrahams S, Chandran S, Pal S. A systematic review of non-motor symptom evaluation in clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2022; 269:411-426. [PMID: 34120226 PMCID: PMC8738361 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is increasingly recognised as a multi-system disorder, presenting with common and impactful non-motor symptoms, such as neuropsychiatric symtpoms, cognitive and behavioural changes, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue and problematic saliva. AIM/HYPOTHESIS We aimed to systematically review 25 years of ALS clinical trials data to identify if non-motor features were evaluated, in addition to the traditional measures of motor functioning and survival, and where evaluated to describe the instruments used to assess. We hypothesised that assessment of non-motor symptoms has been largely neglected in trial design and not evaluated with ALS-suitable instruments. METHODS We reviewed clinical trials of investigative medicinal products in ALS, since the licensing of riluzole in 1994. Trial registry databases including WHO International Trials Registry, European Clinical Trials Register, clinicaltrials.gov, and PubMed were systematically searched for Phase II, III or IV trials registered, completed or published between 01/01/1994 and 16/09/2020. No language restrictions were applied. RESULTS 237 clinical trials, including over 29,222 participants, were investigated for their use of non-motor outcome measures. These trials evaluated neuropsychiatric symptoms (75, 32%), cognitive impairment (16, 6.8%), behavioural change (34, 14%), pain (55, 23%), sleep disturbances (12, 5%) and fatigue (18, 8%). Problematic saliva was assessed as part of composite ALS-FRS(R) scores in 184 trials (78%) but with no focus on this as an isolated symptom. 31 (13%) trials including 3585 participants did not include any assessment of non-motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Non-motor symptoms such as neuropsychiatric, cognitive and behavioural changes, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue, and problematic saliva have not been consistently evaluated in trials for people with ALS. Where evaluated, non-symptoms were primarily assessed using instruments and impairment thresholds that are not adapted for people with ALS. Future trials should include non-motor symptom assessments to evaluate the additional potential therapeutic benefit of candidate drugs. PROPSERO REGISTRATION CRD42020223648.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Deborah Forbes
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Zack Hassan
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Charis Wong
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Human Cognitive Neurosciences, Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Human Cognitive Neurosciences, Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK ,grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. .,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland, UK. .,Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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19
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Devenney EM, McErlean K, Tse NY, Caga J, Dharmadasa T, Huynh W, Mahoney CJ, Zoing M, Mazumder S, Dobson-Stone C, Kwok JB, Halliday GM, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Ahmed RM, Kiernan MC. Factors That Influence Non-Motor Impairment Across the ALS-FTD Spectrum: Impact of Phenotype, Sex, Age, Onset and Disease Stage. Front Neurol 2021; 12:743688. [PMID: 34899567 PMCID: PMC8656429 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.743688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to establish (1) the pattern and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and other non-motor symptoms of sleep and mood, across ALS phenotypes in comparison to bvFTD and (2) the contribution of non-modifiable factors including age, sex and disease state to the severity of symptoms experienced by ALS patients. Methods: Consecutive participants were recruited to the study and underwent a detailed clinical, cognitive, behavioral and neuroimaging assessment. Neuropsychiatric and other non-motor symptoms were determined using the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory, the CBI-R. The scores were converted to define impairment in terms of mild, moderate and severe symptoms for each subscale. Rate, severity and contribution of King's staging and modifiable factors were also determined and a regression model identified predictors of symptom severity. Results: In total, 250 participants (115 ALS, 98 bvFTD, and 37 ALS-FTD patients) were recruited. A similar pattern of neuropsychiatric symptom severity was identified (apathy, disinhibition and stereotypic behavior) for all behavioral phenotypes of ALS compared to bvFTD (all p > 0.05). Neuropsychiatric symptoms were also present in cases defined as ALSpure and the cognitive phenotype of ALS (ALSci) although they occurred less frequently and were at the milder end of the spectrum. Disordered sleep and disrupted mood were common across all phenotypes (all p < 0.05). The severity of sleep dysfunction was influenced by both sex and age (all p < 0.05). Neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep and mood disorders were common early in the disease process and deteriorated in line with progression on the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R; all p < 0.05). Diagnostic phenotype, disease duration and global cognition scores were the strongest predictors of non-motor and neuropsychiatric impairments. Conclusion: The current findings reveal strikingly similar patterns of changes across the subgroups of ALS and bvFTD, supporting the concept of the ALS-FTD spectrum. The findings further highlight the impact of non-motor and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with ALS, that are often as severe as that seen in ALS-FTD and bvFTD. This study advances understanding across the ALS-FTD spectrum that may accelerate the early identification of patient needs, to ensure prompt recognition of symptoms and thereby to improve clinical awareness, patient care and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Devenney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate McErlean
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nga Yan Tse
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jashelle Caga
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thanuja Dharmadasa
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - William Huynh
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Colin J Mahoney
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Zoing
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Srestha Mazumder
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carol Dobson-Stone
