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Black T, Jenkins BW, Laprairie RB, Howland JG. Therapeutic potential of gamma entrainment using sensory stimulation for cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105681. [PMID: 38641090 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105681] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with significant morbidity. Treatment options that address the spectrum of symptoms are limited, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory Stimulation (GENUS) is an emerging treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders that uses sensory stimulation to entrain impaired oscillatory network activity and restore brain function. Aberrant oscillatory activity often underlies the symptoms experienced by patients with schizophrenia. We propose that GENUS has therapeutic potential for schizophrenia. This paper reviews the current status of schizophrenia treatment and explores the use of sensory stimulation as an adjunctive treatment, specifically through gamma entrainment. Impaired gamma frequency entrainment is observed in patients, particularly in response to auditory and visual stimuli. Thus, sensory stimulation, such as music listening, may have therapeutic potential for individuals with schizophrenia. GENUS holds novel therapeutic potential to improve the lives of individuals with schizophrenia, but further research is required to determine the efficacy of GENUS, optimize its delivery and therapeutic window, and develop strategies for its implementation in specific patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallan Black
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Bryan W Jenkins
- Division of Behavioral Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robert B Laprairie
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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2
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Biačková N, Adamová A, Klírová M. Transcranial alternating current stimulation in affecting cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders: a review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:803-826. [PMID: 37682331 PMCID: PMC11127835 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that, through its manipulation of endogenous oscillations, can affect cognition in healthy adults. Given the fact that both endogenous oscillations and cognition are impaired in various psychiatric diagnoses, tACS might represent a suitable intervention. We conducted a search of Pubmed and Web of Science databases and reviewed 27 studies where tACS is used in psychiatric diagnoses and cognition change is evaluated. TACS is a safe and well-tolerated intervention method, suitable for multiple-sessions protocols. It can be administered at home, individualized according to the patient''s anatomical and functional characteristics, or used as a marker of disease progression. The results are varying across diagnoses and applied protocols, with some protocols showing a long-term effect. However, the overall number of studies is small with a great variety of diagnoses and tACS parameters, such as electrode montage or used frequency. Precise mechanisms of tACS interaction with pathophysiological processes are only partially described and need further research. Currently, tACS seems to be a feasible method to alleviate cognitive impairment in psychiatric patients; however, a more robust confirmation of efficacy of potential protocols is needed to introduce it into clinical practise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Biačková
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Adamová
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Klírová
- Neurostimulation Department, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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3
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Zhi W, Li Y, Wang Y, Zou Y, Wang H, Xu X, Ma L, Ren Y, Qiu Y, Hu X, Wang L. Effects of 90 dB pure tone exposure on auditory and cardio-cerebral system functions in macaque monkeys. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118236. [PMID: 38266893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Excessive noise exposure presents significant health risks to humans, affecting not just the auditory system but also the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. This study focused on three male macaque monkeys as subjects. 90 dB sound pressure level (SPL) pure tone exposure (frequency: 500Hz, repetition rate: 40Hz, 1 min per day, continuously exposed for 5 days) was administered. Assessments were performed before exposure, during exposure, immediately after exposure, and at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-exposure, employing auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), and electroencephalograms (EEG). The study found that the average threshold for the Ⅴ wave in the right ear increased by around 30 dB SPL right after exposure (P < 0.01) compared to pre-exposure. This elevation returned to normal within 7 days. The ECG results indicated that one of the macaque monkeys exhibited an RS-type QRS wave, and inverted T waves from immediately after exposure to 14 days, which normalized at 28 days. The other two monkeys showed no significant changes in their ECG parameters. Changes in EEG parameters demonstrated that main brain regions exhibited significant activation at 40Hz during noise exposure. After noise exposure, the power spectral density (PSD) in main brain regions, particularly those represented by the temporal lobe, exhibited a decreasing trend across all frequency bands, with no clear recovery over time. In summary, exposure to 90 dB SPL noise results in impaired auditory systems, aberrant brain functionality, and abnormal electrocardiographic indicators, albeit with individual variations. It has implications for establishing noise protection standards, although the precise mechanisms require further exploration by integrating pathological and behavioral indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhi
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Yong Zou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Xinping Xu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Lizhen Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Yanling Ren
- Animal Center of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yefeng Qiu
- Animal Center of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiangjun Hu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Sakalauskaitė L, Hansen LS, Dubois JM, Ploug Larsen M, Feijóo GM, Carstensen MS, Woznica Miskowiak K, Nguyen M, Harder Clemmensen LK, Petersen PM, Martiny K. Rationale and design of a double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial of 40 Hz light neurostimulation therapy for depression (FELIX). Ann Med 2024; 56:2354852. [PMID: 38767238 PMCID: PMC11107857 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2354852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating condition that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Current treatments are based on a trial-and-error approach, and reliable biomarkers are needed for more informed and personalized treatment solutions. One of the potential biomarkers, gamma-frequency (30-80 Hz) brainwaves, are hypothesized to originate from the excitatory-inhibitory interaction between the pyramidal cells and interneurons. The imbalance between this interaction is described as a crucial pathological mechanism in neuropsychiatric conditions, including MDD, and the modulation of this pathological interaction has been investigated as a potential target. Previous studies attempted to induce gamma activity in the brain using rhythmic light and sound stimuli (GENUS - Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory stimuli) that resulted in neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and animal models. Here, we investigate the antidepressant, cognitive, and electrophysiological effects of the novel light therapy approach using 40 Hz masked flickering light for patients diagnosed with MDD. METHODS AND DESIGN Sixty patients with a current diagnosis of a major depressive episode will be enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The active treatment group will receive 40 Hz masked flickering light stimulation while the control group will receive continuous light matched in color temperature and brightness. Patients in both groups will get daily light treatment in their own homes and will attend four follow-up visits to assess the symptoms of depression, including depression severity measured by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17), cognitive function, quality of life and sleep, and electroencephalographic changes. The primary endpoint is the mean change from baseline to week 6 in depression severity (HAM-D6 subscale) between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sakalauskaitė
- New Interventions in Depression Group (NID-Group), Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, The Technical University of Denmark
- OptoCeutics ApS, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Julie Margrethe Dubois
- New Interventions in Depression Group (NID-Group), Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malina Ploug Larsen
- New Interventions in Depression Group (NID-Group), Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marcus S. Carstensen
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, The Technical University of Denmark
- OptoCeutics ApS, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Group, Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Center (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paul Michael Petersen
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, The Technical University of Denmark
| | - Klaus Martiny
- New Interventions in Depression Group (NID-Group), Copenhagen Affective Disorder Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mehl LC, Gibson EM. Precise timing of audiovisual stimulation conquers chemobrain. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:386-388. [PMID: 38644103 PMCID: PMC11096014 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.04.002] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
In a recent study, Kim et al. utilized gamma entrainment using sensory stimuli (GENUS) to rescue cognitive impairment and glial dysregulation associated with cisplatin and methotrexate chemotherapy, specifically when applied both throughout and after chemotherapy administration. GENUS provides a time-dependent, non-invasive method for treating chemobrain, with broader implications for resolving neurodegenerative neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey C Mehl
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Erin M Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA.
