@article{CanesiGiordanoLazzarietal.2016, author = {Canesi, Margherita and Giordano, Rosaria and Lazzari, Lorenza and Isalberti, Maurizio and Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Benti, Riccardo and Rampini, Paolo and Marotta, Giorgio and Colombo, Aurora and Cereda, Emanuele and Dipaola, Mariangela and Montemurro, Tiziana and Vigano, Mariele and Budelli, Silvia and Montelatici, Elisa and Lavazza, Cristiana and Cortelezzi, Agostino and Pezzoli, Gianni}, title = {Finding a new therapeutic approach for no-option Parkinsonisms: mesenchymal stromal cells for progressive supranuclear palsy}, series = {Journal of Translational Medicine}, volume = {14}, journal = {Journal of Translational Medicine}, number = {127}, doi = {10.1186/s12967-016-0880-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165725}, pages = {1-11}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background: The trophic, anti-apoptotic and regenerative effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may reduce neuronal cell loss in neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: We used MSC as a novel candidate therapeutic tool in a pilot phase-I study for patients affected by progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare, severe and no-option form of Parkinsonism. Five patients received the cells by infusion into the cerebral arteries. Effects were assessed using the best available motor function rating scales (UPDRS, Hoehn and Yahr, PSP rating scale), as well as neuropsychological assessments, gait analysis and brain imaging before and after cell administration. Results: One year after cell infusion, all treated patients were alive, except one, who died 9 months after the infusion for reasons not related to cell administration or to disease progression (accidental fall). In all treated patients motor function rating scales remained stable for at least six-months during the one-year follow-up. Conclusions: We have demonstrated for the first time that MSC administration is feasible in subjects with PSP. In these patients, in whom deterioration of motor function is invariably rapid, we recorded clinical stabilization for at least 6 months. These encouraging results pave the way to the next randomized, placebo-controlled phase-II study that will definitively provide information on the efficacy of this innovative approach.}, language = {en} } @article{PritchardFalkLarssonetal.2016, author = {Pritchard, Rory A. and Falk, Lovissa and Larsson, Mathilda and Leinders, Mathias and Sorkin, Linda S.}, title = {Different phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoforms mediate carrageenan nociception and inflammation}, series = {Pain}, volume = {157}, journal = {Pain}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000341}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-191312}, pages = {137-146}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) participate in signal transduction cascades that can directly activate and sensitize nociceptors and enhance pain transmission. They also play essential roles in chemotaxis and immune cell infiltration leading to inflammation. We wished to determine which PI3K isoforms were involved in each of these processes. Lightly anesthetized rats (isoflurane) were injected subcutaneously with carrageenan in their hind paws. This was preceded by a local injection of 1\% DMSO vehicle or an isoform-specific antagonist to PI3K-α (compound 15-e), -β (TGX221), -δ (Cal-101), or -γ (AS252424). We measured changes in the mechanical pain threshold and spinal c-Fos expression (4 hours after injection) as indices of nociception. Paw volume, plasma extravasation (Evans blue, 0.3 hours after injection), and neutrophil (myeloperoxidase; 1 hour after injection) and macrophage (CD11b+; 4 hour after injection) infiltration into paw tissue were the measured inflammation endpoints. Only PI3K-γ antagonist before treatment reduced the carrageenan-induced pain behavior and spinal expression of c-Fos (P <= 0.01). In contrast, pretreatment with PI3K-α, -δ, and -γ antagonists reduced early indices of inflammation. Plasma extravasation PI3K-α (P <= 0.05), -δ (P <= 0.05), and -γ (P <= 0.01), early (0-2 hour) edema -α (P <= 0.05), -δ (P <= 0.001), and -γ (P <= 0.05), and neutrophil infiltration (all P <= 0.001) were all reduced compared to vehicle pretreatment. Later (2-4 hour), edema and macrophage infiltration (P <= 0.05) were reduced by only the PI3K-δ and -γ isoform antagonists, with the PI3K-δ antagonist having a greater effect on edema. PI3K-β antagonism was ineffective in all paradigms. These data indicate that pain and clinical inflammation are pharmacologically separable and may help to explain clinical conditions in which inflammation naturally wanes or goes into remission, but pain continues unabated.}, language = {en} } @article{MartiniWillison2016, author = {Martini, Rudolf and Willison, Hugh}, title = {Neuroinflammation in the peripheral nerve: cause, modulator, or bystander in peripheral neuropathies?}, series = {GLIA}, volume = {64}, journal = {GLIA}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1002/glia.22899}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-189696}, pages = {475-486}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The role of innate and adaptive inflammation as a primary driver or modifier of neuropathy in premorbidly normal nerves, and as a critical player in amplifying neuropathies of other known causes (e.g., genetic, metabolic) is incompletely understood and under-researched, despite unmet clinical need. Also, cellular and humoral components of the adaptive and innate immune system are substantial disease modifying agents in the context of neuropathies and, at least in some neuropathies, there is an identified tight interrelationship between both compartments of the immune system. Additionally, the quadruple relationship between Schwann cell, axon, macrophage, and endoneurial fibroblast, with their diverse membrane bound and soluble signalling systems, forms a distinct focus for investigation in nerve diseases with inflammation secondary to Schwann cell mutations and possibly others. Identification of key immunological effector pathways that amplify neuropathic features and associated clinical symptomatology including pain should lead to realistic and timely possibilities for translatable therapeutic interventions using existing immunomodulators, alongside the development of novel therapeutic targets.}, language = {en} } @article{DipaolaPavanCattaneoetal.2016, author = {Dipaola, Mariangela and Pavan, Esteban E. and Cattaneo, Andrea and Frazzitta, Giuseppe and Pezzoli, Gianni and Cavallari, Paolo and Frigo, Carlo A. and Isaias, Ioannis U.}, title = {Mechanical Energy Recovery during Walking in Patients with Parkinson Disease}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0156420}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-179739}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The mechanisms of mechanical energy recovery during gait have been thoroughly investigated in healthy subjects, but never described in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether such mechanisms are preserved in PD patients despite an altered pattern of locomotion. We consecutively enrolled 23 PD patients (mean age 64±9 years) with bilateral symptoms (H\&Y ≥II) if able to walk unassisted in medication-off condition (overnight suspension of all dopaminergic drugs). Ten healthy subjects (mean age 62±3 years) walked both at their 'preferred' and 'slow' speeds, to match the whole range of PD velocities. Kinematic data were recorded by means of an optoelectronic motion analyzer. For each stride we computed spatio-temporal parameters, time-course and range of motion (ROM) of hip, knee and ankle joint angles. We also measured kinetic (Wk), potential (W\(_{p}\)), total (W\(_{totCM}\)) energy variations and the energy recovery index (ER). Along with PD progression, we found a significant correlation of W\(_{totCM}\) and W\(_{p}\) with knee ROM and in particular with knee extension in terminal stance phase. W\(_{k}\) and ER were instead mainly related to gait velocity. In PD subjects, the reduction of knee ROM significantly diminished both W\(_{p}\) and W\(_{totCM}\). Rehabilitation treatments should possibly integrate passive and active mobilization of knee to prevent a reduction of gait-related energetic components.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerSchroeterKafkeetal.2016, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Schr{\"o}ter, Nils and Kafke, Waldemar and Kramer, Daniela and Wanner, Christoph and Weidemann, Frank and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Skin Globotriaosylceramide 3 Load Is Increased in Men with Advanced Fabry Disease}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0166484}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-178856}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background The X-chromosomally linked life-limiting Fabry disease (FD) is associated with deposits of the sphingolipid globotriaosylceramide 3 (Gb3) in various tissues. Skin is easily accessible and may be used as an additional diagnostic and follow-up medium. Our aims were to visualize skin Gb3 deposits in FD patients applying immunofluorescence and to determine if cutaneous Gb3 load correlates with disease severity. Methods At our Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy we enrolled 84 patients with FD and 27 healthy controls. All subjects underwent 5-mm skin punch biopsy at the lateral lower leg and the back. Skin samples were processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD77 (i.e. Gb3). Cutaneous Gb3 deposition was quantified in a blinded manner and correlated to clinical data. Results We found that Gb3 load was higher in distal skin of male FD patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Men (p<0.01) and women (p<0.05) with a classic FD phenotype had higher distal skin Gb3 load than healthy controls. Men with advanced disease as reflected by impaired renal function, and men and women with small fiber neuropathy had more Gb3 deposits in distal skin samples than males with normal renal function (p<0.05) and without small fiber neuropathy. Gb3 deposits were not different between patients with and without enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusions Immunofluorescence on minimally invasive skin punch biopsies may be useful as a tool for assessment and follow-up in FD patients.