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John B Kwok
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebekah M Ahmed
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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20
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Chiò A, Canosa A, Calvo A, Moglia C, Cicolin A, Mora G. Developments in the assessment of non-motor disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1419-1440. [PMID: 34554894 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1984883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of non-motor symptoms is a major determinant of quality of life and outcome in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and has profound negative effect also on caregivers. AREAS COVERED Non-motor symptoms in ALS include cognitive impairment, neurobehavioral symptoms, depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, pain, disordered sleep, fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and autonomic dysfunctions. This review summarizes the measures used for the assessment of non-motor symptoms and their properties and recaps the frequency and progression of these symptoms along the course of ALS. EXPERT OPINION Non-motor symptoms in ALS represent a major component of the disease and span over several domains. These symptoms require a high level of medical attention and should be checked at each visit using ad hoc questionnaires and proactively treated. Several instruments assessing non-motor symptoms have been used in ALS. Specific screening questionnaires for non-motor symptoms can be used for monitoring patients during telehealth visits and for remote surveillance through sensors and apps installed on smartphones. Novel trials for non-motor symptoms treatment specifically designed for ALS are necessary to increase and refine the therapeutic armamentarium. Finally, scales assessing the most frequent and burdensome non-motor symptoms should be included in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neurology I, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cicolin
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Sleep Medicine Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Città Della Salute E Della Scienza of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Neurorehabilitation Department, Ics Maugeri Irccs, Institute of Milan, Milan, Italy
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21
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Chowdhury A, Mukherjee A, Sinharoy U, Pandit A, Biswas A. Non-Motor Features of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Clinic-based Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2021; 24:745-753. [PMID: 35002134 PMCID: PMC8680868 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_51_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons. Spread of pathology to other brain areas leads to development of non-motor symptoms (NMSs). These usually remain undiagnosed because of overwhelming motor problem and are responsible for significant distress to the patient. Our objective was to explore the burden of various NMSs of patients with ALS, compare between limb-onset and bulbar-onset patients, and to correlate with severity and duration of disease. Methods: Fifty patients with ALS diagnosed according to revised El Escorial Criteria and 50 healthy controls were included in this study. They were assessed with NMS Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory, Center for Neurologic Study-Lability Scale, Drooling Frequency and Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness scale, Bengali Mental State Examination, and Frontal Assessment Battery and relevant statistical analyses were carried out. Results: The patients with ALS had significantly increased prevalence of almost all NMSs compared to controls. There was also significant increase in depression, suicidal ideation, pseudobulbar affect, and daytime sleepiness in patients with ALS. The bulbar onset subgroup had significantly increased daytime drooling, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, whereas the limb onset subgroup reported increased frequency of leg swelling. Executive dysfunction was detected in 24% of patients with ALS and 9.8% had mild cognitive impairment. Weight loss, frequency of falling, insomnia, unpleasant nocturnal leg sensations, difficulty having sex, depression, and cognitive impairment increased significantly with an increase in severity of the disease. Conclusion: NMSs were significantly more prevalent in patients with ALS. Some NMSs worsened with advancement of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chowdhury
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Adreesh Mukherjee
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Uma Sinharoy
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Alak Pandit
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Atanu Biswas
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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22
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Hotait M, Ismail HH, Saab GE, Salameh JS. An open label pilot study of the safety and tolerability of perampanel in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2021; 64:504-508. [PMID: 34322897 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Perampanel, a selective noncompetitive α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) antagonist, is capable of slowing the progression of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) phenotype and increasing the number of anterior horn cells in transgenic mice. Trials of perampanel in epilepsy showed a favorable tolerability profile. In this study we aimed to determine the tolerability and safety of perampanel in patients with ALS. METHODS Enrolled subjects were started on 2 mg/day of perampanel and the dose was increased by 2 mg/day every week to a maximum dose of 8 mg/day. Our primary outcome measure was tolerability, which was evaluated by monitoring adverse events. The secondary outcome measure was clinical progression, assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and spirometry. RESULTS Six participants were enrolled. All had adverse events, mostly behavioral. Two completed the trial and the other four withdrew due to adverse events. All participants reported resolution of these events after discontinuation of the drug. The trial was halted due to the large number of adverse events. DISCUSSION The use of perampanel in this study of ALS was limited by its poor tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hotait
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Helen H Ismail
- Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges E Saab
- Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Johnny S Salameh
- Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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23
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Milano-Torino Staging and Long-Term Survival in Chinese Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051220. [PMID: 34067647 PMCID: PMC8156970 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the association between disease progression according to the Milano–Torino staging (MITOS) system and long-term survival in Chinese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also examined factors affecting MITOS progression. (2) Methods: Patients were enrolled and underwent follow-up at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and their demographic and clinical data, including the Milano–Torino stage, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale—Revised (ALSFRS-R) score and neuropsychiatric data, were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of predicting survival outcomes based on MITOS progression and ALSFRS-R score decline from baseline to 6 months were compared. The associations between MITOS progression from baseline to 6 months and survival outcome at 12, 18 and 24 months were examined, and factors associated with disease progression were evaluated with subgroup analyses. (3) Results: Among the 100 patients included, 74% were in stage 0 at baseline, and approximately 95% progressed to a higher stage of the MITOS system at 24 months. MITOS progression from baseline to 6 months and ALSFRS-R decline showed comparable value for predicting survival at 12, 18, and 24 months. MITOS progression from baseline to 6 months is strongly associated with death outcomes. Older age at onset and increased depression and anxiety scores may be related to disease progression. (4) Conclusions: MITOS progression during the early disease course could serve as a prognostic marker of long-term survival and may have utility in clinical trials. Age at onset and diagnosis and neuropsychiatric factors might be associated with disease progression.
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24
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Soldatov VO, Kukharsky MS, Belykh AE, Sobolev AM, Deykin AV. Retinal Damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Underlying Mechanisms. Eye Brain 2021; 13:131-146. [PMID: 34012311 PMCID: PMC8128130 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s299423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease resulting in a gradual loss of motor neuron function. Although ophthalmic complaints are not presently considered a classic symptom of ALS, retinal changes such as thinning, axonal degeneration and inclusion bodies have been found in many patients. Retinal abnormalities observed in postmortem human tissues and animal models are similar to spinal cord changes in ALS. These findings are not dramatically unexpected because retina shares an ontogenetic relationship with the brain, and many genes are associated both with neurodegeneration and retinal diseases. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ALS affects many “vulnerable points” of the retina. Aggregate deposition, impaired nuclear protein import, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, vascular regression, and mitochondrial dysfunction are factors suspected as being the main cause of motor neuron damage in ALS. Herein, we show that all of these pathways can affect retinal cells in the same way as motor neurons. Furthermore, we suppose that understanding the patterns of neuro-ophthalmic interaction in ALS can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav O Soldatov
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Michail S Kukharsky
- Department of General and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medical Biology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Andrey E Belykh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Andrey M Sobolev
- Laboratory of Genetic Modelling of Neurodegenerative Processes, Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, Russia
| | - Alexey V Deykin
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Štětkářová I, Ehler E. Diagnostics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Up to Date. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020231. [PMID: 33546386 PMCID: PMC7913557 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual loss of upper and lower motor neurons and their pathways, usually without affecting the extraocular and sphincter muscles. The cause of the disease is not yet known. It is a chain of subsequent events, ending in programmed cell death in selective neuronal subpopulations. The prognosis for survival is rather short with a median of 2 to 4 years. Survival may be prolonged based on prompt diagnosis, ALS subtype and proper management with supportive treatment (tracheostomy, gastrostomy, etc.). According to the clinical picture, the typical form of ALS with upper and lower motoneuron involvement and progressive bulbar paralysis with bulbar muscle involvement is observed. The ALS form with progressive muscle atrophy, where only the lower motoneuron is affected, and primary lateral sclerosis with only upper motoneuron damage are rare. Familiar forms of ALS (FALS) associated with specific genes (the most common is C9orf72) have been discovered. FALS is usually associated with dementia (frontotemporal lobar dementia, FTLD), behavioral disorders, cognitive dysfunction and impairment of executive functions. The diagnosis of ALS is determined by excluding other conditions and utilizing clinical examinations, laboratory and genetic tests and nerve conduction/needle electromyography studies (EMG). Needle EMG records abnormal activities at rest and looks for neurogenic patterns during muscle contraction. Motor evoked potentials after transcranial magnetic stimulation remain the test of choice to identify impairment of upper motor neurons. New biochemical, neurophysiological and morphological biomarkers are extensively studied as early diagnostic and prognostic factors and have implications for clinical trials, research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Štětkářová
- Department of Neurology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady, 100 34 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-267162814
| | - Edvard Ehler
- Neurological Department, Faculty of Health Studies, Pardubice University and Pardubice Regional Hospital, 530 03 Pardubice, Czech Republic;
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26
