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Ureaplasma species are common colonizers of the adult genitourinary tract and often considered as low-virulence commensals. Intraamniotic Ureaplasma infections, however, facilitate chorioamnionitis and preterm birth, and cases of Ureaplasma-induced neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis raise a growing awareness of their clinical relevance. In vitro studies are scarce but demonstrate distinct Ureaplasma-driven impacts on immune mechanisms. The current study addressed cytokine and chemokine responses upon exposure of native or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co-stimulated human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) to Ureaplasma urealyticum or U. parvum, using qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing, multi-analyte immunoassay, and flow cytometry. Ureaplasma exposure in native HBMEC reduced monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3 mRNA expression (p < 0.01, vs. broth). In co-stimulated HBMEC, Ureaplasma spp. attenuated LPS-evoked mRNA responses for C-X-C chemokine ligand 5, MCP-1, and MCP-3 (p < 0.05, vs. LPS) and mitigated LPS-driven interleukin (IL)-1α protein secretion, as well as IL-8 mRNA and protein responses (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Ureaplasma isolates increased C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 mRNA levels in native and LPS co-stimulated HBMEC (p < 0.05). The presented results may imply immunomodulatory capacities of Ureaplasma spp. which may ultimately promote chronic colonization and long-term neuroinflammation.
Polyneuropathien (PNP) können zu einer Reorganisation der nodalen und paranodalen Membranproteine mit in der Folge fehlerhafter Axon-Schwann-Zell-Interaktionen führen. Im Rahmen der Basisdiagnostik einer Polyneuropathie haben sich Hautbiopsien als weniger invasive Ergänzung zur Suralisbiopsie mit einem geringen Nebenwirkungsrisiko entwickelt. Die Morphologie dermaler Nervenfasern lässt sich mittels Immunohistochemie in der Haut gezielt untersuchen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Hypothese überprüft, ob pathologisch auffällige Ranvier-Schnürringe Hinweise auf Unterschiede bei PNP-Subgruppen und Schädigungsmuster liefern. Daneben wurden die Hypothesen überprüft, ob Entzündungszellen an myelinisierten Nervenfasern kolokalisiert nachweisbar sind und ob Hautbiopsien einen zusätzlichen Nutzen zur PNP-Basisdiagnostik liefern. Von 92 Patienten wurden Hautbiopsien von Finger, Ober-und Unterschenkel wurden entnommen, daraus gewonnene myelinisierte Nervenfasern der Haut wurden mittels immunohistochemischer Antikörper-Doppelfärbungen analysiert. Neuropathische Schädigungsformen vom axonalen und demyelinisierenden Typ zeigten keine signifikante Korrelation mit dem Auftreten von verlängerten Ranvier-Schnürringen und der Dispersion charakteristischer paranodaler und nodaler Membranproteine (Neurofascin, Caspr, Pan-Natrium-Kanäle). Kolokalisierte Entzündungszellen an myelinisierten Nervenfasern bei entzündlichen PNP ließen sich nicht nachweisen. PNP-Subgruppen zeigten keine signifikanten Unterschiede in Hinblick auf eine pathologische nodale oder paranodale Organisation. Der Zusatznutzen von Hautbiopsien in der PNP-Basisdiagnostik kann in Bezug auf die vorliegende Arbeit nur eingeschränkt bestätigt werden. Da Fingerbiopsien im Vergleich zu Proben aus Ober- und Unterschenkel eine signifikant höhere Dichte myelinisierter Nervenbündel pro Fläche Dermis aufweisen, wäre es durchaus denkbar, zukünftig primär Fingerbiopsien zu entnehmen um diese auf etwaige pathologische Veränderungen infolge neuropathischer Erkrankungen zu untersuchen. Anamnese, Basisdiagnostik und klinischer Befund erbringen nach wie vor den wichtigsten Beitrag zur PNP-Diagnostik.
Die Studienergebnisse stützen das Konzept, dass das periphere Nervensystem zu Schmerzen beim Fibromyalgie-Syndrom (FMS) beiträgt. An der Neurologischen Universitätsklinik Würzburg wurden 53 FMS Patientinnen und 35 gesunde Kontrollen rekrutiert, ausführlich anamnestiziert inklusive spezieller Schmerzfragebögen, neurologisch und mittels spezieller Tests auf eine Störung der kleinkalibrigen A-delta- und C-Nervenfasern untersucht. Hierzu gehörte eine quantitative sensorische Testung mit Pleasant touch Untersuchung und die schmerz-assoziierten elektrisch-evoziierten Potentiale für die Kleinfaserfunktion und die corneale confocale Mikroskopie, sowie die Analyse von Hautstanbiopsien für die Kleinfasermorphologie.