}, language = {en} } @article{PoliteiBouhassiraGermainetal.2016, author = {Politei, Juan M. and Bouhassira, Didier and Germain, Dominique P. and Goizet, Cyril and Guerrero-Sola, Antonio and Hilz, Max J. and Hutton, Elspeth J. and Karaa, Amel and Liuori, Rocco and {\"U}ceyler, Nurcan and Zeltzer, Lonnie K. and Burlina, Alessandro}, title = {Pain in fabry disease: practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment}, series = {CNS Neuroscience \& Therapeutics}, volume = {22}, journal = {CNS Neuroscience \& Therapeutics}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1111/cns.12542}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188127}, pages = {568-576}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Aims: Patients with Fabry disease (FD) characteristically develop peripheral neuropathy at an early age, with pain being a crucial symptom of underlying pathology. However, the diagnosis of pain is challenging due to the heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms. Practical guidance on the diagnosis and management of pain in FD is needed. Methods: In 2014, experts met to discuss recent advances on this topic and update clinical guidance. Results: Emerging disease-specific tools, including FabryScan, Fabry-specific Pediatric Health and Pain Questionnaire, and Wurzburg Fabry Pain Questionnaire, and more general tools like the Total Symptom Score can aid diagnosis, characterization, and monitoring of pain in patients with FD. These tools can be complemented by more objective and quantifiable sensory testing. In male and female patients of any age, pain related to FD can be an early indication to start disease-specific enzyme replacement therapy before potentially irreversible organ damage to the kidneys, heart, or brain occurs. Conclusion: To improve treatment outcomes, pain should be diagnosed early in unrecognized or newly identified FD patients. Treatment should include: (a) enzyme replacement therapy controlling the progression of underlying pathology; (b) adjunctive, symptomatic pain management with analgesics for chronic neuropathic and acute nociceptive, and inflammatory or mixed pain; and (c) lifestyle modifications.}, language = {en} } @article{SteigerwaldMuellerJohannesetal.2016, author = {Steigerwald, Frank and M{\"u}ller, Lorenz and Johannes, Silvia and Matthies, Cordula and Volkmann, Jens}, title = {Directional deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: a pilot study using a novel neurostimulation device}, series = {Movement Disorders}, volume = {31}, journal = {Movement Disorders}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1002/mds.26669}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-187683}, pages = {1240-1243}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Introduction A novel neurostimulation system allows steering current in horizontal directions by combining segmented leads and multiple independent current control. The aim of this study was to evaluate directional DBS effects on parkinsonian motor features and adverse effects of subthalamic neurostimulation. Methods Seven PD patients implanted with the novel directional DBS system for bilateral subthalamic DBS underwent an extended monopolar review session during the first postoperative week, in which current thresholds were determined for rigidity control and stimulation-induced adverse effects using either directional or ring-mode settings. Results Effect or adverse effect thresholds were modified by directional settings for each of the 14 STN leads. Magnitude of change varied markedly between leads, as did orientation of optimal horizontal current steering. Conclusion Directional current steering through chronically implanted segmented electrodes is feasible, alters adverse effect and efficacy thresholds in a highly individual manner, and expands the therapeutic window in a monopolar review as compared to ring-mode DBS.}, language = {en} } @article{JariusRuprechtKleiteretal.2016, author = {Jarius, Sven and Ruprecht, Klemens and Kleiter, Ingo and Borisow, Nadja and Asgari, Nasrin and Pitarokoili, Kalliopi and Pache, Florence and Stich, Oliver and Beume, Lena-Alexandra and H{\"u}mmert, Martin W. and Trebst, Corinna and Ringelstein, Marius and Aktas, Orhan and Winkelmann, Alexander and Buttmann, Mathias and Schwarz, Alexander and Zimmermann, Hanna and Brandt, Alexander U. and Franciotta, Diego and Capobianco, Marco and Kuchling, Joseph and Haas, J{\"u}rgen and Korporal-Kuhnke, Mirjam and Lillevang, Soeren Thue and Fechner, Kai and Schanda, Kathrin and Paul, Friedemann and Wildemann, Brigitte and Reindl, Markus}, title = {MOG-IgG in NMO and related disorders: a multicenter study of 50 patients. Part 1: Frequency, syndrome specificity, influence of disease activity, long-term course, association with AQP4-IgG, and origin}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {279}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-016-0717-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165659}, pages = {1-16}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) have been suggested to play a role in a subset of patients with neuromyelitis optica and related disorders. Objective To assess (i) the frequency of MOG-IgG in a large and predominantly Caucasian cohort of patients with optic neuritis (ON) and/or myelitis; (ii) the frequency of MOG-IgG among AQP4-IgG-positive patients and vice versa; (iii) the origin and frequency of MOG-IgG in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); (iv) the presence of MOG-IgG at disease onset; and (v) the influence of disease activity and treatment status on MOG-IgG titers. Methods 614 serum samples from patients with ON and/or myelitis and from controls, including 92 follow-up samples from 55 subjects, and 18 CSF samples were tested for MOG-IgG using a live cell-based assay (CBA) employing full-length human MOG-transfected HEK293A cells. Results MOG-IgG was detected in 95 sera from 50 patients with ON and/or myelitis, including 22/54 (40.7\%) patients with a history of both ON and myelitis, 22/103 (21.4\%) with a history of ON but no myelitis and 6/45 (13.3\%) with a history of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis but no ON, and in 1 control patient with encephalitis and a connective tissue disorder, all of whom were negative for AQP4-IgG. MOG-IgG was absent in 221 further controls, including 83 patients with AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and 85 with multiple sclerosis (MS). MOG-IgG was found in 12/18 (67\%) CSF samples from MOG-IgG-seropositive patients; the MOG-IgG-specific antibody index was negative in all cases, indicating a predominantly peripheral origin of CSF MOG-IgG. Serum and CSF MOG-IgG belonged to the complement-activating IgG1 subclass. MOG-IgG was present already at disease onset. The antibodies remained detectable in 40/45 (89\%) follow-up samples obtained over a median period of 16.5 months (range 0-123). Serum titers were higher during attacks than during remission (p < 0.0001), highest during attacks of simultaneous myelitis and ON, lowest during acute isolated ON, and declined following treatment. Conclusions To date, this is the largest cohort studied for IgG to human full-length MOG by means of an up-to-date CBA. MOG-IgG is present in a substantial subset of patients with ON and/or myelitis, but not in classical MS. Co-existence of MOG-IgG and AQP4-IgG is highly uncommon. CSF MOG-IgG is of extrathecal origin. Serum MOG-IgG is present already at disease onset and remains detectable in the long-term course. Serum titers depend on disease activity and treatment status.}, language = {en} } @article{HoppAlbertWeissenbergerMencletal.2016, author = {Hopp, Sarah and Albert-Weissenberger, Christiane and Mencl, Stine and Bieber, Michael and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Stetter, Christian and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Schmidt, Peter M. and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Alafuzoff, Irina and Marklund, Niklas and Nolte, Marc W. and Sir{\´e}n, Anna-Leena and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Targeting coagulation factor XII as a novel therapeutic option in brain trauma}, series = {Annals of Neurology}, volume = {79}, journal = {Annals of Neurology}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1002/ana.24655}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188800}, pages = {970-982}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objective: Traumatic brain injury is a major global public health problem for which specific therapeutic interventions are lacking. There is, therefore, a pressing need to identify innovative pathomechanism-based effective therapies for this condition. Thrombus formation in the cerebral microcirculation has been proposed to contribute to secondary brain damage by causing pericontusional ischemia, but previous studies have failed to harness this finding for therapeutic use. The aim of this study was to obtain preclinical evidence supporting the hypothesis that targeting factor XII prevents thrombus formation and has a beneficial effect on outcome after traumatic brain injury. Methods: We investigated the impact of genetic deficiency of factor XII and acute inhibition of activated factor XII with a single bolus injection of recombinant human albumin-fused infestin-4 (rHA-Infestin-4) on trauma-induced microvascular thrombus formation and the subsequent outcome in 2 mouse models of traumatic brain injury. Results: Our study showed that both genetic deficiency of factor XII and an inhibition of activated factor XII in mice minimize trauma-induced microvascular thrombus formation and improve outcome, as reflected by better motor function, reduced brain lesion volume, and diminished neurodegeneration. Administration of human factor XII in factor XII-deficient mice fully restored injury-induced microvascular thrombus formation and brain damage. Interpretation: The robust protective effect of rHA-Infestin-4 points to a novel treatment option that can decrease ischemic injury after traumatic brain injury without increasing bleeding tendencies.