@article{NguemeniStiehlHiewetal.2021, author = {Nguemeni, Carine and Stiehl, Annika and Hiew, Shawn and Zeller, Daniel}, title = {No Impact of Cerebellar Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at Three Different Timings on Motor Learning in a Sequential Finger-Tapping Task}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {15}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, issn = {1662-5161}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2021.631517}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225477}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Recently, attention has grown toward cerebellar neuromodulation in motor learning using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). An important point of discussion regarding this modulation is the optimal timing of tDCS, as this parameter could significantly influence the outcome. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the timing of cerebellar anodal tDCS (ca-tDCS) on motor learning using a sequential finger-tapping task (FTT). Methods: One hundred and twenty two healthy young, right-handed subjects (96 females) were randomized into four groups (During\(_{sham}\), Before, During\(_{real}\), After). They performed 2 days of FTT with their non-dominant hand on a custom keyboard. The task consisted of 40 s of typing followed by 20 s rest. Each participant received ca-tDCS (2 mA, sponge electrodes of 25 cm\(^{2}\), 20 min) at the appropriate timing and performed 20 trials on the first day (T1, 20 min). On the following day, only 10 trials of FTT were performed without tDCS (T2, 10 min). Motor skill performance and retention were assessed. Results: All participants showed a time-dependent increase in learning. Motor performance was not different between groups at the end of T1 (p = 0.59). ca-tDCS did not facilitate the retention of the motor skill in the FTT at T2 (p = 0.27). Thus, our findings indicate an absence of the effect of ca-tDCS on motor performance or retention of the FTT independently from the timing of stimulation. Conclusion: The present results suggest that the outcome of ca-tDCS is highly dependent on the task and stimulation parameters. Future studies need to establish a clear basis for the successful and reproducible clinical application of ca-tDCS.}, language = {en} } @article{BellutRaimondiHaarmannetal.2022, author = {Bellut, Maximilian and Raimondi, Anthony T. and Haarmann, Axel and Zimmermann, Lena and Stoll, Guido and Schuhmann, Michael K.}, title = {NLRP3 inhibition reduces rt-PA induced endothelial dysfunction under ischemic conditions}, series = {Biomedicines}, volume = {10}, journal = {Biomedicines}, number = {4}, issn = {2227-9059}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines10040762}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-267261}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is a mainstay of acute ischemic stroke treatment but is associated with bleeding complications, especially after prolonged large vessel occlusion. Recently, inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome led to preserved blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in experimental stroke in vivo. To further address the potential of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition as adjunct stroke treatment we used immortalized brain derived endothelial cells (bEnd5) as an in vitro model of the BBB. We treated bEnd5 with rt-PA in combination with the NLRP3 specific inhibitor MCC950 or vehicle under normoxic as well as ischemic (OGD) conditions. We found that rt-PA exerted a cytotoxic effect on bEnd5 cells under OGD confirming that rt-PA is harmful to the BBB. This detrimental effect could be significantly reduced by MCC950 treatment. Moreover, under ischemic conditions, the Cell Index — a sensible indicator for a patent BBB — and the protein expression of Zonula occludens 1 stabilized after MCC950 treatment. At the same time, the extent of endothelial cell death and NLRP3 expression decreased. In conclusion, NLRP3 inhibition can protect the BBB from rt-PA-induced damage and thereby potentially increase the narrow time window for safe thrombolysis in stroke.}, language = {en} } @article{BellutPappBieberetal.2022, author = {Bellut, Maximilian and Papp, Lena and Bieber, Michael and Kraft, Peter and Stoll, Guido and Schuhmann, Michael K.}, title = {NLPR3 inflammasome inhibition alleviates hypoxic endothelial cell death in-vitro and protects blood-brain barrier integrity in murine stroke}, series = {Cell Death \& Disease}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cell Death \& Disease}, doi = {10.1038/s41419-021-04379-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265693}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In ischemic stroke (IS) impairment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has an important role in the secondary deterioration of neurological function. BBB disruption is associated with ischemia-induced inflammation, brain edema formation, and hemorrhagic infarct transformation, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Dysfunction of endothelial cells (EC) may play a central role in this process. Although neuronal NLR-family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome upregulation is an established trigger of inflammation in IS, the contribution of its expression in EC is unclear. We here used brain EC, exposed them to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro, and analyzed their survival depending on inflammasome inhibition with the NLRP3-specific drug MCC950. During OGD, EC death could significantly be reduced when targeting NLRP3, concomitant with diminished endothelial NLRP3 expression. Furthermore, MCC950 led to reduced levels of Caspase 1 (p20) and activated Gasdermin D as markers for pyroptosis. Moreover, inflammasome inhibition reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) in EC. In a translational approach, IS was induced in C57Bl/6 mice by 60 mins transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and 23 hours of reperfusion. Stroke volume, functional outcome, the BBB integrity, and-in good agreement with the in vitro results-MMP9 secretion as well as EC survival improved significantly in MCC950-treated mice. In conclusion, our results establish the NLRP3 inflammasome as a critical pathogenic effector of stroke-induced BBB disruption by activating inflammatory signaling cascades and pyroptosis in brain EC.}, language = {en} } @article{ChenBoettgerReifetal.2010, author = {Chen, Yong and Boettger, Michael K. and Reif, Andreas and Schmitt, Angelika and Ueceyler, Nurcan and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Nitric oxide synthase modulates CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia through cytokine regulation in mice}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68349}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Background: Although it has been largely demonstrated that nitric oxide synthase (NOS), a key enzyme for nitric oxide (NO) production, modulates inflammatory pain, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be clarified. Here we asked whether cytokines, which have well-described roles in inflammatory pain, are downstream targets of NO in inflammatory pain and which of the isoforms of NOS are involved in this process. Results: Intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with 7-nitroindazole sodium salt (7-NINA, a selective neuronal NOS inhibitor), aminoguanidine hydrochloride (AG, a selective inducible NOS inhibitor), L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a non-selective NOS inhibitor), but not L-N(5)-(1-iminoethyl)-ornithine (L-NIO, a selective endothelial NOS inhibitor), significantly attenuated thermal hyperalgesia induced by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed a significant increase of nNOS, iNOS, and eNOS gene expression, as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene expression in plantar skin, following CFA. Pretreatment with the NOS inhibitors prevented the CFA-induced increase of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-1b. The increase of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 was augmented in mice pretreated with 7-NINA or L-NAME, but reduced in mice receiving AG or L-NIO. NNOS-, iNOS- or eNOS-knockout (KO) mice had lower gene expression of TNF, IL-1b, and IL-10 following CFA, overall corroborating the inhibitor data. Conclusion: These findings lead us to propose that inhibition of NOS modulates inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia by regulating cytokine expression.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Nuth2017, author = {Nuth, Linda}, title = {Niederfrequente, Tiefe Hirnstimulation bei Parkinson-Patienten mit ON-Freezing. Identifikation von Respondern anhand kinematischer Gangparameter}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-150317}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Das ON-Freezing ist ein seltenes, aber generell extrem schwer zu therapierendes Ph{\"a}nomen. Es betrifft Parkinson-Patienten mit und ohne THS. Die derzeitige Literaturlage spiegelt wider, dass es unterschiedliche Strategien gibt, diesem Ph{\"a}nomen zu begegnen. Ein allgemeing{\"u}ltiges Therapiekonzept existiert dabei nicht. F{\"u}r einige Patienten mit STN-THS konnte durch eine Reduktion der Stimulationsfrequenz eine Besserung der Gangst{\"o}rung erzielt werden. Andere profitierten vom Einsatz sogenannter Interleaving-Protokolle mit gleichzeitiger Stimulation der Substantia nigra (Sn). Im Vergleich zu anderen Arbeiten, die keine vorhersagbaren Parameter gefunden oder sich auf Symptome, Auspr{\"a}gung der Subtypen und Erkrankungsdauer oder den Zeitpunkt der Erkrankung konzentriert haben, verfolgten wir die Absicht, die Effekte der LF-Stim des STN auf Parkinson-Patienten mit Gangst{\"o}rung und Freezing-Ph{\"a}nomen zu untersuchen und herauszufinden, ob man Gangparameter identifizieren kann, an Hand derer man das Ansprechen auf eine LF-Stim vorhersagen kann. Unter der Einschr{\"a}nkung, dass die Zahl der Probanden unserer Studie sehr gering ist, haben wir herausgefunden, dass diejenigen Patienten besser auf eine LF-Stim ansprechen, die unter der Standard-HF-Stim eine signifikant h{\"o}here Ganggeschwindigkeit und eine gr{\"o}ßere Schrittl{\"a}nge aufzeigen und nur ein intermittierendes Freezing haben. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus zeigte sich ein besseres Ansprechen der LF-Stim bei Parkinson-Patienten mit akinetisch-rigidem Parkinson-Ph{\"a}notyp. Unsere Ergebnisse best{\"a}tigen die Annahme, dass sich L-Dopa additiv zur Stimulationstherapie bei manchen Parkinson-Patienten zus{\"a}tzlich positiv auf die motorischen PD-Symptome auswirken kann. In Bezug auf die Verbesserung der Gangparameter zeigte sich in unseren Ergebnissen allerdings, dass L-Dopa eher eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt. Aufgrund der niedrigen Anzahl von Respondern in unserer Studie l{\"a}sst sich daher sicherlich noch keine allgemeing{\"u}ltige Regel ableiten. Es bedarf letztlich weiterer Studien mit gr{\"o}ßeren Untersuchungszahlen, um unsere Thesen zu st{\"u}tzen und abzusichern. In jedem Fall wird aber das ON-Freezing auch weiterhin eine therapeutische Herausforderung bleiben.