Im Unterschied zu gesunden Kontrollen wiesen die FMS Patientinnen eine Reduktion, als auch eine Funktionsänderung der kleinkalibrigen Nervenfasern auf. Des Weiteren konnten wir aus der heterogenen Patientenpopulation anhand von unterschiedlichen Nervenfaserdichten der Haut eine Subgruppe mit generalisierter Reduktion der Hautinnervation identifizieren, die besonders schwer betroffen ist.
Diese Subgruppenanalysen können künftig von großer Bedeutung für die
Therapiewahl sein.
Background
Increasing attention is payed to the contribution of somatosensory processing in motor control. In particular, temporal somatosensory discrimination has been found to be altered differentially in common movement disorders. To date, there have only been speculations as to how impaired temporal discrimination and clinical motor signs may relate to each other. Prior to disentangling this relationship, potential confounders of temporal discrimination, in particular age and peripheral nerve conduction, should be assessed, and a quantifiable measure of proprioceptive performance should be established.
ObjectiveTo assess the influence of age and polyneuropathy (PNP) on somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT), temporal discrimination movement threshold (TDMT), and behavioral measures of proprioception of upper and lower limbs.
Methods
STDT and TDMT were assessed in 79 subjects (54 healthy, 25 with PNP; age 30–79 years). STDT was tested with surface electrodes over the thenar or dorsal foot region. TDMT was probed with needle electrodes in flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Goniometer-based devices were used to assess limb proprioception during (i) active pointing to LED markers, (ii) active movements in response to variable visual cues, and (iii) estimation of limb position following passive movements. Pointing (or estimation) error was taken as a measure of proprioceptive performance.
Results
In healthy subjects, higher age was associated with higher STDT and TDMT at upper and lower extremities, while age did not correlate with proprioceptive performance. Patients with PNP showed higher STDT and TDMT values and decreased proprioceptive performance in active pointing tasks compared to matched healthy subjects. As an additional finding, there was a significant correlation between performance in active pointing tasks and temporal discrimination thresholds.
Conclusion
Given their notable impact on measures of temporal discrimination, age and peripheral nerve conduction need to be accounted for if STDT and TDMT are applied in patients with movement disorders. As a side observation, the correlation between measures of proprioception and temporal discrimination may prompt further studies on the presumptive link between these two domains.
Platelet collagen interactions at sites of vascular injuries predominantly involve glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and the integrin α2β1. Both proteins are primarily expressed on platelets and megakaryocytes whereas GPVI expression is also shown on endothelial and integrin α2β1 expression on epithelial cells. We recently showed that depletion of GPVI improves stroke outcome without increasing the risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Genetic variants associated with higher platelet surface integrin α2 (ITGA2) receptor levels have frequently been found to correlate with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients. However until now, no preclinical stroke study has addressed whether platelet integrin α2β1 contributes to the pathophysiology of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6 and Itga2\(^{−/−}\) mice by a 60 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Additionally, wild-type animals were pretreated with anti-GPVI antibody (JAQ1) or Fab fragments of a function blocking antibody against integrin α2β1 (LEN/B). In anti-GPVI treated animals, intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) treatment was applied immediately prior to reperfusion. Stroke outcome, including infarct size and neurological scoring was determined on day 1 after tMCAO. We demonstrate that targeting the integrin α2β1 (pharmacologic; genetic) did neither reduce stroke size nor improve functional outcome on day 1 after tMCAO. In contrast, depletion of platelet GPVI prior to stroke was safe and effective, even when combined with rt-PA treatment. Our results underscore that GPVI, but not ITGA2, is a promising and safe target in the setting of ischemic stroke.
Symptomatic vs. asymptomatic 20–40% internal carotid artery stenosis: Does the plaque size matter?
(2019)
Background: Around 9–15% of ischemic strokes are related to internal carotid artery (ICA)-stenosis ≥50%. However, the extent to which ICA-stenosis <50% causes ischemic cerebrovascular events is uncertain. We examined the relation between plaque cross-sectional area and length and the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA among patients with ICA-stenosis of 20–40%.