}, language = {en} } @article{HussHalbgebauerOeckletal.2016, author = {Huss, Andr{\´e} M. and Halbgebauer, Steffen and {\"O}ckl, Patrick and Trebst, Corinna and Spreer, Annette and Borisow, Nadja and Harrer, Andrea and Brecht, Isabel and Balint, Bettina and Stich, Oliver and Schlegel, Sabine and Retzlaff, Nele and Winkelmann, Alexander and Roesler, Romy and Lauda, Florian and Yildiz, {\"O}zlem and Voß, Elke and Muche, Rainer and Rauer, Sebastian and Bergh, Florian Then and Otto, Markus and Paul, Friedemann and Wildemann, Brigitte and Kraus, J{\"o}rg and Ruprecht, Klemens and Stangel, Martin and Buttmann, Mathias and Zettl, Uwe K. and Tumani, Hayrettin}, title = {Importance of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in the era of McDonald 2010 criteria: a German-Austrian retrospective multicenter study in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome}, series = {Journal of Neurology}, volume = {263}, journal = {Journal of Neurology}, number = {12}, doi = {10.1007/s00415-016-8302-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-186619}, pages = {2499-2504}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The majority of patients presenting with a first clinical symptom suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) do not fulfill the MRI criteria for dissemination in space and time according to the 2010 revision of the McDonald diagnostic criteria for MS and are thus classified as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). To re-evaluate the utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in the context of the revised McDonald criteria from 2010, we conducted a retrospective multicenter study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictive value of oligoclonal IgG bands (OCBs) in patients with CIS. Patients were recruited from ten specialized MS centers in Germany and Austria. We collected data from 406 patients; at disease onset, 44/406 (11 \%) fulfilled the McDonald 2010 criteria for MS. Intrathecal IgG OCBs were detected in 310/362 (86 \%) of CIS patients. Those patients were twice as likely to convert to MS according to McDonald 2010 criteria as OCB-negative individuals (hazard ratio = 2.1, p = 0.0014) and in a shorter time period of 25 months (95 \% CI 21-34) compared to 47 months in OCB-negative individuals (95 \% CI 36-85). In patients without brain lesions at first attack and presence of intrathecal OCBs (30/44), conversion rate to MS was 60 \% (18/30), whereas it was only 21 \% (3/14) in those without OCBs. Our data confirm that in patients with CIS the risk of conversion to MS substantially increases if OCBs are present at onset. CSF analysis definitely helps to evaluate the prognosis in patients who do not have MS according to the revised McDonald criteria.}, language = {en} } @article{JariusRuprechtKleiteretal.2016, author = {Jarius, Sven and Ruprecht, Klemens and Kleiter, Ingo and Borisow, Nadja and Asgari, Nasrin and Pitarokoili, Kalliopi and Pache, Florence and Stich, Oliver and Beume, Lena-Alexandra and H{\"u}mmert, Martin W. and Ringelstein, Marius and Trebst, Corinna and Winkelmann, Alexander and Schwarz, Alexander and Buttmann, Mathias and Zimmermann, Hanna and Kuchling, Joseph and Franciotta, Diego and Capobianco, Marco and Siebert, Eberhard and Lukas, Carsten and Korporal-Kuhnke, Mirjam and Haas, J{\"u}rgen and Fechner, Kai and Brandt, Alexander U. and Schanda, Kathrin and Aktas, Orhan and Paul, Friedemann and Reindl, Markus and Wildemann, Brigitte}, title = {MOG-IgG in NMO and related disorders: a multicenter study of 50 patients. Part 2: Epidemiology, clinical presentation, radiological and laboratory features, treatment responses, and long-term outcome}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {280}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-016-0718-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165570}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background A subset of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) has been shown to be seropositive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG). Objective To describe the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and electrophysiological features of a large cohort of MOG-IgG-positive patients with optic neuritis (ON) and/or myelitis (n = 50) as well as attack and long-term treatment outcomes. Methods Retrospective multicenter study. Results The sex ratio was 1:2.8 (m:f). Median age at onset was 31 years (range 6-70). The disease followed a multiphasic course in 80\% (median time-to-first-relapse 5 months; annualized relapse rate 0.92) and resulted in significant disability in 40\% (mean follow-up 75 ± 46.5 months), with severe visual impairment or functional blindness (36\%) and markedly impaired ambulation due to paresis or ataxia (25\%) as the most common long-term sequelae. Functional blindness in one or both eyes was noted during at least one ON attack in around 70\%. Perioptic enhancement was present in several patients. Besides acute tetra-/paraparesis, dysesthesia and pain were common in acute myelitis (70\%). Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions were frequent, but short lesions occurred at least once in 44\%. Fourty-one percent had a history of simultaneous ON and myelitis. Clinical or radiological involvement of the brain, brainstem, or cerebellum was present in 50\%; extra-opticospinal symptoms included intractable nausea and vomiting and respiratory insufficiency (fatal in one). CSF pleocytosis (partly neutrophilic) was present in 70\%, oligoclonal bands in only 13\%, and blood-CSF-barrier dysfunction in 32\%. Intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and long-term immunosuppression were often effective; however, treatment failure leading to rapid accumulation of disability was noted in many patients as well as flare-ups after steroid withdrawal. Full recovery was achieved by plasma exchange in some cases, including after IVMP failure. Breakthrough attacks under azathioprine were linked to the drug-specific latency period and a lack of cotreatment with oral steroids. Methotrexate was effective in 5/6 patients. Interferon-beta was associated with ongoing or increasing disease activity. Rituximab and ofatumumab were effective in some patients. However, treatment with rituximab was followed by early relapses in several cases; end-of-dose relapses occurred 9-12 months after the first infusion. Coexisting autoimmunity was rare (9\%). Wingerchuk's 2006 and 2015 criteria for NMO(SD) and Barkhof and McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) were met by 28\%, 32\%, 15\%, 33\%, respectively; MS had been suspected in 36\%. Disease onset or relapses were preceded by infection, vaccination, or pregnancy/delivery in several cases. Conclusion Our findings from a predominantly Caucasian cohort strongly argue against the concept of MOG-IgG denoting a mild and usually monophasic variant of NMOSD. The predominantly relapsing and often severe disease course and the short median time to second attack support the use of prophylactic long-term treatments in patients with MOG-IgG-positive ON and/or myelitis.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerGirardHopfneretal.2016, author = {M{\"u}ller, Stefanie H. and Girard, Simon L. and Hopfner, Franziska and Merner, Nancy D. and Bourassa, Cynthia V. and Lorenz, Delia and Clark, Lorraine N. and Tittmann, Lukas and Soto-Ortolaza, Alexandra I. and Klebe, Stephan and Hallett, Mark and Schneider, Susanne A. and Hodgkinson, Colin A. and Lieb, Wolfgang and Wszolek, Zbigniew K. and Pendziwiat, Manuela and Lorenzo-Betancor, Oswaldo and Poewe, Werner and Ortega-Cubero, Sara and Seppi, Klaus and Rajput, Alex and Hussl, Anna and Rajput, Ali H. and Berg, Daniela and Dion, Patrick A. and Wurster, Isabel and Shulman, Joshua M. and Srulijes, Karin and Haubenberger, Dietrich and Pastor, Pau and Vilari{\~n}o-G{\"u}ell, Carles and Postuma, Ronald B. and Bernard, Genevi{\`e}ve and Ladwig, Karl-Heinz and Dupr{\´e}, Nicolas and Jankovic, Joseph and Strauch, Konstantin and Panisset, Michel and Winkelmann, Juliane and Testa, Claudia M. and Reischl, Eva and Zeuner, Kirsten E. and Ross, Owen A. and Arzberger, Thomas and Chouinard, Sylvain and Deuschl, G{\"u}nther and Louis, Elan D. and Kuhlenb{\"a}umer, Gregor and Rouleau, Guy A.}, title = {Genome-wide association study in essential tremor identifies three new loci}, series = {Brain}, volume = {139}, journal = {Brain}, doi = {10.1093/brain/aww242}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-186541}, pages = {3163-3169}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We conducted a genome-wide association study of essential tremor, a common movement disorder characterized mainly by a postural and kinetic tremor of the upper extremities. Twin and family history studies show a high heritability for essential tremor. The molecular genetic determinants of essential tremor are unknown. We included 2807 patients and 6441 controls of European descent in our two-stage genome-wide association study. The 59 most significantly disease-associated markers of the discovery stage were genotyped in the replication stage. After Bonferroni correction two markers, one (rs10937625) located in the serine/threonine kinase STK32B and one (rs17590046) in the transcriptional coactivator PPARGC1A were associated with essential tremor. Three markers (rs12764057, rs10822974, rs7903491) in the cell-adhesion molecule CTNNA3 were significant in the combined analysis of both stages. The expression of STK32B was increased in the cerebellar cortex of patients and expression quantitative trait loci database mining showed association between the protective minor allele of rs10937625 and reduced expression in cerebellar cortex. We found no expression differences related to disease status or marker genotype for the other two genes. Replication of two lead single nucleotide polymorphisms of previous small genome-wide association studies (rs3794087 in SLC1A2, rs9652490 in LINGO1) did not confirm the association with essential tremor.