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Hu H, Pang Y, Luo H, Tong B, Wang F, Song Y, Ying Q, Xu K, Xiong C, Peng Z, Xu H, Zhang X. Noninvasive Light Flicker Stimulation Promotes Optic Nerve Regeneration by Activating Microglia and Enhancing Neural Plasticity in Zebrafish. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:3. [PMID: 38691090 PMCID: PMC11077911 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Forty-hertz light flicker stimulation has been proven to reduce neurodegeneration, but its effect on optic nerve regeneration is unclear. This study explores the effect of 40-Hz light flicker in promoting optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish and investigates the underlying mechanisms. Methods Wild-type and mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish were used to establish a model of optic nerve crush. Biocytin tracing and hematoxylin and eosin staining were employed to observe whether 40-Hz light flicker promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites. Optomotor and optokinetic responses were evaluated to assess recovery of visual function. Immunofluorescence staining of mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish was performed to observe changes in microglia. Differentially expressed genes that promote optic nerve regeneration following 40-Hz light flicker stimulation were identified and validated through RNA-sequencing analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results Zebrafish exhibited spontaneous optic nerve regeneration after optic nerve injury and restored visual function. We observed that 40-Hz light flicker significantly activated microglia following optic nerve injury and promoted regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites, as well as recovery of visual function. Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that 40-Hz light flicker increased the expression of genes associated with neuronal plasticity, including bdnf, npas4a, fosab, fosb, egr4, and ier2a. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that 40-Hz light flicker stimulation promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites and recovery of visual function in zebrafish, which is associated with microglial activation and enhancement of neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Hu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Yulian Pang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Hongdou Luo
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Tong
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuning Song
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Ying
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Chan Xiong
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhida Peng
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang, China
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Fu W, Yu X, Lai M, Li Y, Yang Y, Qin Y, Yu M, Wang F, Wang C. Gamma oscillations induced by 40-Hz visual-auditory stimulation for the treatment of acute-phase limb motor rehabilitation after stroke: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:284. [PMID: 38671516 PMCID: PMC11046895 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08121-w] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of hemiparetic limb dysfunction reaches 85% in stroke patients, emerging as a critical factor influencing their daily lives. However, the effectiveness of current rehabilitation treatments is considerably limited, particularly in patients with upper extremity impairment. This study aims to conduct a prospective clinical trial to validate the safety and effectiveness of gamma oscillations induced by 40-Hz visual-auditory stimulation in treating post-stroke upper limb dysfunction and to explore the relevant mechanisms. METHODS This trial is a prospective, randomized controlled, double-blind study. All enrolled patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received intervention through 40-Hz visual-auditory stimulation, while the control group underwent intervention with randomly matched visual-auditory stimulation frequencies. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in motor function. Secondary efficacy endpoints include motor-evoked potentials, cerebral hemodynamic changes, neural network connectivity, and alterations in synaptic-related genes. Safety evaluation included major adverse events, all-cause mortality, and photosensitive epilepsy. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after a 14-day treatment period, and during subsequent follow-up visits (at 3 and 6 months) post-treatment. The differences between the two groups will be compared. DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of gamma oscillations induced by 40-Hz visual-auditory stimulation in treating patients with upper extremity dysfunction after an acute cerebral stroke. Concurrently, we will explore potential mechanisms, including changes in synaptic-related genes and neural network connectivity. This trial is expected to provide evidence for the effectiveness of this new technique in treating upper extremity dysfunction after a stroke and improving patients' quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study protocol has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) under registration number ChiCTR2300076579 on October 12, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Fu
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Xiaoming Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Minghui Lai
- Department of Rehabilitation, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yuanli Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yingting Yang
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yong Qin
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Datong Rd. 358, Shanghai, 200137, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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Liu Y, Li X, Liu S, Liang T, Wu Y, Wang X, Li Y, Xu Y. Study on Gamma sensory flicker for Insomnia. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38629395 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2342974] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insomnia has been the subject of much systematic research because it is a risk factor for a variety of diseases. There is some evidence that gamma sensory stimulation therapy has also been demonstrated to improve sleep quality for people with Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unclear whether this method is effective for treating insomnia. The principal objective of this project was to investigate the efficacy and safety of gamma sensory flicker in improving the sleep quality of insomnia patients. METHODS Thirty-seven participants with insomnia were recruited for this prospective observational study. For a duration of 8 weeks, participants were exposed to flicker stimulation through a light and sound device. RESULTS During the main phase of the study, adherence rates averaged 92.21%. Additionally, no severe adverse events were reported for flicker treatment. Analysis of sleep diaries indicated that 40 Hz flickers can enhance sleep quality by reducing sleep onset latencies, and arousals, and increasing total sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS Gamma sensory flicker improves sleep quality in people suffering from insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment for Mental Disorder, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment for Mental Disorder, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tailing Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaopan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Sasaki D, Imai K, Ikoma Y, Matsui K. Plastic vasomotion entrainment. eLife 2024; 13:RP93721. [PMID: 38629828 PMCID: PMC11023696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93721] [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] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of global synchronization of vasomotion induced by oscillating visual stimuli was identified in the mouse brain. Endogenous autofluorescence was used and the vessel 'shadow' was quantified to evaluate the magnitude of the frequency-locked vasomotion. This method allows vasomotion to be easily quantified in non-transgenic wild-type mice using either the wide-field macro-zoom microscopy or the deep-brain fiber photometry methods. Vertical stripes horizontally oscillating at a low temporal frequency (0.25 Hz) were presented to the awake mouse, and oscillatory vasomotion locked to the temporal frequency of the visual stimulation was induced not only in the primary visual cortex but across a wide surface area of the cortex and the cerebellum. The visually induced vasomotion adapted to a wide range of stimulation parameters. Repeated trials of the visual stimulus presentations resulted in the plastic entrainment of vasomotion. Horizontally oscillating visual stimulus is known to induce horizontal optokinetic response (HOKR). The amplitude of the eye movement is known to increase with repeated training sessions, and the flocculus region of the cerebellum is known to be essential for this learning to occur. Here, we show a strong correlation between the average HOKR performance gain and the vasomotion entrainment magnitude in the cerebellar flocculus. Therefore, the plasticity of vasomotion and neuronal circuits appeared to occur in parallel. Efficient energy delivery by the entrained vasomotion may contribute to meeting the energy demand for increased coordinated neuronal activity and the subsequent neuronal circuit reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daichi Sasaki
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Ken Imai
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Yoko Ikoma
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
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Blanpain LT, Cole ER, Chen E, Park JK, Walelign MY, Gross RE, Cabaniss BT, Willie JT, Singer AC. Multisensory flicker modulates widespread brain networks and reduces interictal epileptiform discharges. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3156. [PMID: 38605017 PMCID: PMC11009358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47263-y] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Modulating brain oscillations has strong therapeutic potential. Interventions that both non-invasively modulate deep brain structures and are practical for chronic daily home use are desirable for a variety of therapeutic applications. Repetitive audio-visual stimulation, or sensory flicker, is an accessible approach that modulates hippocampus in mice, but its effects in humans are poorly defined. We therefore quantified the neurophysiological effects of flicker with high spatiotemporal resolution in patients with focal epilepsy who underwent intracranial seizure monitoring. In this interventional trial (NCT04188834) with a cross-over design, subjects underwent different frequencies of flicker stimulation in the same recording session with the effect of sensory flicker exposure on local field potential (LFP) power and interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Flicker focally modulated local field potentials in expected canonical sensory cortices but also in the medial temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex, likely via resonance of stimulated long-range circuits. Moreover, flicker decreased interictal epileptiform discharges, a pathological biomarker of epilepsy and degenerative diseases, most strongly in regions where potentials were flicker-modulated, especially the visual cortex and medial temporal lobe. This trial met the scientific goal and is now closed. Our findings reveal how multi-sensory stimulation may modulate cortical structures to mitigate pathological activity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lou T Blanpain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric R Cole
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James K Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Y Walelign
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert E Gross
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick and New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Brian T Cabaniss
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jon T Willie
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Annabelle C Singer
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Wang Y, Ma Y, Zhong Q, Song B, Liu Q. Transcriptomic analysis of rat brain response to alternating current electrical stimulation: unveiling insights via single-nucleus RNA sequencing. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e514. [PMID: 38495123 PMCID: PMC10943177 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.514] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrical brain stimulation (EBS) has gained popularity for laboratory and clinical applications. However, comprehensive characterization of cellular diversity and gene expression changes induced by EBS remains limited, particularly with respect to specific brain regions and stimulation sites. Here, we presented the initial single-nucleus RNA sequencing profiles of rat cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus subjected to intracranial alternating current stimulation (iACS) at 40 Hz. The results demonstrated an increased number of neurons in all three regions in response to iACS. Interestingly, less than 0.1% of host gene expression in neurons was significantly altered by iACS. In addition, we identified Rgs9, a known negative regulator of dopaminergic signaling, as a unique downregulated gene in neurons. Unilateral iACS produced a more focused local effect in attenuating the proportion of Rgs9+ neurons in the ipsilateral compared to bilateral iACS treatment. The results suggested that unilateral iACS at 40 Hz was an efficient approach to increase the number of neurons and downregulate Rgs9 gene expression without affecting other cell types or genes in the brain. Our study presented the direct evidence that EBS could boost cerebral neurogenesis and enhance neuronal sensitization to dopaminergic drugs and agonists, through its downregulatory effect on Rgs9 in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Biomedical and Health EngineeringShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Yongchao Ma
- Institute of Biomedical and Health EngineeringShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Qiuling Zhong
- Institute of Biomedical and Health EngineeringShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Bing Song
- Institute of Biomedical and Health EngineeringShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health EngineeringShenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
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12
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Abstract
Sensory loss in olfaction, vision, and hearing is a risk factor for dementia, but the reasons for this are unclear. This review presents the neurobiological evidence linking each sensory modality to specific dementias and explores the potential mechanisms underlying this. Olfactory deficits can be linked to direct neuropathologic changes in the olfactory system due to Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, and may be a marker of disease severity. Visual deficits potentially increase dementia risk in a vulnerable individual by reducing resilience to dementia. Hearing deficits may indicate a susceptibility to Alzheimer disease through a variety of mechanisms. More generally, sensory impairment could be related to factors associated with resilience against dementia. Further research is needed to tease out the specific and synergistic effects of sensory impairment. Studying sensory loss in relation to neurodegenerative biomarkers is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved. This could produce new monitoring and management strategies for people at risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meher Lad
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - William Sedley
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Timothy D Griffiths
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
- Human Brain Research Laboratory, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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13
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Jaisa-aad M, Muñoz-Castro C, Serrano-Pozo A. Update on modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Curr Opin Neurol 2024; 37:166-181. [PMID: 38265228 PMCID: PMC10932854 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001243] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW All human beings undergo a lifelong cumulative exposure to potentially preventable adverse factors such as toxins, infections, traumatisms, and cardiovascular risk factors, collectively termed exposome. The interplay between the individual's genetics and exposome is thought to have a large impact in health outcomes such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Likewise, a growing body of evidence is supporting the idea that preventable factors explain a sizable proportion of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) cases. RECENT FINDINGS Here, we will review the most recent epidemiological, experimental preclinical, and interventional clinical studies examining some of these potentially modifiable risk factors for ADRD. We will focus on new evidence regarding cardiovascular risk factors, air pollution, viral and other infectious agents, traumatic brain injury, and hearing loss. SUMMARY While greater and higher quality epidemiological and experimental evidence is needed to unequivocally confirm their causal link with ADRD and/or unravel the underlying mechanisms, these modifiable risk factors may represent a window of opportunity to reduce ADRD incidence and prevalence at the population level via health screenings, and education and health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Methasit Jaisa-aad
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Clara Muñoz-Castro
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla (Spain)
| | - Alberto Serrano-Pozo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
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14
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Pan L, Li C, Meng L, Zhang G, Zou L, Tian Y, Chen S, Sun Y, Su D, Zhang X, Xiong M, Xiao T, Xia D, Hong Z, Zhang Z. GDF1 ameliorates cognitive impairment induced by hearing loss. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:568-583. [PMID: 38491289 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00592-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the mechanisms of hearing loss promoting the onset of AD are poorly understood. Here we show that hearing loss aggravates cognitive impairment in both wild-type mice and mouse models of AD. Embryonic growth/differentiation factor 1 (GDF1) is downregulated in the hippocampus of deaf mice. Knockdown of GDF1 mimics the detrimental effect of hearing loss on cognition, while overexpression of GDF1 in the hippocampus attenuates the cognitive impairment induced by deafness. Strikingly, overexpression of GDF1 also attenuates cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. GDF1 activates Akt, which phosphorylates asparagine endopeptidase and inhibits asparagine endopeptidase-induced synaptic degeneration and amyloid-β production. The expression of GDF1 is downregulated by the transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer binding protein-β. These findings indicate that hearing loss could promote AD pathological changes by inhibiting the GDF1 signaling pathway; thus, GDF1 may represent a therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Pan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunrui Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zou
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dandan Su
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Danhao Xia
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengyuan Hong
- PET-CT/MRI Center, Molecular Imaging Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Sun L, Wang Q, Ai J. The underlying roles and neurobiological mechanisms of music-based intervention in Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102265. [PMID: 38479478 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102265] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Non-pharmacological therapy has gained popularity in the intervention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its apparent therapeutic effectiveness and the limitation of biological drug. A wealth of research indicates that music interventions can enhance cognition, mood and behavior in individuals with AD. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanisms behind these improvements have yet to be fully and systematically delineated. This review aims to holistically review how music-based intervention (MBI) ameliorates abnormal emotion, cognition decline, and behavioral changes in AD patients. We cover several key dimensions: the regulation of MBIs on cerebral blood flow (CBF), their impact on neurotransmission (including GABAergic and monoaminergic transmissions), modulation of synaptic plasticity, and hormonal release. Additionally, we summarize the clinical applications and limitations of active music-based intervention (AMBI), passive music-based intervention (PMBI), and hybrid music-based intervention (HMBI). This thorough analysis enhances our understanding of the role of MBI in AD and supports the development of non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China; Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150040, China; Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China; National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin 150086, China.