Methods: We retrospectively identified patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, from January 2011 until September 2016 with ischemic stroke or TIA and concomitant ICA-stenosis of 20–40%, either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Plaque length and cross-sectional area were assessed on ultrasound scans.
Results: We identified 41 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA and ICA-stenosis of 20–40%; 14 symptomatic and 27 asymptomatic. The plaque cross-sectional area was significantly larger among symptomatic than asymptomatic ICA-stenosis; median values (IQR) were 0.45 (0.21–0.69) cm2 and 0.27 (0.21–0.38) cm2, p = 0.03, respectively. A plaque cross-sectional area ≥0.36 cm2 had a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 76% for symptomatic compared with asymptomatic ICA-stenosis. In a sex-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, a plaque cross-sectional area ≥0.36 cm2 and a plaque length ≥1.65 cm were associated with an OR (95% CI) of 5.54 (1.2–25.6), p = 0.028 and 1.78 (0.36–8.73), p = 0.48, respectively, for symptomatic ICA-stenosis.
Conclusion: Large plaques might increase the risk of ischemic stroke or TIA among patients with low-grade ICA-stenosis of 20–40%. Sufficiently powered prospective longitudinal cohort studies are needed to definitively test the stroke risk stratification value of carotid plaque length and cross-sectional area in the setting of current optimal medical treatment.
In addition to bradykinesia and tremor, patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are known to exhibit non-motor symptoms such as apathy and hypomimia but also impulsivity in response to dopaminergic replacement therapy. Moreover, a plethora of studies observe differences in electrocortical and autonomic responses to both visual and acoustic affective stimuli in PD subjects compared to healthy controls. This suggests that the basal ganglia (BG), as well as the hyperdirect pathway and BG thalamocortical circuits, are involved in affective processing. Recent studies have shown valence and dopamine-dependent changes in synchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in PD patients during affective tasks. This thesis investigates the role of dopamine, valence, and laterality in STN electrophysiology by analyzing event-related potentials (ERP), synchronization, and inter-hemispheric STN connectivity. STN recordings were obtained from PD patients with chronically implanted electrodes for deep brain stimulation during a passive affective picture presentation task. The STN exhibited valence-dependent ERP latencies and lateralized ‘high beta’ (28–40 Hz) event-related desynchronization. This thesis also examines the role of dopamine, valence, and laterality on STN functional connectivity with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the amygdala. The activity of these limbic structures was reconstructed using simultaneously recorded electroencephalographic signals. While the STN was found to establish early coupling with both structures, STN-ACC coupling in the ‘alpha’ range (7–11 Hz) and uncoupling in the ‘low beta’ range (14–21 Hz) were lateralized. Lateralization was also observed at the level of synchrony in both reconstructed sources and for ACC ERP amplitude, whereas dopamine modulated ERP latency in the amygdala. These results may deepen our current understanding of the STN as a limbic node within larger emotional-motor networks in the brain.
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is present in 15–20% of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of AF-related recurrent stroke but clinical guideline recommendations are rather vague regarding its use in the acute phase of stroke. We aimed to assess the current clinical practice of medical stroke prevention in AF patients during the acute phase of ischemic stroke.
Methods
In April 2017, a standardized anonymous questionnaire was sent to clinical leads of all 298 certified stroke units in Germany.
Results
Overall, 154 stroke unit leads participated (response rate 52%). Anticoagulation in the acute phase of stroke is considered feasible in more than 90% of AF patients with ischemic stroke. Clinicians assume that about two thirds of all AF patients (range 20–100%) are discharged on oral anticoagulation. According to local preferences, acetylsalicylic acid is given orally in the majority of patients with delayed initiation of oral anticoagulation. A non-vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulant (NOAC) is more often prescribed than a vitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulant (VKA). VKA is more often chosen in patients with previous VKA intake than in VKA naive patients. In the minority of patients, stroke unit leads discuss the prescription of a specific oral anticoagulant with the treating general practitioner. Adherence to medical stroke prevention after hospital discharge is not assessed on a regular basis in any patient by the majority of participating stroke centers.
Conclusions
Early secondary stroke prevention in AF patients in German stroke units is based on OAC use but prescription modalities vary in clinical practice.
Background and Purpose: Internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS)≥70% is a leading cause of ischemic cerebrovascular events (ICVEs). However, a considerable percentage of stroke survivors with symptomatic ICAS (sICAS) have <70% stenosis with a vulnerable plaque. Whether the length of ICAS is associated with high risk of ICVEs is poorly investigated. Our main aim was to investigate the relation between the length of ICAS and the development of ICVEs.
Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, we identified 95 arteries with sICAS and another 64 with asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis (aICAS) among 121 patients with ICVEs. The degree and length of ICAS as well as plaque echolucency were assessed on ultrasound scans.
Results: A statistically significant inverse correlation between the ultrasound-measured length and degree of ICAS was detected for sICAS≥70% (Spearman correlation coefficient ρ = –0.57, p < 0.001, n = 51) but neither for sICAS<70% (ρ = 0.15, p = 0.45, n = 27) nor for aICAS (ρ = 0.07, p = 0.64, n = 54). The median (IQR) length for sICAS<70% and ≥70% was 17 (15–20) and 15 (12–19) mm (p = 0.06), respectively, while that for sICAS<90% and sICAS 90% was 18 (15–21) and 13 (10–16) mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Among patients with ICAS <70%, a cut-off length of ≥16 mm was found for sICAS rather than aICAS with a sensitivity and specificity of 74.1% and 51.1%, respectively. Irrespective of the stenotic degree, plaques of the sICAS compared to aICAS were significantly more often echolucent (43.2 vs. 24.6%, p = 0.02).
Conclusion: We found a statistically insignificant tendency for the ultrasound-measured length of sICAS<70% to be longer than that of sICAS≥70%. Moreover, the ultrasound-measured length of sICAS<90% was significantly longer than that of sICAS 90%. Among patients with sICAS≥70%, the degree and length of stenosis were inversely correlated. Larger studies are needed before a clinical implication can be drawn from these results.
Background and Purpose: Internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70% is a leading cause of ischemic cerebrovascular events. However, a considerable percentage of stroke survivors with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis have <70% stenosis with a vulnerable plaque. Whether the length of internal carotid artery stenosis is associated with high risk of ischemic cerebrovascular events or with white matter lesions is poorly investigated. Our main aim was to investigate the relation between the length of internal carotid artery stenosis and the development of ischemic cerebrovascular events as well as ipsi-, contralateral as well as mean white matter lesion load.
Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, 168 patients with 208 internal carotid artery stenosis were identified. The degree and length of internal carotid artery stenosis as well as plaque morphology (hypoechoic, mixed or echogenic) were assessed on ultrasound scans. The white matter lesions were assessed in 4 areas separately, (periventricular and deep white matter lesions on each hemisphere), using the Fazekas scale. The mean white matter lesions load was calculated as the mean of these four values.
Results: A statistically significant inverse correlation between the ultrasound-measured length and degree of internal carotid artery stenosis was detected for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70% (Spearman correlation coefficient ρ = –0.57, p < 0.001, n = 51) but neither for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis <70% (ρ = 0.15, p = 0.45, n = 27) nor for asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis (ρ = 0.07, p = 0.64, n = 54). The median (IQR) length for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis <70% and ≥70% was 17 (15–20) and 15 (12–19) mm (p = 0.06), respectively, while that for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis <90% and symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis 90% was 18 (15–21) and 13 (10–16) mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Among patients with internal carotid artery stenosis <70%, a cut-off length of ≥16 mm was found for symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis rather than asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis with a sensitivity and specificity of 74.1% and 51.1%, respectively. Irrespective of the stenotic degree, plaques of the symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis compared to asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis were significantly more often echolucent (43.2 vs. 24.6%, p = 0.02). The length but not the degree of internal carotid artery stenosis showed a very slight trend toward association with ipsilateral white matter lesions and with mean white matter lesions load.
Conclusion: We found a statistically insignificant tendency for the ultrasound-measured length of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis <70% to be longer than that of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70%. Moreover, the ultrasound-measured length of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis <90% was significantly longer than that of symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis 90%. Among patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70%, the degree and length of stenosis were inversely correlated. Furthermore, we have shown that a slight correlation exists between the length of stenosis and the presence of ipsilateral white matter lesions which might be due to microembolisation originating from the carotid plaque. Larger studies are needed before a clinical implication can be drawn from these results.
Objective: To assess patterns and impact of small nerve fiber dysfunction and pathology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Methods: One hundred seventeen women with FMS underwent neurological examination, questionnaire assessment, neurophysiology assessment, and small fiber tests: skin punch biopsy, corneal confocal microscopy, microneurography, quantitative sensory testing including C-tactile afferents, and pain-related evoked potentials. Data were compared with those of women with major depressive disorder and chronic widespread pain (MD-P) and healthy women.