}, subject = {Parkinson}, language = {de} } @article{IsaiasSpiegelBrumbergetal.2014, author = {Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Spiegel, J{\"o}rg and Brumberg, Joachim and Cosgrove, Kelly P. and Marotta, Giorgio and Oishi, Naoya and Higuchi, Takahiro and K{\"u}sters, Sebastian and Schiller, Markus and Dillmann, Ulrich and van Dyck, Christopher H. and Buck, Andreas and Herrmann, Ken and Schloegl, Susanne and Volkmann, Jens and Lassmann, Michael and Fassbender, Klaus and Lorenz, Reinhard and Samnick, Samuel}, title = {Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor density in cognitively intact subjects at an early stage of Parkinson's disease}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2014.00213}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-119351}, pages = {213}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We investigated in vivo brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) distribution in cognitively intact subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) at an early stage of the disease. Fourteen patients and 13 healthy subjects were imaged with single photon emission computed tomography and the radiotracer 5-[(123)I]iodo-3-[2(S)-2-azetidinylmethoxy]pyridine ([(123)I]5IA). Patients were selected according to several criteria, including short duration of motor signs (<7 years) and normal scores at an extensive neuropsychological evaluation. In PD patients, nAChR density was significantly higher in the putamen, the insular cortex and the supplementary motor area and lower in the caudate nucleus, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the middle temporal gyrus. Disease duration positively correlated with nAChR density in the putamen ipsilateral (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.05) but not contralateral (ρ = 0.49, p = 0.07) to the clinically most affected hemibody. We observed, for the first time in vivo, higher nAChR density in brain regions of the motor and limbic basal ganglia circuits of subjects with PD. Our findings support the notion of an up-regulated cholinergic activity at the striatal and possibly cortical level in cognitively intact PD patients at an early stage of disease.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Purrer2020, author = {Purrer, Veronika}, title = {Nicht-motorische Begleitsymptome bei Patienten mit Essentiellen Tremor}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19366}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193665}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Der essentielle Tremor (ET) ist eine der h{\"a}ufigsten Bewegungsst{\"o}rungen, welcher lange Zeit als rein motorische St{\"o}rung angesehen wurde. Aufgrund zunehmender Belege {\"u}ber nicht-motorisch Begleitsymptome wandelte sich dieses Bild jedoch in den letzten Jahren zunehmend. In der vorliegenden Arbeit untersuchten wir 113 Probanden aus der Allgemeinbev{\"o}lkerung mit klinisch definitiven oder wahrscheinlichen ET anhand einer breiten Batterie neuro-psychologischer Testverfahren. Es gelang hierbei signifikante Unterschiede im Vergleich zu gesunden Eichstichproben im Hinblick auf neuro-psychologische Charakteristika, wie Apathie, {\"A}ngstlichkeit und exekutive Dysfunktion, sowie deren negativen Einfluss auf die Lebensqualit{\"a}t der Probanden darzustellen. Bisher werden im klinischen Alltag nicht-motorische Begleitph{\"a}nomene beim ET nicht regelhaft erfasst; aufgrund unserer Ergebnisse und der Relevanz vor allem im Hinblick auf die Lebensqualit{\"a}t des Einzelnen halten wir jedoch die Erfassung und gegebenenfalls Behandlung dieser Symptome f{\"u}r ebenso relevant.}, subject = {Essentieller Tremor}, language = {de} } @article{KraftDeMeyerKleinschnitz2012, author = {Kraft, Peter and De Meyer, Simon F. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Next-Generation Antithrombotics in Ischemic Stroke: Preclinical Perspective on 'Bleeding-Free Antithrombosis'}, series = {Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1038/jcbfm.2012.108}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126538}, pages = {1831-1840}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The present antithrombotic drugs used to treat or prevent ischemic stroke have significant limitations: either they show only moderate efficacy (platelet inhibitors), or they significantly increase the risk for hemorrhages (thrombolytics, anticoagulants). Although most strokes are caused by thrombotic or embolic vessel occlusions, the pathophysiological role of platelets and coagulation is largely unclear. The introduction of novel transgenic mouse models and specific coagulation inhibitors facilitated a detailed analysis of molecular pathways mediating thrombus formation in models of acute ischemic stroke. Prevention of early platelet adhesion to the damaged vessel wall by blocking platelet surface receptors glycoprotein Ib alpha (GPIbα) or glycoprotein VI (GPVI) protects from stroke without provoking bleeding complications. In addition, downstream signaling of GPIbα and GPVI has a key role in platelet calcium homeostasis and activation. Finally, the intrinsic coagulation cascade, activated by coagulation factor XII (FXII), has only recently been identified as another important mediator of thrombosis in cerebrovascular disease, thereby disproving established concepts. This review summarizes the latest insights into the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in the ischemic brain. Potential clinical merits of novel platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants as powerful and safe tools to combat ischemic stroke are discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{BoltzeKleinschnitzReymannetal.2012, author = {Boltze, Johannes and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Reymann, Klaus G. and Reiser, Georg and Wagner, Daniel-Christoph and Kranz, Alexander and Michalski, Dominik}, title = {Neurovascular pathophysiology in cerebral ischemia, dementia and the ageing brain - current trends in basic, translational and clinical research}, series = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, volume = {4}, journal = {Experimental \& Translational Stroke Medicine}, number = {14}, doi = {doi:10.1186/2040-7378-4-14}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-126679}, year = {2012}, abstract = {The 7th International Symposium on Neuroprotection and Neurorepair was held from May 2nd to May 5th, 2012 in Potsdam, Germany. The symposium, which directly continues the successful Magdeburg meeting series, attracted over 330 colleagues from 29 countries to discuss recent findings and advances in the field. The focus of the 2012 symposium was widened from stroke and traumatic brain injury to neurodegenerative diseases, notably dementia, and more generally the ageing brain. Thereby, emphasis was given on neurovascular aspects of neurodegeneration and stroke including the blood-brain barrier, recent findings regarding the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease, and brain imaging approaches. In addition, neurobiochemical aspects of neuroprotection, the role of astrogliosis, the clinical progress of cell-based approaches as well as translational hurdles and opportunities were discussed in-depth. This review summarizes some of the most stimulating discussions and reports from the meeting.}, language = {en} } @article{MinnerupSutherlandBuchanetal.2012, author = {Minnerup, Jens and Sutherland, Brad A. and Buchan, Alastair M. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph}, title = {Neuroprotection for Stroke: Current Status and Future Perspectives}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Science}, volume = {13}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Science}, number = {9}, doi = {10.3390/ijms130911753}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134730}, pages = {11753-11772}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Neuroprotection aims to prevent salvageable neurons from dying. Despite showing efficacy in experimental stroke studies, the concept of neuroprotection has failed in clinical trials. Reasons for the translational difficulties include a lack of methodological agreement between preclinical and clinical studies and the heterogeneity of stroke in humans compared to homogeneous strokes in animal models. Even when the international recommendations for preclinical stroke research, the Stroke Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria, were followed, we have still seen limited success in the clinic, examples being NXY-059 and haematopoietic growth factors which fulfilled nearly all the STAIR criteria. However, there are a number of neuroprotective treatments under investigation in clinical trials such as hypothermia and ebselen. Moreover, promising neuroprotective treatments based on a deeper understanding of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke such as inhibitors of NADPH oxidases and PSD-95 are currently evaluated in preclinical studies. Further concepts to improve translation include the investigation of neuroprotectants in multicenter preclinical Phase III-type studies, improved animal models, and close alignment between clinical trial and preclinical methodologies. Future successful translation will require both new concepts for preclinical testing and innovative approaches based on mechanistic insights into the ischemic cascade.}, language = {en} } @book{Reiners1990, author = {Reiners, Karlheinz}, title = {Neuropathie und Motorik}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-33843}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {1990}, abstract = {No abstract available}, subject = {Nervenregeneration ; Periphere Nervenverletzung ; Neuromuskul{\"a}re Krankheit ; Axonverletzung ; Entmarkung}, language = {de} } @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{SulzerCassidyHorgaetal.2018, author = {Sulzer, David and Cassidy, Clifford and Horga, Guillermo and Kang, Un Jung and Fahn, Stanley and Casella, Luigi and Pezzoli, Gianni and Langley, Jason and Hu, Xiaoping P. and Zucca, Fabio A. and Isaias, Ioannis U. and Zecca, Luigi}, title = {Neuromelanin detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its promise as a biomarker for Parkinson's disease}, series = {npj Parkinson's Disease}, volume = {4}, journal = {npj Parkinson's Disease}, doi = {10.1038/s41531-018-0047-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-240207}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) occurs after pathogenesis is advanced and many substantia nigra (SN) dopamine neurons have already died. Now that therapies to block this neuronal loss are under development, it is imperative that the disease be diagnosed at earlier stages and that the response to therapies is monitored. Recent studies suggest this can be accomplished by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection of neuromelanin (NM), the characteristic pigment of SN dopaminergic, and locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons. NM is an autophagic product synthesized via oxidation of catecholamines and subsequent reactions, and in the SN and LC it increases linearly during normal aging. In PD, however, the pigment is lost when SN and LC neurons die. As shown nearly 25 years ago by Zecca and colleagues, NM's avid binding of iron provides a paramagnetic source to enable electron and nuclear magnetic resonance detection, and thus a means for safe and noninvasive measure in living human brain. Recent technical improvements now provide a means for MRI to differentiate between PD patients and age-matched healthy controls, and should be able to identify changes in SN NM with age in individuals. We discuss how MRI detects NM and how this approach might be improved. We suggest that MRI of NM can be used to confirm PD diagnosis and monitor disease progression. We recommend that for subjects at risk for PD, and perhaps generally for older people, that MRI sequences performed at regular intervals can provide a pre-clinical means to detect presymptomatic PD.