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16
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Gulati D, Ray S. Auditory and Visual Gratings Elicit Distinct Gamma Responses. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0116-24.2024. [PMID: 38604776 PMCID: PMC11046261 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0116-24.2024] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory stimulation is often accompanied by fluctuations at high frequencies (>30 Hz) in brain signals. These could be "narrowband" oscillations in the gamma band (30-70 Hz) or nonoscillatory "broadband" high-gamma (70-150 Hz) activity. Narrowband gamma oscillations, which are induced by presenting some visual stimuli such as gratings and have been shown to weaken with healthy aging and the onset of Alzheimer's disease, hold promise as potential biomarkers. However, since delivering visual stimuli is cumbersome as it requires head stabilization for eye tracking, an equivalent auditory paradigm could be useful. Although simple auditory stimuli have been shown to produce high-gamma activity, whether specific auditory stimuli can also produce narrowband gamma oscillations is unknown. We tested whether auditory ripple stimuli, which are considered an analog to visual gratings, could elicit narrowband oscillations in auditory areas. We recorded 64-channel electroencephalogram from male and female (18 each) subjects while they either fixated on the monitor while passively viewing static visual gratings or listened to stationary and moving ripples, played using loudspeakers, with their eyes open or closed. We found that while visual gratings induced narrowband gamma oscillations with suppression in the alpha band (8-12 Hz), auditory ripples did not produce narrowband gamma but instead elicited very strong broadband high-gamma response and suppression in the beta band (14-26 Hz). Even though we used equivalent stimuli in both modalities, our findings indicate that the underlying neuronal circuitry may not share ubiquitous strategies for stimulus processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Gulati
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Supratim Ray
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
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17
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Zachariou M, Loizidou EM, Spyrou GM. Immediate-Early Genes as Influencers in Genetic Networks and their Role in Alzheimer's Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.29.586739. [PMID: 38585978 PMCID: PMC10996630 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.29.586739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Immediate-early genes (IEGs) are a class of activity-regulated genes (ARGs) that are transiently and rapidly activated in the absence of de novo protein synthesis in response to neuronal activity. We explored the role of IEGs in genetic networks to pinpoint potential drug targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a combination of network analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics we show that (1) IEGs exert greater topological influence across different human and mouse gene networks compared to other ARGs, (2) ARGs are sparsely involved in diseases and significantly more mutational constrained compared to non-ARGs, (3) Many AD-linked variants are in ARGs gene regions, mainly in MARK4 near FOSB, with an AD risk eQTL that increases MARK4 expression in cortical areas, (4) MARK4 holds an influential place in a dense AD multi-omic network and a high AD druggability score. Our work on IEGs' influential network role is a valuable contribution to guiding interventions for diseases marked by dysregulation of their downstream targets and highlights MARK4 as a promising underexplored AD-target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleni M Loizidou
- biobank.cy, Center of Excellence in Biobanking and Biomedical Research, University of Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
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18
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Cai H, Pang Y, Ren Z, Fu X, Jia L. Delivering synaptic protein mRNAs via extracellular vesicles ameliorates cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. BMC Med 2024; 22:138. [PMID: 38528511 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptic dysfunction with reduced synaptic protein levels is a core feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptic proteins play a central role in memory processing, learning, and AD pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that synaptic proteins in plasma neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are reduced in patients with AD. However, it remains unclear whether levels of synaptic proteins in EVs are associated with hippocampal atrophy of AD and whether upregulating the expression of these synaptic proteins has a beneficial effect on AD. METHODS In this study, we included 57 patients with AD and 56 healthy controls. We evaluated their brain atrophy through magnetic resonance imaging using the medial temporal lobe atrophy score. We measured the levels of four synaptic proteins, including synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), neurogranin, and synaptotagmin 1 in both plasma neuronal-derived EVs and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We further examined the association of synaptic protein levels with brain atrophy. We also evaluated the levels of these synaptic proteins in the brains of 5×FAD mice. Then, we loaded rabies virus glycoprotein-engineered EVs with messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding GAP43 and SNAP25 and administered these EVs to 5×FAD mice. After treatment, synaptic proteins, dendritic density, and cognitive function were evaluated. RESULTS The results showed that GAP43, SNAP25, neurogranin, and synaptotagmin 1 were decreased in neuronal-derived EVs but increased in CSF in patients with AD, and the changes corresponded to the severity of brain atrophy. GAP43 and SNAP25 were decreased in the brains of 5×FAD mice. The engineered EVs efficiently and stably delivered these synaptic proteins to the brain, where synaptic protein levels were markedly upregulated. Upregulation of synaptic protein expression could ameliorate cognitive impairment in AD by promoting dendritic density. This marks the first successful delivery of synaptic protein mRNAs via EVs in AD mice, yielding remarkable therapeutic effects. CONCLUSIONS Synaptic proteins are closely related to AD processes. Delivery of synaptic protein mRNAs via EVs stands as a promising effective precision treatment strategy for AD, which significantly advances the current understanding of therapeutic approaches for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Cai
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, 45 Changchun St., Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yana Pang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, 45 Changchun St., Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziye Ren
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, 45 Changchun St., Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Fu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, 45 Changchun St., Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Longfei Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, 45 Changchun St., Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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19
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Hajós M, Boasso A, Hempel E, Shpokayte M, Konisky A, Seshagiri CV, Fomenko V, Kwan K, Nicodemus-Johnson J, Hendrix S, Vaughan B, Kern R, Megerian JT, Malchano Z. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy estimate of evoked gamma oscillation in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1343588. [PMID: 38515445 PMCID: PMC10957179 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1343588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a multifactorial, progressive neurodegenerative disease that disrupts synaptic and neuronal activity and network oscillations. It is characterized by neuronal loss, brain atrophy and a decline in cognitive and functional abilities. Cognito's Evoked Gamma Therapy System provides an innovative approach for AD by inducing EEG-verified gamma oscillations through sensory stimulation. Prior research has shown promising disease-modifying effects in experimental AD models. The present study (NCT03556280: OVERTURE) evaluated the feasibly, safety and efficacy of evoked gamma oscillation treatment using Cognito's medical device (CogTx-001) in participants with mild to moderate AD. Methods The present study was a randomized, double blind, sham-controlled, 6-months clinical trial in participants with mild to moderate AD. The trial enrolled 76 participants, aged 50 or older, who met the clinical criteria for AD with baseline MMSE scores between 14 and 26. Participants were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive self-administered daily, one-hour, therapy, evoking EEG-verified gamma oscillations or sham treatment. The CogTx-001 device was use at home with the help of a care partner, over 6 months. The primary outcome measures were safety, evaluated by physical and neurological exams and monthly assessments of adverse events (AEs) and MRI, and tolerability, measured by device use. Although the trial was not statistically powered to evaluate potential efficacy outcomes, primary and secondary clinical outcome measures included several cognitive and functional endpoints. Results Total AEs were similar between groups, there were no unexpected serious treatment related AEs, and no serious treatment-emergent AEs that led to study discontinuation. MRI did not show Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) in any study participant. High adherence rates (85-90%) were observed in sham and treatment participants. There was no statistical separation between active and sham arm participants in primary outcome measure of MADCOMS or secondary outcome measure of CDR-SB or ADAS-Cog14. However, some secondary outcome measures including ADCS-ADL, MMSE, and MRI whole brain volume demonstrated reduced progression in active compared to sham treated participants, that achieved nominal significance. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that 1-h daily treatment with Cognito's Evoked Gamma Therapy System (CogTx-001) was safe and well-tolerated and demonstrated potential clinical benefits in mild to moderate AD.Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03556280.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihály Hajós
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alyssa Boasso
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Evan Hempel
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Alex Konisky
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Kim Kwan
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Brent Vaughan
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ralph Kern
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Zach Malchano
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
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20
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Kim T, James BT, Kahn MC, Blanco-Duque C, Abdurrob F, Islam MR, Lavoie NS, Kellis M, Tsai LH. Gamma entrainment using audiovisual stimuli alleviates chemobrain pathology and cognitive impairment induced by chemotherapy in mice. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadf4601. [PMID: 38446899 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf4601] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience a neurological condition known as chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment, or "chemobrain," which can persist for the remainder of their lives. Despite the growing prevalence of chemobrain, both its underlying mechanisms and treatment strategies remain poorly understood. Recent findings suggest that chemobrain shares several characteristics with neurodegenerative diseases, including chronic neuroinflammation, DNA damage, and synaptic loss. We investigated whether a noninvasive sensory stimulation treatment we term gamma entrainment using sensory stimuli (GENUS), which has been shown to alleviate aberrant immune and synaptic pathologies in mouse models of neurodegeneration, could also mitigate chemobrain phenotypes in mice administered a chemotherapeutic drug. When administered concurrently with the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, GENUS alleviated cisplatin-induced brain pathology, promoted oligodendrocyte survival, and improved cognitive function in a mouse model of chemobrain. These effects persisted for up to 105 days after GENUS treatment, suggesting the potential for long-lasting benefits. However, when administered to mice 90 days after chemotherapy, GENUS treatment only provided limited benefits, indicating that it was most effective when used to prevent the progression of chemobrain pathology. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the effects of GENUS in mice were not limited to cisplatin-induced chemobrain but also extended to methotrexate-induced chemobrain. Collectively, these findings suggest that GENUS may represent a versatile approach for treating chemobrain induced by different chemotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeHyun Kim
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin T James