}, language = {en} } @article{JariusKleiterRuprechtetal.2016, author = {Jarius, Sven and Kleiter, Ingo and Ruprecht, Klemens and Asgari, Nasrin and Pitarokoili, Kalliopi and Borisow, Nadja and H{\"u}mmert, Martin W. and Trebst, Corinna and Pache, Florence and Winkelmann, Alexander and Beume, Lena-Alexandra and Ringelstein, Marius and Stich, Oliver and Aktas, Orhan and Korporal-Kuhnke, Mirjam and Schwarz, Alexander and Lukas, Carsten and Haas, J{\"u}rgen and Fechner, Kai and Buttmann, Mathias and Bellmann-Strobl, Judith and Zimmermann, Hanna and Brandt, Alexander U. and Franciotta, Diego and Schanda, Kathrin and Paul, Friedemann and Reindl, Markus and Wildemann, Brigitte}, title = {MOG-IgG in NMO and related disorders: a multicenter study of 50 patients. Part 3: Brainstem involvement - frequency, presentation and outcome}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {281}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-016-0719-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165543}, pages = {1-23}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG) are present in a subset of aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-negative patients with optic neuritis (ON) and/or myelitis. Little is known so far about brainstem involvement in MOG-IgG-positive patients. Objective To investigate the frequency, clinical and paraclinical features, course, outcome, and prognostic implications of brainstem involvement in MOG-IgG-positive ON and/or myelitis. Methods Retrospective case study. Results Among 50 patients with MOG-IgG-positive ON and/or myelitis, 15 (30 \%) with a history of brainstem encephalitis were identified. All were negative for AQP4-IgG. Symptoms included respiratory insufficiency, intractable nausea and vomiting (INV), dysarthria, dysphagia, impaired cough reflex, oculomotor nerve palsy and diplopia, nystagmus, internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO), facial nerve paresis, trigeminal hypesthesia/dysesthesia, vertigo, hearing loss, balance difficulties, and gait and limb ataxia; brainstem involvement was asymptomatic in three cases. Brainstem inflammation was already present at or very shortly after disease onset in 7/15 (47 \%) patients. 16/21 (76.2 \%) brainstem attacks were accompanied by acute myelitis and/or ON. Lesions were located in the pons (11/13), medulla oblongata (8/14), mesencephalon (cerebral peduncles; 2/14), and cerebellar peduncles (5/14), were adjacent to the fourth ventricle in 2/12, and periaqueductal in 1/12; some had concomitant diencephalic (2/13) or cerebellar lesions (1/14). MRI or laboratory signs of blood-brain barrier damage were present in 5/12. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was found in 11/14 cases, with neutrophils in 7/11 (3-34 \% of all CSF white blood cells), and oligoclonal bands in 4/14. Attacks were preceded by acute infection or vaccination in 5/15 (33.3 \%). A history of teratoma was noted in one case. The disease followed a relapsing course in 13/15 (87 \%); the brainstem was involved more than once in 6. Immunosuppression was not always effective in preventing relapses. Interferon-beta was followed by new attacks in two patients. While one patient died from central hypoventilation, partial or complete recovery was achieved in the remainder following treatment with high-dose steroids and/or plasma exchange. Brainstem involvement was associated with a more aggressive general disease course (higher relapse rate, more myelitis attacks, more frequently supratentorial brain lesions, worse EDSS at last follow-up). Conclusions Brainstem involvement is present in around one third of MOG-IgG-positive patients with ON and/or myelitis. Clinical manifestations are diverse and may include symptoms typically seen in AQP4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica, such as INV and respiratory insufficiency, or in multiple sclerosis, such as INO. As MOG-IgG-positive brainstem encephalitis may take a serious or even fatal course, particular attention should be paid to signs or symptoms of additional brainstem involvement in patients presenting with MOG-IgG-positive ON and/or myelitis.}, language = {en} } @article{SadovnickTraboulseeBernalesetal.2016, author = {Sadovnick, A. Dessa and Traboulsee, Anthony L. and Bernales, Cecily Q. and Ross, Jay P. and Forwell, Amanda L. and Yee, Irene M. and Guillot-Noel, Lena and Fontaine, Bertrand and Cournu-Rebeix, Isabelle and Alcina, Antonio and Fedetz, Maria and Izquierdo, Guillermo and Matesanz, Fuencisla and Hilven, Kelly and Dubois, B{\´e}n{\´e}dicte and Goris, An and Astobiza, Ianire and Alloza, Iraide and Antig{\"u}edad, Alfredo and Vandenbroeck, Koen and Akkad, Denis A. and Aktas, Orhan and Blaschke, Paul and Buttmann, Mathias and Chan, Andrew and Epplen, Joerg T. and Gerdes, Lisa-Ann and Kroner, Antje and Kubisch, Christian and K{\"u}mpfel, Tania and Lohse, Peter and Rieckmann, Peter and Zettl, Uwe K. and Zipp, Frauke and Bertram, Lars and Lill, Christina M. and Fernandez, Oscar and Urbaneja, Patricia and Leyva, Laura and Alvarez-Cerme{\~n}o, Jose Carlos and Arroyo, Rafael and Garagorri, Aroa M. and Garc{\´i}a-Mart{\´i}nez, Angel and Villar, Luisa M. and Urcelay, Elena and Malhotra, Sunny and Montalban, Xavier and Comabella, Manuel and Berger, Thomas and Fazekas, Franz and Reindl, Markus and Schmied, Mascha C. and Zimprich, Alexander and Vilari{\~n}o-G{\"u}ell, Carles}, title = {Analysis of Plasminogen Genetic Variants in Multiple Sclerosis Patients}, series = {G3: Genes Genomes Genetics}, volume = {6}, journal = {G3: Genes Genomes Genetics}, number = {7}, doi = {10.1534/g3.116.030841}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165405}, pages = {2073-2079}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent neurological disease of complex etiology. Here, we describe the characterization of a multi-incident MS family that nominated a rare missense variant (p.G420D) in plasminogen (PLG) as a putative genetic risk factor for MS. Genotyping of PLG p.G420D (rs139071351) in 2160 MS patients, and 886 controls from Canada, identified 10 additional probands, two sporadic patients and one control with the variant. Segregation in families harboring the rs139071351 variant, identified p.G420D in 26 out of 30 family members diagnosed with MS, 14 unaffected parents, and 12 out of 30 family members not diagnosed with disease. Despite considerably reduced penetrance, linkage analysis supports cosegregation of PLG p.G420D and disease. Genotyping of PLG p.G420D in 14446 patients, and 8797 controls from Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Austria failed to identify significant association with disease (P = 0.117), despite an overall higher prevalence in patients (OR = 1.32; 95\% CI = 0.93-1.87). To assess whether additional rare variants have an effect on MS risk, we sequenced PLG in 293 probands, and genotyped all rare variants in cases and controls. This analysis identified nine rare missense variants, and although three of them were exclusively observed in MS patients, segregation does not support pathogenicity. PLG is a plausible biological candidate for MS owing to its involvement in immune system response, blood-brain barrier permeability, and myelin degradation. Moreover, components of its activation cascade have been shown to present increased activity or expression in MS patients compared to controls; further studies are needed to clarify whether PLG is involved in MS susceptibility.}, language = {en} } @article{ContarinoSmitvandenDooletal.2016, author = {Contarino, Maria Fiorella and Smit, Marenka and van den Dool, Joost and Volkmann, Jens and Tijssen, Marina A. J.}, title = {Unmet Needs in the Management of Cervical Dystonia}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, number = {165}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2016.00165}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165225}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Cervical dystonia (CD) is a movement disorder which affects daily living of many patients. In clinical practice, several unmet treatment needs remain open. This article focuses on the four main aspects of treatment. We describe existing and emerging treatment approaches for CD, including botulinum toxin injections, surgical therapy, management of non-motor symptoms, and rehabilitation strategies. The unsolved issues regarding each of these treatments are identified and discussed, and possible future approaches and research lines are proposed.}, language = {en} } @article{DeebGiordanoRossietal.2016, author = {Deeb, Wissam and Giordano, James J. and Rossi, Peter J. and Mogilner, Alon Y. and Gunduz, Aysegul and Judy, Jack W. and Klassen, Bryan T. and Butson, Christopher R. and Van Horne, Craig and Deny, Damiaan and Dougherty, Darin D. and Rowell, David and Gerhardt, Greg A. and Smith, Gwenn S. and Ponce, Francisco A. and Walker, Harrison C. and Bronte-Stewart, Helen M. and Mayberg, Helen S. and Chizeck, Howard J. and Langevin, Jean-Philippe and Volkmann, Jens and Ostrem, Jill L. and Shute, Jonathan B. and Jimenez-Shahed, Joohi and Foote, Kelly D. and Wagle Shukla, Aparna and Rossi, Marvin A. and Oh, Michael and Pourfar, Michael and Rosenberg, Paul B. and Silburn, Peter A. and de Hemptine, Coralie and Starr, Philip A. and Denison, Timothy and Akbar, Umer and Grill, Warren M. and Okun, Michael S.}, title = {Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Deep Brain Stimulation Think Tank: A Review of Emerging Issues and Technologies}, series = {Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience}, number = {38}, doi = {10.3389/fnint.2016.00038}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-168493}, year = {2016}, abstract = {This paper provides an overview of current progress in the technological advances and the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, as presented by participants of the Fourth Annual DBS Think Tank, which was convened in March 2016 in conjunction with the Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration at the University of Florida, Gainesveille FL, USA. The Think Tank discussions first focused on policy and advocacy in DBS research and clinical practice, formation of registries, and issues involving the use of DBS in the treatment of Tourette Syndrome. Next, advances in the use of neuroimaging and electrochemical markers to enhance DBS specificity were addressed. Updates on ongoing use and developments of DBS for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, Alzheimer's disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obesity, addiction were presented, and progress toward innovation(s) in closed-loop applications were discussed. Each section of these proceedings provides updates and highlights of new information as presented at this year's international Think Tank, with a view toward current and near future advancement of the field.