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Ngo ST, Wang H, Henderson RD, Bowers C, Steyn FJ. Ghrelin as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12938. [PMID: 33512025 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a gut hormone best known for its role in regulating appetite and stimulating the secretion of the anabolic hormone growth hormone (GH). However, there is considerable evidence to show wider-ranging biological actions of ghrelin that favour improvements in cellular and systemic metabolism, as well as neuroprotection. Activation of these ghrelin-mediated pathways may alleviate pathogenic processes that are assumed to contribute to accelerated progression of disease in patients with neurodegenerative disease. Here, we provide a brief overview on the history of discoveries that led to the identification of ghrelin. Focussing on the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we also present an overview of emerging evidence that suggests that ghrelin and ghrelin mimetics may serve as potential therapies for the treatment of ALS. Given that ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, where multiple disease mechanisms contribute to variability in disease onset and rate of disease progression, we speculate that the wide-ranging biological actions of ghrelin might offer therapeutic benefit through modulating multiple disease-relevant processes observed in ALS. Expanding on the well-known actions of ghrelin in regulating food intake and GH secretion, we consider the potential of ghrelin-mediated pathways in improving body weight regulation, metabolism and the anabolic and neuroprotective actions of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This is of clinical significance because loss of body weight, impairments in systemic and cellular metabolism, and reductions in IGF-1 are associated with faster disease progression and worse disease outcome in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyuan T Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hao Wang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Cyril Bowers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Centre, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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27
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Török N, Tanaka M, Vécsei L. Searching for Peripheral Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9338. [PMID: 33302404 PMCID: PMC7762583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial, initiated by a series of the causative complex which develops into a certain clinical picture. The pathogenesis and disease course vary from patient to patient. Thus, it should be likewise to the treatment. Peripheral biomarkers are to play a central role for tailoring a personalized therapeutic plan for patients who suffered from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Nevertheless, the use of biomarkers in clinical practice is still underappreciated and data presented in biomarker research for clinical use is still uncompelling, compared to the abundant data available for drug research and development. So is the case with kynurenines (KYNs) and the kynurenine pathway (KP) enzymes, which have been associated with a wide range of diseases including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, neurologic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This review article discusses current knowledge of KP alterations observed in the central nervous system as well as the periphery, its involvement in pathogenesis and disease progression, and emerging evidence of roles of microbiota in the gut-brain axis, searching for practical peripheral biomarkers which ensure personalized treatment plans for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Török
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
| | - Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (N.T.); (M.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
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28
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Jørgensen HS, Jensen DB, Dimintiyanova KP, Bonnevie VS, Hedegaard A, Lehnhoff J, Moldovan M, Grondahl L, Meehan CF. Increased Axon Initial Segment Length Results in Increased Na + Currents in Spinal Motoneurones at Symptom Onset in the G127X SOD1 Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neuroscience 2020; 468:247-264. [PMID: 33246068 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease preferentially affecting motoneurones. Transgenic mouse models have been used to investigate the role of abnormal motoneurone excitability in this disease. Whilst an increased excitability has repeatedly been demonstrated in vitro in neonatal and embryonic preparations from SOD1 mouse models, the results from the only studies to record in vivo from spinal motoneurones in adult SOD1 models have produced conflicting findings. Deficits in repetitive firing have been reported in G93A SOD1(high copy number) mice but not in presymptomatic G127X SOD1 mice despite shorter motoneurone axon initial segments (AISs) in these mice. These discrepancies may be due to the earlier disease onset and prolonged disease progression in G93A SOD1 mice with recordings potentially performed at a later sub-clinical stage of the disease in this mouse. To test this, and to explore how the evolution of excitability changes with symptom onset we performed in vivo intracellular recording and AIS labelling in G127X SOD1 mice immediately after symptom onset. No reductions in repetitive firing were observed showing that this is not a common feature across all ALS models. Immunohistochemistry for the Na+ channel Nav1.6 showed that motoneurone AISs increase in length in G127X SOD1 mice at symptom onset. Consistent with this, the rate of rise of AIS components of antidromic action potentials were significantly faster confirming that this increase in length represents an increase in AIS Na+ channels occurring at symptom onset in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Jørgensen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D B Jensen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - V S Bonnevie
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Hedegaard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Lehnhoff
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Moldovan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Grondahl
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C F Meehan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD) spectrum disorder is a rare fatal disease with strong genetic influences. The implementation of short-read sequencing methodologies in increasingly large patient cohorts has rapidly expanded our knowledge of the complex genetic architecture of the disease. We aim to convey the broad history of ALS gene discovery as context for a focused review of 11 ALS gene associations reported over the last 5 years. We also summarize the current level of genetic evidence for all previously reported genes.