- Computer Science and Artificial intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin C Kahn
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fatema Abdurrob
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas S Lavoie
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Computer Science and Artificial intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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21
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Zhou X, He Y, Xu T, Wu Z, Guo W, Xu X, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Shang H, Huang L, Yao Z, Li Z, Su L, Li Z, Feng T, Zhang S, Monteiro O, Cunha RA, Huang ZL, Zhang K, Li Y, Cai X, Qu J, Chen JF. 40 Hz light flickering promotes sleep through cortical adenosine signaling. Cell Res 2024; 34:214-231. [PMID: 38332199 PMCID: PMC10907382 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00920-1] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Flickering light stimulation has emerged as a promising non-invasive neuromodulation strategy to alleviate neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the lack of a neurochemical underpinning has hampered its therapeutic development. Here, we demonstrate that light flickering triggered an immediate and sustained increase (up to 3 h after flickering) in extracellular adenosine levels in the primary visual cortex (V1) and other brain regions, as a function of light frequency and intensity, with maximal effects observed at 40 Hz frequency and 4000 lux. We uncovered cortical (glutamatergic and GABAergic) neurons, rather than astrocytes, as the cellular source, the intracellular adenosine generation from AMPK-associated energy metabolism pathways (but not SAM-transmethylation or salvage purine pathways), and adenosine efflux mediated by equilibrative nucleoside transporter-2 (ENT2) as the molecular pathway responsible for extracellular adenosine generation. Importantly, 40 Hz (but not 20 and 80 Hz) light flickering for 30 min enhanced non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) and REM sleep for 2-3 h in mice. This somnogenic effect was abolished by ablation of V1 (but not superior colliculus) neurons and by genetic deletion of the gene encoding ENT2 (but not ENT1), but recaptured by chemogenetic inhibition of V1 neurons and by focal infusion of adenosine into V1 in a dose-dependent manner. Lastly, 40 Hz light flickering for 30 min also promoted sleep in children with insomnia by decreasing sleep onset latency, increasing total sleep time, and reducing waking after sleep onset. Collectively, our findings establish the ENT2-mediated adenosine signaling in V1 as the neurochemical basis for 40 Hz flickering-induced sleep and unravel a novel and non-invasive treatment for insomnia, a condition that affects 20% of the world population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzhao Zhou
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan He
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Xu
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaofa Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xi Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuntao Liu
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiping Shang
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Libin Huang
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhimo Yao
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zewen Li
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingya Su
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaomin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Olivia Monteiro
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jia Qu
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Eye and Brain Center, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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Wang C, Li M, Szanton S, Courtney S, Pantelyat A, Li Q, Huang J, Li J. A qualitative exploration of 40 Hz sound and music for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 56:259-269. [PMID: 38402805 PMCID: PMC10990781 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.02.005] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that 40 Hz auditory stimulation may benefit cognition. Nested within a randomized crossover trial, this qualitative study evaluates the acceptability and experience of three auditory interventions-self-selected music, 40 Hz sound, and a novel combination, termed 40 Hz music-in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals with MCI post-intervention exposure. Findings indicated a preference for self-selected music due to its memory-boosting and emotional benefits, while responses to 40 Hz sound were mixed, with several participants reporting discomfort. The composite 40 Hz music intervention showed promise, striking a balance by enhancing user experience and mitigating the 40 Hz sound's negative aspects. Engagement was influenced by personal music interests, listening routines, and support networks. This study highlights the potential of integrating 40 Hz sound with personalized music to offer a more acceptable 40 Hz auditory intervention for cognition in older adults with MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Wang
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mengchi Li
- Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Susan Courtney
- Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Qiwei Li
- California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junxin Li
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Jiang-Xie LF, Drieu A, Bhasiin K, Quintero D, Smirnov I, Kipnis J. Neuronal dynamics direct cerebrospinal fluid perfusion and brain clearance. Nature 2024; 627:157-164. [PMID: 38418877 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of metabolic waste is a leading cause of numerous neurological disorders, yet we still have only limited knowledge of how the brain performs self-cleansing. Here we demonstrate that neural networks synchronize individual action potentials to create large-amplitude, rhythmic and self-perpetuating ionic waves in the interstitial fluid of the brain. These waves are a plausible mechanism to explain the correlated potentiation of the glymphatic flow1,2 through the brain parenchyma. Chemogenetic flattening of these high-energy ionic waves largely impeded cerebrospinal fluid infiltration into and clearance of molecules from the brain parenchyma. Notably, synthesized waves generated through transcranial optogenetic stimulation substantially potentiated cerebrospinal fluid-to-interstitial fluid perfusion. Our study demonstrates that neurons serve as master organizers for brain clearance. This fundamental principle introduces a new theoretical framework for the functioning of macroscopic brain waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Feng Jiang-Xie
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Antoine Drieu
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kesshni Bhasiin
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniel Quintero
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Igor Smirnov
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG) Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
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24
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Peng X, Mao Y, Liu Y, Dai Q, Tai Y, Luo B, Liang Y, Guan R, Zhou W, Chen L, Zhang Z, Shen G, Wang H. Microglial activation in the lateral amygdala promotes anxiety-like behaviors in mice with chronic moderate noise exposure. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14674. [PMID: 38468130 PMCID: PMC10927919 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14674] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term non-traumatic noise exposure, such as heavy traffic noise, can elicit emotional disorders in humans. However, the underlying neural substrate is still poorly understood. METHODS We exposed mice to moderate white noise for 28 days to induce anxiety-like behaviors, measured by open-field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark box tests. In vivo multi-electrode recordings in awake mice were used to examine neuronal activity. Chemogenetics were used to silence specific brain regions. Viral tracing, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging were applied to define the neural circuit and characterize the morphology of microglia. RESULTS Exposure to moderate noise for 28 days at an 85-dB sound pressure level resulted in anxiety-like behaviors in open-field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark box tests. Viral tracing revealed that fibers projecting from the auditory cortex and auditory thalamus terminate in the lateral amygdala (LA). A noise-induced increase in spontaneous firing rates of the LA and blockade of noise-evoked anxiety-like behaviors by chemogenetic inhibition of LA glutamatergic neurons together confirmed that the LA plays a critical role in noise-induced anxiety. Noise-exposed animals were more vulnerable to anxiety induced by acute noise stressors than control mice. In addition to these behavioral abnormalities, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1)-positive microglia in the LA underwent corresponding morphological modifications, including reduced process length and branching and increased soma size following noise exposure. Treatment with minocycline to suppress microglia inhibited noise-associated changes in microglial morphology, neuronal electrophysiological activity, and behavioral changes. Furthermore, microglia-mediated synaptic phagocytosis favored inhibitory synapses, which can cause an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, leading to anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies LA microglial activation as a critical mediator of noise-induced anxiety-like behaviors, leading to neuronal and behavioral changes through selective synapse phagocytosis. Our results highlight the pivotal but previously unrecognized roles of LA microglia in chronic moderate noise-induced behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yunfeng Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yehao Liu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Qian Dai
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Yingju Tai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Bin Luo
- Auditory Research Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Department of PsychiatryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Yue Liang
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Ruirui Guan
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Songjiang Research InstituteShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lin Chen
- Auditory Research Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Guoming Shen
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
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25
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Sahu PP, Lo YH, Tseng P. 40 Hz sensory entrainment: Is real-time EEG a good indicator of future cognitive improvement? Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1271-1274. [PMID: 37904014 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Prangya Parimita Sahu
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hui Lo
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Philip Tseng
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Mind, Brain & Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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26
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Hablitz L, Nedergaard M. Synchronized neuronal activity drives waste fluid flow. Nature 2024; 627:44-45. [PMID: 38418726 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00422-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
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27
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Meneghetti N, Vannini E, Mazzoni A. Rodents' visual gamma as a biomarker of pathological neural conditions. J Physiol 2024; 602:1017-1048. [PMID: 38372352 DOI: 10.1113/jp283858] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural gamma oscillations (indicatively 30-100 Hz) are ubiquitous: they are associated with a broad range of functions in multiple cortical areas and across many animal species. Experimental and computational works established gamma rhythms as a global emergent property of neuronal networks generated by the balanced and coordinated interaction of excitation and inhibition. Coherently, gamma activity is strongly influenced by the alterations of synaptic dynamics which are often associated with pathological neural dysfunctions. We argue therefore that these oscillations are an optimal biomarker for probing the mechanism of cortical dysfunctions. Gamma oscillations are also highly sensitive to external stimuli in sensory cortices, especially the primary visual cortex (V1), where the stimulus dependence of gamma oscillations has been thoroughly investigated. Gamma manipulation by visual stimuli tuning is particularly easy in rodents, which have become a standard animal model for investigating the effects of network alterations on gamma oscillations. Overall, gamma in the rodents' visual cortex offers an accessible probe on dysfunctional information processing in pathological conditions. Beyond vision-related dysfunctions, alterations of gamma oscillations in rodents were indeed also reported in neural deficits such as migraine, epilepsy and neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric conditions such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Altogether, the connections between visual cortical gamma activity and physio-pathological conditions in rodent models underscore the potential of gamma oscillations as markers of neuronal (dys)functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Meneghetti
