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Hleșcu AA, Grigoraș A, Ianole V, Amalinei C. Advanced Diagnostic Tools in Hypothermia-Related Fatalities-A Pathological Perspective. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:739. [PMID: 38611652 PMCID: PMC11011698 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although classical gross features are known in hypothermia victims, they lack specific diagnosis features. The aim of our study was to reveal specific brain and lung pathological features in a group of hypothermia-related fatalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised 107 cases from our files associated with hypothermia. Routine hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and postmortem immunohistochemistry were performed. RESULTS The microscopic cerebral exam revealed diffuse perineuronal and perivascular edema, gliosis, mononuclear cell infiltration, acute brain injuries, focal neuronal ischemia, lacunar infarction, and variable hemorrhages. Variable alveolar edema, pulmonary emphysema, intra-alveolar and/or pleural hemorrhage, and bronchopneumonia, as well as other pre-existing lesions, were identified in lung tissue samples. Glial cells displayed S100β expression, while neurons showed moderate Hsp70 immunopositivity. Alveolar basal membranes exhibited diffuse ICAM-1 positive expression, while ICAM-1 and AQP-1 positivity was observed in the alveolar septum vascular endothelium. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between S100β and Hps70 immunoexpression and cerebral pathological features, between ICAM-1 immunoexpression and alveolar edema and pulmonary emphysema, and between AQP-1 immunoexpression and pulmonary emphysema. CONCLUSIONS Our results add supplementary data to brain and lung pathological findings in hypothermia-related fatalities, with potential therapeutic value in hypothermia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Alexandra Hleșcu
- Legal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Adriana Grigoraș
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Histopathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, 700455 Iasi, Romania
| | - Victor Ianole
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cornelia Amalinei
- Department of Morphofunctional Sciences I, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Department of Histopathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, 700455 Iasi, Romania
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2
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Wu LY, Chai YL, Cheah IK, Chia RSL, Hilal S, Arumugam TV, Chen CP, Lai MKP. Blood-based biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102247. [PMID: 38417710 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Age-associated cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) represents a clinically heterogenous condition, arising from diverse microvascular mechanisms. These lead to chronic cerebrovascular dysfunction and carry a substantial risk of subsequent stroke and vascular cognitive impairment in aging populations. Owing to advances in neuroimaging, in vivo visualization of cerebral vasculature abnormities and detection of CSVD, including lacunes, microinfarcts, microbleeds and white matter lesions, is now possible, but remains a resource-, skills- and time-intensive approach. As a result, there has been a recent proliferation of blood-based biomarker studies for CSVD aimed at developing accessible screening tools for early detection and risk stratification. However, a good understanding of the pathophysiological processes underpinning CSVD is needed to identify and assess clinically useful biomarkers. Here, we provide an overview of processes associated with CSVD pathogenesis, including endothelial injury and dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, perivascular neuronal damage as well as cardiovascular dysfunction. Then, we review clinical studies of the key biomolecules involved in the aforementioned processes. Lastly, we outline future trends and directions for CSVD biomarker discovery and clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Yun Wu
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuek Ling Chai
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Irwin K Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Neurobiology Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel S L Chia
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saima Hilal
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Kent Ridge, Singapore
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher P Chen
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mitchell K P Lai
- Memory Aging and Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Wu B, Chen M, Meng L, Tian Q, Dong Z. Osteoclasts Link Dysregulated Peripheral Degradation Processes and Accelerated Progression in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:773-785. [PMID: 38701149 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background The amyloid-β (Aβ) enhances the number and activity of blood monocyte-derived osteoclasts (OCs). Individuals with osteoporosis (OP) face an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite this association, the contribution of bone-resorbing OCs to the progression of AD pathology remains unclear. Objective Our objective was to investigate the potential impacts of OCs on the development of AD pathology. Methods We conducted targeted analysis of publicly available whole blood transcriptomes from patients with AD to characterize the blood molecular signatures and pathways associated with hyperactive OCs. In addition, we used APP23 transgenic (APP23 TG) AD mouse model to assess the effects of OCs pharmacological blockade on AD pathology and behavior. Results Patients with AD exhibited increased osteoclastogenesis signature in their blood cells, which appears to be positively correlated with dysfunction of peripheral clearance of Aβ mediated by immune cells. Long-term anti-resorptive intervention with Alendronate inhibited OC activity in APP23 mice, leading to improvements in peripheral monocyte Aβ-degrading enzyme expression, Aβ-deposition, and memory decline. Conclusions Our findings suggest that OCs have a disease-promoting role in the development and progression of AD, possibly linked to their modulation of peripheral immunity. These findings guide future research to further elucidate the connection between OP and AD pathogenesis, highlighting the potential benefits of preventing OP in alleviating cognitive burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mulan Chen