Results: Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was reduced at different biopsy sites in 63% of FMS patients (MDP: 10%, controls: 18%; p < 0.001 for each). We found 4 patterns of skin innervation in FMS: normal, distally reduced, proximally reduced, and both distally and proximally reduced (p < 0.01 for each compared to controls). Microneurography revealed initial activity-dependent acceleration of conduction velocity upon low frequencies of stimulation in 1A fibers, besides 1B fiber spontaneous activity and mechanical sensitization in FMS patients. FMS patients had elevated warm detection thresholds (p < 0.01), impaired C-tactile afferents (p < 0.05), and reduced amplitudes (p < 0.001) of pain-related evoked potentials compared to controls. Compared to FMS patients with normal skin innervation, those with generalized IENFD reduction had higher pain intensity and impairment due to pain, higher disease burden, more stabbing pain and paresthesias, and more anxiety (p < 0.05 for each). FMS patients with generalized IENFD reduction also had lower corneal nerve fiber density (p < 0.01) and length (p < 0.05).
Interpretation: The extent of small fiber pathology is related to symptom severity in FMS. This knowledge may have implications for the diagnostic classification and treatment of patients with FMS.
Objective
To establish individually expandable primary fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures from 3‐mm skin punch biopsies for patient‐derived in vitro skin models to investigate of small fiber pathology.
Methods
We obtained 6‐mm skin punch biopsies from the calf of two patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and two healthy controls. One half (3 mm) was used for diagnostic intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). From the second half, we isolated and cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Cells were used to generate patient‐derived full‐thickness three‐dimensional (3D) skin models containing a dermal and epidermal component. Cells and skin models were characterized morphologically, immunocyto‐ and ‐histochemically (vimentin, cytokeratin (CK)‐10, CK 14, ki67, collagen1, and procollagen), and by electrical impedance.
Results
Distal IENFD was reduced in the SFN patients (2 fibers/mm each), while IENFD was normal in the controls (8 fibers/mm, 7 fibers/mm). Two‐dimensional (2D) cultured skin cells showed normal morphology, adequate viability, and proliferation, and expressed cell‐specific markers without relevant difference between SFN patient and healthy control. Using 2D cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes, we obtained subject‐derived 3D skin models. Morphology of the 3D model was analogous to the respective skin biopsy specimens. Both, the dermal and the epidermal layer carried cell‐specific markers and showed a homogenous expression of extracellular matrix proteins.
Interpretation
Our protocol allows the generation of disease‐specific 2D and 3D skin models, which can be used to investigate the cross‐talk between skin cells and sensory neurons in small fiber pathology.
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.
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.
LTD-artige zentralmotorische Plastizität im Schubereignis bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose
(2019)
Die Multiple Sklerose ist eine chronisch entzündliche Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems. Durch ein komplexes Zusammenspiel von Genetik, Autoimmunvorgängen und proinflammatorischen Prozessen kommt es zur Demyelinisierung sowie zu axonalen Schäden und kortikalen Läsionen (Calabrese et al., 2010; Ciccarelli et al., 2014; International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics et al., 2011; Leray et al., 2015). In den Industrieländern ist diese Erkrankung eine der häufigsten Ursachen für langfristige Behinderung bereits im frühen Lebensalter (Flores-Alvarado, Gabriel-
46 Ortiz, Pacheco-Mois, & Bitzer-Quintero, 2015). Die Diskrepanz allerdings zwischen klinischer Symptomatik und den Befunden der Bildgebung (Barkhof, 2002) gibt Anlass dafür, Adaptionsmöglichkeiten detailliert zu erforschen. Vorgänge der Neuroplastizität mit LTP und LTD als Basismechanismen erscheinen dabei zunehmend Beachtung zu finden (Dayan & Cohen, 2011; Zeller et al., 2011). Welche Rolle diese Prozesse allerdings im akuten Schub, während der häufig stark ausgeprägten Symptomatik, insbesondere aber auch während ihrer Rückbildung spielen, bleibt bisher weitgehend ungeklärt. Eine Untersuchung zu stimulationsinduzierter LTP-artiger Plastizität im Schub deutete auf einen möglichen Zusammenhang zwischen Ausmaß der Symptomrückbildung und PAS25-induziertem LTP-Effekt hin (Mori et al., 2014).