}, 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{GrotemeyerMcFlederWuetal.2022, author = {Grotemeyer, Alexander and McFleder, Rhonda Leah and Wu, Jingjing and Wischhusen, J{\"o}rg and Ip, Chi Wang}, title = {Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease - putative pathomechanisms and targets for disease-modification}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {13}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2022.878771}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-274665}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and debilitating chronic disease that affects more than six million people worldwide, with rising prevalence. The hallmarks of PD are motor deficits, the spreading of pathological α-synuclein clusters in the central nervous system, and neuroinflammatory processes. PD is treated symptomatically, as no causally-acting drug or procedure has been successfully established for clinical use. Various pathways contributing to dopaminergic neuron loss in PD have been investigated and described to interact with the innate and adaptive immune system. We discuss the possible contribution of interconnected pathways related to the immune response, focusing on the pathophysiology and neurodegeneration of PD. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials targeting neuroinflammation in PD.}, language = {en} } @article{IpKronerGrohetal.2012, author = {Ip, Chi Wang and Kroner, Antje and Groh, Janos and Huber, Marianne and Klein, Dennis and Spahn, Irene and Diem, Ricarda and Williams, Sarah K. and Nave, Klaus-Armin and Edgar, Julia M. and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Neuroinflammation by Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes Impairs Retrograde Axonal Transport in an Oligodendrocyte Mutant Mouse}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {7}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0042554}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134982}, pages = {e42554}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Mice overexpressing proteolipid protein (PLP) develop a leukodystrophy-like disease involving cytotoxic, CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Here we show that these cytotoxic T-lymphocytes perturb retrograde axonal transport. Using fluorogold stereotactically injected into the colliculus superior, we found that PLP overexpression in oligodendrocytes led to significantly reduced retrograde axonal transport in retina ganglion cell axons. We also observed an accumulation of mitochondria in the juxtaparanodal axonal swellings, indicative for a disturbed axonal transport. PLP overexpression in the absence of T-lymphocytes rescued retrograde axonal transport defects and abolished axonal swellings. Bone marrow transfer from wildtype mice, but not from perforin- or granzyme B-deficient mutants, into lymphocyte-deficient PLP mutant mice led again to impaired axonal transport and the formation of axonal swellings, which are predominantly located at the juxtaparanodal region. This demonstrates that the adaptive immune system, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which release perforin and granzyme B, are necessary to perturb axonal integrity in the PLP-transgenic disease model. Based on our observations, so far not attended molecular and cellular players belonging to the immune system should be considered to understand pathogenesis in inherited myelin disorders with progressive axonal damage.}, language = {en} } @article{KarikariMcFlederRibechinietal.2022, author = {Karikari, Akua A. and McFleder, Rhonda L. and Ribechini, Eliana and Blum, Robert and Bruttel, Valentin and Knorr, Susanne and Gehmeyr, Mona and Volkmann, Jens and Brotchie, Jonathan M. and Ahsan, Fadhil and Haack, Beatrice and Monoranu, Camelia-Maria and Keber, Ursula and Yeghiazaryan, Rima and Pagenstecher, Axel and Heckel, Tobias and Bischler, Thorsten and Wischhusen, J{\"o}rg and Koprich, James B. and Lutz, Manfred B. and Ip, Chi Wang}, title = {Neurodegeneration by α-synuclein-specific T cells in AAV-A53T-α-synuclein Parkinson's disease mice}, series = {Brain, Behavior, and Immunity}, volume = {101}, journal = {Brain, Behavior, and Immunity}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.007}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300600}, pages = {194 -- 210}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Antigen-specific neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration are characteristic for neuroimmunological diseases. In Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, α-synuclein is a known culprit. Evidence for α-synuclein-specific T cell responses was recently obtained in PD. Still, a causative link between these α-synuclein responses and dopaminergic neurodegeneration had been lacking. We thus addressed the functional relevance of α-synuclein-specific immune responses in PD in a mouse model. Methods We utilized a mouse model of PD in which an Adeno-associated Vector 1/2 serotype (AAV1/2) expressing human mutated A53T-α-Synuclein was stereotactically injected into the substantia nigra (SN) of either wildtype C57BL/6 or Recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1)\(^{-/-}\) mice. Brain, spleen, and lymph node tissues from different time points following injection were then analyzed via FACS, cytokine bead assay, immunohistochemistry and RNA-sequencing to determine the role of T cells and inflammation in this model. Bone marrow transfer from either CD4\(^{+}\)/CD8\(^{-}\), CD4\(^{-}\)/CD8\(^{+}\), or CD4\(^{+}\)/CD8\(^{+}\) (JHD\(^{-/-}\)) mice into the RAG-1\(^{-/-}\) mice was also employed. In addition to the in vivo studies, a newly developed A53T-α-synuclein-expressing neuronal cell culture/immune cell assay was utilized. Results AAV-based overexpression of pathogenic human A53T-α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons of the SN stimulated T cell infiltration. RNA-sequencing of immune cells from PD mouse brains confirmed a pro-inflammatory gene profile. T cell responses were directed against A53T-α-synuclein-peptides in the vicinity of position 53 (68-78) and surrounding the pathogenically relevant S129 (120-134). T cells were required for α-synuclein-induced neurodegeneration in vivo and in vitro, while B cell deficiency did not protect from dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Conclusions Using T cell and/or B cell deficient mice and a newly developed A53T-α-synuclein-expressing neuronal cell culture/immune cell assay, we confirmed in vivo and in vitro that pathogenic α-synuclein peptide-specific T cell responses can cause dopaminergic neurodegeneration and thereby contribute to PD-like pathology.}, language = {en} } @article{SommerCarrollKoikeetal.2021, author = {Sommer, Claudia and Carroll, Antonia S. and Koike, Haruki and Katsuno, Masahisa and Ort, Nora and Sobue, Gen and Vucic, Steve and Spies, Judith M. and Doppler, Kathrin and Kiernan, Matthew C.}, title = {Nerve biopsy in acquired neuropathies}, series = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, volume = {26}, journal = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, number = {S2}, doi = {10.1111/jns.12464}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259555}, pages = {S21-S41}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A diagnosis of neuropathy can typically be determined through clinical assessment and focused investigation. With technological advances, including significant progress in genomics, the role of nerve biopsy has receded over recent years. However, making a specific and, in some cases, tissue-based diagnosis is essential across a wide array of potentially treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies. When laboratory investigations do not suggest a definitive diagnosis, nerve biopsy remains the final step to ascertain the etiology of the disease. The present review highlights the utility of nerve biopsy in confirming a diagnosis, while further illustrating the importance of a tissue-based diagnosis in relation to treatment strategies, particularly when linked to long-term immunosuppressive therapies,}, language = {en} } @article{RolfesRuckDavidetal.2022, author = {Rolfes, Leoni and Ruck, Tobias and David, Christina and Mencl, Stine and Bock, Stefanie and Schmidt, Mariella and Strecker, Jan-Kolja and Pfeuffer, Steffen and Mecklenbeck, Andreas-Schulte and Gross, Catharina and Gliem, Michael and Minnerup, Jens and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Kleinschnitz, Christoph and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Natural Killer Cells Are Present in Rag1\(^{-/-}\) Mice and Promote Tissue Damage During the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, volume = {13}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {1}, issn = {1868-4483}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-021-00923-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308924}, pages = {197-211}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Rag1\(^{-/-}\) mice, lacking functional B and T cells, have been extensively used as an adoptive transfer model to evaluate neuroinflammation in stroke research. However, it remains unknown whether natural killer (NK) cell development and functions are altered in Rag1\(^{-/-}\) mice as well. This connection has been rarely discussed in previous studies but might have important implications for data interpretation. In contrast, the NOD-Rag1\(^{null}\)IL2rg\(^{null}\) (NRG) mouse model is devoid of NK cells and might therefore eliminate this potential shortcoming. Here, we compare immune-cell frequencies as well as phenotype and effector functions of NK cells in Rag1\(^{-/-}\) and wildtype (WT) mice using flow cytometry and functional in vitro assays. Further, we investigate the effect of Rag1\(^{-/-}\) NK cells in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model using antibody-mediated depletion of NK cells and adoptive transfer to NRG mice in vivo. NK cells in Rag1\(^{-/-}\) were comparable in number and function to those in WT mice. Rag1\(^{-/-}\) mice treated with an anti-NK1.1 antibody developed significantly smaller infarctions and improved behavioral scores. Correspondingly, NRG mice supplemented with NK cells were more susceptible to tMCAO, developing infarctions and neurological deficits similar to Rag1-/- controls. Our results indicate that NK cells from Rag1-/- mice are fully functional and should therefore be considered in the interpretation of immune-cell transfer models in experimental stroke. Fortunately, we identified the NRG mice, as a potentially better-suited transfer model to characterize individual cell subset-mediated neuroinflammation in stroke.