scholarly journals CSF and Serum Biomarkers of Cerebral Damage in Autoimmune Epilepsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Daniel Nass ◽  
Katja Akgün ◽  
Karmele Olaciregui Dague ◽  
Christian Erich Elger ◽  
Heinz Reichmann ◽  
...  

Introduction: Our goal was to investigate whether biomarkers of cerebral damage are found in autoimmune-mediated epilepsy (AIE) and whether these can differentiate AIE from other seizure disorders.Methods: We retrospectively searched our cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) database for patients with definite AIE, hippocampal sclerosis due to other causes (HS), genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), and psychogenic, non-epileptic seizures (PNES). We measured serum and CSF tau, neurofilament 1 (NFL), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and ubiquitin-carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 with a single-molecule array.Results: We identified suitable samples from patients with AIE (n = 13) with different antibodies and compared them to HS (n = 13), GGE (n = 7), and PNES (n = 8). The NFL levels were significantly elevated in the serum (p = 0.0009) and CSF (p < 0.0019) of AIE patients. The AIE group was significantly older, while the disease duration was significantly shorter than in the control groups. NFL correlated significantly with age in all groups, and the NFL levels of AIE patients were hardly higher than those of healthy elderly people published elsewhere.Conclusions: Our data indicate that the elevated NFL levels in AIE patients are most likely due to the higher age in this group and not due to the underlying inflammation. Unless larger prospective studies with intra-individual, longitudinal analyses and treatment responses would contradict our findings, NFL in serum might yet become a biomarker for disease activity and differential diagnosis.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 205970021988619
Author(s):  
David Davies ◽  
Kamal M Yakoub ◽  
Ugo Scarpa ◽  
Connor Bentley ◽  
Michael Grey ◽  
...  

Establishing a diagnosis of concussion within the context of competitive sport is frequently difficult due to the heterogeneity of presentation. Over the years, many endogenous proteins, including the recent Food and Drug Administration approved for mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury, glial fibrillary acid protein and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase, have been studied as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury. Recently, a new class of potential biomarkers, the microRNAs, has shown promise as indicators of traumatic brain injury. In this pilot study, we have analysed the ability of pre-validated serum microRNAs (mi-425-5p and miR-502) to diagnose concussion, in cases without structural pathology. Their performance has been assessed alongside a set of identified protein biomarkers for traumatic brain injury in cohort of 41 concussed athletes. Athletes with a confirmed concussion underwent blood sampling after 48 h from concussion along with magnetic resonance imaging. Serum mi-425-5p and miR-502 were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and digital immunoassay was used to determine serum concentrations of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase, glial fibrillary acid protein, neurofilament light and Tau. Results were matched with 15 healthy volunteers. No structural/haemorrhagic pathology was identified. Protein biomarkers demonstrated variability among groups reflecting previous performance in the literature. Neurofilament light was the only marker to positively correlate with symptoms reported and SCAT5 scores. Despite the sub optimal timing of sampling beyond the optimal window for many of the protein biomarkers measured, miR-502 was significantly downregulated at all time points within a week form concussion ictus, showing a diagnostic sensitivity in cases beyond 48 h and without structural pathology.


2003 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Porter ◽  
A. DeLahunta ◽  
B. Summers

Gliomatosis cerebri is a well-recognized entity in human medicine characterized by unusually widespread infiltration of the neuraxis by neoplastic glial cells with relative preservation of brain architecture. This report describes the pathologic features of the disease in six dogs. The dogs ranged from 3 to 9 years of age (mean 6.1 years) without evidence of breed predilection; five of the six dogs were neutered or intact males. The clinical findings were mixed (including depression, circling, cranial nerve deficits), reflecting the diffuse nature of the disease. Histologically, there was remarkably diffuse infiltration of the white and gray matter of the brain by small numbers of elongated neoplastic cells. Areas of greater cellularity formed grossly visible lesions in four cases. Anisocytosis and pleomorphism were greater in areas of higher cellularity. Other features of tumor growth included subpial accumulation, neuronal satellitosis, perivascular cuffing, and tropism for cranial nerve and brain stem nuclei. Neoplastic cells were negative on immunohistochemical stains for glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and leukocyte markers, reflecting the uncertain histogenesis of these unusual neoplasms.