- The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence for Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vannini
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto Mazzoni
- The Biorobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence for Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
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28
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Wu M, Concolato M, Sorger B, Yu Y, Li X, Luo B, Riecke L. Acoustic-electric trigeminal-nerve stimulation enhances functional connectivity in patients with disorders of consciousness. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14385. [PMID: 37525451 PMCID: PMC10928333 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14385] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Disruption of functional brain connectivity is thought to underlie disorders of consciousness (DOC) and recovery of impaired connectivity is suggested as an indicator of consciousness restoration. We recently found that rhythmic acoustic-electric trigeminal-nerve stimulation (i.e., musical stimulation synchronized to electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve) in the gamma band can improve consciousness in patients with DOC. Here, we investigated whether these beneficial stimulation effects are mediated by alterations in functional connectivity. METHODS Sixty-three patients with DOC underwent 5 days of gamma, beta, or sham acoustic-electric trigeminal-nerve stimulation. Resting-state electroencephalography was measured before and after the stimulation and functional connectivity was assessed using phase-lag index (PLI). RESULTS We found that gamma stimulation induces an increase in gamma-band PLI. Further characterization revealed that the enhancing effect is (i) specific to the gamma band (as we observed no comparable change in beta-band PLI and no effect of beta-band acoustic-electric stimulation or sham stimulation), (ii) widely spread across the cortex, and (iii) accompanied by improvements in patients' auditory abilities. CONCLUSION These findings show that gamma acoustic-electric trigeminal-nerve stimulation can improve resting-state functional connectivity in the gamma band, which in turn may be linked to auditory abilities and/or consciousness restoration in DOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Marta Concolato
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocializationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Bettina Sorger
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Yamei Yu
- Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Benyan Luo
- Department of Neurology and Brain Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Lars Riecke
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
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29
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Murdock MH, Yang CY, Sun N, Pao PC, Blanco-Duque C, Kahn MC, Kim T, Lavoie NS, Victor MB, Islam MR, Galiana F, Leary N, Wang S, Bubnys A, Ma E, Akay LA, Sneve M, Qian Y, Lai C, McCarthy MM, Kopell N, Kellis M, Piatkevich KD, Boyden ES, Tsai LH. Multisensory gamma stimulation promotes glymphatic clearance of amyloid. Nature 2024; 627:149-156. [PMID: 38418876 PMCID: PMC10917684 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The glymphatic movement of fluid through the brain removes metabolic waste1-4. Noninvasive 40 Hz stimulation promotes 40 Hz neural activity in multiple brain regions and attenuates pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease5-8. Here we show that multisensory gamma stimulation promotes the influx of cerebrospinal fluid and the efflux of interstitial fluid in the cortex of the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Influx of cerebrospinal fluid was associated with increased aquaporin-4 polarization along astrocytic endfeet and dilated meningeal lymphatic vessels. Inhibiting glymphatic clearance abolished the removal of amyloid by multisensory 40 Hz stimulation. Using chemogenetic manipulation and a genetically encoded sensor for neuropeptide signalling, we found that vasoactive intestinal peptide interneurons facilitate glymphatic clearance by regulating arterial pulsatility. Our findings establish novel mechanisms that recruit the glymphatic system to remove brain amyloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Murdock
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheng-Yi Yang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Na Sun
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ping-Chieh Pao
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Martin C Kahn
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - TaeHyun Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas S Lavoie
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Md Rezaul Islam
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fabiola Galiana
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Noelle Leary
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sidney Wang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adele Bubnys
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Emily Ma
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Leyla A Akay
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Madison Sneve
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yong Qian
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cuixin Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, and Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michelle M McCarthy
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Kopell
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kiryl D Piatkevich
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, and Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Edward S Boyden
- Departments of Biological Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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30
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Manippa V, Palmisano A, Nitsche MA, Filardi M, Vilella D, Logroscino G, Rivolta D. Cognitive and Neuropathophysiological Outcomes of Gamma-tACS in Dementia: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:338-361. [PMID: 36877327 PMCID: PMC10920470 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09589-0] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the numerous pharmacological interventions targeting dementia, no disease-modifying therapy is available, and the prognosis remains unfavorable. A promising perspective involves tackling high-frequency gamma-band (> 30 Hz) oscillations involved in hippocampal-mediated memory processes, which are impaired from the early stages of typical Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Particularly, the positive effects of gamma-band entrainment on mouse models of AD have prompted researchers to translate such findings into humans using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a methodology that allows the entrainment of endogenous cortical oscillations in a frequency-specific manner. This systematic review examines the state-of-the-art on the use of gamma-tACS in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia patients to shed light on its feasibility, therapeutic impact, and clinical effectiveness. A systematic search from two databases yielded 499 records resulting in 10 included studies and a total of 273 patients. The results were arranged in single-session and multi-session protocols. Most of the studies demonstrated cognitive improvement following gamma-tACS, and some studies showed promising effects of gamma-tACS on neuropathological markers, suggesting the feasibility of gamma-tACS in these patients anyhow far from the strong evidence available for mouse models. Nonetheless, the small number of studies and their wide variability in terms of aims, parameters, and measures, make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We discuss results and methodological limitations of the studies, proposing possible solutions and future avenues to improve research on the effects of gamma-tACS on dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Manippa
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Palmisano
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marco Filardi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Vilella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Rivolta
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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31
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Tzavellas NP, Tsamis KI, Katsenos AP, Davri AS, Simos YV, Nikas IP, Bellos S, Lekkas P, Kanellos FS, Konitsiotis S, Labrakakis C, Vezyraki P, Peschos D. Firing Alterations of Neurons in Alzheimer's Disease: Are They Merely a Consequence of Pathogenesis or a Pivotal Component of Disease Progression? Cells 2024; 13:434. [PMID: 38474398 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050434] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, yet its underlying causes remain elusive. The conventional perspective on disease pathogenesis attributes alterations in neuronal excitability to molecular changes resulting in synaptic dysfunction. Early hyperexcitability is succeeded by a progressive cessation of electrical activity in neurons, with amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and tau protein hyperphosphorylation identified as the initial events leading to hyperactivity. In addition to these key proteins, voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels play a decisive role in the altered electrical properties of neurons in AD. Impaired synaptic function and reduced neuronal plasticity contribute to a vicious cycle, resulting in a reduction in the number of synapses and synaptic proteins, impacting their transportation inside the neuron. An understanding of these neurophysiological alterations, combined with abnormalities in the morphology of brain cells, emerges as a crucial avenue for new treatment investigations. This review aims to delve into the detailed exploration of electrical neuronal alterations observed in different AD models affecting single neurons and neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Tzavellas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas P Katsenos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athena S Davri
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias P Nikas
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, 2029 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Lekkas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foivos S Kanellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spyridon Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, 455 00 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Labrakakis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
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Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Zhang J, Cong S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: a new strategy for Alzheimer's disease intervention through the brain-gut-microbiota axis? Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1334887. [PMID: 38476661 PMCID: PMC10927744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1334887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify-most of the time probably in a non-physiological way-the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Linna Wu
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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33
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Ren P, Fu Y. Continuous high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation at extremely low intensity affects exploratory behavior and spatial cognition in mice. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114739. [PMID: 37926334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114739] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) has been shown to be effective for cognitive intervention. However, whether HF-rTMS with extremely low intensity could influence cognitive functions is still under investigation. The present study systematically investigated the effects of continuous 40 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS on cognition in young adult mice at extremely low intensity (10 mT and 1 mT) for 11 days (30 min/day). Cognitive functions were assessed using diverse behavioral tasks, including the open field, Y-maze, and Barnes maze paradigms. We found that 40 Hz rTMS significantly impaired exploratory behavior and spatial memory in both 10 mT and 1 mT conditions. In addition, 40 Hz rTMS induced remarkably different effects on exploratory behavior between 10 mT and 1mT, compared to 10 Hz stimulation. Our results indicate that extremely low intensity rTMS can significantly alter cognitive performance depending on intensity and frequency, shedding light on the understanding of the mechanism of rTMS effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfan Zhang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yunbin Zhang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shenzhen Mental Health Center / Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China.