}, language = {en} } @article{KrupkaMayWeimeretal.2016, author = {Krupka, Jennifer and May, Frauke and Weimer, Thomas and Pragst, Ingo and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Stoll, Guido and Panousis, Con and Dickneite, Gerhard and Nolte, Marc W.}, title = {The Coagulation Factor XIIa Inhibitor rHA-Infestin-4 Improves Outcome after Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0146783}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-167370}, pages = {e0146783}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background and Purpose Ischemic stroke provokes severe brain damage and remains a predominant disease in industrialized countries. The coagulation factor XII (FXII)-driven contact activation system plays a central, but not yet fully defined pathogenic role in stroke development. Here, we investigated the efficacy of the FXIIa inhibitor rHA-Infestin-4 in a rat model of ischemic stroke using both a prophylactic and a therapeutic approach. Methods For prophylactic treatment, animals were treated intravenously with 100 mg/kg rHA-Infestin-4 or an equal volume of saline 15 min prior to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) of 90 min. For therapeutic treatment, 100 mg/kg rHA-Infestin-4, or an equal volume of saline, was administered directly after the start of reperfusion. At 24 h after tMCAO, rats were tested for neurological deficits and blood was drawn for coagulation assays. Finally, brains were removed and analyzed for infarct area and edema formation. Results Within prophylactic rHA-Infestin-4 treatment, infarct areas and brain edema formation were reduced accompanied by better neurological scores and survival compared to controls. Following therapeutic treatment, neurological outcome and survival were still improved although overall effects were less pronounced compared to prophylaxis. Conclusions With regard to the central role of the FXII-driven contact activation system in ischemic stroke, inhibition of FXIIa may represent a new and promising treatment approach to prevent cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.}, language = {en} } @article{LendersHennermannKurschatetal.2016, author = {Lenders, Malte and Hennermann, Julia B. and Kurschat, Christine and Rolfs, Arndt and Canaan-K{\"u}hl, Sima and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Kampmann, Christoph and Karabul, Nesrin and Giese, Anne-Katrin and Duning, Thomas and Stypmann, J{\"o}rg and Kr{\"a}mer, Johannes and Weidemann, Frank and Brand, Stefan-Martin and Wanner, Christoph and Brand, Eva}, title = {Multicenter Female Fabry Study (MFFS) - clinical survey on current treatment of females with Fabry disease}, series = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, volume = {11}, journal = {Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases}, number = {88}, doi = {10.1186/s13023-016-0473-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166543}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background The aim of the present study was to assess manifestations of and applied treatment concepts for females with Fabry disease (FD) according to the current European Fabry Guidelines. Methods Between 10/2008 and 12/2014, data from the most recent visit of 261 adult female FD patients from six German Fabry centers were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical presentation and laboratory data, including plasma lyso-Gb3 levels were assessed. Results Fifty-five percent of females were on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), according to recent European FD guidelines. Thirty-three percent of females were untreated although criteria for ERT initiation were fulfilled. In general, the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) seemed to impact more on ERT initiation than impaired renal function. In ERT-na{\"i}ve females RAAS blockers were more often prescribed if LVH was present rather than albuminuria. Affected females with missense mutations showed a similar disease burden compared to females with nonsense mutations. Elevated plasma lyso-Gb3 levels in ERT-na{\"i}ve females seem to be a marker of disease burden, since patients showed comparable incidences of organ manifestations even if they were ~8 years younger than females with normal lyso-Gb3 levels. Conclusion The treatment of the majority of females with FD in Germany is in line with the current European FD guidelines. However, a relevant number of females remain untreated despite organ involvement, necessitating a careful reevaluation of these females.}, language = {en} } @article{GoebelPankratzAsaridouetal.2016, author = {G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Pankratz, Susann and Asaridou, Chloi-Magdalini and Herrmann, Alexander M. and Bittner, Stefan and Merker, Monika and Ruck, Tobias and Glumm, Sarah and Langhauser, Friederike and Kraft, Peter and Krug, Thorsten F. and Breuer, Johanna and Herold, Martin and Gross, Catharina C. and Beckmann, Denise and Korb-Pap, Adelheid and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Kuerten, Stefanie and Mitroulis, Ioannis and Ruppert, Clemens and Nolte, Marc W. and Panousis, Con and Klotz, Luisa and Kehrel, Beate and Korn, Thomas and Langer, Harald F. and Pap, Thomas and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Wiendl, Heinz and Chavakis, Triantafyllos and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Blood coagulation factor XII drives adaptive immunity during neuroinflammation via CD87-mediated modulation of dendritic cells}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {7}, journal = {Nature Communications}, number = {11626}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms11626}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165503}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Aberrant immune responses represent the underlying cause of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent evidence implicated the crosstalk between coagulation and immunity in CNS autoimmunity. Here we identify coagulation factor XII (FXII), the initiator of the intrinsic coagulation cascade and the kallikrein-kinin system, as a specific immune cell modulator. High levels of FXII activity are present in the plasma of MS patients during relapse. Deficiency or pharmacologic blockade of FXII renders mice less susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (a model of MS) and is accompanied by reduced numbers of interleukin-17A-producing T cells. Immune activation by FXII is mediated by dendritic cells in a CD87-dependent manner and involves alterations in intracellular cyclic AMP formation. Our study demonstrates that a member of the plasmatic coagulation cascade is a key mediator of autoimmunity. FXII inhibition may provide a strategy to combat MS and other immune-related disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{PritchardFalkLarssonetal.2016, author = {Pritchard, Rory A. and Falk, Lovissa and Larsson, Mathilda and Leinders, Mathias and Sorkin, Linda S.}, title = {Different phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoforms mediate carrageenan nociception and inflammation}, series = {Pain}, volume = {157}, journal = {Pain}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000341}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-150248}, pages = {137-146}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) participate in signal transduction cascades that can directly activate and sensitize nociceptors and enhance pain transmission. They also play essential roles in chemotaxis and immune cell infiltration leading to inflammation. We wished to determine which PI3K isoforms were involved in each of these processes. Lightly anesthetized rats (isoflurane) were injected subcutaneously with carrageenan in their hind paws. This was preceded by a local injection of 1\% DMSO vehicle or an isoform-specific antagonist to PI3K-α (compound 15-e), -β (TGX221), -δ (Cal-101), or -γ (AS252424). We measured changes in the mechanical pain threshold and spinal c-Fos expression (4 hours after injection) as indices of nociception. Paw volume, plasma extravasation (Evans blue, 0.3 hours after injection), and neutrophil (myeloperoxidase; 1 hour after injection) and macrophage (CD11b+; 4 hour after injection) infiltration into paw tissue were the measured inflammation endpoints. Only PI3K-γ antagonist before treatment reduced the carrageenan-induced pain behavior and spinal expression of c-Fos (P ≤ 0.01). In contrast, pretreatment with PI3K-α, -δ, and-γ antagonists reduced early indices of inflammation. Plasma extravasation PI3K-α (P ≤ 0.05), -δ (P ≤ 0.05), and -γ (P ≤ 0.01), early (0-2 hour) edema -α (P ≤ 0.05), -δ (P ≤ 0.001), and -γ (P ≤ 0.05), and neutrophil infiltration (all P ≤ 0.001) were all reduced compared to vehicle pretreatment. Later (2-4 hour), edema and macrophage infiltration (P ≤ 0.05) were reduced by only the PI3K-δ and -γ isoform antagonists, with the PI3K-δ antagonist having a greater effect on edema. PI3K-β antagonism was ineffective in all paradigms. These data indicate that pain and clinical inflammation are pharmacologically separable and may help to explain clinical conditions in which inflammation naturally wanes or goes into remission, but pain continues unabated.