}, language = {en} } @article{Sommer2022, author = {Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Natural course of Guillain-Barr{\´e} syndrome}, series = {European Journal of Neurology}, volume = {29}, journal = {European Journal of Neurology}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1111/ene.15498}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-318757}, pages = {2881 -- 2882}, year = {2022}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Schneider2018, author = {Schneider, Katharina}, title = {Nachweis und Analyse von Phospho-Alpha-Synuclein-Ablagerungen in Hautnerven von Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson oder Multisystematrophie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-169694}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Zielsetzung der Studie war es, Ablagerungen des phosphorylierten Alpha-Synucleins in der Haut von Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson und atypischen Parkinson-Syndromen zu untersuchen und deren Auswirkungen auf das periphere Nervensystem zu erforschen. Dazu wurden Hautbiopsien von 92 Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson, 12 Patienten mit MSA und 13 Patienten mit einer Tauopathie sowie 83 gesunden Kontrollpersonen immunhisto-chemisch gef{\"a}rbt und unter dem Mikroskop untersucht. Mit einer Sensitivit{\"a}t von 52 \% f{\"u}r den Morbus Parkinson und 67 \% f{\"u}r die MSA bei hoher Spezifit{\"a}t stellt der Nachweis von Phospho-Alpha-Synuclein in den kleinen Nervenfasern der Haut einen geeigneten Biomarker dar. W{\"a}hrend die Ablagerungen des phosphorylierten Alpha-Synucleins bei Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson eher in autonomen Strukturen nachweisbar waren, fanden sie sich bei Patienten mit MSA eher in sub- und intraepidermal gelegenen Nervenfasern. Phospho-Alpha-Synuclein konnte in allen untersuchten Nervenfasersubtypen nachgewiesen werden, also in CGRP-, SP-, TH- und VIP-positiven Fasern. Bei den in der vorliegenden Studie untersuchten Parkinson-Patienten waren keine Ver{\"a}nderungen in der sensiblen Neurographie des Nervus suralis erkennbar. Die intraepidermale Nervenfaserdichte sowie die Innervation der Schweißdr{\"u}sen waren jedoch teilweise vermindert und auch in der QST zeigten sich Auff{\"a}lligkeiten. Ein Zusammenhang zu dem Vorhandensein von Phospho-Alpha-Synuclein-Ablagerungen konnte jedoch nur f{\"u}r die Innervation der Musculi arrectores pilorum hergestellt werden. Bei der Untersuchung der pathophysiologischen Hintergr{\"u}nde, durch die Phospho-Alpha-Synuclein-Ablagerungen zu Nervenfasersch{\"a}digungen f{\"u}hren, konnten die Hinweise auf eine Beteiligung von axonalen Transportproteinen, Mikrotubuli oder Mitochondrien nicht erh{\"a}rtet werden.}, subject = {Synuclein }, language = {de} } @article{HornBaumannPereiraetal.2012, author = {Horn, Michael and Baumann, Reto and Pereira, Jorge A. and Sidiropoulos, P{\´a}ris N. M. and Somandin, Christian and Welzl, Hans and Stendel, Claudia and L{\"u}hmann, Tessa and Wessig, Carsten and Toyka, Klaus V. and Relvas, Jo{\~a}o B. and Senderek, Jan and Suter, Ueli}, title = {Myelin is dependent on the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 4H disease culprit protein FRABIN/FGD4 in Schwann cells}, series = {Brain}, volume = {135}, journal = {Brain}, doi = {10.1093/brain/aws275}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-125390}, pages = {3567-3583}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Studying the function and malfunction of genes and proteins associated with inherited forms of peripheral neuropathies has provided multiple clues to our understanding of myelinated nerves in health and disease. Here, we have generated a mouse model for the peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4H by constitutively disrupting the mouse orthologue of the suspected culprit gene FGD4 that encodes the small RhoGTPase Cdc42-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Frabin. Lack of Frabin/Fgd4 causes dysmyelination in mice in early peripheral nerve development, followed by profound myelin abnormalities and demyelination at later stages. At the age of 60 weeks, this was accompanied by electrophysiological deficits. By crossing mice carrying alleles of Frabin/Fgd4 flanked by loxP sequences with animals expressing Cre recombinase in a cell type-specific manner, we show that Schwann cell-autonomous Frabin/Fgd4 function is essential for proper myelination without detectable primary contributions from neurons. Deletion of Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells of fully myelinated nerve fibres revealed that this protein is not only required for correct nerve development but also for accurate myelin maintenance. Moreover, we established that correct activation of Cdc42 is dependent on Frabin/Fgd4 function in healthy peripheral nerves. Genetic disruption of Cdc42 in Schwann cells of adult myelinated nerves resulted in myelin alterations similar to those observed in Frabin/Fgd4-deficient mice, indicating that Cdc42 and the Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 axis are critical for myelin homeostasis. In line with known regulatory roles of Cdc42, we found that Frabin/Fgd4 regulates Schwann cell endocytosis, a process that is increasingly recognized as a relevant mechanism in peripheral nerve pathophysiology. Taken together, our results indicate that regulation of Cdc42 by Frabin/Fgd4 in Schwann cells is critical for the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system. In particular, this regulatory link is continuously required in adult fully myelinated nerve fibres. Thus, mechanisms regulated by Frabin/Fgd4-Cdc42 are promising targets that can help to identify additional regulators of myelin development and homeostasis, which may crucially contribute also to malfunctions in different types of peripheral neuropathies.}, language = {en} } @article{BittnerBobakHofmannetal.2015, author = {Bittner, Stefan and Bobak, Nicole and Hofmann, Majella-Sophie and Schuhmann, Michael K. and Ruck, Tobias and G{\"o}bel, Kerstin and Br{\"u}ck, Wolfgang and Wiendl, Heinz and Meuth, Sven G.}, title = {Murine K\(_{2P}\)5.1 Deficiency Has No Impact on Autoimmune Neuroinflammation due to Compensatory K\(_{2P}\)3.1-and K\(_{V}\)1.3-Dependent Mechanisms}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {16}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, doi = {10.3390/ijms160816880}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-151454}, pages = {16880 -- 16896}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Lymphocytes express potassium channels that regulate physiological cell functions, such as activation, proliferation and migration. Expression levels of K\(_{2P}\)5.1(TASK2; KCNK5) channels belonging to the family of two-pore domain potassium channels have previously been correlated to the activity of autoreactive T lymphocytes in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In humans, K\(_{2P}\)5.1 channels are upregulated upon T cell stimulation and influence T cell effector functions. However, a further clinical translation of targeting K\(_{2P}\)5.1 is currently hampered by a lack of highly selective inhibitors, making it necessary to evaluate the impact of KCNK5 in established preclinical animal disease models. We here demonstrate that K\(_{2P}\)5.1 knockout (K\(_{2P}\)5.1\(^{-/-}\) mice display no significant alterations concerning T cell cytokine production, proliferation rates, surface marker molecules or signaling pathways. In an experimental model of autoimmune neuroinflammation, K\(_{2P}\)5.1\(^{-/-}\) mice show a comparable disease course to wild-type animals and no major changes in the peripheral immune system or CNS compartment. A compensatory upregulation of the potassium channels K\(_{2P}\)3.1 and K\(_{V}\)1.3 seems to counterbalance the deletion of K\(_{2P}\)5.1. As an alternative model mimicking autoimmune neuroinflammation, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the common marmoset has been proposed, especially for testing the efficacy of new potential drugs. Initial experiments show that K\(_{2P}\)5.1 is functionally expressed on marmoset T lymphocytes, opening up the possibility for assessing future K\(_{2P}\)5.1-targeting drugs.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Egenolf2020, author = {Egenolf, Nadine}, title = {Multidimensionale morphologische und elektrophysiologische Analyse von Patienten mit Small Fiber Neuropathie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-20293}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202938}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Die Small Fiber Neuropathie (SFN) bildet eine Untergruppe der sensiblen Neuropathien, bei der die Aδ- und C-Fasern betroffen sind. Die Patienten berichten v.a. von brennenden Schmerzen und Dys{\"a}sthesien, seltener auch von autonomen Funktionsst{\"o}rungen. Bei fehlendem Goldstandard und normalen Nervenleitungsstudien ist die Diagnostik erschwert, da selbst nach Spezialuntersuchungen wie Hautstanzbiopsie und quantitativer sensorischer Testung (QST) viele Patienten trotz typischer Anamnese der Diagnosestellung entgehen. Wir rekrutierten 55 Patienten und 31 gesunde Kontrollen. Nach neurologischer Untersuchung und Ausschluss einer Polyneuropathie mittels Elektroneurographie wurden bei allen Studienteilnehmern Hautstanzbiopsien am Ober- und Unterschenkel zur Ermittlung der intraepidermalen Nervenfaserdichte (IENFD) entnommen sowie eine QST zur Funktionspr{\"u}fung der kleinen Nervenfasern durchgef{\"u}hrt. Die Studienteilnehmer wurden zudem mit cornealer confocaler Mikroskopie (CCM) und der Ableitung Schmerz-assoziierter evozierter Potentiale (PREP) untersucht. Zur autonomen Testung erfolgte die Messung der Schweißproduktion mittels quantitativem sudomotorischem Axonreflextest (QSART). Die neurologische Untersuchung zeigte in 55\% der Patienten Hinweise auf eine Kleinfaserpathologie. Die distale IENFD war bei 62\% der Patienten reduziert, die QST bei 22\% der Patienten auff{\"a}llig. Die PREP Latenzen waren in der Patientengruppe l{\"a}nger als bei den Kontrollen, die Amplituden niedriger. Bei der cornealen Innervation zeigte sich eine Reduktion der Nervenfaserdichte, Nervenfaserl{\"a}nge und Nervenastdichte. Die in QSART gemessenen Parameter zeigten sich zu 86\% unauff{\"a}llig. W{\"a}hrend nach klinischer Untersuchung, Hautbiopsie und QST in 53\% der F{\"a}lle in 2 von 3 Untersuchungen eine Pathologie der kleinen Fasern festgestellt werden konnte, stieg die Rate bei zus{\"a}tzlicher Anwendung von PREP und CCM auf 80\% (ohne Ber{\"u}cksichtigung von QST). Zusammenfassend sollten die klinische Untersuchung und die Hautstanzbiopsie bei allen Patienten mit Verdacht auf SFN erfolgen. PREP und CCM sind unter den verf{\"u}gbaren zus{\"a}tzlichen Untersuchungen diagnostisch am wertvollsten. Wichtig ist allerdings, dass bei fehlendem Goldstandard eine SFN auch bei unauff{\"a}lligen Tests nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann. Zus{\"a}tzlich k{\"o}nnen die Mikroneurographie und die genetische Analyse wertvolle Hinweise auf eine Kleinfaserfunktionsst{\"o}rung und deren Pathophysiologie geben.}, subject = {Neuropathischer Schmerz}, language = {de} } @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{NorrmenFigliaLebrunJulienetal.2014, author = {Norrmen, Camilla and Figlia, Gianluca and Lebrun-Julien, Frederic and Pereira, Jorge A. and Tr{\"o}tzm{\"u}ller, Martin and K{\"o}feler, Harald C. and Rantanen, Ville and Wessig, Carsten and van Deijk, Anne-Lieke F. and Smit, August B. and Verheijen, Mark H. G. and R{\"u}egg, Markus A. and Hall, Michael N. and Suter, Ueli}, title = {mTORC1 Controls PNS Myelination along the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP-Lipid Biosynthesis Axis in Schwann Cells}, series = {Cell Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Cell Reports}, number = {2}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.001}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-114847}, pages = {646-660}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Myelin formation during peripheral nervous system (PNS) development, and reformation after injury and in disease, requires multiple intrinsic and extrinsic signals. Akt/mTOR signaling has emerged as a major player involved, but the molecular mechanisms and downstream effectors are virtually unknown. Here, we have used Schwann-cell-specific conditional gene ablation of raptor and rictor, which encode essential components of the mTOR complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), respectively, to demonstrate that mTORC1 controls PNS myelination during development. In this process, mTORC1 regulates lipid biosynthesis via sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). This course of action is mediated by the nuclear receptor RXRg, which transcriptionally regulates SREBP1c downstream of mTORC1. Absence of mTORC1 causes delayed myelination initiation as well as hypomyelination, together with abnormal lipid composition and decreased nerve conduction velocity. Thus, we have identified the mTORC1-RXR gamma-SREBP axis controlling lipid biosynthesis as a major contributor to proper peripheral nerve function.