| | - Yu Fu
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
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34
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Cheng F, Wang F, Tang J, Zhou Y, Fu Z, Zhang P, Haines JL, Leverenz JB, Gan L, Hu J, Rosen-Zvi M, Pieper AA, Cummings J. Artificial intelligence and open science in discovery of disease-modifying medicines for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101379. [PMID: 38382465 PMCID: PMC10897520 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101379] [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] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The high failure rate of clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD) is due to a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, and this deficit may be addressed by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to "big data" to rapidly and effectively expand therapeutic development efforts. Recent accelerations in computing power and availability of big data, including electronic health records and multi-omics profiles, have converged to provide opportunities for scientific discovery and treatment development. Here, we review the potential utility of applying AI approaches to big data for discovery of disease-modifying medicines for AD/ADRD. We illustrate how AI tools can be applied to the AD/ADRD drug development pipeline through collaborative efforts among neurologists, gerontologists, geneticists, pharmacologists, medicinal chemists, and computational scientists. AI and open data science expedite drug discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutics for AD/ADRD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Cleveland Clinic Genome Center, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jian Tang
- Mila-Quebec Institute for Learning Algorithms and CIFAR AI Research Chair, HEC Montreal, Montréal, QC H3T 2A7, Canada
| | - Yadi Zhou
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Zhimin Fu
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; College of Pharmacy, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Pengyue Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46037, USA
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, and Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - James B Leverenz
- Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jianying Hu
- IBM Research, Yorktown Heights, New York, NY 10598, USA
| | - Michal Rosen-Zvi
- AI for Accelerated Healthcare and Life Sciences Discovery, IBM Research Labs, Haifa 3498825, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190500, Israel
| | - Andrew A Pieper
- Brain Health Medicines Center, Harrington Discovery Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Geriatric Psychiatry, GRECC, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH 44106, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
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35
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Hsiung PC, Hsieh PJ. Forty-Hertz audiovisual stimulation does not have a promoting effect on visual threshold and visual spatial memory. J Vis 2024; 24:8. [PMID: 38393743 PMCID: PMC10901250 DOI: 10.1167/jov.24.2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that 40-Hz audiovisual stimulation can improve pathological conditions and promote cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. However, limited research has been conducted on humans, and the results have been inconsistent. In our study, we divided participants into an experimental group and a control group to investigate whether 40-Hz stimulation could enhance performance in visual threshold tasks and working memory task. In Experiment 1, we used a light bulb as the stimulus source and found a general practice effect, but no difference between the groups. In Experiment 2, we used a computer screen as the stimulus source and set the stimulation frequency to 48 Hz. In Experiment 3 , we used a computer screen and audio as stimulus sources, simultaneously applying a 40-Hz stimulation to both visual and auditory modalities. Both experiments only revealed the disappearance of practice effects in the 40-Hz (48-Hz) group. Experiment 4 focused on testing visual spatial memory, but did not identify any significant differences between or within groups. In Experiment 5, we tested various visual spatial frequencies; yet again, no significant differences were found. Based on the comprehensive results, we conclude that a 40-Hz stimulation does not have a promoting effect on visual threshold or visual spatial memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Cheng Hsiung
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jang Hsieh
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan
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36
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Montalbán A, Corder RM. The spark of synchronization in heterogeneous networks of chaotic maps. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2024; 34:021101. [PMID: 38305054 DOI: 10.1063/5.0173546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
We investigate the emergence of synchronization in heterogeneous networks of chaotic maps. Our findings reveal that a small cluster of highly connected maps is responsible for triggering the spark of synchronization. After the spark, the synchronized cluster grows in size and progressively moves to less connected maps, eventually reaching a cluster that may remain synchronized over time. We explore how the shape of the network degree distribution affects the onset of synchronization and derive an expression based on the network construction that determines the expected time for a network to synchronize. Understanding how the network design affects the spark of synchronization is particularly important for the control and design of more robust systems that require some level of coherence between a subset of units for better functioning. Numerical simulations in finite-sized networks are consistent with this analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Montalbán
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Rodrigo M Corder
- Divisions of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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37
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Liu N, Liang X, Chen Y, Xie L. Recent trends in treatment strategies for Alzheimer 's disease and the challenges: A topical advancement. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102199. [PMID: 38232903 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102199] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an irreversible and progressive neurological disease that has affected at least 50 million people around the globe. Considering the severity of the disease and the continuous increase in the number of patients, the development of new effective drugs or intervention strategies for AD has become urgent. AD is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, but its exact cause has not yet been clarified. Given the current challenges being faced in the clinical treatment of AD, such as complex AD pathological network and insufficient early diagnosis, herein, we have focused on the three core pathological features of AD, including amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, tau phosphorylation and tangles, and activation of inflammatory factors. In this review, we have briefly underscored the primary evidence supporting each pathology and discuss AD pathological network among Aβ, tau, and inflammation. We have also comprehensively summarized the most instructive drugs and their treatment strategies against Aβ, tau, or neuroinflammation used in basic research and clinical trials. Finally, we have discussed and outlined the pros and cons of each pathological approach and looked forward to potential personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies that are beneficial to AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Xiaohan Liang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Lihang Xie
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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38
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Blanco-Duque C, Chan D, Kahn MC, Murdock MH, Tsai LH. Audiovisual gamma stimulation for the treatment of neurodegeneration. J Intern Med 2024; 295:146-170. [PMID: 38115692 PMCID: PMC10842797 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease and a health challenge with major social and economic consequences. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of gamma stimulation in treating AD and delve into the possible mechanisms responsible for its positive effects. Recent studies reveal that it is feasible and safe to induce 40 Hz brain activity in AD patients through a range of 40 Hz multisensory and noninvasive electrical or magnetic stimulation methods. Although research into the clinical potential of these interventions is still in its nascent stages, these studies suggest that 40 Hz stimulation can yield beneficial effects on brain function, disease pathology, and cognitive function in individuals with AD. Specifically, we discuss studies involving 40 Hz light, auditory, and vibrotactile stimulation, as well as noninvasive techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The precise mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of gamma stimulation in AD are not yet fully elucidated, but preclinical studies have provided relevant insights. We discuss preclinical evidence related to both neuronal and nonneuronal mechanisms that may be involved, touching upon the relevance of interneurons, neuropeptides, and specific synaptic mechanisms in translating gamma stimulation into widespread neuronal activity within the brain. We also explore the roles of microglia, astrocytes, and the vasculature in mediating the beneficial effects of gamma stimulation on brain function. Lastly, we examine upcoming clinical trials and contemplate the potential future applications of gamma stimulation in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Blanco-Duque
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diane Chan
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin C Kahn
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mitchell H Murdock
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Li-Huei Tsai
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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39
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Shen Q, Guo H, Yan Y. Photobiomodulation for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1625. [PMID: 38338901 PMCID: PMC10855709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031625] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases involve the progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons in the central nervous system and thus present a significant challenge due to the absence of effective therapies for halting or reversing their progression. Based on the characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), which have prolonged incubation periods and protracted courses, exploring non-invasive physical therapy methods is essential for alleviating such diseases and ensuring that patients have an improved quality of life. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses red and infrared light for therapeutic benefits and functions by stimulating, healing, regenerating, and protecting organizations at risk of injury, degradation, or death. Over the last two decades, PBM has gained widespread recognition as a non-invasive physical therapy method, showing efficacy in pain relief, anti-inflammatory responses, and tissue regeneration. Its application has expanded into the fields of neurology and psychiatry, where extensive research has been conducted. This paper presents a review and evaluation of studies investigating PBM in neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific emphasis on recent applications in AD and PD treatment for both animal and human subjects. Molecular mechanisms related to neuron damage and cognitive impairment are scrutinized, offering valuable insights into PBM's potential as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haoyun Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yihua Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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40
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Henney MA, Carstensen M, Thorning-Schmidt M, Kubińska M, Grønberg MG, Nguyen M, Madsen KH, Clemmensen LKH, Petersen PM. Brain stimulation with 40 Hz heterochromatic flicker extended beyond red, green, and blue. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2147. [PMID: 38273009 PMCID: PMC10810780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52679-z] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with electrophysiological changes in the brain. Pre-clinical and early clinical trials have shown promising results for the possible therapy of AD with 40 Hz neurostimulation. The most notable findings used stroboscopic flicker, but this technique poses an inherent barrier for human applications due to its visible flickering and resulting high level of perceived discomfort. Therefore, alternative options should be investigated for entraining 40 Hz brain activity with light sources that appear less flickering. Previously, chromatic flicker based on red, green, and blue (RGB) have been studied in the context of brain-computer interfaces, but this is an incomplete representation of the colours in the visual spectrum. This study introduces a new kind of heterochromatic flicker based on spectral combinations of blue, cyan, green, lime, amber, and red (BCGLAR). These combinations are investigated by the steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) response from the flicker with an aim of optimising the choice of 40 Hz light stimulation with spectrally similar colour combinations in BCGLAR space. Thirty healthy young volunteers were stimulated with heterochromatic flicker in an electroencephalography experiment with randomised complete block design. Responses were quantified as the 40 Hz signal-to-noise ratio and analysed using mixed linear models. The size of the SSVEP response to heterochromatic flicker is dependent on colour combinations and influenced by both visual and non-visual effects. The amber-red flicker combination evoked the highest SSVEP, and combinations that included blue and/or red consistently evoked higher SSVEP than combinations only with mid-spectrum colours. Including a colour from either extreme of the visual spectrum (blue and/or red) in at least one of the dyadic phases appears to be more important than choosing pairs of colours that are far from each other on the visual spectrum. Spectrally adjacent colour pairs appear less flickering to the perceiver, and thus the results motivate investigations into the limits for how alike the two phases can be and still evoke a 40 Hz response. Specifically, combining a colour on either extreme of the visual spectrum with another proximal colour might provide the best trade-off between flickering sensation and SSVEP magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Alexander Henney
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
- OptoCeutics ApS, Copenhagen, 1610, Denmark.