Recent Findings
The history of ALS gene discovery has occurred in at least four identifiable phases, each powered by different technologies and scale of investigation. The most recent epoch, benefitting from population-scale genome data, large international consortia, and low-cost sequencing, has yielded 11 new gene associations. We summarize the current level of genetic evidence supporting these ALS genes, highlighting any genotype-phenotype or genotype-pathology correlations, and discussing preliminary understanding of molecular pathogenesis. This era has also raised uncertainty around prior ALS-associated genes and clarified the role of others.
Summary
Our understanding of the genetic underpinning of ALS has expanded rapidly over the last 25 years and has led directly to the clinical application of molecularly driven therapies. Ongoing sequencing efforts in ALS will identify new causative and risk factor genes while clarifying the status of genes reported in prior eras of research.
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Radakovic R, Gray D, Dudley K, Mioshi E, Dick D, Melchiorre G, Gordon H, Newton J, Colville S, Pal S, Chandran S, Abrahams S. Reliability and validity of the brief dimensional apathy scale. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2020; 35:539-544. [PMID: 32045001 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apathy is composed of different demotivational subtypes measurable by the dimensional apathy scale (DAS) and can be quickly assessed using the brief DAS (b-DAS). The aim was to determine the reliability and validity of the b-DAS. METHODS 53 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and 53 of their informants were recruited. Informants completed the b-DAS, the original informant/carer-rated DAS and behavioral interview about the patients (i.e., presence of behaviors such as apathy/inertia, loss of sympathy/empathy). Patients completed measures of depression, anxiety, emotional lability, cognitive functioning, and functional disability measures. RESULTS The b-DAS showed good internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability, significant positive correlation with the original DAS, and no significant correlations with depression, anxiety, emotional lability, cognitive functioning or functional disability measures. Semi-structured behavior interview showed patients with apathy/inertia had significantly higher b-DAS subscale scores and patients with loss of sympathy/empathy had significantly higher emotional apathy scores only. CONCLUSIONS The b-DAS is a fast, reliable, and valid instrument for screening apathy subtypes independent of physical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratko Radakovic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Debbie Gray
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kaitlin Dudley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Eneida Mioshi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David Dick
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Giulia Melchiorre
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harry Gordon
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Judith Newton
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Shuna Colville
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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31
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Morello G, Salomone S, D’Agata V, Conforti FL, Cavallaro S. From Multi-Omics Approaches to Precision Medicine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:577755. [PMID: 33192262 PMCID: PMC7661549 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.577755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, caused by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons for which there is no truly effective cure. The lack of successful treatments can be well explained by the complex and heterogeneous nature of ALS, with patients displaying widely distinct clinical features and progression patterns, and distinct molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotypic heterogeneity. Thus, stratifying ALS patients into consistent and clinically relevant subgroups can be of great value for the development of new precision diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for ALS patients. In the last years, the use and integration of high-throughput "omics" approaches have dramatically changed our thinking about ALS, improving our understanding of the complex molecular architecture of ALS, distinguishing distinct patient subtypes and providing a rational foundation for the discovery of biomarkers and new individualized treatments. In this review, we discuss the most significant contributions of omics technologies in unraveling the biological heterogeneity of ALS, highlighting how these approaches are revealing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets for future personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