}, language = {en} } @article{HermSchurigMartineketal.2019, author = {Herm, Juliane and Schurig, Johannes and Martinek, Martin R. and H{\"o}ltgen, Reinhard and Schirdewan, Alexander and Kirchhof, Paulus and Wieczorek, Marcus and P{\"u}rerfellner, Helmut and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Fiebach, Jochen B. and Haeusler, Karl Georg}, title = {MRI-detected brain lesions in AF patients without further stroke risk factors undergoing ablation - a retrospective analysis of prospective studies}, series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, volume = {19}, journal = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders}, doi = {10.1186/s12872-019-1035-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201226}, pages = {58}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) without other stroke risk factors is assumed to have a low annual stroke risk comparable to patients without AF. Therefore, current clinical guidelines do not recommend oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention of AF in patients without stroke risk factors. We analyzed brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging to estimate the rate of clinically inapparent ("silent") ischemic brain lesions in these patients. Methods We pooled individual patient-level data from three prospective studies comprising stroke-free patients with symptomatic AF. All study patients underwent brain MRI within 24-48 h before planned left atrial catheter ablation. MRIs were analyzed by a neuroradiologist blinded to clinical data. Results In total, 175 patients (median age 60 (IQR 54-67) years, 32\% female, median CHA\(_2\)DS\(_2\)-VASc = 1 (IQR 0-2), 33\% persistent AF) were included. In AF patients without or with at least one stroke risk factor, at least one silent ischemic brain lesion was observed in 4 (8\%) out of 48 and 10 (8\%) out of 127 patients, respectively (p > 0.99). Presence of silent ischemic brain lesions was related to age (p = 0.03) but not to AF pattern (p = 0.77). At least one cerebral microbleed was detected in 5 (13\%) out of 30 AF patients without stroke risk factors and 25 (25\%) out of 108 AF patients with stroke risk factors (p = 0.2). Presence of cerebral microbleeds was related to male sex (p = 0.04) or peripheral artery occlusive disease (p = 0.03). Conclusion In patients with symptomatic AF scheduled for ablation, brain MRI detected silent ischemic brain lesions in approximately one in 12 patients, and microbleeds in one in 5 patients. The prevalence of silent ischemic brain lesions did not differ in AF patients with or without further stroke risk factors.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hillerer2001, author = {Hillerer, Claudia}, title = {MR-Protonen-Spektroskopie des Linsenkerns bei idiopathischen Handdystonien}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-1182401}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2001}, abstract = {Die Pathogenese der idiopathischen Handdystonie ist bis heute nicht abschließend gekl{\"a}rt. Verschiedene Befunde sprechen f{\"u}r eine L{\"a}sion der Basalganglien, insbesondere des Linsenkerns. Insbesondere bildgebende Verfahren wie MRT, Sonographie, PET oder SPECT, und Untersuchungen bei sekund{\"a}ren Dystonieformen weisen in diese Richtung. Trotz vielfacher Anstrengungen, den zugrunde liegenden Pathomechanismus aufzudecken, ist es bis heute noch nicht gelungen, ein einheitliches anatomisches oder biochemisches Korrelat f{\"u}r die St{\"o}rung verantwortlich zu machen: So bieten einige pathoanatomische Studien Hinweise auf Zellverlust und Gliose im Striatum, andere zeigten Ver{\"a}nderungen in der Konzentration verschiedener Neurotransmitter. J{\"u}ngere Untersuchungen lassen einen gest{\"o}rten Komplex I der mitochondrialen Atmungskette vermuten. Da die {\"A}tiologie der Dystonien bisher letztlich nicht gekl{\"a}rt ist, bietet die Protonenspektroskopie die M{\"o}glichkeit, Stoffwechselver{\"a}nderungen sowie {\"A}nderungen der Gewebszusammensetzung und der Konzentrationen darin enthaltener Stoffe zu untersuchen und so Hypothesen zur Genese der idiopathischen Dystonie herauszuarbeiten. Wir untersuchten 14 Patienten mit idiopathischem Schreibkrampf und 11 gesunde, altersentsprechende Probanden, die nachweislich an keiner zentral-neurologischen Erkrankung litten. Zur Messung wurde eine Standard-Kopfspule ( 1,5 T Ganzk{\"o}rper MR-Tomograph, Siemens Magnetom Vision, Erlangen) verwendet. Die Spektrenerhebung erfolgte mit Hilfe einer PRESS-Sequenz (TR= 1365 ms, TE= 135 ms), das Voxel war auf das Gebiet des Linsenkerns zentriert. Die anhand der Spektren ermittelten Metabolitenverh{\"a}ltnisse von NAA:Cho, NAA:Crea, Cho:Crea und Lac:Crea ergaben keine statistisch signifikante Seitendifferenz innerhalb der Patientengruppe, auch ein Vergleich zwischen Patienten- und Kontrollgruppe blieb ohne statistische Differenz (p>0,05). Somit konnten durch die Protonenspektroskopie keine Ver{\"a}nderungen der Metabolitenkonzentrationen bei der idiopathischen Handdystonie festgestellt werden. Es ergibt sich damit kein Hinweis darauf, daß idiopathischen Dystonien ein meßbarer Verlust von Neuronen, eine damit einhergehende sekund{\"a}re Gliose oder eine meßbare St{\"o}rung des Energiehaushalts, sei es durch erh{\"o}hte Umsatzraten oder eine fehlerhafte oxidative Phosphorylierung, zugrunde liegt. Eine m{\"o}gliche Erkl{\"a}rung dieser unauff{\"a}lligen Befunde bei Dystoniepatienten k{\"o}nnte die Annahme einer St{\"o}rung des Stoffwechsels in nur wenigen Neuronen bieten, was sich der Sensitivit{\"a}t der Methode entziehen kann. Denkbar sind auch Konzentrations{\"a}nderungen von Neurotransmittern, Einlagerungen von Schwermetallen (z.B.Kupfer), Ver{\"a}nderungen der oxidativen Phosphorylierung oder {\"A}nderungen der Rezeptordichte. Generalisierte Dystonien m{\"u}ßten eine eventuell vorhandene Pathologie am deutlichsten aufweisen und w{\"a}ren deshalb ebenfalls ein interessantes Krankheitsbild. Die spektroskopische Untersuchung gestaltet sich aber wegen des bei dieser Form zu erwartenden erh{\"o}hten Auftretens von Bewegungsartefakten schwierig. Auch das Verwenden ver{\"a}nderter Meßparameter (TE, TR) oder einer h{\"o}heren Tesla-Zahl bei einem gr{\"o}ßeren Patientenkollektiv w{\"a}re zur weiteren Abkl{\"a}rung anzustreben. Insbesondere sollten Schreibkrampf-Patienten mit Hilfe der funktionellen MR-Spektroskopie w{\"a}hrend des Auftretens dystoner Verkrampfungen oder auch w{\"a}hrend der Durchf{\"u}hrung willk{\"u}rlicher Fingerbewegungen untersucht werden. Bisher latente Ver{\"a}nderungen k{\"o}nnten sich dann, unter der so erzeugten motorischen Aktivierung, manifestieren.}, language = {de} } @article{PoetterNergerReeseSteigerwaldetal.2017, author = {P{\"o}tter-Nerger, Monika and Reese, Rene and Steigerwald, Frank and Heiden, Jan Arne and Herzog, Jan and Moll, Christian K. E. and Hamel, Wolfgang and Ramirez-Pasos, Uri and Falk, Daniela and Mehdorn, Maximilian and Gerloff, Christian and Deuschl, G{\"u}nther and Volkmann, Jens}, title = {Movement-Related Activity of Human Subthalamic Neurons during a Reach-to-Grasp Task}, series = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Human Neuroscience}, number = {436}, doi = {10.3389/fnhum.2017.00436}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170361}, year = {2017}, abstract = {The aim of the study was to record movement-related single unit activity (SUA) in the human subthalamic nucleus (STN) during a standardized motor task of the upper limb. We performed microrecordings from the motor region of the human STN and registered kinematic data in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery (seven women, mean age 62.0 ± 4.7 years) while they intraoperatively performed visually cued reach-to-grasp movements using a grip device. SUA was analyzed offline in relation to different aspects of the movement (attention, start of the movement, movement velocity, button press) in terms of firing frequency, firing pattern, and oscillation. During the reach-to-grasp movement, 75/114 isolated subthalamic neurons exhibited movement-related activity changes. The largest proportion of single units showed modulation of firing frequency during several phases of the reach and grasp (polymodal neurons, 45/114), particularly an increase of firing rate during the reaching phase of the movement, which often correlated with movement velocity. The firing pattern (bursting, irregular, or tonic) remained unchanged during movement compared to rest. Oscillatory single unit firing activity (predominantly in the theta and beta frequency) decreased with movement onset, irrespective of oscillation frequency. This study shows for the first time specific, task-related, SUA changes during the reach-to-grasp movement in humans.}, language = {en} } @article{MezianeMoiselloPerfettietal.2015, author = {Meziane, Hadj Boumediene and Moisello, Clara and Perfetti, Bernardo and Kvint, Svetlana and Isaias, Ioannis Ugo and Quartarone, Angelo and Di Rocco, Alessandro and Ghilardi, Maria Felice}, title = {Movement preparation and bilateral modulation of beta activity in aging and Parkinson's disease}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {10}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0114817}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-144147}, pages = {e0114817}, year = {2015}, abstract = {In previous studies of young subjects performing a reaction-time reaching task, we found that faster reaction times are associated with increased suppression of beta power over primary sensorimotor areas just before target presentation. Here we ascertain whether such beta decrease similarly occurs in normally aging subjects and also in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), where deficits in movement execution and abnormalities of beta power are usually present. We found that in both groups, beta power decreased during the motor task in the electrodes over the two primary sensorimotor areas. However, before target presentation, beta decreases in PD were significantly smaller over the right than over the left areas, while they were symmetrical in controls. In both groups, functional connectivity between the two regions, measured with imaginary coherence, increased before the target appearance; however, in PD, it decreased immediately after, while in controls, it remained elevated throughout motor planning. As in previous studies with young subjects, the degree of beta power before target appearance correlated with reaction time. The values of coherence during motor planning, instead, correlated with movement time, peak velocity and acceleration. We conclude that planning of prompt and fast movements partially depends on coordinated beta activity of both sensorimotor areas, already at the time of target presentation. The delayed onset of beta decreases over the right region observed in PD is possibly related to a decreased functional connectivity between the two areas, and this might account for deficits in force programming, movement duration and velocity modulation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{KissnergebStenger2018, author = {Kißner [geb. Stenger], Stefanie Martina}, title = {Morphologische Untersuchungen an Myoblasten von Patienten, die an facioscapulohumeraler Muskeldystrophie (FSHD) leiden}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-156676}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Die autosomal-dominant vererbte facioscapulohumerale Muskeldystrophie (FSHD) ist mit einer Pr{\"a}valenz von etwa 1:20.000 die dritth{\"a}ufigste Form der heredit{\"a}ren Myopathien. Erste Beschwerden werden meist in der