| | - Marcus Carstensen
- OptoCeutics ApS, Copenhagen, 1610, Denmark
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Martin Thorning-Schmidt
- OptoCeutics ApS, Copenhagen, 1610, Denmark
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Marta Kubińska
- OptoCeutics ApS, Copenhagen, 1610, Denmark
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Manja Gersholm Grønberg
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Mai Nguyen
- OptoCeutics ApS, Copenhagen, 1610, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Hougaard Madsen
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, 2650, Denmark
| | | | - Paul Michael Petersen
- Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technichal University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
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Spoleti E, La Barbera L, Cauzzi E, De Paolis ML, Saba L, Marino R, Sciamanna G, Di Lazzaro V, Keller F, Nobili A, Krashia P, D'Amelio M. Dopamine neuron degeneration in the Ventral Tegmental Area causes hippocampal hyperexcitability in experimental Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02408-9. [PMID: 38228889 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Early and progressive dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) have been described in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). During the long pre-symptomatic phase, alterations in the function of Parvalbumin interneurons (PV-INs) are also observed, resulting in cortical hyperexcitability represented by subclinical epilepsy and aberrant gamma-oscillations. However, it is unknown whether the dopaminergic deficits contribute to brain hyperexcitability in AD. Here, using the Tg2576 mouse model of AD, we prove that reduced hippocampal dopaminergic innervation, due to VTA dopamine neuron degeneration, impairs PV-IN firing and gamma-waves, weakens the inhibition of pyramidal neurons and induces hippocampal hyperexcitability via lower D2-receptor-mediated activation of the CREB-pathway. These alterations coincide with reduced PV-IN numbers and Perineuronal Net density. Importantly, L-DOPA and the selective D2-receptor agonist quinpirole rescue p-CREB levels and improve the PV-IN-mediated inhibition, thus reducing hyperexcitability. Moreover, similarly to quinpirole, sumanirole - another D2-receptor agonist and a known anticonvulsant - not only increases p-CREB levels in PV-INs but also restores gamma-oscillations in Tg2576 mice. Conversely, blocking the dopaminergic transmission with sulpiride (a D2-like receptor antagonist) in WT mice reduces p-CREB levels in PV-INs, mimicking what occurs in Tg2576. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that the VTA dopaminergic system integrity plays a key role in hippocampal PV-IN function and survival, disclosing a relevant contribution of the reduced dopaminergic tone to aberrant gamma-waves, hippocampal hyperexcitability and epileptiform activity in early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Spoleti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia La Barbera
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Cauzzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa De Paolis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Saba
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Marino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Keller
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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Yokota Y, Tanaka K, Chang M, Naruse Y, Imamura Y, Fujii S. Gamma music: a new acoustic stimulus for gamma-frequency auditory steady-state response. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1287018. [PMID: 38273878 PMCID: PMC10808749 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1287018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A frequency range exceeding approximately 30 Hz, denoted as the gamma frequency range, is associated with various cognitive functions, consciousness, sensory integration, short-term memory, working memory, encoding and maintenance of episodic memory, and retrieval processes. In this study, we proposed a new form of gamma stimulation, called gamma music, combining 40 Hz auditory stimuli and music. This gamma music consists of drums, bass, and keyboard sounds, each containing a 40 Hz frequency oscillation. Since 40 Hz stimuli are known to induce an auditory steady-state response (ASSR), we used the 40 Hz power and phase locking index (PLI) as indices of neural activity during sound stimulation. We also recorded subjective ratings of each sound through a questionnaire using a visual analog scale. The gamma music, gamma drums, gamma bass, and gamma keyboard sounds showed significantly higher values in 40 Hz power and PLI compared to the control music without a 40 Hz oscillation. Particularly, the gamma keyboard sound showed a potential to induce strong ASSR, showing high values in these indices. In the subjective ratings, the gamma music, especially the gamma keyboard sound, received more relaxed, comfortable, preferred, pleasant, and natural impressions compared to the control music with conventional gamma stimulation. These results indicate that our proposed gamma music has potential as a new method for inducing ASSR. Particularly, the gamma keyboard sound proved to be an effective acoustic source for inducing a strong ASSR while preserving the comfortable and pleasant sensation of listening to music. Our developed gamma music, characterized by its pleasantness to the human ear, offers a significant advantage for the long-term use of gamma stimulation. The utilization of this music could potentially reduce the physical and psychological burden on participants compared to conventional 40 Hz stimuli. This music is not only expected to contribute to fundamental neuroscience research utilizing ASSR but also to facilitate the implementation of gamma music-based interventions aimed at enhancing human cognitive functions in everyday life.
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Manippa V, Filardi M, Vilella D, Logroscino G, Rivolta D. Gamma (60 Hz) auditory stimulation improves intrusions but not recall and working memory in healthy adults. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114703. [PMID: 37806563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-band (> 30 Hz) brain oscillations (γ) play a crucial role in memory and long-term potentiation, and their disruptions have been consistently documented in patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Gamma-band oscillation entrainment through 60 Hz transcranial alternating stimulation (tACS) and 40 Hz tACS/sensory stimulation has been shown to enhance memory performance in healthy adults and patients with AD, respectively. However, the impact of gamma auditory stimulation on healthy adults' memory remains uncertain. In this balanced crossover study, 36 healthy subjects (27 Females) underwent three auditory stimulation conditions: no auditory stimulation (NO_AS), 40 Hz, and 60 Hz. Long-term verbal memory (LTM) and verbal working memory (WM) were assessed using, respectively, the Ray Auditory Verbal Test (RAVLT) and Digit Span Backward test (DS-B). We hypothesized that 60 Hz would improve LTM (as compared to NO_AS), but not WM; no specific effects were hypothesized for 40 Hz. We found that gamma-band auditory stimulation (40 Hz and 60 Hz) did not significantly affect RAVLT recall or WM. However, 60 Hz stimulation reduced RAVLT immediate recall intrusion; this outcome negatively correlated with DS-B performance, suggesting a positive impact of 60 Hz on executive functions. In summary, gamma-band auditory stimulation did not enhance memory in healthy adults, but 60 Hz stimulation potentially benefits executive functions. Further investigation is needed to understand gamma oscillation's role in cognitive processes for both healthy and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Manippa
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| | - Marco Filardi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari Aldo Moro at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy; Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Vilella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari Aldo Moro at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari Aldo Moro at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy; Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Rivolta
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Da X, Hempel E, Ou Y, Rowe OE, Malchano Z, Hajós M, Kern R, Megerian JT, Cimenser A. Noninvasive Gamma Sensory Stimulation May Reduce White Matter and Myelin Loss in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:359-372. [PMID: 38073386 PMCID: PMC10789351 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) demonstrate progressive white matter atrophy and myelin loss. Restoring myelin content or preventing demyelination has been suggested as a therapeutic approach for AD. OBJECTIVE Herein, we investigate the effects of non-invasive, combined visual and auditory gamma-sensory stimulation on white matter atrophy and myelin content loss in patients with AD. METHODS In this study, we used the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the OVERTURE study (NCT03556280), a randomized, controlled, clinical trial in which active treatment participants received daily, non-invasive, combined visual and auditory, 40 Hz stimulation for six months. A subset of OVERTURE participants who meet the inclusion criteria for detailed white matter (N = 38) and myelin content (N = 36) assessments are included in the analysis. White matter volume assessments were performed using T1-weighted MRI, and myelin content assessments were performed using T1-weighted/T2-weighted MRI. Treatment effects on white matter atrophy and myelin content loss were assessed. RESULTS Combined visual and auditory gamma-sensory stimulation treatment is associated with reduced total and regional white matter atrophy and myelin content loss in active treatment participants compared to sham treatment participants. Across white matter structures evaluated, the most significant changes were observed in the entorhinal region. CONCLUSIONS The study results suggest that combined visual and auditory gamma-sensory stimulation may modulate neuronal network function in AD in part by reducing white matter atrophy and myelin content loss. Furthermore, the entorhinal region MRI outcomes may have significant implications for early disease intervention, considering the crucial afferent connections to the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Da
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Evan Hempel
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yangming Ou
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mihály Hajós
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ralph Kern