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 6357-6366
Author(s):  
R S Jones ◽  
W M Gelbart

As is typical of Polycomb-group loci, the Enhancer of zeste [E(z)] gene negatively regulates the segment identity genes of the Antennapedia (ANT-C) and Bithorax (BX-C) gene complexes. A second class of loci, collectively known as the trithorax group, plays an antagonistic role as positive regulators of the ANT-C and BX-C genes. Molecular analysis of the E(z) gene predicts a 760-amino-acid protein product. A region of 116 amino acids near the E(z) carboxy terminus is 41.2% identical (68.4% similar) with a carboxy-terminal region of the trithorax protein. This portion of the trithorax protein is part of a larger region previously shown to share extensive homology with a human protein (ALL-1/Hrx) that is implicated in acute leukemias. Over this same 116 amino acids, E(z) and ALL-1/Hrx are 43.9% identical (68.4% similar). Otherwise, E(z) is not significantly similar to any previously described proteins. As this region of sequence similarity is shared by two proteins with antagonistic functions, we suggest that it may comprise a domain that interacts with a common target, either nucleic acid or protein. Opposite effects on transcription might then be determined by other portions of the two proteins.


1990 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Fischman ◽  
J C Edman ◽  
G M Shackleford ◽  
J A Turner ◽  
W J Rutter ◽  
...  

A cDNA for a potential tyrosine kinase-encoding mRNA was isolated from a mouse testis cDNA library. In a survey of eight mouse tissues, a transcript of 2.4 kilobases restricted to testis tissue was found. The mRNA encodes a 453-amino-acid protein of 51,383 daltons, the smallest tyrosine kinase protein ever described. RNA synthesized from the cDNA template directs the synthesis of a 51,000-Mr protein in a cell-free translation system. The carboxy-terminal 409 amino acids are 98 and 90% identical to the carboxy halves of the rat and human Fer proteins, respectively. This suggests that the cDNA represents an alternatively spliced testis-specific fer mRNA and is therefore termed by us ferT. On the basis of the appearance time of the fer mRNA in the testis of maturing neonatal mice, we speculate on the role played by this protein in the development of this organ.


1996 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 207-207
Author(s):  
Paul G Ekert ◽  
Neil MacLusky ◽  
Larry Becker ◽  
Martin Post ◽  
A. Keith Tanswell

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra A. Codeluppi ◽  
Dipashree Chatterjee ◽  
Thomas D. Prevot ◽  
Keith A. Misquitta ◽  
Etienne Sibille ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundNeuromorphological changes are consistently reported in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with stress-related disorders and in rodent stress models, but the effects of stress on astrocyte morphology and potential link to behavioral deficits are relatively unknown.MethodsTo answer these questions, transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) promotor were subjected to 7, 21 or 35 days of chronic restraint stress (CRS). CRS behavioral effects on anhedonia- and anxiety-like behaviours were measured using the sucrose intake and the PhenoTyper tests, respectively. PFC GFP+ or GFAP+ cells morphology was assessed using Sholl analysis and associations with behavior were determined using correlation analysis.ResultsCRS-exposed mice displayed anxiety-like behavior at 7, 21 and 35 days and anhedonia-like behavior at 35 days. Analysis of GFAP+ cell morphology revealed significant atrophy of distal processes following 21 and 35 days of CRS. CRS induced similar decreases in intersections at distal radii for GFP+ cells, accompanied by increased proximal processes. Additionally, the number of intersections at the most distal radius step significantly correlated with time spent in the shelter zone in the PhenoTyper test (r=-0.581, p<0.01) for GFP+ cells and with behavioural emotionality calculated by z-scoring all behavioral measured deficits, for both GFAP+ and GFP+ cells (r=-0.400, p<0.05; r=-0.399, p<0.05).ConclusionChronic stress exposure induces a progressive atrophy of cortical astroglial cells, potentially contributing to maladaptive neuroplastic changes associated with stress-related disorders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 2-20
Author(s):  
N. A. Shnayder ◽  
K. V. Petrov