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Unmet supportive care needs mediate the relationship between functional status and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Palliat Support Care 2020; 17:650-654. [PMID: 31104645 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951519000221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to identify the unmet care needs and to examine the mediating effect of unmet supportive care needs in the relationship between functional status and quality of life (QOL) in Korean patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHOD This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 186 patients with ALS recruited from a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. ALS patients' functional status, unmet supportive care needs, and QOL were assessed by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Supportive Care Needs Instrument, and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Specific Quality of Life - Revised Instrument, respectively. Mediation analysis was tested using Baron and Kenny's regression analysis and a Sobel test. RESULT The mean score for functional status was 33.35 ± 8.89; for unmet supportive care needs it was 2.40 ± 0.66; and for QOL it was 4.95 ± 1.29. Functional status was significantly correlated with unmet care needs and QOL. Unmet care needs satisfaction demonstrated a complete mediating effect on the relationship between functional status and QOL of the patients with ALS (β = -0.53, p < 0.001) and the effect was significant (Sobel test; Z = 5.48, p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Although QOL was negatively affected by the functional status in our sample, the relationship was fully mediated via unmet supportive care needs. Because there is no cure for ALS, and the condition is rapidly progressive with a lethal outcome, providing care by meeting patients' needs is a critical aspect of caring for these patients. Early assessment of supportive care needs, providing services, and referring ALS patients to appropriate resources could enhance their QOL.
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Lynch-Godrei A, De Repentigny Y, Yaworski RA, Gagnon S, Butcher J, Manoogian J, Stintzi A, Kothary R. Characterization of gastrointestinal pathologies in the dystonia musculorum mouse model for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type VI. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13773. [PMID: 31814231 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dystonia musculorum (Dstdt ) is a murine disease caused by recessive mutations in the dystonin (Dst) gene. Loss of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons, ataxia, and dystonic postures before death by postnatal day 18 (P18) is a hallmark feature. Recently we observed gas accumulation and discoloration in the small intestine and cecum in Dstdt mice by P15. The human disease resulting from dystonin loss-of-function, known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type VI (HSAN-VI), has also been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. As neuronal dystonin isoforms are expressed in the GI tract, we hypothesized that dystonin loss-of-function in Dstdt-27J enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons resulted in neurodegeneration associated with the GI abnormalities. METHODS We characterized the nature of the GI abnormalities observed in Dstdt mice through histological analysis of the gut, assessing the ENS for signs of neurodegeneration, evaluation of GI motility and absorption, and by profiling the microbiome. KEY RESULTS Though gut histology, ENS viability, and GI absorption were normal, slowed GI motility, thinning of the colon mucous layer, and reduced microbial richness/evenness were apparent in Dstdt-27J mice by P15. Parasympathetic GI input showed signs of neurodegeneration, while sympathetic did not. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Dstdt-27J GI defects are not linked to ENS neurodegeneration, but are likely a result of an imbalance in autonomic control over the gut. Further characterization of HSAN-VI patient GI symptoms is necessary to determine potential treatments targeting symptom relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Lynch-Godrei
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yves De Repentigny
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca A Yaworski
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Gagnon
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James Butcher
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Juliana Manoogian
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alain Stintzi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Exploring the Etiological Links behind Neurodegenerative Diseases: Inflammatory Cytokines and Bioactive Kynurenines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072431. [PMID: 32244523 PMCID: PMC7177899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), presenting a broad range of symptoms from motor dysfunctions to psychobehavioral manifestations. A common clinical course is the proteinopathy-induced neural dysfunction leading to anatomically corresponding neuropathies. However, current diagnostic criteria based on pathology and symptomatology are of little value for the sake of disease prevention and drug development. Overviewing the pathomechanism of NDs, this review incorporates systematic reviews on inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan metabolites kynurenines (KYNs) of human samples, to present an inferential method to explore potential links behind NDs. The results revealed increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic KYNs in NDs, increases of anti-inflammatory cytokines in AD, PD, Huntington's disease (HD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders, and decreases of neuromodulatory KYNs in AD, PD, and HD. The results reinforced a strong link between inflammation and neurotoxic KYNs, confirmed activation of adaptive immune response, and suggested a possible role in the decrease of neuromodulatory KYNs, all of which may contribute to the development of chronic low grade inflammation. Commonalities of multifactorial NDs were discussed to present a current limit of diagnostic criteria, a need for preclinical biomarkers, and an approach to search the initiation factors of NDs.