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Meng
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiuyun Tian
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifang Dong
- Growth, Development, and Mental Health of Children and Adolescence Center, Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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4
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Pan M, Roe JM, Nudel R, Schork AJ, Iakunchykova O, Fjell AM, Walhovd KB, Werge T, Chen CH, Benros ME, Wang Y. Circulating S100B levels at birth and risk of six major neuropsychiatric or neurological disorders: a two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:174. [PMID: 37225692 PMCID: PMC10209162 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02478-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating levels of the astrocytic marker S100B have been associated with risk of neuropsychiatric or neurological disorders. However, reported effects have been inconsistent, and no causal relations have yet been established. We applied two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) on the association statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for circulating S100B levels measured 5-7 days after birth (the iPSYCH sample) and in an older adult sample (mean age, 72.5 years; the Lothian sample), upon those derived from major depression disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BIP), autism spectral disorder (ASD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). We studied the causal relations in the two S100B datasets for risk of these six neuropsychiatric disorders. MR suggested increased S100B levels 5-7 days after birth to causally increase the risk of MDD (OR = 1.014; 95%CI = 1.007-1.022; FDR-corrected p = 6.43×10-4). In older adults, MR suggested increased S100B levels to have a causal relation to the risk of BIP (OR = 1.075; 95%CI = 1.026-1.127; FDR-corrected p = 1.35×10-2). No significant causal relations were found for the other five disorders. We did not observe any evidence for reverse causality of these neuropsychiatric or neurological disorders on altered S100B levels. Sensitivity analyses using more stringent SNP-selection criteria and three alternative MR models suggested the results are robust. Altogether, our findings imply a small cause-effect relation for the previously reported associations of S100B and mood disorders. Such findings may provide a novel avenue for the diagnosis and management of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Pan
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - James M Roe
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ron Nudel
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Andrew J Schork
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), 445 N. Fifth Street, 85004, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center St. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, Boserupvej 2, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Olena Iakunchykova
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, POB 4950, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, POB 4950, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Werge
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGEN), 445 N. Fifth Street, 85004, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Center St. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, Boserupvej 2, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chi-Hua Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of California in San Diego, Gilman Drive 9500, 92093, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael E Benros
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
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Wang B, Zou L, Li M, Zhou L. Astrocyte: A Foe or a Friend in Intellectual Disability-Related Diseases. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:877928. [PMID: 35812794 PMCID: PMC9259964 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.877928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disabilities are a type of neurodevelopmental disease caused by neurological dysfunction. Their incidence is largely associated with neural development. Astrocytes are the most widely distributed cells in the mammalian brain. Previous studies have reported that astrocytes only supported and separated the neurons in the brain. However, recent studies have found that they also play an important role in neural development. Understanding the astrocyte mechanism in intellectual development disorder-related diseases will help provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of intellectual disability-related diseases. This mini-review introduced the association between astrocyte and intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, recent advances in genetic and environmental factors causing intellectual disability and different pharmaceutical effects of intellectual disability-related drugs on astrocytes have been summarised. Finally, we discussed future perspectives of astrocyte-based therapy for intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liang Zhou