}, language = {en} } @article{SchuhmannGunrebenKleinschnitzetal.2016, author = {Schuhmann, Michael K. and Gunreben, Ignaz and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Kraft, Peter}, title = {Immunohistochemical Analysis of Cerebral Thrombi Retrieved by Mechanical Thrombectomy from Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {17}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {3}, doi = {10.3390/ijms17030298}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166206}, pages = {298}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Mechanical thrombectomy is a novel treatment option for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Only a few studies have previously suggested strategies to categorize retrieved clots according to their histologic composition. However, these reports did not analyze potential biomarkers that are of importance in stroke-related inflammation. We therefore histopathologically investigated 37 intracerebral thrombi mechanically retrieved from patients with AIS, and focused on the composition of immune cells and platelets. We also conducted correlation analyses of distinctive morphologic patterns (erythrocytic, serpentine, layered, red, white, mixed appearance) with clinical parameters. Most T cells and monocytes were detected in erythrocytic and red clots, in which the distribution of these cells was random. In contrast, von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive areas co-localized with regions of fibrin and collagen. While clots with huge amounts of vWF seem to be associated with a high National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, histologic findings could not predict the clinical outcome at discharge. In summary, we provide the first histologic description of mechanically retrieved intracerebral thrombi regarding biomarkers relevant for inflammation in ischemic stroke.}, language = {en} } @article{GruenewaldBennettToykaetal.2016, author = {Gr{\"u}newald, Benedikt and Bennett, Jeffrey L. and Toyka, Klaus V. and Sommer, Claudia and Geis, Christian}, title = {Efficacy of Polyvalent Human Immunoglobulins in an Animal Model of Neuromyelitis Optica Evoked by Intrathecal Anti-Aquaporin 4 Antibodies}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {17}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {9}, doi = {10.3390/ijms17091407}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-166000}, pages = {1407}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) are associated with autoantibodies (ABs) targeting the astrocytic aquaporin-4 water channels (AQP4-ABs). These ABs have a direct pathogenic role by initiating a variety of immunological and inflammatory processes in the course of disease. In a recently-established animal model, chronic intrathecal passive-transfer of immunoglobulin G from NMOSD patients (NMO-IgG), or of recombinant human AQP4-ABs (rAB-AQP4), provided evidence for complementary and immune-cell independent effects of AQP4-ABs. Utilizing this animal model, we here tested the effects of systemically and intrathecally applied pooled human immunoglobulins (IVIg) using a preventive and a therapeutic paradigm. In NMO-IgG animals, prophylactic application of systemic IVIg led to a reduced median disease score of 2.4 on a 0-10 scale, in comparison to 4.1 with sham treatment. Therapeutic IVIg, applied systemically after the 10th intrathecal NMO-IgG injection, significantly reduced the disease score by 0.8. Intrathecal IVIg application induced a beneficial effect in animals with NMO-IgG (median score IVIg 1.6 vs. sham 3.7) or with rAB-AQP4 (median score IVIg 2.0 vs. sham 3.7). We here provide evidence that treatment with IVIg ameliorates disease symptoms in this passive-transfer model, in analogy to former studies investigating passive-transfer animal models of other antibody-mediated disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{CanessaPozziArnulfoetal.2016, author = {Canessa, Andrea and Pozzi, Nicol{\`o} G. and Arnulfo, Gabriele and Brumberg, Joachim and Reich, Martin M. and Pezzoli, Gianni and Ghilardi, Maria F. and Matthies, Cordula and Steigerwald, Frank and Volkmann, Jens and Isaias, Ioannis U.}, title = {Striatal Dopaminergic Innervation Regulates Subthalamic Beta-Oscillations and Cortical-Subcortical Coupling during Movements: Preliminary Evidence in Subjects with Parkinson's Disease}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, number = {611}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2016.00611}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164061}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Activation of the basal ganglia has been shown during the preparation and execution of movement. However, the functional interaction of cortical and subcortical brain areas during movement and the relative contribution of dopaminergic striatal innervation remains unclear. We recorded local field potential (LFP) activity from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) signals in four patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) off dopaminergic medication during a multi-joint motor task performed with their dominant and non-dominant hand. Recordings were performed by means of a fully-implantable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device at 4 months after surgery. Three patients also performed a single-photon computed tomography (SPECT) with [123I]N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane (FP-CIT) to assess striatal dopaminergic innervation. Unilateral movement execution led to event-related desynchronization (ERD) followed by a rebound after movement termination event-related synchronization (ERS) of oscillatory beta activity in the STN and primary sensorimotor cortex of both hemispheres. Dopamine deficiency directly influenced movement-related beta-modulation, with greater beta-suppression in the most dopamine-depleted hemisphere for both ipsi- and contralateral hand movements. Cortical-subcortical, but not interhemispheric subcortical coherencies were modulated by movement and influenced by striatal dopaminergic innervation, being stronger in the most dopamine-depleted hemisphere. The data are consistent with a role of dopamine in shielding subcortical structures from an excessive cortical entrapment and cross-hemispheric coupling, thus allowing fine-tuning of movement.}, language = {en} } @article{IsaiasTrujilloSummersetal.2016, author = {Isaias, Ioannis U. and Trujillo, Paula and Summers, Paul and Marotta, Giorgio and Mainardi, Luca and Pezzoli, Gianni and Zecca, Luigi and Costa, Antonella}, title = {Neuromelanin Imaging and Dopaminergic Loss in Parkinson's Disease}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, number = {196}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2016.00196}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164046}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in which the major pathologic substrate is a loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra. Our main objective was to determine the correspondence between changes in the substantia nigra, evident in neuromelanin and iron sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dopaminergic striatal innervation loss in patients with PD. Eighteen patients and 18 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Using neuromelanin-MRI, we measured the volume of the substantia nigra and the contrast-to-noise-ratio between substantia nigra and a background region. The apparent transverse relaxation rate and magnetic susceptibility of the substantia nigra were calculated from dual-echo MRI. Striatal dopaminergic innervation was measured as density of dopamine transporter (DAT) by means of single-photon emission computed tomography and [123I] N-ω-fluoropropyl-2b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-iodophenyl) tropane. Patients showed a reduced volume of the substantia nigra and contrast-to-noise-ratio and both positively correlated with the corresponding striatal DAT density. The apparent transverse relaxation rate and magnetic susceptibility values of the substantia nigra did not differ between patients and healthy controls. The best predictor of DAT reduction was the volume of the substantia nigra. Clinical and imaging correlations were also investigated for the locus coeruleus. Our results suggest that neuromelanin-MRI can be used for quantifying substantia nigra pathology in PD where it closely correlates with dopaminergic striatal innervation loss. Longitudinal studies should further explore the role of Neuromelanin-MRI as an imaging biomarker of PD, especially for subjects at risk of developing the disease.}, language = {en} } @article{OderUeceylerLiuetal.2016, author = {Oder, Daniel and {\"U}ceyler, Nurcan and Liu, Dan and Hu, Kai and Petritsch, Bernhard and Sommer, Claudia and Ertl, Georg and Wanner, Christoph and Nordbeck, Peter}, title = {Organ manifestations and long-term outcome of Fabry disease in patients with the GLA haplotype D313Y}, series = {BMJ Open}, volume = {6}, journal = {BMJ Open}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010422}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-161210}, pages = {e010422}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Objectives: The severity of Fabry disease is dependent on the type of mutation in the α-galactosidase A (AgalA) encoding gene (GLA). This study focused on the impact of the GLA haplotype D313Y on long-term organ involvement and function. Setting and participants: In this monocentric study, all participants presenting with the D313Y haplotype between 2001 and 2015 were comprehensively clinically investigated at baseline and during a 4-year follow-up if available. Five females and one male were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Cardiac, nephrological, neurological, laboratory and quality of life data. Results: AgalA enzyme activity in leucocytes (0.3±0.9 nmol/min/mg protein (mean±SD)) and serum lyso-Gb3 (0.6±0.3 ng/mL at baseline) were in normal range in all patients. Cardiac morphology and function were normal (left-ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 66±8\%; interventricular septum 7.7±1.4 mm; LV posterior wall 7.5±1.4 mm; normalised LV mass in MRI 52±9 g/m2; LV global longitudinal strain -21.6±1.9\%) and there were no signs of myocardial fibrosis in cardiac MRI. Cardiospecific biomarkers were also in normal range. Renal function was not impaired (estimated glomerular filtration rate MDRD 103±15 mL/min; serum-creatinine 0.75±0.07 mg/dL; cystatin-c 0.71±0.12 mg/L). One female patient (also carrying a Factor V Leiden mutation) had a transitory ischaemic attack. One patient showed white matter lesions in brain MRI, but none had Fabry-associated pain attacks, pain crises, evoked pain or permanent pain. Health-related quality of life analysis revealed a reduction in individual well-being. At long-term follow-up after 4 years, no significant change was seen in any parameter. Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that the D313Y genotype does not lead to severe organ manifestations as seen in genotypes known to be causal for classical FD."}, language = {en} } @article{IpIsaiasKuscheTekinetal.2016, author = {Ip, Chi Wang and Isaias, Ioannis U. and Kusche-Tekin, Burak B. and Klein, Dennis and Groh, Janos and O´Leary, Aet and Knorr, Susanne and Higuchi, Takahiro and Koprich, James B. and Brotchie, Jonathan M. and Toyka, Klaus V. and Reif, Andreas and Volkmann, Jens}, title = {Tor1a+/- mice develop dystonia-like movements via a striatal dopaminergic dysregulation triggered by peripheral nerve injury}, series = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, volume = {4}, journal = {Acta Neuropathologica Communications}, number = {108}, doi = {10.1186/s40478-016-0375-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147839}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Isolated generalized dystonia is a central motor network disorder characterized by twisted movements or postures. The most frequent genetic cause is a GAG deletion in the Tor1a (DYT1) gene encoding torsinA with a reduced penetrance of 30-40 \% suggesting additional genetic or environmental modifiers. Development of dystonia-like movements after a standardized peripheral nerve crush lesion in wild type (wt) and Tor1a+/- mice, that express 50 \% torsinA only, was assessed by scoring of hindlimb movements during tail suspension, by rotarod testing and by computer-assisted gait analysis. Western blot analysis was performed for dopamine transporter (DAT), D1 and D2 receptors from striatal and quantitative RT-PCR analysis for DAT from midbrain dissections. Autoradiography was used to assess the functional DAT binding in striatum. Striatal dopamine and its metabolites were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. After nerve crush injury, we found abnormal posturing in the lesioned hindlimb of both mutant and wt mice indicating the profound influence of the nerve lesion (15x vs. 12x relative to control) resembling human peripheral pseudodystonia. In mutant mice the phenotypic abnormalities were increased by about 40 \% (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by complex alterations of striatal dopamine homeostasis. Pharmacological blockade of dopamine synthesis reduced severity of dystonia-like movements, whereas treatment with L-Dopa aggravated these but only in mutant mice suggesting a DYT1 related central component relevant to the development of abnormal involuntary movements. Our findings suggest that upon peripheral nerve injury reduced torsinA concentration and environmental stressors may act in concert in causing the central motor network dysfunction of DYT1 dystonia.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerBikoHoseetal.2016, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Biko, Lydia and Hose, Dorothea and Hoffmann, Lukas and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Comprehensive and differential long-term characterization of the alpha-galactosidase A deficient mouse model of Fabry disease focusing on the sensory system and pain development}, series = {Molecular Pain}, volume = {12}, journal = {Molecular Pain}, number = {1744806916646370}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-147562}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to impaired activity of alpha-galactosidase A with intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. Associated small fiber pathology leads to characteristic pain in Fabry disease. We systematically assessed sensory system, physical activity, metabolic parameters, and morphology of male and female mice with alpha-galactosidase A deficiency (Fabry ko) from 2 to 27 months of age and compared results with those of age- and gender-matched wild-type littermates of C57Bl/6J background. Results From the age of two months, male and female Fabry mice showed mechanical hypersensitivity (p < 0.001 each) compared to wild-type littermates. Young Fabry ko mice of both genders were hypersensitive to heat stimulation (p < 0.01) and developed heat hyposensitivity with aging (p < 0.05), while cold hyposensitivity was present constantly in young (p < 0.01) and old (p < 0.05) Fabry ko mice compared to wild-type littermates. Stride angle increased only in male Fabry ko mice with aging (p < 0.01) in comparison to wild-type littermates. Except for young female mice, male (p < 0.05) and female (p < 0.01) Fabry ko mice had a higher body weight than wild-type littermates. Old male Fabry ko mice were physically less active than their wild-type littermates (p < 0.05), had lower chow intake (p < 0.001), and lost more weight (p < 0.001) in a one-week treadmill experiment than wild-type littermates. Also, Fabry ko mice showed spontaneous pain protective behavior and developed orofacial dysmorphism resembling patients with Fabry disease. Conclusions. Mice with alpha-galactosidase A deficiency show age-dependent and distinct deficits of the sensory system. alpha-galactosidase A-deficient mice seem to model human Fabry disease and may be helpful when studying the pathophysiology of Fabry-associated pain.}, language = {en} } @article{IsraelOhsiekAlMomanietal.2016, author = {Israel, Ina and Ohsiek, Andrea and Al-Momani, Ehab and Albert-Weissenberger, Christiane and Stetter, Christian and Mencl, Stine and Buck, Andreas K. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Samnick, Samuel and Sir{\´e}n, Anna-Leena}, title = {Combined [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 micro-positron emission tomography and autoradiography imaging of microglia activation after closed head injury in mice}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {13}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {140}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-016-0604-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146606}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability. Neuroinflammation contributes to acute damage after TBI and modulates long-term evolution of degenerative and regenerative responses to injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of microglia activation to trauma severity, brain energy metabolism, and cellular reactions to injury in a mouse closed head injury model using combined in vivo PET imaging, ex vivo autoradiography, and immunohistochemistry. Methods A weight-drop closed head injury model was used to produce a mixed diffuse and focal TBI or a purely diffuse mild TBI (mTBI) in C57BL6 mice. Lesion severity was determined by evaluating histological damage and functional outcome using a standardized neuroscore (NSS), gliosis, and axonal injury by immunohistochemistry. Repeated intra-individual in vivo μPET imaging with the specific 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) radioligand [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 was performed on day 1, 7, and 16 and [\(^{18}\)F]FDG-μPET imaging for energy metabolism on days 2-5 after trauma using freshly synthesized radiotracers. Immediately after [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714-μPET imaging on days 7 and 16, cellular identity of the [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 uptake was confirmed by exposing freshly cut cryosections to film autoradiography and successive immunostaining with antibodies against the microglia/macrophage marker IBA-1. Results Functional outcome correlated with focal brain lesions, gliosis, and axonal injury. [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714-μPET showed increased radiotracer uptake in focal brain lesions on days 7 and 16 after TBI and correlated with reduced cerebral [\(^{18}\)F]FDG uptake on days 2-5, with functional outcome and number of IBA-1 positive cells on day 7. In autoradiography, [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 uptake co-localized with areas of IBA1-positive staining and correlated strongly with both NSS and the number of IBA1-positive cells, gliosis, and axonal injury. After mTBI, numbers of IBA-1 positive cells with microglial morphology increased in both brain hemispheres; however, uptake of [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 was not increased in autoradiography or in μPET imaging. Conclusions [\(^{18}\)F]DPA-714 uptake in μPET/autoradiography correlates with trauma severity, brain metabolic deficits, and microglia activation after closed head TBI.}, language = {en} } @article{KornKleinschnitzMagnusetal.2016, author = {Korn, Thomas and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Magnus, Tim and Meuth, Sven G. and Linker, Ralf A.}, title = {Report on the 7th scientific meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Young Academics in Neurology (NEUROWIND e.V.) held in Motzen, Germany, October 30-November 1, 2015}, series = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {8}, journal = {Experimental and Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {3}, organization = {7th NEUROWIND e.V. scientific meeting}, doi = {10.1186/s13231-016-0017-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146595}, year = {2016}, abstract = {From October 30-November 1, 2015, the 7th NEUROWIND e.V. meeting was held in Motzen, Brandenburg, Germany. Seventy doctoral students and postdocs from over 25 different groups working in German and Swiss University Hospitals or Research Institutes attended the meeting to discuss their latest experiments and findings in the fields of neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration and neurovascular research. This meeting report summarizes the many diverse presentations and the new preclinical to clinical neurology research data that were shared by the participants at the meeting.