zweiten Lebensdekade beobachtet. Betroffen sind vor allem die Muskulatur von Gesicht, Schultern, Oberarmen, die Fußhebermuskulatur und die Muskeln des H{\"u}ftg{\"u}rtels. FSHD wird durch einen Gendefekt ausgel{\"o}st, der den langen Arm des Chromosoms vier (4q35) betrifft, wobei es zur teilweisen Deletion des polymorphen Abschnitts D4Z4, der f{\"u}r das Protein DUX4 codiert, kommt. Dabei treten unter anderem St{\"o}rungen in der DUX4-Expression, Ver{\"a}nderungen der myogenen Genexpression, eine Unterdr{\"u}ckung der Muskelzelldifferenzierung und eine Inhibition der Muskelbildung auf. FSHD und eine andere Form der Muskeldystrophie, die Emery-Dreifuss-Muskeldystrophie (EDMD), zeigen trotz unterschiedlicher genetischer Ursachen ph{\"a}notypisch {\"A}hnlichkeiten in der Auspr{\"a}gung der Erkrankungen. In fr{\"u}heren Studien zeigte die Kernh{\"u}lle von EDMD-Myoblasten morphologische Auff{\"a}lligkeiten. In anderen Untersuchungen waren morphologische Ver{\"a}nderungen der Mitochondrien von FSHD-Patienten festzustellen. Daher wurden elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen der Kernh{\"u}lle und der Mitochondrien von FSHD-Myoblasten durchgef{\"u}hrt und mit der entsprechenden Kontrolle verglichen. Hierf{\"u}r wurden drei verschiedene Zelllinien-Paare in unterschiedlichen Passagen, das heißt unterschiedlicher Anzahl an Subkultivierungen, eingesetzt, wobei in den h{\"o}heren Passagen vermehrt morphologische Atypien beobachtet werden konnten. Die eingesetzten Zelllinien differenzieren sich durch verschiedene Parameter wie beispielsweise Alter und Geschlecht der Patienten. Dabei zeigten sich sowohl zwischen den Kontrollzellen als auch zwischen den FSHD-Myoblasten Unterschiede. Im Rahmen der Probenvorbereitung f{\"u}r die Elektronenmikroskopie kamen zwei verschiedene Fixierungsmethoden zum Einsatz: die konventionelle chemische Fixierung, Entw{\"a}sserung und Flacheinbettung von Kulturzellen und die Hochdruckgefrierung mit anschließender Gefriersubstitution. In Bezug auf die Qualit{\"a}t des Strukturerhalts, die beim Hochdruckgefrieren erreicht wird, wird dieser Art der Fixierung eine {\"U}berlegenheit gegen{\"u}ber allen anderen Verfahren zugeschrieben. Diese allgemeine Aussage kann nicht vollst{\"a}ndig auf die Untersuchungen an den Myoblasten {\"u}bertragen werden. F{\"u}r die Untersuchung der Kernmembranen sind beide Methoden geeignet, wobei der Abstand zwischen innerer und {\"a}ußerer Kernmembran nach der HPF-Fixierung sch{\"a}rfer abgebildet wurde. Bei der Darstellung der Mitochondrien zeigten die elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen nach dem Hochdruckgefrieren bessere und sch{\"a}rfere Ergebnisse. Die Kernporen waren bei beiden Fixierungsmethoden gut erkennbar. Beim Vergleich der gesunden und erkrankten Myoblasten wiesen die Kontrollzellen deutlich weniger Auff{\"a}lligkeiten auf als die Myoblasten von FSHD-Patienten. Innere und {\"a}ußere Kernmembran verliefen bei den Kontrollzellen meist parallel und die Mitochondrien zeigten in den meisten F{\"a}llen eine typische wurmartige, l{\"a}ngliche Form mit Cristae. Dies traf sowohl f{\"u}r die konventionelle Fixierung als auch f{\"u}r das Hochdruckgefrieren zu. Die erkrankten Myoblasten wiesen im Vergleich zur Kontrolle bei beiden Fixierungsmethoden deutliche Auff{\"a}lligkeiten in der Mitochondrien-Morphologie auf. Neben einer oft großen Variationsbreite hinsichtlich Form und L{\"a}nge war auch das teilweise Fehlen der Cristae festzustellen. Bei Betrachtung der Kernh{\"u}lle fielen jedoch deutliche Unterschiede zwischen konventioneller und HPF-Fixierung auf. Die {\"a}ußere Kernmembran der konventionell fixierten FSHD-Myoblasten verlief unregelm{\"a}ßig und gewellt. Im Gegensatz dazu wies die Kernh{\"u}lle der HPF-fixierten erkrankten Myoblasten einen erstaunlich parallelen Verlauf auf. Da bei EDMD in vorangegangenen Untersuchungen auch fluoreszenzmikroskopisch Ver{\"a}nderungen der erkrankten Zellen auff{\"a}llig waren, wurde neben den Methoden der Elektronenmikroskopie das Vorliegen und die Verteilung verschiedener Proteine in FSHD-Myoblasten mittels indirekter Immunfluoreszenz untersucht und mit den Kontrollzellen verglichen. Zur Beurteilung der Kernh{\"u}lle wurden Antik{\"o}rper gegen Lamin A/C und Nukleoporine eingesetzt. Die Mitochondrien wurden mithilfe des Antik{\"o}rpers ANT1/2, der an den Adenin-Nukleotid-Translokator der inneren Mitochondrienmembran bindet, untersucht. Im Gegensatz zu den Untersuchungen an EDMD-Myoblasten waren die Lamine A und C sowie die Kernporen sowohl bei den Myoblasten der FSHD-Patienten als auch bei den Kontrollzellen nachweisbar und gleichm{\"a}ßig verteilt. Bei der indirekten Immunfluoreszenz mit ANT1/2 zeigten sich Unterschiede zwischen den untersuchten Myoblasten-Paaren. Durch die vorliegenden Ergebnisse ist darauf zu schließen, dass die Myoblasten von FSHD-Patienten Ver{\"a}nderungen Mitochondrien aufweisen. Die Untersuchungen der Kernh{\"u}lle liefern abh{\"a}ngig von der Fixierungsmethode unterschiedliche Ergebnisse.}, subject = {Landouzy-D{\´e}jerine-Atrophie}, language = {de} } @article{SilwedelHaarmannFehrholzetal.2019, author = {Silwedel, Christine and Haarmann, Axel and Fehrholz, Markus and Claus, Heike and Speer, Christian P. and Glaser, Kirsten}, title = {More than just inflammation: Ureaplasma species induce apoptosis in human brain microvascular endothelial cells}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {16}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-019-1413-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200711}, pages = {38}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background Ureaplasma species (spp.) are commonly regarded as low-virulent commensals but may cause invasive diseases in immunocompromised adults and in neonates, including neonatal meningitis. The interactions of Ureaplasma spp. with host defense mechanisms are poorly understood. This study addressed Ureaplasma-driven cell death, concentrating on apoptosis as well as inflammatory cell death. Methods Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) were exposed to Ureaplasma (U.) urealyticum serovar 8 (Uu8) and U. parvum serovar 3 (Up3). Resulting numbers of dead cells as well as mRNA levels and enzyme activity of key agents in programmed cell death were assessed by flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and qRT-PCR, respectively. xCELLigence data were used for real-time monitoring of changes in cell adhesion properties. Results Both Ureaplasma isolates induced cell death (p < 0.05, vs. broth). Furthermore, Ureaplasma spp. enhanced mRNA levels for genes in apoptosis, including caspase 3 (Up3 p < 0.05, vs. broth), caspase 7 (p < 0.01), and caspase 9 (Up3 p < 0.01). Caspase 3 activity was increased upon Uu8 exposure (p < 0.01). Vice versa, Ureaplasma isolates downregulated mRNA levels for proteins involved in inflammatory cell death, namely caspase 1 (Uu8 p < 0.01, Up3 p < 0.001), caspase 4 (Uu8 p < 0.05, Up3 p < 0.01), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (Uu8 p < 0.05), and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusions By inducing apoptosis in HBMEC as main constituents of the blood-brain barrier, Ureaplasma spp. may provoke barrier breakdown. Simultaneous suppression of inflammatory cell death may additionally attenuate host defense strategies. Ultimate consequence could be invasive and long-term CNS infections by Ureaplasma spp.}, language = {en} } @article{ArlottiPalmisanoMinafraetal.2019, author = {Arlotti, Mattia and Palmisano, Chiara and Minafra, Brigida and Todisco, Massimiliano and Pacchetti, Claudio and Canessa, Andrea and Pozzi, Nicol{\´o} G. and Cilia, Roberto and Prenassi, Marco and Marceglia, Sara and Priori, Alberto and Rampini, Paolo and Barbieri, Sergio and Servello, Domenico and Volkmann, Jens and Pezzoli, Gianni and Isaias, Ioannis U.}, title = {Monitoring subthalamic oscillations for 24 hours in a freely moving Parkinson's disease patient}, series = {Movement Disorders}, volume = {34}, journal = {Movement Disorders}, doi = {10.1002/mds.27657}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-221249}, pages = {757-759}, year = {2019}, abstract = {No abstract available}, 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{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{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} } @phdthesis{Merzyn2008, author = {Merzyn, Cornelia}, title = {Modulation systemischer Chemokinspiegel durch rekombinantes Interferon-beta bei Patienten mit multipler Sklerose}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-35828}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Multiple Sklerose (MS) ist eine chronisch-entz{\"u}ndliche Erkrankung des Zentralen Nervensystems mit deutlich ausgepr{\"a}gten Autoimmunph{\"a}nomenen. Das derzeit meistverwendete Therapeutikum zur Sekund{\"a}rprophylaxe von Krankheitssch{\"u}ben ist rekombinantes Interferon-\&\#946; (IFN-\&\#946;). Wirk- und Nebenwirkungsmechanismen des Medikaments werden bisher nur partiell verstanden. In der Pathogenese der MS spielt eine Familie chemotaktisch wirksamer Zytokine, der Chemokine, eine entscheidende Rolle. Ziel dieser Studie war zu untersuchen, ob IFN-\&\#946; die systemischen Konzentrationen der Pathogenese-relevanten Chemokine CXCL10, CCL2 und außerdem des endogenen Pyrogens IL-6 ver{\"a}ndert, und ob diese Ver{\"a}nderungen mit dem Auftreten grippeartiger Nebenwirkungen korrelieren. Zu diesem Zweck wurden bei 37 Patienten mit schubf{\"o}rmiger MS zu drei Zeitpunkten - vor sowie 6 und 24 Stunden nach der Applikation von IFN-\&\#946; - die genannten Botenstoffe im Blut bestimmt. Parallel wurden subjektiv empfundene grippeartige Nebenwirkungen mit Hilfe eines standardisierten Fragebogens abgefragt, und die K{\"o}rperkerntemperatur wurde gemessen. Als Kontrollen dienten gesunde Probanden, derzeit nicht immunmodulatorisch behandelte MS-Patienten und MS-Patienten unter Therapie mit Glatirameracetat. Nur bei den mit IFN-\&\#946; behandelten Patienten zeigte sich nach 6 Stunden ein signifikanter transienter Anstieg der Konzentrationen von CXCL10, CCL2. Der Anstieg der Chemokinkonzentrationen korrelierte mit einem transienten IL-6-Anstieg und dem Auftreten grippeartiger Nebenwirkungen. Chemokine, unter denen sich zahlreiche starke endogene Pyrogene befinden, k{\"o}nnten somit f{\"u}r die h{\"a}ufig zu beobachtenden grippeartigen Nebenwirkungen mit verantwortlich sein. Die Ergebnisse werfen die weiterf{\"u}hrende Frage auf, ob die beobachtete Chemokininduktion auch relevant f{\"u}r den therapeutischen Effekt von IFN-\&\#61538; ist. Ob Chemokine sich erfolgreich als Biomarker zur Pr{\"a}diktion des Therapieerfolgs einsetzen lassen, wird derzeit in einem weiterf{\"u}hrenden Projekt untersucht.