- *Correspondence: Liang Zhou, , orcid.org/0000-0003-0820-1520
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6
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A Gadd D, I McGeachan R, F Hillary R, L McCartney D, E Harris S, A Sherwood R, Abbott NJ, R Cox S, E Marioni R. The genetic and epigenetic profile of serum S100β in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 and its relationship to Alzheimer’s disease. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:306. [PMID: 35028426 PMCID: PMC8686327 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17322.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circulating S100 calcium-binding protein (S100β) is a marker of brain inflammation that has been associated with a range of neurological conditions. To provide insight into the molecular regulation of S100β and its potential causal associations with Alzheimer’s disease, we carried out genome- and epigenome-wide association studies (GWAS/EWAS) of serum S100β levels in older adults and performed Mendelian randomisation with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: GWAS (N=769, mean age 72.5 years, sd = 0.7) and EWAS (N=722, mean age 72.5 years, sd = 0.7) of S100β levels were performed in participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Conditional and joint analysis (COJO) was used to identify independent loci. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses were performed for lead loci that had genome-wide significant associations with S100β. Bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomisation was used to test for causal associations between S100β and Alzheimer’s disease. Colocalisation between S100β and Alzheimer’s disease GWAS loci was also examined. Results: We identified 154 SNPs from chromosome 21 that associated (P<5x10-8) with S100β protein levels. The lead variant was located in the S100β gene (rs8128872, P=5.0x10-17). We found evidence that two independent causal variants existed for both transcription of S100β and S100β protein levels in our eQTL analyses. No CpG sites were associated with S100β levels at the epigenome-wide significant level (P<3.6x10-8); the lead probe was cg06833709 (P=5.8x10-6), which mapped to the LGI1 gene. There was no evidence of a causal association between S100β levels and Alzheimer’s disease or vice versa and no evidence for colocalisation between S100β and Alzheimer’s disease loci. Conclusions: These data provide insight into the molecular regulators of S100β levels. This context may aid in understanding the role of S100β in brain inflammation and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni A Gadd
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Daniel L McCartney
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sarah E Harris
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Roy A Sherwood
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, Other (Non-U.S.), SE5 9RS, UK
| | - N Joan Abbott
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, Other (Non-U.S.), WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
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7
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A Gadd D, I McGeachan R, F Hillary R, L McCartney D, E Harris S, A Sherwood R, Abbott NJ, R Cox S, E Marioni R. The genetic and epigenetic profile of serum S100β in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 and its relationship to Alzheimer's disease. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:306. [PMID: 35028426 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17322.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Circulating S100 calcium-binding protein (S100β) is a marker of brain inflammation that has been associated with a range of neurological conditions. To provide insight into the molecular regulation of S100β and its potential causal associations with Alzheimer's disease, we carried out genome- and epigenome-wide association studies (GWAS/EWAS) of serum S100β levels in older adults and performed Mendelian randomisation with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: GWAS (N=769, mean age 72.5 years, sd = 0.7) and EWAS (N=722, mean age 72.5 years, sd = 0.7) of S100β levels were performed in participants from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Conditional and joint analysis (COJO) was used to identify independent loci. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analyses were performed for lead loci that had genome-wide significant associations with S100β. Bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian randomisation was used to test for causal associations between S100β and Alzheimer's disease. Colocalisation between S100β and Alzheimer's disease GWAS loci was also examined. Results: We identified 154 SNPs from chromosome 21 that associated (P<5x10 -8) with S100β protein levels. The lead variant was located in the S100β gene (rs8128872, P=5.0x10 -17). We found evidence that two independent causal variants existed for both transcription of S100β and S100β protein levels in our eQTL analyses . No CpG sites were associated with S100β levels at the epigenome-wide significant level (P<3.6x10 -8); the lead probe was cg06833709 (P=5.8x10 -6), which mapped to the LGI1 gene. There was no evidence of a causal association between S100β levels and Alzheimer's disease or vice versa and no evidence for colocalisation between S100β and Alzheimer's disease loci. Conclusions: These data provide insight into the molecular regulators of S100β levels. This context may aid in understanding the role of S100β in brain inflammation and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni A Gadd
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Daniel L McCartney
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sarah E Harris