In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde komplementär hierzu die stimulationsinduzierte LTD-artige Plastizität bei 19 MS- bzw. CIS-Patienten während des steroidbehandelten akuten Schubes untersucht. Als Kontrollgruppe wurden alters- und geschlechtsgematchte gesunde Probanden untersucht. Die Messungen wurden mithilfe eines Protokolls der assoziativen Paarstimulation durchgeführt. Paarstimulation wird die Kombination aus der peripher elektrischen und transkraniell magnetischen Stimulation genannt. Das in unserer Studie verwendete Protokoll sieht ein Interstimulusintervall von 10ms vor (PAS10). Der Effekt der Paarstimulation wird durch Messungen der Exzitabilität des motorischen Kortex mittels motorisch evozierter Potenziale (MEP) jeweils vor und nach der Intervention gemessen. Bei den MS-Patienten wurden diese Daten zum Zeitpunkt des Schubes (t1) und 12 Wochen danach (t2) erhoben; die gesunden Kontrollen wurden nur einmal gemessen. Daneben wurde bei den Schubpatienten zur Quantifizierung der klinischen Symptomatik jeweils zum ersten und zum zweiten Zeitpunkt der MSFC erhoben.
Die MS-Patienten zeigten im akuten MS-Schub im Gegensatz zu der Kontrollgruppe aus Gesunden keinen LTD-artigen, sondern einen inversen, sprich einen signifikant LTP-artigen Effekt; dieser war zum Zeitpunkt t2 nicht mehr zu erkennen. Der Unterschied zwischen den PAS10-Effekten der MS- und der Kontrollgruppe war ebenfalls signifikant. Der Vergleich der MSFC-Werte der MS-Gruppe zwischen t1 und t2 erbrachte eine signifikante klinische Besserung. Eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen
47
den neurophysiologischen und klinischen Daten bzw. ihren Veränderungen zwischen t1 und t2 zeigte sich nicht.
Diese Ergebnisse untermauern und erweitern bereits bestehende Hinweise, dass während der akuten Inflammationsprozesse des MS-Schubes veränderte Voraussetzungen für die Induzierbarkeit von Plastizität gegeben sind. Nicht nur, wie bereits gezeigt, die LTP-artige, sondern offenbar auch die LTD-artige assoziative Plastizität zeigt sich stark von den humoralen Veränderungen im steroidbehandelten Schub beeinflusst. Weitere Studien in stärker vorselektierten Patientengruppen sollten der Frage nachgehen, inwieweit LTD-artige Plastizität sich in verschiedenen Subgruppen mit unterschiedlichen Schubsymptomen unterscheidet. Des Weiteren ist der Frage weiter nachzugehen, ob LTD-artige Plastizität funktional zur Adaption im Rahmen des Schubereignisses notwendig ist und inwieweit deren Unterdrückung bzw. Ersatz durch Langzeitpotenzierung potenziell einer Adaption im Wege steht. Sollten potenzielle Folgestudien bestätigen, dass LTD- und LTP-artige Plastizität im Schub möglicherweise häufig dysfunktional ausgeprägt ist und einer optimalen Regeneration entgegensteht, wären daraus praktische Implikationen zu ziehen. Die Entwicklung neuer Trainingsprogramme oder elektrophysiologischer Konzepte könnte ein nächstes Ziel dieses Forschungszweiges sein, um potenziell dysfunktionale Plastizität zu vermeiden und physiologische Prozesse bereits im Schub zu fördern.
Introduction: Striatal dopamine depletion disrupts basal ganglia function and causes Parkinson’s disease (PD). The pathophysiology of the dopamine-dependent relationship between basal ganglia signaling and motor control, however, is not fully understood. We obtained simultaneous recordings of local field potentials (LFPs) from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and electromyograms (EMGs) in patients with PD to investigate the impact of dopaminergic state and movement on long-range beta functional connectivity between basal ganglia and lower motor neurons.
Methods: Eight PD patients were investigated 3 months after implantation of a deep brain stimulation (DBS)-system capable of recording LFPs via chronically-implanted leads (Medtronic, ACTIVA PC+S®). We analyzed STN spectral power and its coherence with EMG in the context of two different movement paradigms (tonic wrist extension vs. alternating wrist extension and flexion) and the effect of levodopa (L-Dopa) intake using an unbiased data-driven approach to determine regions of interest (ROI).
Results: Two ROIs capturing prominent coherence within a grand average coherogram were identified. A trend of a dopamine effect was observed for the first ROI (50–150 ms after movement start) with higher STN-EMG coherence in medicated patients. Concerning the second ROI (300–500 ms after movement start), an interaction effect of L-Dopa medication and movement task was observed with higher coherence in the isometric contraction task compared to alternating movements in the medication ON state, a pattern which was reversed in L-Dopa OFF.