}, language = {en} } @article{WolfBraunHainingetal.2016, author = {Wolf, Karen and Braun, Attila and Haining, Elizabeth J. and Tseng, Yu-Lun and Kraft, Peter and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Gotru, Sanjeev K. and Chen, Wenchun and Hermanns, Heike M. and Stoll, Guido and Lesch, Klaus-Peter and Nieswandt, Bernhard}, title = {Partially Defective Store Operated Calcium Entry and Hem(ITAM) Signaling in Platelets of Serotonin Transporter Deficient Mice}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {11}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0147664}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146399}, pages = {e0147664}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamin, 5-HT) is an indolamine platelet agonist, biochemically derived from tryptophan. 5-HT is secreted from the enterochromaffin cells into the gastrointestinal tract and blood. Blood 5-HT has been proposed to regulate hemostasis by acting as a vasoconstrictor and by triggering platelet signaling through 5-HT receptor 2A (5HTR2A). Although platelets do not synthetize 5-HT, they take 5-HT up from the blood and store it in their dense granules which are secreted upon platelet activation. Objective To identify the molecular composite of the 5-HT uptake system in platelets and elucidate the role of platelet released 5-HT in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. Methods: 5-HT transporter knockout mice (5Htt\(^{-/-}\)) were analyzed in different in vitro and in vivo assays and in a model of ischemic stroke. Results In 5Htt\(^{-/-}\) platelets, 5-HT uptake from the blood was completely abolished and agonist-induced Ca2+ influx through store operated Ca\(^{2+}\) entry (SOCE), integrin activation, degranulation and aggregation responses to glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) were reduced. These observed in vitro defects in 5Htt\(^{-/-}\) platelets could be normalized by the addition of exogenous 5-HT. Moreover, reduced 5-HT levels in the plasma, an increased bleeding time and the formation of unstable thrombi were observed ex vivo under flow and in vivo in the abdominal aorta and carotid artery of 5Htt\(^{-/-}\) mice. Surprisingly, in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model of ischemic stroke 5Htt\(^{-/-}\) mice showed nearly normal infarct volume and the neurological outcome was comparable to control mice. Conclusion Although secreted platelet 5-HT does not appear to play a crucial role in the development of reperfusion injury after stroke, it is essential to amplify the second phase of platelet activation through SOCE and plays an important role in thrombus stabilization.}, language = {en} } @article{WestermaierLinsenmannHomolaetal.2016, author = {Westermaier, Thomas and Linsenmann, Thomas and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy A. and Loehr, Mario and Stetter, Christian and Willner, Nadine and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Soymosi, Laszlo and Vince, Giles H.}, title = {3D rotational fluoroscopy for intraoperative clip control in patients with intracranial aneurysms - assessment of feasibility and image quality}, series = {BMC Medical Imaging}, volume = {16}, journal = {BMC Medical Imaging}, number = {30}, doi = {10.1186/s12880-016-0133-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-146381}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background Mobile 3D fluoroscopes have become increasingly available in neurosurgical operating rooms. In this series, the image quality and value of intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy with intravenous contrast agent for the evaluation of aneurysm occlusion and vessel patency after clip placement was assessed in patients who underwent surgery for intracranial aneurysms. Materials and methods Twelve patients were included in this retrospective analysis. Prior to surgery, a 360° rotational fluoroscopy scan was performed without contrast agent followed by another scan with 50 ml of intravenous iodine contrast agent. The image files of both scans were transferred to an Apple PowerMac® workstation, subtracted and reconstructed using OsiriX® free software. The procedure was repeated after clip placement. Both image sets were compared for assessment of aneurysm occlusion and vessel patency. Results Image acquisition and contrast administration caused no adverse effects. Image quality was sufficient to follow the patency of the vessels distal to the clip. Metal artifacts reduce the assessability of the immediate vicinity of the clip. Precise image subtraction and post-processing can reduce metal artifacts and make the clip-site assessable and depict larger neck-remnants. Conclusion This technique quickly supplies images at adequate quality to evaluate distal vessel patency after aneurysm clipping. Significant aneurysm remnants may be depicted as well. As it does not require visual control of all vessels that are supposed to be evaluated intraoperatively, this technique may be complementary to other intraoperative tools like indocyanine green videoangiography and micro-Doppler, especially for the assessment of larger aneurysms. At the momentary state of this technology, it cannot replace postoperative conventional angiography. However, 3D fluoroscopy and image post-processing are young technologies. Further technical developments are likely to result in improved image quality.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Leinders2016, author = {Leinders, Mathias}, title = {microRNAs in chronic pain}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-144395}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Chronic pain is a common problem in clinical practice, not well understood clinically, and frequently tough to satisfactorily diagnose. Because the pathophysiology is so complex, finding effective treatments for people with chronic pain has been overall less than successful and typically reduced to an unsatisfactory trial-and-error process, all of which translates into a significant burden to society. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the development of chronic pain, and moreover why some patients experience pain and others not, may aid in developing specific treatment regimens. Although nerve injuries are major contributors to pain chronification, they cannot explain the entire phenomenon. Considerable research has underscored the importance of the immune system for the development and maintenance of chronic pain, albeit the exact factors regulating inflammatory reactions remain unclear. Understanding the putative molecular and cellular regulator switches of inflammatory reactions will open novel opportunities for immune modulatory analgesics with putatively higher specificity and less adverse effects. It has become clear that small, non- coding RNA molecules known as microRNAs are in fact potent regulators of many thousands of genes and possibly cross-communicate between cellular pathways in multiple systems acting as so-called "master-switches". Aberrant expression of miRNAs is now implicated in numerous disorders, including nerve injuries as well as in inflammatory processes. Moreover, compelling evidence supports the idea that miRNAs also regulate pain, and in analogy to the oncology field aid in the differential diagnosis of disease subtypes. In fact, first reports describing characteristic miRNA expression profiles in blood or cerebrospinal fluid of patients with distinct pain conditions are starting to emerge, however evidence linking specific miRNA expression profiles to specific pain disorders is still insufficient. The present thesis aimed at first, identifying specific miRNA signatures in two distinct chronic pain conditions, namely peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies and fibromyalgia syndrome. Second, it aimed at identifying miRNA profiles to better understand potential factors that differentiate painful from painless neuropathies and third, study the mechanistic role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of pain, to pave the way for new druggable targets. Three studies were conducted in order to identify miRNA expression signatures that are characteristic for the given chronic pain disorder. The first study measured expression of miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155 in white blood cells, skin and nerve biopsies of patients with peripheral neuropathies. It shows that peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies are associated with increased peripheral miR-21 and miR-146a, but decreased miR-155 expression. More importantly, it was shown that painful neuropathies have increased sural nerve miR-21 and miR-155 expression, but reduced miR-146a and miR-155 expression in distal skin of painful neuropathies. These results point towards the potential use of miRNAs profiles to stratify painful neuropathies. The seconds study extends these findings and first analyzed the role of miR-132-3p in patients and subsequently in an animal model of neuropathic pain. Interestingly, miR-132-3p was upregulated in white blood cells and sural nerve biopsies of patients with painful neuropathies and in animals after spared nerve injury. Pharmacologically modulating the expression of miR-132-3p dose-dependently reversed pain behavior and pain aversion, indicating the pro-nociceptive effect of miR-132-3p in chronic pain. This study thus demonstrates the potential analgesic impact by modulating miRNA expression. Fibromyalgia is associated with chronic widespread pain and, at least in a subgroup, impairment in small nerve fiber morphology and function. Interestingly, the disease probably comprises subgroups with different underlying pathomechanisms. In accordance with this notion, the third study shows that fibromyalgia is associated with both aberrant white blood cell and cutaneous miRNA expression. Being the first of its kind, this study identified miR-let-7d and its downstream target IGF-1R as potential culprit for impaired small nerve fiber homeostasis in a subset of patients with decreased intra-epidermal nerve fiber density. The work presented in this thesis is a substantial contribution towards the goal of better characterizing chronic pain based on miRNA expression signatures and thus pave the way for new druggable targets.}, subject = {miRNS}, language = {en} }