Due to the high prevalence of the disease, its genetic and clinical heterogeneity, the need for lifelong therapy and the emergence of new views on the pathogenesis and course of JME, it is necessary to provide primary care physicians (general practitioners, district therapists, neurologists) with up-to-date systematized information about the most common form of genetic generalized epilepsy (Herpin-Janz syndrome). JME is a genetically determined disease of the brain, accompanied by a triad of seizures (absences, myoclonia, generalized tonic-clonic seizures), and developing mainly in adolescence and young age. In recent years, monogenic and multifactorial forms of JME have been identified, but questions about the genetics of JME are far from being resolved. JME is characterized by the preservation of intelligence, life expectancy with adequate therapy does not differ from the average population, but the frequency of failures of pharmaco-induced remission is high when taking anticonvulsants is canceled. This explains the need for lifelong pharmacotherapy, individual selection of anticonvulsants. About 30% of patients with JME have non-psychotic mental disorders, disorders of the sleep and wake cycle, which in turn leads to an aggravation of epileptic seizures mainly in the first half of the day. This review presents an analysis of full-text publications in Russian and English over the past five years in the databases eLibrary, PubMed, Web of Science, OxfordPress, Springer, and Clinicalkeys. In addition, the review includes earlier publications of historical significance.


Author(s):  
Andrew McEvoy ◽  
Tim Wehner ◽  
Victoria Wykes

Epileptic seizures are transient neurologic alterations due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal cerebral activity. They may cause subjective symptoms (aura), and objective autonomic, behavioural, or cognitive alterations in any combination. Focal seizures are initially generated in one circumscribed area in the brain, whereas generalized seizures involve bihemispheric neuronal networks from the seizure onset. Epilepsy is a brain disease defined by the occurrence of two unprovoked seizures more than 24 h apart or one unprovoked seizure with underlying pathological or genetic factors resulting in a similar recurrence risk. Focal epilepsy syndromes are best classified by aetiology or anatomical area of origin. A seizure that does not self-terminate results in status epilepticus, and constitutes a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Focal cortical dysplasia and hippocampal sclerosis are the commonest aetiologies of epilepsy amenable to surgical treatment and are reviewed here. The limbic pathway may be involved in seizure propagation, and the anatomy is described.


2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beng-Yeong Ng

Objective: To review the literature on self-induced epileptic seizures and apply psychiatric knowledge to define possible causes and treatment recommendations. Methods: A review of MEDLINE literature on self-induced epileptic seizures was conducted, followed by cross-referencing with the relevant neurologic, psychiatric and paediatric books and journals. Results: The reported prevalence of self-induction varies depending on the setting. In most instances, self-inducers are people affected by photosensitive primary generalized epilepsy, in whom self-induction is by intermittent photic stimulation or, more rarely, pattern stimulation or eye closure. Self-induced seizures are most commonly absences with spike-wave, though eyelid myoclonia and generalized myoclonic jerks occur. Earlier studies indicate that the majority of self-inducers were of subnormal intelligence but more recent ones indicate that as a group they could not be considered mentally retarded. Monitoring in a well-lit environment is indicated in any therapy-resistant photosensitive patient to determine whether or not selfinduction occurs. Self-induced epilepsy is notoriously resistant to therapy and reasons for this resistance are discussed. An explanatory model for the initiation and maintenance of selfinduction behaviour is also included. Conclusions: It is difficult to determine from published papers just what level of clinical difficulty self-induction of seizures actually posed to the patients and clinicians. In some cases there is contradictory evidence as to the degree of willfulness or self-induction. Self-induced epileptic seizures may be an important aspect of poor seizure control in a subgroup of epilepsy sufferers. These seizures might be modifiable by psychiatric intervention or behavioural modification.


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