scholarly journals Neurophysiological Effects of Whole Coffee Cherry Extract in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Study

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Robinson ◽  
Julio A. Yanes ◽  
Meredith A. Reid ◽  
Jerry E. Murphy ◽  
Jessica N. Busler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Acute Administration ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Double Blind

Bioactive plant-based compounds have shown promise as protective agents across multiple domains including improvements in neurological and psychological measures. Methodological challenges have limited our understanding of the neurophysiological changes associated with polyphenol-rich supplements such as whole coffee cherry extract (WCCE). In the current study, we (1) compared 100 mg of WCCE to a placebo using an acute, randomized, double-blind, within-subject, cross-over design, and we (2) conducted a phytochemical analysis of WCCE. The primary objective of the study was to determine the neurophysiological and behavioral changes that resulted from the acute administration of WCCE. We hypothesized that WCCE would increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutamate levels while also increasing neurofunctional measures in cognitive brain regions. Furthermore, we expected there to be increased behavioral performance associated with WCCE, as measured by reaction time and accuracy. Participants underwent four neuroimaging scans (pre- and post-WCCE and placebo) to assess neurofunctional/metabolic outcomes using functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results suggest that polyphenol-rich WCCE is associated with decreased reaction time and may protect against cognitive errors on tasks of working memory and response inhibition. Behavioral findings were concomitant with neurofunctional changes in structures involved in decision-making and attention. Specifically, we found increased functional connectivity between the anterior cingulate and regions involved in sensory and decision-making networks. Additionally, we observed increased BDNF and an increased glutamate/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ratio following WCCE administration. These results suggest that WCCE is associated with acute neurophysiological changes supportive of faster reaction times and increased, sustained attention.

scholarly journals In Vivo Measurement of Neurochemical Abnormalities in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Do-Wan Lee ◽  
Jae-Im Kwon ◽  
Chul-Woong Woo ◽  
Hwon Heo ◽  
Kyung Won Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Chow Diet ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
In Vivo Measurement ◽  
Hippocampal Lesions ◽  
Total Creatine

This study quantitatively measured the changes in metabolites in the hippocampal lesions of a rat model of cuprizone-induced demyelination as detected using in vivo 7 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Nineteen Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed a normal chow diet or cuprizone (0.2%, w/w) for 7 weeks. Demyelinated hippocampal lesions were quantitatively measured using a 7 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. All proton spectra were quantified for metabolite concentrations and relative ratios. Compared to those in the controls, the cuprizone-induced rats had significantly higher concentrations of glutamate (p = 0.001), gamma-aminobutyric acid (p = 0.019), and glutamate + glutamine (p = 0.001); however, creatine + phosphocreatine (p = 0.006) and myo-inositol (p = 0.001) concentrations were lower. In addition, we found that the glutamine and glutamate complex/total creatine (p < 0.001), glutamate/total creatine (p < 0.001), and GABA/total creatine (p = 0.002) ratios were significantly higher in cuprizone-treated rats than in control rats. Our results showed that cuprizone-induced neuronal demyelination may influence the severe abnormal metabolism in hippocampal lesions, and these responses could be caused by microglial activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and astrocytic necrosis.

scholarly journals Sensory over-responsivity is related to GABAergic inhibition in thalamocortical circuits

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T. Wood ◽  
Kaitlin K. Cummings ◽  
Jiwon Jung ◽  
Genevieve Patterson ◽  
Nana Okada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Brain Responses

AbstractSensory over-responsivity (SOR), extreme sensitivity to or avoidance of sensory stimuli (e.g., scratchy fabrics, loud sounds), is a highly prevalent and impairing feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, and ADHD. Previous studies have found overactive brain responses and reduced modulation of thalamocortical connectivity in response to mildly aversive sensory stimulation in ASD. These findings suggest altered thalamic sensory gating which could be associated with an excitatory/inhibitory neurochemical imbalance, but such thalamic neurochemistry has never been examined in relation to SOR. Here we utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between thalamic and somatosensory cortex inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate) neurochemicals with the intrinsic functional connectivity of those regions in 35 ASD and 35 typically developing pediatric subjects. Although there were no diagnostic group differences in neurochemical concentrations in either region, within the ASD group, SOR severity correlated negatively with thalamic GABA (r = −0.48, p < 0.05) and positively with somatosensory glutamate (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Further, in the ASD group, thalamic GABA concentration predicted altered connectivity with regions previously implicated in SOR. These variations in GABA and associated network connectivity in the ASD group highlight the potential role of GABA as a mechanism underlying individual differences in SOR, a major source of phenotypic heterogeneity in ASD. In ASD, abnormalities of the thalamic neurochemical balance could interfere with the thalamic role in integrating, relaying, and inhibiting attention to sensory information. These results have implications for future research and GABA-modulating pharmacologic interventions.

Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide Using Aluminum Salen-Type Initiators

2014 ◽  
Vol 915-916 ◽  
pp. 713-716
Author(s):  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Jing Tian ◽  
Zhi Qi Cao ◽  
Ru Xia Xu ◽  
Zhen Zhen Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Schiff Bases ◽  
Reaction Temperature ◽  
Ring Opening ◽  
Ring Opening Polymerization ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Aluminum Complex

In this investigation, Schiff bases aluminum complex was synthesized and used as the initiator in the polymerization of D,L-lactide. The aluminum complex was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The influences of different factors, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and the ratio of D, L-lactide/Al3+ on the synthesis of polylactide were described. The results showed that Schiff bases aluminum complex could be successfully applied in the ring opening polymerization. The optimum condition of the ring opening polymerization of D,L-lactide, which included D,L-lactide/Al3+ (mol/mol) ratio of 250, reaction temperature of 120 °C, and reaction time of 16 hours.

scholarly journals Imaging the Pathophysiology of Essential Tremor—A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Holtbernd ◽  
N. Jon Shah
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Essential Tremor ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Emission Computed Tomography ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Neurotransmitter System

Background: The pathophysiology underlying essential tremor (ET) still is poorly understood. Recent research suggests a pivotal role of the cerebellum in tremor genesis, and an ongoing controversy remains as to whether ET constitutes a neurodegenerative disorder. In addition, mounting evidence indicates that alterations in the gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter system are involved in ET pathophysiology. Here, we systematically review structural, functional, and metabolic neuroimaging studies and discuss current concepts of ET pathophysiology from an imaging perspective.Methods: We conducted a PubMed and Scopus search from 1966 up to December 2020, entering essential tremor in combination with any of the following search terms and their corresponding abbreviations: positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).Results: Altered functional connectivity in the cerebellum and cerebello-thalamico-cortical circuitry is a prevalent finding in functional imaging studies. Reports from structural imaging studies are less consistent, and there is no clear evidence for cerebellar neurodegeneration. However, diffusion tensor imaging robustly points toward microstructural cerebellar changes. Radiotracer imaging suggests that the dopaminergic axis is largely preserved in ET. Similarly, measurements of nigral iron content and neuromelanin are unremarkable in most studies; this is in contrast to Parkinson's disease (PD). PET and MRS studies provide limited evidence for cerebellar and thalamic GABAergic dysfunction.Conclusions: There is robust evidence indicating that the cerebellum plays a key role within a multiple oscillator tremor network which underlies tremor genesis. However, whether cerebellar dysfunction relies on a neurodegenerative process remains unclear. Dopaminergic and iron imaging do not suggest a substantial overlap of ET with PD pathophysiology. There is limited evidence for alterations of the GABAergic neurotransmitter system in ET. The clinical, demographical, and genetic heterogeneity of ET translates into neuroimaging and likely explains the various inconsistencies reported.

scholarly journals Neurochemical Correlates of Brain Atrophy in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Cortical Thickness Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 395
Author(s):  
Paola Feraco ◽  
Salvatore Nigro ◽  
Luca Passamonti ◽  
Alessandro Grecucci ◽  
Maria Eugenia Caligiuri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Cortical Thickness ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cingulate Gyrus ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
The Right

(1) Background: Recently, a series of clinical neuroimaging studies on fibromyalgia (FM) have shown a reduction in cortical volume and abnormally high glutamate (Glu) and glutamate + glutamine (Glx) levels in regions associated with pain modulation. However, it remains unclear whether the volumetric decreases and increased Glu levels in FM are related each other. We hypothesized that higher Glu levels are related to decreases in cortical thickness (CT) and volume in FM patients. (2) Methods: Twelve females with FM and 12 matched healthy controls participated in a session of combined 3.0 Tesla structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-voxel MR spectroscopy focused on the thalami and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices (VLPFC). The thickness of the cortical and subcortical gray matter structures and the Glu/Cr and Glx/Cr ratios were estimated. Statistics included an independent t-test and Spearman’s test. (3) Results: The Glu/Cr ratio of the left VLPFC was negatively related to the CT of the left inferior frontal gyrus (pars opercularis (p = 0.01; r = −0.75) and triangularis (p = 0.01; r = −0.70)). Moreover, the Glx/Cr ratio of the left VLPFC was negatively related to the CT of the left middle anterior cingulate gyrus (p = 0.003; r = −0.81). Significantly lower CTs in FM were detected in subparts of the cingulate gyrus on both sides and in the right inferior occipital gyrus (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Our findings are in line with previous observations that high glutamate levels can be related, in a concentration-dependent manner, to the morphological atrophy described in FM patients.

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