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Roy A Sherwood
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, Other (Non-U.S.), SE5 9RS, UK
| | - N Joan Abbott
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, Other (Non-U.S.), WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Other (Non-U.S.), EH4 2XU, UK
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8
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Sørensen Ø, Walhovd KB, Fjell AM. A recipe for accurate estimation of lifespan brain trajectories, distinguishing longitudinal and cohort effects. Neuroimage 2020; 226:117596. [PMID: 33248257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We address the problem of estimating how different parts of the brain develop and change throughout the lifespan, and how these trajectories are affected by genetic and environmental factors. Estimation of these lifespan trajectories is statistically challenging, since their shapes are typically highly nonlinear, and although true change can only be quantified by longitudinal examinations, as follow-up intervals in neuroimaging studies typically cover less than 10% of the lifespan, use of cross-sectional information is necessary. Linear mixed models (LMMs) and structural equation models (SEMs) commonly used in longitudinal analysis rely on assumptions which are typically not met with lifespan data, in particular when the data consist of observations combined from multiple studies. While LMMs require a priori specification of a polynomial functional form, SEMs do not easily handle data with unstructured time intervals between measurements. Generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) offer an attractive alternative, and in this paper we propose various ways of formulating GAMMs for estimation of lifespan trajectories of 12 brain regions, using a large longitudinal dataset and realistic simulation experiments. We show that GAMMs are able to more accurately fit lifespan trajectories, distinguish longitudinal and cross-sectional effects, and estimate effects of genetic and environmental exposures. Finally, we discuss and contrast questions related to lifespan research which strictly require repeated measures data and questions which can be answered with a single measurement per participant, and in the latter case, which simplifying assumptions that need to be made. The examples are accompanied with R code, providing a tutorial for researchers interested in using GAMMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Sørensen
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kristine B Walhovd
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Center for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
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9
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Harris SE, Cox SR, Bell S, Marioni RE, Prins BP, Pattie A, Corley J, Muñoz Maniega S, Valdés Hernández M, Morris Z, John S, Bronson PG, Tucker-Drob EM, Starr JM, Bastin ME, Wardlaw JM, Butterworth AS, Deary IJ. Neurology-related protein biomarkers are associated with cognitive ability and brain volume in older age. Nat Commun 2020; 11:800. [PMID: 32041957 PMCID: PMC7010796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14161-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying biological correlates of late life cognitive function is important if we are to ascertain biomarkers for, and develop treatments to help reduce, age-related cognitive decline. Here, we investigated the associations between plasma levels of 90 neurology-related proteins (Olink® Proteomics) and general fluid cognitive ability in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936, N = 798), Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 (LBC1921, N = 165), and the INTERVAL BioResource (N = 4451). In the LBC1936, 22 of the proteins were significantly associated with general fluid cognitive ability (β between -0.11 and -0.17). MRI-assessed total brain volume partially mediated the association between 10 of these proteins and general fluid cognitive ability. In an age-matched subsample of INTERVAL, effect sizes for the 22 proteins, although smaller, were all in the same direction as in LBC1936. Plasma levels of a number of neurology-related proteins are associated with general fluid cognitive ability in later life, mediated by brain volume in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Harris
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK. .,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Simon R Cox
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, 300 Bath St, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven Bell
- UK Medical Research Council/British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.,The National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Unit in Donor Health and Genomics at the University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.,Stroke Research Group, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge Neurology Unit, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Bram P Prins
- UK Medical Research Council/British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Alison Pattie
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Janie Corley
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Susana Muñoz Maniega
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Brain Research Imaging Centre, Neuroimaging Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maria Valdés Hernández
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Brain Research Imaging Centre, Neuroimaging Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Zoe Morris
- Brain Research Imaging Centre, Neuroimaging Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sally John