Discussion: L-Dopa medication may normalize functional connectivity between remote structures of the motor system with increased upper beta coherence reflecting a physiological restriction of the amount of information conveyed between remote structures. This may be necessary to maintain simple movements like isometric contraction. Our study adds dynamic properties to the complex interplay between STN spectral beta power and the nucleus’ functional connectivity to remote structures of the motor system as a function of movement and dopaminergic state. This may help to identify markers of neuronal activity relevant for more individualized programming of DBS therapy.
Background: Cervical dystonia is a movement disorder causing abnormal postures and movements of the head. While the exact pathophysiology of cervical dystonia has not yet been fully elucidated, a growing body of evidence points to the cerebellum as an important node.
Methods: Here, we examined the impact of cerebellar interference by transcranial magnetic stimulation on finger-tapping related brain activation and neurophysiological measures of cortical excitability and inhibition in cervical dystonia and controls. Bilateral continuous theta-burst stimulation was used to modulate cerebellar cortical excitability in 16 patients and matched healthy controls. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging arm, data were acquired during simple finger tapping before and after cerebellar stimulation. In a neurophysiological arm, assessment comprised motor-evoked potentials amplitude and cortical silent period duration. Theta-burst stimulation over the dorsal premotor cortex and sham stimulation (neurophysiological arm only) served as control conditions.
Results: At baseline, finger tapping was associated with increased activation in the ipsilateral cerebellum in patients compared to controls. Following cerebellar theta-burst stimulation, this pattern was even more pronounced, along with an additional movement-related activation in the contralateral somatosensory region and angular gyrus. Baseline motor-evoked potential amplitudes were higher and cortical silent period duration shorter in patients compared to controls. After cerebellar theta-burst stimulation, cortical silent period duration increased significantly in dystonia patients.
Conclusion: We conclude that in cervical dystonia, finger movements—though clinically non-dystonic—are associated with increased activation of the lateral cerebellum, possibly pointing to general motor disorganization, which remains subclinical in most body regions. Enhancement of this activation together with an increase of silent period duration by cerebellar continuous theta-burst stimulation may indicate predominant disinhibitory effects on Purkinje cells, eventually resulting in an inhibition of cerebello-thalamocortical circuits.
Chemokines (C-X-C) motif ligand (CXCL) 5 and 8 are overexpressed in patients with multiple sclerosis, where CXCL5 serum levels were shown to correlate with blood–brain barrier dysfunction as evidenced by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Here, we studied the potential role of CXCL5/CXCL8 receptor 2 (CXCR2) as a regulator of paraendothelial brain barrier function, using the well-characterized human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Low basal CXCR2 mRNA and protein expression levels in hCMEC/D3 were found to strongly increase under inflammatory conditions. Correspondingly, immunohistochemistry of brain biopsies from two patients with active multiple sclerosis revealed upregulation of endothelial CXCR2 compared to healthy control tissue. Recombinant CXCL5 or CXCL8 rapidly and transiently activated Akt/protein kinase B in hCMEC/D3. This was followed by a redistribution of tight junction-associated protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and by the formation of actin stress fibers. Functionally, these morphological changes corresponded to a decrease of paracellular barrier function, as measured by a real-time electrical impedance-sensing system. Importantly, preincubation with the selective CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 partially prevented chemokine-induced disturbance of both tight junction morphology and function. We conclude that human brain endothelial CXCR2 may contribute to blood–brain barrier disturbance under inflammatory conditions with increased CXCL5 and CXCL8 expression, where CXCR2 may also represent a novel pharmacological target for blood–brain barrier stabilization.
Hintergrund dieser Doktorarbeit ist die ungeklärte Pathophysiologie der idiopathischen Dystonie. Die DYT1 Dystonie ist die häufigste hereditäre Dystonie und weist eine Mutation im Tor1a-Gen auf, welches das Protein TorsinA kodiert. Diese DYT1 Dystonie besitzt interessanterweise lediglich eine Penetranz von 30%. Ein gutes Nagermodell mit einem klinisch dystonen Phänotyp existiert bislang nicht. Diese Dissertation adressiert die Frage, ob sich eine Dystonie bei DYT1 relevanter genetischer Prädisposition durch peripheren Stress („second-hit“) manifestiert.