}, subject = {Multiple Sklerose}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Nehen2021, author = {Nehen, Mathias Julius}, title = {Modulation der Schrankenfunktion prim{\"a}rer humaner zerebraler Endothelzellen durch Fumars{\"a}ureester unter inflammatorischen und nicht-inflammatorischen Bedingungen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24092}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-240925}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Multiple Sklerose ist eine bisher nicht heilbare, chronisch-inflammatorische demyelinisierende Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems. Trotz intensiver Forschungsbem{\"u}hungen ist der exakte Pathomechanismus nicht vollkommen verstanden. Klar ist jedoch, dass der Blut-Hirn-Schranke eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Pathogenese zukommt. Seit Februar 2014 ist mit Dimethylfumarat ein neues orales Medikament f{\"u}r die schubf{\"o}rmige Multiple Sklerose zugelassen. Die Wirkungen von Fumars{\"a}ureestern auf humane zerebrale Endothelzellen als Grundsteine der Blut-Hirn-Schranke sind allerdings nur unzureichend untersucht. Mehrere Forschungsgruppen demonstrierten an humanem Nabelschnurvenenendothel einen hemmenden Effekt von Fumars{\"a}ureestern auf die Adh{\"a}sion von Leukozyten und beschrieben eine Inhibition der Aktivierung des proinflammatorischen Transkriptionsfaktors NFB in den Endothelzellen. Aufgrund der charakteristischen Eigenschaften zerebralen Endothels ist eine {\"U}bertragung dieser Beobachtungen auf die Blut-Hirn-Schranke allerdings nicht ohne weiteres m{\"o}glich. Daher galt es potentielle Effekte von Fumars{\"a}ureestern auf prim{\"a}re humane zerebrale Endothelzellen als in vitro Modell der Blut-Hirn-Schranke zu {\"u}berpr{\"u}fen. Dabei wurden die Zellen nicht nur unter ruhenden Bedingungen, sondern auch unter inflammatorischer Stimulation mit TNF-α, IL-1 und IFN untersucht, einem Milieu, wie es in inflammatorischen MS L{\"a}sionen zu finden ist. In Leukozyten-Adh{\"a}sionsassays konnte durch Inkubation mit Monomethylfumarat und Dimethylfumarat keine funktionale Beeinflussung der Adh{\"a}sion von T-Lymphozyten an den verwendeten zerebralen Endothelzellen verzeichnet werden. Kongruent dazu fand sich in durchflusszytometrischen Analysen keine Hemmung der inflammatorisch vermittelten Expression des Adh{\"a}sionsmolek{\"u}ls ICAM-1, welches eine tragende Rolle bei der Leukozytenmigration spielt. Inflammatorische intrazellul{\"a}re Signalwege, wie die NFB-Kerntranslokation oder die Phosphorylierung von p38 wurden in HECE im Gegensatz zu HUVEC durch Fumars{\"a}ureester ebenso wenig beeinflusst. Diese in sich konsistenten Ergebnisse f{\"u}hren zu der Schlussfolgerung, dass im Gegensatz zu anderen Gef{\"a}ßbetten weder Dimethylfumarat noch Monomethylfumarat direkt am zerebralen Endothel anti-inflammatorisch wirken.}, subject = {Multiple Sklerose}, language = {de} } @article{KressHuettenhoferLandryetal.2013, author = {Kress, Michaela and H{\"u}ttenhofer, Alexander and Landry, Marc and Kuner, Rohini and Favereaux, Alexandre and Greenberg, David and Bednarik, Josef and Heppenstall, Paul and Kronenberg, Florian and Malcangio, Marzia and Rittner, Heike and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Trajanoski, Zlatko and Mouritzen, Peter and Birklein, Frank and Sommer, Claudia and Soreq, Hermona}, title = {microRNAs in nociceptive circuits as predictors of future clinical applications}, series = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, number = {33}, doi = {10.3389/fnmol.2013.00033}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-154597}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Neuro-immune alterations in the peripheral and central nervous system play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain, and non-coding RNAs - and microRNAs (miRNAs) in particular - regulate both immune and neuronal processes. Specifically, miRNAs control macromolecular complexes in neurons, glia and immune cells and regulate signals used for neuro-immune communication in the pain pathway. Therefore, miRNAs may be hypothesized as critically important master switches modulating chronic pain. In particular, understanding the concerted function of miRNA in the regulation of nociception and endogenous analgesia and defining the importance of miRNAs in the circuitries and cognitive, emotional and behavioral components involved in pain is expected to shed new light on the enigmatic pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, migraine and complex regional pain syndrome. Specific miRNAs may evolve as new druggable molecular targets for pain prevention and relief. Furthermore, predisposing miRNA expression patterns and inter-individual variations and polymorphisms in miRNAs and/or their binding sites may serve as biomarkers for pain and help to predict individual risks for certain types of pain and responsiveness to analgesic drugs. miRNA-based diagnostics are expected to develop into hands-on tools that allow better patient stratification, improved mechanism-based treatment, and targeted prevention strategies for high risk individuals.}, 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} } @phdthesis{Hirschmann2020, author = {Hirschmann, Anna}, title = {microRNA-Genexpressionsprofile in Blut-, Haut- und Nervenproben von Patienten mit Polyneuropathien}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21701}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-217010}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Die Polyneuropathie (PNP) ist die h{\"a}ufigste St{\"o}rung des peripheren Nervensystems bei Erwachsenen. Die Suche nach der Ursache bleibt in vielen F{\"a}llen erfolglos, ist aber unverzichtbar, da die Therapiewahl von der {\"A}tiologie der Erkrankung abh{\"a}ngt. Geeignete Biomarker k{\"o}nnten die Differentialdiagnose unter Umst{\"a}nden erleichtern. microRNAs (miRNAs) sind in dieser Hinsicht vielversprechend, da in vielen Studien bei Nervende- und regenerationsprozessen sowie in neuropathischen Schmerzmodellen eine Dysregulation beschrieben wurde. In dieser Studie wurde die Expression zweier miRNAs, miR-103a und miR-let-7d, sowie eines Zielmolek{\"u}ls der miR-103a, des Kalziumkanals Cav1,2, in einer großen Kohorte von PNP-Patienten unterschiedlicher {\"A}tiologie in Blut, Haut- und Nervenbiopsien untersucht. Insgesamt wurden 116 Patienten und 22 Kontroll-probanden in die Studie eingeschlossen. Nach der Isolation von RNA aus weißen Blutzellen (WBC), Haut- und Nervenbiopsien folgte die Expressionsbestimmung mittels qRT-PCR. W{\"a}hrend sich jeweils Unterschiede zwischen PNP-Patienten und Kontrollen und zwischen Patienten mit entz{\"u}ndlicher und solchen mit nicht-entz{\"u}ndlicher PNP zeigten, wurden keine Unterschiede in der Expression zwischen den {\"a}tiologischen Subgruppen oder zwischen Patienten mit schmerzhafter und schmerzloser PNP festgestellt. In den Nervenbiopsien der Patientenkohorte ergab sich eine inverse Korrelation der miR-103a und ihrem Zielgen Cacna1c, die darauf hinweisen k{\"o}nnte, dass Cacna1c von der miR-103a negativ reguliert wird. Da in unserer Patientenkohorte keine Unterschiede zwischen den PNP-Subgruppen auftraten, scheint der Einsatz der miR-103a und miR-let-7d als diagnostische Biomarker zur {\"a}tiologischen Einordnung einer PNP nicht gerechtfertigt. Dennoch deuten unsere Ergebnisse auf eine m{\"o}gliche Rolle der untersuchten miRNAs bei Entstehung und Verlauf von PNP hin. F{\"u}r ein tieferes pathophysiologisches Verst{\"a}ndnis der miRNAs vor allem bei entz{\"u}ndlichen Neuropathien, k{\"o}nnte die Untersuchung von weiteren miRNAs und Zielgenen Aufschluss geben.}, subject = {miRNS}, language = {de} } @article{ReinholdKrugSalvadoretal.2022, author = {Reinhold, Ann Kristin and Krug, Susanne M. and Salvador, Ellaine and Sauer, Reine S. and Karl-Sch{\"o}ller, Franziska and Malcangio, Marzia and Sommer, Claudia and Rittner, Heike L.}, title = {MicroRNA-21-5p functions via RECK/MMP9 as a proalgesic regulator of the blood nerve barrier in nerve injury}, series = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {1515}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1111/nyas.14816}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-318226}, pages = {184 -- 195}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Both nerve injury and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can result in chronic pain. In traumatic neuropathy, the blood nerve barrier (BNB) shielding the nerve is impaired—partly due to dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs). Upregulation of microRNA-21-5p (miR-21) has previously been documented in neuropathic pain, predominantly due to its proinflammatory features. However, little is known about other functions. Here, we characterized miR-21 in neuropathic pain and its impact on the BNB in a human-murine back translational approach. MiR-21 expression was elevated in plasma of patients with CRPS as well as in nerves of mice after transient and persistent nerve injury. Mice presented with BNB leakage, as well as loss of claudin-1 in both injured and spared nerves. Moreover, the putative miR-21 target RECK was decreased and downstream Mmp9 upregulated, as was Tgfb. In vitro experiments in human epithelial cells confirmed a downregulation of CLDN1 by miR-21 mimics via inhibition of the RECK/MMP9 pathway but not TGFB. Perineurial miR-21 mimic application in mice elicited mechanical hypersensitivity, while local inhibition of miR-21 after nerve injury reversed it. In summary, the data support a novel role for miR-21, independent of prior inflammation, in elicitation of pain and impairment of the BNB via RECK/MMP9.}, language = {en} } @article{GrohAbdelwahabKattimanietal.2023, author = {Groh, Janos and Abdelwahab, Tassnim and Kattimani, Yogita and H{\"o}rner, Michaela and Loserth, Silke and Gudi, Viktoria and Adalbert, Robert and Imdahl, Fabian and Saliba, Antoine-Emmanuel and Coleman, Michael and Stangel, Martin and Simons, Mikael and Martini, Rudolf}, title = {Microglia-mediated demyelination protects against CD8\(^+\) T cell-driven axon degeneration in mice carrying PLP defects}, series = {Nature Communications}, volume = {14}, journal = {Nature Communications}, doi = {10.1038/s41467-023-42570-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357641}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Axon degeneration and functional decline in myelin diseases are often attributed to loss of myelin but their relation is not fully understood. Perturbed myelinating glia can instigate chronic neuroinflammation and contribute to demyelination and axonal damage. Here we study mice with distinct defects in the proteolipid protein 1 gene that develop axonal damage which is driven by cytotoxic T cells targeting myelinating oligodendrocytes. We show that persistent ensheathment with perturbed myelin poses a risk for axon degeneration, neuron loss, and behavioral decline. We demonstrate that CD8\(^+\) T cell-driven axonal damage is less likely to progress towards degeneration when axons are efficiently demyelinated by activated microglia. Mechanistically, we show that cytotoxic T cell effector molecules induce cytoskeletal alterations within myelinating glia and aberrant actomyosin constriction of axons at paranodal domains. Our study identifies detrimental axon-glia-immune interactions which promote neurodegeneration and possible therapeutic targets for disorders associated with myelin defects and neuroinflammation.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kewenig2014, author = {Kewenig, Susanne Katharina}, title = {Messung der zerebralen Aktivierung mittels funktioneller Nah-Infrarot-Spektroskopie bei Patienten mit Fibromyalgie-Syndrom}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-107515}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Wir untersuchten die zerebrale Aktivierung von Patienten mit Fibromyalgie-Syndrom (FMS) mittels funktioneller Nah-Infrarot-Spektroskopie (fNIRS). Das FMS ist ein Symptomenkomplex aus Schmerzen in mehreren K{\"o}rperregionen sowie weiteren k{\"o}rperlichen und seelischen Beschwerden, wie Schlafst{\"o}rungen, kognitiven Defiziten und Depressionen. Die fNIRS ist eine neue, nicht-invasive Technik, die eine indirekte Messung der regionalen kortikalen Hirnaktivierung erlaubt. Es wurden 25 FMS-Patienten, 10 MD-Patienten ohne Schmerzen und 35 gesunde Kontrollen in die Studie eingeschlossen. Alle Patienten wurden klinisch-neurologisch untersucht. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus f{\"u}llten alle Teilnehmer Frageb{\"o}gen zu Schmerzen (GCPS, NPSI), FMS-Symptomen (FIQ), Depressionen (BDI II, ADS) und Empathief{\"a}higkeit (SPF) aus. Die kortikale Aktivierung wurde unter drei Stimulations-Bedingungen mittels fNIRS gemessen: 1.) Anwendung mechanischer (Druck-) Schmerzreize auf den dorsalen Unterarm; 2.) Anwendung visuell-emotionaler Reize in Form von neutralen, negativen und Schmerz-assoziierten Bildern; 3.) Wortfl{\"u}ssigkeitstest. Erg{\"a}nzend wurden die unter 2.) pr{\"a}sentierten Bilder bewertet sowie ein Zahlenverbindungstest durchgef{\"u}hrt. FMS-Patienten hatten in den Schmerzfrageb{\"o}gen und im FIQ-Fragebogen deutlich h{\"o}here Werte als MD-Patienten und Kontrollen (p < 0,001). In den Depressionsfrageb{\"o}gen erreichten FMS-Patienten {\"a}hnlich hohe Werte wie MD-Patienten. Die Empathief{\"a}higkeit war bei FMS-Patienten tendenziell st{\"a}rker ausgepr{\"a}gt als bei MD-Patienten und Kontrollen. FMS-Patienten zeigten niedrigere Druckschmerzschwellen bei gleicher Schmerzintensit{\"a}t als MD-Patienten und Kontrollen (p < 0,001). Auf einen unilateralen schmerzhaften Druckreiz reagierten FMS-Patienten mit einer verst{\"a}rkten bilateralen kortikalen Aktivierung, die sich im Vergleich zu Kontrollen insbesondere im rechten pr{\"a}frontalen Kortex (p < 0,05) sowie zu MD-Patienten bilateral im Frontalkortex unterschied (p < 0,05). Auf einen Druckreiz der gleichen St{\"a}rke, der f{\"u}r FMS-Patienten schmerzhaft, aber f{\"u}r Zusatzkontrollen schmerzfrei war, zeigten FMS-Patienten im Vergleich zu diesen eine verst{\"a}rkte Aktivierung im linken dorsolateralen pr{\"a}frontalen Kortex (p < 0,05). Der kortikale Aktivierungsunterschied bei Schmerz-assoziierten versus neutralen Bildern war bei FMS-Patienten im linken pr{\"a}frontalen Kortex wesentlich ausgepr{\"a}gter als bei Kontrollen (p < 0,05), w{\"a}hrend die Schmerz-assoziierten Bilder von FMS-Patienten weniger unangenehm bewertet wurden als von Kontrollen. Der Aktivierungsunterschied bei negativen versus neutralen Bildern war bei MD-Patienten im linken Frontalkortex wesentlich geringer ausgepr{\"a}gt als bei FMS-Patienten und Kontrollen (p < 0,05). Im Wortfl{\"u}ssigkeitstest und im Zahlenverbindungstest konnten keine kognitiven Defizite bzw. Aktivierungsunterschiede zwischen FMS-Patienten und Kontrollen gefunden werden. Allerdings zeigten MD-Patienten in beiden Bedingungen des Wortfl{\"u}ssigkeitstests eine geringere frontale Aktivierung als FMS-Patienten und Kontrollen (p < 0,05). Diese Studie belegt die ver{\"a}nderte zentrale Schmerzverarbeitung bei FMS-Patienten und zeigt, dass diese mittels fNIRS messbar ist. FMS-Patienten zeigten st{\"a}rkere Aktivierungen Schmerz-assoziierter Hirnareale w{\"a}hrend mechanischer und visueller Schmerzstimuli im Vergleich zu gesunden Kontrollen. Zudem best{\"a}tigt diese Studie die Unterscheidung zwischen FMS und Depression.}, subject = {Fibromyalgie}, language = {de} } @article{SchuhmannPappStolletal.2021, author = {Schuhmann, Michael K. and Papp, Lena and Stoll, Guido and Blum, Robert and Volkmann, Jens and Fluri, Felix}, title = {Mesencephalic electrical stimulation reduces neuroinflammation after photothrombotic stroke in rats by targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {3}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22031254}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259099}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Inflammation is crucial in the pathophysiology of stroke and thus a promising therapeutic target. High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) reduces perilesional inflammation after photothrombotic stroke (PTS). However, the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Since distinct neural and immune cells respond to electrical stimulation by releasing acetylcholine, we hypothesize that HFS might trigger the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR). To test this hypothesis, rats underwent PTS and implantation of a microelectrode into the MLR. Three hours after intervention, either HFS or sham-stimulation of the MLR was applied for 24 h. IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1α were quantified by cytometric bead array. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)\(^+\) CD4\(^+\)-cells and α7nAchR\(^+\)-cells were quantified visually using immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylation of NFĸB, ERK1/2, Akt, and Stat3 was determined by Western blot analyses. IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1α were decreased in the perilesional area of stimulated rats compared to controls. The number of ChAT\(^+\) CD4\(^+\)-cells increased after MLR-HFS, whereas the amount of α7nAchR\(^+\)-cells was similar in both groups. Phospho-ERK1/2 was reduced significantly in stimulated rats. The present study suggests that MLR-HFS may trigger anti-inflammatory processes within the perilesional area by modulating the cholinergic system, probably via activation of the α7nAchR.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Greeske2008, author = {Greeske, Juliane}, title = {Mechanismen der Makrophagen-Aktivierung in Connexin32-defizienten M{\"a}usen}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-27491}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Connexin32- defiziente M{\"a}use stellen ein Mausmodell f{\"u}r eine Form der heredit{\"a}ren peripheren Neuropahtie dar. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Makrophagen, m{\"o}glicherweise aktiviert durch MCP-1, die Demyelinisierung in Connexin32-defizienten M{\"a}usen vermitteln. Diese Arbeit untersucht m{\"o}gliche Signaltransduktionswege, die in den peripheren Nerven Connexin32- defizienter M{\"a}use aktiviert sein k{\"o}nnten und damit in Zusammenhang mit der Genexpression von MCP-1 und/oder Makrophagen-Aktivierung stehen k{\"o}nnten.}, subject = {Makrophage}, language = {de} } @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{UeceylerBikoSommer2010, author = {Ueceyler, Nurcan and Biko, Lydia and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {MDL-28170 Has No Analgesic Effect on CCI Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-68359}, year = {2010}, abstract = {The calpain inhibitor MDL-28710 blocks the early local pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in mice after chronic constriction nerve injury (CCI). Onehundred- thirteen wild type mice of C57Bl/6J background received CCI of the right sciatic nerve. Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were investigated at baseline and at 1, 3, and 7 days after CCI. Three application regimens were used for MDL-28170: a) single injection 40 min before CCI; b) serial injections of MDL- 28170 40 min before and up to day three after CCI; c) sustained application via intraperitoneal osmotic pumps. The control animals received the vehicle DMSO/PEG 400. The tolerable dose of MDL-28170 for mice was 30 mg/kg body weight, higher doses were lethal within the first hours after application. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were reduced after CCI and did not normalize after single or serial injections, nor with application of MDL-28170 via osmotic pumps. Although the calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 inhibits the early local cytokine upregulation in the sciatic nerve after CCI, pain behavior is not altered. This finding implies that local cytokine upregulation after nerve injury alone is only one factor in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain.}, subject = {Medizin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Karch2022, author = {Karch, Katharina}, title = {Mapping and Neutralization of Antibodies against Neurofascin, Contactin 1, Contactin associated protein 1 and Cortactin}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28022}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280223}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Immune-mediated polyneuropathies like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or Guillain-Barr{\´e} syndrome are rare diseases of the peripheral nervous system. A subgroup of patients harbors autoantibodies against nodal or paranodal antigens, associated with a distinct phenotype and treatment response. In a part of patients with pathologic paranodal or nodal immunoreactivity the autoantigens remain difficult or impossible to determine owing to limitations of the used detection approach - usually ELISAs (enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assays) - and incomplete knowledge of the possible autoantigens. Due to their high-throughput, low sample consumption and high sensitivity as well as the possibility to display many putative nodal and paranodal autoantigens simultaneously, peptide microarray-based approaches are prime candidates for the discovery of novel autoantigens, point-of-care diagnostics and, in addition, monitoring of pathologic autoimmune response. Current applications of peptide microarrays are however limited by high false-positive rates and the associated need for detailed follow-up studies and validation. Here, robust peptide microarray-based detection of antibodies and the efficient validation of binding signals by on-chip neutralization is demonstrated. First, autoantigens were displayed as overlapping peptide libraries in microarray format. Copies of the biochips were used for the fine mapping of antibody epitopes. Next, binding signals were validated by antibody neutralization in solution. Since neutralizing peptides are obtained in the process of microarray fabrications, neither throughput nor costs are significantly altered. Similar in-situ validation approaches could contribute to future autoantibody characterization and detection methods as well as to therapeutic research. Areas of application could be expanded to any autoimmune-mediated neurological disease as a long-term vision.}, subject = {Microarray}, language = {en} } @article{PohGreenAgostinellietal.2022, author = {Poh, Eugenia Z. and Green, Courtney and Agostinelli, Luca and Penrose-Menz, Marissa and Karl, Ann-Kathrin and Harvey, Alan R. and Rodger, Jennifer}, title = {Manipulating the level of sensorimotor stimulation during LI-rTMS can improve visual circuit reorganisation in adult ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) Mice}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {23}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {5}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23052418}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284090}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has the potential to treat a variety of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The extent of rTMS-induced neuroplasticity may be dependent on a subject's brain state at the time of stimulation. Chronic low intensity rTMS (LI-rTMS) has previously been shown to induce beneficial structural and functional reorganisation within the abnormal visual circuits of ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) mice in ambient lighting. Here, we administered chronic LI-rTMS in adult ephrin-A2A5\(^{-/-}\) mice either in a dark environment or concurrently with voluntary locomotion. One day after the last stimulation session, optokinetic responses were assessed and fluorescent tracers were injected to map corticotectal and geniculocortical projections. We found that LI-rTMS in either treatment condition refined the geniculocortical map. Corticotectal projections were improved in locomotion+LI-rTMS subjects, but not in dark + LI-rTMS and sham groups. Visuomotor behaviour was not improved in any condition. Our results suggest that the beneficial reorganisation of abnormal visual circuits by rTMS can be significantly influenced by simultaneous, ambient visual input and is enhanced by concomitant physical exercise. Furthermore, the observed pathway-specific effects suggest that regional molecular changes and/or the relative proximity of terminals to the induced electric fields influence the outcomes of LI-rTMS on abnormal circuitry.}, language = {en} }