- Translational Biology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Elliot M Tucker-Drob
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas, 108 E Dean Keeton St, Austin, TX, USA
| | - John M Starr
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Mark E Bastin
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, 300 Bath St, Glasgow, UK.,Brain Research Imaging Centre, Neuroimaging Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, 300 Bath St, Glasgow, UK.,Brain Research Imaging Centre, Neuroimaging Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam S Butterworth
- UK Medical Research Council/British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.,The National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Unit in Donor Health and Genomics at the University of Cambridge, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Wort's Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Ian J Deary
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
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10
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Khalil M, Pirpamer L, Hofer E, Voortman MM, Barro C, Leppert D, Benkert P, Ropele S, Enzinger C, Fazekas F, Schmidt R, Kuhle J. Serum neurofilament light levels in normal aging and their association with morphologic brain changes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:812. [PMID: 32041951 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14612-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light (NfL) protein is a marker of neuro-axonal damage and can be measured not only in cerebrospinal fluid but also in serum, which allows for repeated assessments. There is still limited knowledge regarding the association of serum NfL (sNfL) with age and subclinical morphologic brain changes and their dynamics in the normal population. We measured sNfL by a single molecule array (Simoa) assay in 335 individuals participating in a population-based cohort study and after a mean follow-up time of 5.9 years (n = 103). Detailed clinical examination, cognitive testing and 3T brain MRI were performed to assess subclinical brain damage. We show that rising and more variable sNfL in individuals >60 years indicate an acceleration of neuronal injury at higher age, which may be driven by subclinical comorbid pathologies. This is supported by a close association of sNfL with brain volume changes in a cross-sectional and especially longitudinal manner. Neurofilament (NfL) levels in CSF and blood have been established as a biomarker of neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases, and there is an age-dependent increase in NfL levels in CSF. Here the authors demonstrate that serum NfL levels increase in healthy aging people and predict and correlate with brain volume loss.
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11
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Frey BM, Petersen M, Mayer C, Schulz M, Cheng B, Thomalla G. Characterization of White Matter Hyperintensities in Large-Scale MRI-Studies. Front Neurol 2019; 10:238. [PMID: 30972001 PMCID: PMC6443932 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: White matter hyperintensities of presumed vascular origin (WMH) are a common finding in elderly people and a growing social malady in the aging western societies. As a manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease, WMH are considered to be a vascular contributor to various sequelae such as cognitive decline, dementia, depression, stroke as well as gait and balance problems. While pathophysiology and therapeutical options remain unclear, large-scale studies have improved the understanding of WMH, particularly by quantitative assessment of WMH. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of the characteristics, research subjects and segmentation techniques of these studies. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement. One thousand one hundred and ninety-six potentially relevant articles were identified via PubMed search. Six further articles classified as relevant were added manually. After applying a catalog of exclusion criteria, remaining articles were read full-text and the following information was extracted into a standardized form: year of publication, sample size, mean age of subjects in the study, the cohort included, and segmentation details like the definition of WMH, the segmentation method, reference to methods papers as well as validation measurements. Results: Our search resulted in the inclusion and full-text review of 137 articles. One hundred and thirty-four of them belonged to 37 prospective cohort studies. Median sample size was 1,030 with no increase over the covered years. Eighty studies investigated in the association of WMH and risk factors. Most of them focussed on arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II and Apo E genotype and inflammatory markers. Sixty-three studies analyzed the association of WMH and secondary conditions like cognitive decline, mood disorder and brain atrophy. Studies applied various methods based on manual (3), semi-automated (57), and automated segmentation techniques (75). Only 18% of the articles referred to an explicit definition of WMH. Discussion: The review yielded a large number of studies engaged in WMH research. A remarkable variety of segmentation techniques was applied, and only a minority referred to a clear definition of WMH. Most addressed topics were risk factors and secondary clinical conditions. In conclusion, WMH research is a vivid field with a need for further standardization regarding definitions and used methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt M Frey
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Petersen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carola Mayer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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