Bei Tor1a +/- Mäusen (50% TorsinA Expression, Tor1a +/-), die im naiven Zustand keinen dystonen Phänotyp haben, sowie bei Wildtyp (wt) Kontrolltieren im Alter von vier Monaten wurde eine rechtsseitige reversible N. ischiadicus Quetschläsion durchgeführt. Die Tiere wurden daraufhin in einem Beobachtungszeitraum von acht Wochen nach dem Trauma verhaltensanalytisch und morphologisch untersucht.
Folgende Ergebnisse wurden hierbei erzielt: Im „Tail-suspension-Test“ zeigte sich bereits ein Tag nach der Quetschläsion des N. ischiadicus eine passagere Parese des betroffenen rechten Hinterbeins bei wt und Tor1a +/- Mäusen. Die fokale Dystonie entwickelte sich ab der vierten Woche bei Tor1a +/- Mäusen stärker als bei den wt Kontrolltieren. Durch das computergestützte Ganganalysesystem (Catwalk™ XT 10.0) konnte bei wt und Tor1a +/- Tieren eine Woche nach der Quetschläsion eine Veränderung der Schrittfolgemuster mit einer Reduktion des Schrittfolge-Regularitäts-Index festgestellt werden. Die abnormale Schrittfolge beim Laufen führte bei Tor1a +/- Mäusen zu einer progredienten Abnahme des Schrittfolge-Regularitäts-Index, während sich wt Mäuse nach fünf Wochen aber wieder erholten. Bei der Überprüfung der Koordinationsfähigkeit beider Genotypen durch den Rotarod Test konnten keine signifikanten Unterschiede festgestellt werden. Immunhistochemische Färbungen des N. ischiadicus auf den Myelinmarker Myelinprotein Zero MPZ, den axonalen Marker Neurofilament und Makrophagen Marker F4/80+ vor der Nervenläsion und acht Wochen nach der Nervenläsion zeigten ebenso keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen wt und Tor1a +/- Tieren. Die Anzahl Nissl+ Neurone im lumbalen Rückenmark (L2-4), Striatum und zerebralen Kortex und zudem die Anzahl CD11b positiver Mikroglia im lumbalen Rückenmark (L2-4) wiesen ebenfalls keine signifikanten Unterschiede im Vergleich der beiden Genotypen nach Nervenläsion auf.
Abschließend wurden noch verschiedene Behandlungsexperimente durchgeführt, um zu klären, ob die gefundenen Unterschiede zwischen Tor1a +/- und Tor1a +/+ Mäusen dopaminerg verursacht sind. Hierfür wurden sowohl genetisch mutierte Tor1a +/- Mäuse als auch wt Mäuse nach der Quetschläsion entweder mit einem Kombinationspräparat aus L-Dopa und Benserazid oder mit AMPT acht Wochen lang behandelt.
Folgende Ergebnisse wurden hierbei ermittelt: Die Schrittfolgeregularität beim Catwalk™ XT 10.0 zeigte bei genetisch mutierten Mäusen eine deutliche Auswirkung der Medikation. Tor1a +/- AMPT Mäuse wiesen nach der Läsion eine progrediente Zunahme der Schrittfolgeregularität auf das Ausgangsniveau auf, Tor1a + /- L-Dopa Mäuse hingegen entwickelten auf die Läsion hin eine kontinuierliche Abnahme der Schrittfolgeregularität und konnten sich nicht auf ihr Ausgangsniveau erholen. Die Ergebnisse beim „Tail-suspension-Test“ zeigten ähnliche Resultate: Tor1a +/- Mäuse wiesen nach der Quetschläsion auf die Verabreichung von AMPT hin eine Reduktion der fokalen Dystonie auf, wohingegen die Behandlung mit L-Dopa bei Mutanten zu einer Verschlechterung der Dystonie führte.
Schlussfolgernd zeigt die vorliegende Dissertation, dass ein peripheres Trauma bei genetisch prädispositionierten Mäusen im Sinne eines „second-hits“ zur klinischen Ausprägung einer DYT1 Dystonie führt. Die verstärkte fokale Dystonie in Tor1a +/- Mäusen ist nicht durch ein unterschiedliches Ausmaß an Nervenschädigung nach N. ischiadicus Quetschläsion oder durch morphologische Veränderungen der Tor1a +/- Mäuse im Bereich des N. ischiadicus, Rückenmarks, Striatums oder des Kortex zu begründen.