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35
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Garcia-Gancedo L, Kelly ML, Lavrov A, Parr J, Hart R, Marsden R, Turner MR, Talbot K, Chiwera T, Shaw CE, Al-Chalabi A. Objectively Monitoring Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient Symptoms During Clinical Trials With Sensors: Observational Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2019; 7:e13433. [PMID: 31859676 PMCID: PMC6942190 DOI: 10.2196/13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Objective symptom monitoring of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has the potential to provide an important source of information to evaluate the impact of the disease on aspects of real-world functional capacity and activities of daily living in the home setting, providing useful objective outcome measures for clinical trials. Objective This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a novel digital platform for remote data collection of multiple symptoms—physical activity, heart rate variability (HRV), and digital speech characteristics—in 25 patients with ALS in an observational clinical trial setting to explore the impact of the devices on patients’ everyday life and to record tolerability related to the devices and study procedures over 48 weeks. Methods In this exploratory, noncontrolled, nondrug study, patients attended a clinical site visit every 3 months to perform activity reference tasks while wearing a sensor, to conduct digital speech tests and for conventional ALS monitoring. In addition, patients wore the sensor in their daily life for approximately 3 days every month for the duration of the study. Results The amount and quality of digital speech data captured at the clinical sites were as intended, and there were no significant issues. All the home monitoring sensor data available were propagated through the system and were received as expected. However, the amount and quality of physical activity home monitoring data were lower than anticipated. A total of 3 or more days (or partial days) of data were recorded for 65% of protocol time points, with no data collected for 24% of time points. At baseline, 24 of 25 patients provided data, reduced to 13 of 18 patients at Week 48. Lower-than-expected quality HRV data were obtained, likely because of poor contact between the sensor and the skin. In total, 6 of 25 patients had mild or moderate adverse events (AEs) in the skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders category because of skin irritation caused by the electrode patch. There were no reports of serious AEs or deaths. Most patients found the sensor comfortable, with no or minimal impact on daily activities. Conclusions The platform can measure physical activity in patients with ALS in their home environment; patients used the equipment successfully, and it was generally well tolerated. The quantity of home monitoring physical activity data was lower than expected, although it was sufficient to allow investigation of novel physical activity end points. Good-quality in-clinic speech data were successfully captured for analysis. Future studies using objective patient monitoring approaches, combined with the most current technological advances, may be useful to elucidate novel digital biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Garcia-Gancedo
- Advanced Biostatistics & Data Analytics Centre of Excellence, R&D Projects Clinical Platforms & Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Madeline L Kelly
- Translational Medicine, Future Pipeline Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Arseniy Lavrov
- Clinical Development, AveXis, Bannockburn, IL, United States
| | - Jim Parr
- McLaren Technology Centre, McLaren Applied Technologies, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Hart
- McLaren Technology Centre, McLaren Applied Technologies, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Marsden
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Theresa Chiwera
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher E Shaw
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ragagnin AMG, Shadfar S, Vidal M, Jamali MS, Atkin JD. Motor Neuron Susceptibility in ALS/FTD. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:532. [PMID: 31316328 PMCID: PMC6610326 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the death of both upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord. The neurodegenerative mechanisms leading to MN loss in ALS are not fully understood. Importantly, the reasons why MNs are specifically targeted in this disorder are unclear, when the proteins associated genetically or pathologically with ALS are expressed ubiquitously. Furthermore, MNs themselves are not affected equally; specific MNs subpopulations are more susceptible than others in both animal models and human patients. Corticospinal MNs and lower somatic MNs, which innervate voluntary muscles, degenerate more readily than specific subgroups of lower MNs, which remain resistant to degeneration, reflecting the clinical manifestations of ALS. In this review, we discuss the possible factors intrinsic to MNs that render them uniquely susceptible to neurodegeneration in ALS. We also speculate why some MN subpopulations are more vulnerable than others, focusing on both their molecular and physiological properties. Finally, we review the anatomical network and neuronal microenvironment as determinants of MN subtype vulnerability and hence the progression of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey M G Ragagnin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sina Shadfar
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Vidal
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Md Shafi Jamali
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie D Atkin
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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