- Cognito Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Zhao M, Gu H, Pan W, Liu P, Zhu T, Shang H, Jia M, Yang J. SynCAM1 deficiency in the hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons contributes to sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in neonatal rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14554. [PMID: 38105652 PMCID: PMC10805405 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14554] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Sevoflurane is widely used for general anesthesia in children. Previous studies reported that multiple neonatal exposures to sevoflurane can induce long-term cognitive impairment in adolescent rats, but the underlying mechanisms were not defined. METHODS Postnatal day 6 (P6) to P8 rat pups were exposed to 30% oxygen with or without 3% sevoflurane balanced with air. The Y maze test (YMT) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were performed in some cohorts from age P35 to assess cognitive functions, and their brain samples were harvested at age P14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 for measurements of various molecular entities and in vivo electrophysiology experiments at age P35. RESULTS Sevoflurane exposure resulted in cognitive impairment that was associated with decreased synCAM1 expression in parvalbumin (PV) interneurons, a reduction of PV phenotype, disturbed gamma oscillations, and dendritic spine loss in the hippocampal CA3 region. Enriched environment (EE) increased synCAM1 expression in the PV interneurons and attenuated sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment. The synCAM1 overexpression by the adeno-associated virus vector in the hippocampal CA3 region restored sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment, PV phenotype loss, gamma oscillations decrease, and dendritic spine loss. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that neonatal sevoflurane exposure results in cognitive impairment through decreased synCAM1 expression in PV interneurons in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming‐ming Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Han‐wen Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Wei‐tong Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Pan‐miao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Ting‐ting Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Hui‐jie Shang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Min Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jian‐jun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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Ramakrishnan P, Joshi A, Fazil M, Yadav P. A comprehensive review on therapeutic potentials of photobiomodulation for neurodegenerative disorders. Life Sci 2024; 336:122334. [PMID: 38061535 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122334] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
A series of experimental trials over the past two centuries has put forth Photobiomodulation (PBM) as a treatment modality that utilizes colored lights for various conditions. While in its cradle, PBM was used for treating simple conditions such as burns and wounds, advancements in recent years have extended the use of PBM for treating complex neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). PBM has exhibited the potential to curb several symptoms and signs associated with NDDs. While several of the currently used therapeutics cause adverse side effects alongside being highly invasive, PBM on the contrary, seems to be broad-acting, less toxic, and non-invasive. Despite being projected as an ideal therapeutic for NDDs, PBM still isn't considered a mainstream treatment modality due to some of the challenges and knowledge gaps associated with it. Here, we review the advantages of PBM summarized above with an emphasis on the common mechanisms that underlie major NDDs and how PBM helps tackle them. We also discuss important questions such as whether PBM should be considered a mainstay treatment modality for these conditions and if PBM's properties can be harnessed to develop prophylactic therapies for high-risk individuals and also highlight important animal studies that underscore the importance of PBM and the challenges associated with it. Overall, this review is intended to bring the major advances made in the field to the spotlight alongside addressing the practicalities and caveats to develop PBM as a major therapeutic for NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Ramakrishnan
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Aradhana Joshi
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Mohamed Fazil
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Fly Laboratory # 210, Anusandhan Kendra-II, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Zhang S, Ai H, Wang J, Liu T, Zheng X, Tian X, Bai W. Reduced Prefrontal-Thalamic Theta Flow During Working Memory Retrieval in APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1737-1749. [PMID: 38306044 PMCID: PMC10894573 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Working memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are linked to impairments in the retrieval of stored memory information. However, research on the mechanism of impaired working memory retrieval in Alzheimer's disease is still lacking. Objective The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and mediodorsal thalamus (MD) are involved in memory retrieval. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional interactions and information transmission between mPFC and MD in the AD model. Methods We recorded local field potentials from mPFC and MD while the mice (APP/PS1 transgenic model and control) performed a T-maze spatial working memory task. The temporal dynamics of oscillatory activity and bidirectional information flow between mPFC and MD were assessed during the task phases. Results We mainly found a significant decrease in theta flow from mPFC to MD in APP/PS1 mice during retrieval. Conclusions Our results indicate an important role of the mPFC-MD input for retrieval and the disrupted information transfer from mPFC to MD may be the underlying mechanism of working memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongrui Ai
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tiaotiao Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuyuan Zheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Tian
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Bai
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Jiang LX, Huang GD, Wang HL, Zhang C, Yu X. The olfactory working memory capacity paradigm: A more sensitive and robust method of assessing cognitive function in male 5XFAD mice. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25265. [PMID: 38284863 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25265] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The olfactory working memory capacity (OWMC) paradigm is able to detect cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice (an animal model of Alzheimer's disease [TG]) as early as 3 months of age, while other behavioral paradigms detect cognitive deficits only at 4-5 months of age. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate that the OWMC paradigm is more sensitive and consistent in the early detection of declines in cognitive function than other commonly used behavioral paradigms. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), subiculum (SUB), and amygdala (AMY) of 5XFAD mice were harvested and subjected to immunostaining to detect the expression of β-amyloid (Aβ). Additionally, we compared the performance of 3-month-old male 5XFAD mice on common behavioral paradigms for assessing cognitive function (i.e., the open field [OF] test, novel object recognition [NOR] test, novel object location [NOL] test, Y-maze, and Morris water maze [MWM]) with that on the OWMC task. In the testing phase of the OWMC task, we varied the delay periods to evaluate the working memory capacity (WMC) of wild-type (WT) mice. Significant amyloid plaque deposition was observed in the PFC, RSC, SUB, and AMY of 3-month-old male 5XFAD mice. However, aside from the OWMC task, the other behavioral tests failed to detect cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice. Additionally, to demonstrate the efficacy of the OWMC task in assessing WMC, we varied the retention delay periods; we found that the WMC of WT mice decreased with longer delay periods. The OWMC task is a sensitive and robust behavioral assay for detecting changes in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xin Jiang
- Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Beijing, China
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua-Li Wang
- Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Beijing, China
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Wu M, Auksztulewicz R, Riecke L. Multimodal acoustic-electric trigeminal nerve stimulation modulates conscious perception. Neuroimage 2024; 285:120476. [PMID: 38030051 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Multimodal stimulation can reverse pathological neural activity and improve symptoms in neuropsychiatric diseases. Recent research shows that multimodal acoustic-electric trigeminal-nerve stimulation (TNS) (i.e., musical stimulation synchronized to electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve) can improve consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness. However, the reliability and mechanism of this novel approach remain largely unknown. We explored the effects of multimodal acoustic-electric TNS in healthy human participants by assessing conscious perception before and after stimulation using behavioral and neural measures in tactile and auditory target-detection tasks. To explore the mechanisms underlying the putative effects of acoustic-electric stimulation, we fitted a biologically plausible neural network model to the neural data using dynamic causal modeling. We observed that (1) acoustic-electric stimulation improves conscious tactile perception without a concomitant change in auditory perception, (2) this improvement is caused by the interplay of the acoustic and electric stimulation rather than any of the unimodal stimulation alone, and (3) the effect of acoustic-electric stimulation on conscious perception correlates with inter-regional connection changes in a recurrent neural processing model. These results provide evidence that acoustic-electric TNS can promote conscious perception. Alterations in inter-regional cortical connections might be the mechanism by which acoustic-electric TNS achieves its consciousness benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 EV Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Ryszard Auksztulewicz
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Lars Riecke
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 EV Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Luppi JJ, Stam CJ, Scheltens P, de Haan W. Virtual neural network-guided optimization of non-invasive brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011164. [PMID: 38232116 PMCID: PMC10824453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011164] [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] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique with potential for counteracting disrupted brain network activity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) to improve cognition. However, the results of tDCS studies in AD have been variable due to different methodological choices such as electrode placement. To address this, a virtual brain network model of AD was used to explore tDCS optimization. We compared a large, representative set of virtual tDCS intervention setups, to identify the theoretically optimized tDCS electrode positions for restoring functional network features disrupted in AD. We simulated 20 tDCS setups using a computational dynamic network model of 78 neural masses coupled according to human structural topology. AD network damage was simulated using an activity-dependent degeneration algorithm. Current flow modeling was used to estimate tDCS-targeted cortical regions for different electrode positions, and excitability of the pyramidal neurons of the corresponding neural masses was modulated to simulate tDCS. Outcome measures were relative power spectral density (alpha bands, 8-10 Hz and 10-13 Hz), total spectral power, posterior alpha peak frequency, and connectivity measures phase lag index (PLI) and amplitude envelope correlation (AEC). Virtual tDCS performance varied, with optimized strategies improving all outcome measures, while others caused further deterioration. The best performing setup involved right parietal anodal stimulation, with a contralateral supraorbital cathode. A clear correlation between the network role of stimulated regions and tDCS success was not observed. This modeling-informed approach can guide and perhaps accelerate tDCS therapy development and enhance our understanding of tDCS effects. Follow-up studies will compare the general predictions to personalized virtual models and validate them with tDCS-magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a clinical AD patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne J. Luppi
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J. Stam
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem de Haan
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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