Tag Archives: medical

Alzheimer's disease

Bredesen protocol for mild and subjective cognitive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease: is there any scientific basis?

Bredesen protocol for mild and subjective cognitive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease: is there any scientific basis?
Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist, Epileptologist
August 19, 2020

Introduction
There has been much interest in turning the focus to dietary and lifestyle changes in order to treat medical symptoms. Patients are disillusioned by the current state of treatments for disorders that have as yet dismal results.

One such spectrum is mild cognitive disorder to the end of the spectrum severe memory loss from the end stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

This seeks to review some of the research available for one such dietary protocol called the Bredesen protocol. It was developed by Dr. Dale Bredesen to mitigate the progression of memory loss primarily from Alzheimer’s disease.

What happens in the beginning stages that may lead up to Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease occurs when there is deposition of amyloid into the cells of the brain causing cognitive dysfunction. But even before this occurs, there are multiple systems that come into play including neuroinflammation, chemical mediators, hormonal, amyloid-beta oligomers, and tau, prionic protein and calcium regulations. It is thought that multiple pathways should be targeted rather than one approach to treat this disorder.

What is the Bredesen protocol?
It is comprised of multiple therapeutic means to treat cognitive dysfunction seen in mild cognitive disorder, subjective cognitive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

In one study that examined patients found with cognitive impairment a multi-prong approach was applied which was specific for each patient. Treatment comprised of: (1) eliminating simple carbohydrates, (2) eliminating processed food, (3) reducing stress through yoga, (4) fasting from dinner to bedtime for 3 hours then 12 hours at night, (5) increasing exercise during the daytime, (5) brain stimulation, (6) enhancing 8 hours continuous sleep with melatonin, (9) keeping homocysteine below 7, (10) enhancing GI health with probiotics, (11) reducing inflammation with curcurmin, (12) maintaining hormonal balance, (13) ensuring Vitamin D levels are normal among other therapeutic approaches (1).

Processed food is thought to be potentially inflammatory in nature. Reducing simple carbohydrates reduces inflammation. Fasting induces ketogenesis. Reducing stress reduces cortisol. Ketogenesis through fasting minimizes insulin resistance.

In some of the studies reviewed the results showed improvement in volumetric analysis of the brain and memory. However, the number of patients are low and there is no control group (1, 2).
Conclusion
Reading the research available, there are observational studies that show improvement of patients, however, the numbers in these studies are low. There were no control groups included. Larger randomized controlled clinical trials are still needed.

Reference
1. Bredesen, D., Reversal of cognitive decline: a novel therapeutic approach, Aging, 2014, Sep 6(9):707-717
2. Bredesen, D., Amos, A, Canick, J., Ackerley, M., Raji, C., Fiala, M., Ahdidan, Reversal of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, Aging, 2016, Jun 8(6):1250-8

Disclaimer: Information only not advice talk to your doctors
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COVID19

A review of the literature: cytokine storm in COVID-19 and novel treatments and trials

Virginia Thornley, M.D.
Neurologist
April 13, 2020

Neurologybuzz.com
http://virginiathornleymd.com/

Introduction
COVID-19 is now a global pandemic. The world is in the midst of a virus that is still an unknown entity. Here, we look at the published research of what we know so far.

Cytokine storm
COVID-19 or the coronavirus is thought to incite a cytokine storm. On review of the literature for severe influenza, a cytokine storm refers to the release of cytokine factors triggered by infection or drugs. It is caused by the breakdown of infected white blood cells through apoptosis causing the release of cytokine factors that lead to a release of even more white blood cells. First, there are infected white blood cells then pro-inflammatory cytokines react. These lead to increased expression of anti-viral, proinflammatory apoptotic genes resulting in tissue damage. There are simultaneous regenerative processes occurring. Usually, the repair is complete. In some cases, it results in severe tissue damage and excess inflammatory responses resulting in alveolar damage. The excessive cytokine-induced inflammation can leak systemically resulting in widespread organ failure (1).

cdc-w9KEokhajKw-unsplash
photo credit: CDC through Unsplash

Therapies including IL-6 inhibitors and convalescent plasma
In one report, there is some treatment targeting the cytokine storm which is thought to make some progress including interleukin-6 (IL-6) antibody inhibitors, stem cell therapy as well as transfusion of plasma in convalescence(2). Currently, there are clinical trials at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City to look into the use of convalescent plasma. There are ongoing trials for interleukin-6 inhibitors by drug companies Sanofi and Regeneron.

Chloroquine
While chloroquine is recommended by expert Chinese consensus after extensive discussion, there are, however, no large human randomized controlled clinical trials yet in COVID-19 showing sufficient scientific evidence that it definitively works(3). Many clinical studies for drugs are ongoing at the time of this writing.

NSAIDs and COVID-19
While there are no studies specifically on the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on COVID-19, however, there are suggestions it could potentially blunt the immune system from fighting the virus (4). In a UK publication in the BMJ 2020, doctors and scientists believe that NSAIDs in the setting of respiratory failure in COVID-19 could potentially lengthen the time of recovery. Thoughts are that the respiratory illness may be prolonged with the use of NSAIDs. This stemmed from a comment made by an infectious disease doctor in the south of France where 4 individuals with COVID-19 appeared to worsen with the inclusion of NSAIDs in the treatment protocol. Ibuprofen was deleted from treatment protocols in patients with infections in France as of 2019 with paracetamol used in its place. This was supported by expert figures in the UK (4).

Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin
One small study of 20 patients was recently published showing some improvement of patients on a combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (5).

Summary
Because this is a novel virus, research is still ongoing and fluid. Larger human studies are needed. There are larger trials ongoing for various drugs. So far most of the research that has been published is in a small number of patients.

Neurologybuzz.com
http://virginiathornleymd.com/

Disclaimer: This is information only not advice, please consult with your physician

References
1. Liu, Q., Zhou, Y. & Yang, Z. The cytokine storm of severe influenza and the development of immunomodulatory therapy. Cell Mol Immunol 13, 3–10 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/cmi.2015.74
2.Chen, C., Zheng, X.R., Ju, Z.Y., He, WF. Advances in the research of cytokine storm mechanism induced by Corona Virus Disease 2019 and the corresponding immunotherapies. Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi. 2020 Mar. 1;36(0):E005
3.Expert consensus on chloroquine phosphate for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia. Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi. 2020 Mar 12;43(3):185-188. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-0939.2020.03.009.
4. BMJ 2020;368:m1086 doi: 10.1136/bmj.m1086
5. Gautret, P., Lagier, J., Parola, P., Hoang, V.T., Meddeb, L., Mailhe, M., Doudier, B., Courion, J., Giordanengo, V., Viera, V., Dupont, H., Honore, S., Colson, P., Chabriere, E.,La Scola, B., Rolain, J., Brouqui, P., Raoult, D. Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVD-19: results of an open-label non-randomized clinical trial, Int. J. Antimicrobi Agents. 2020, Mar 20doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105949 [Epub ahead of print]

Disclaimer: This is information only not advice, please consult with your physician

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Essential tremor, Uncategorized

Deep brain stimulation and essential tremor

Virginia Thornley, M.D.
Neurologist, Epileptologist
November 6, 2019
Essential tremor is now treated with implantation of a deep brain stimulating device. It has been approved for treatment for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonic tremor and obsessive compulsive disorder (1).
Basically, within the brain, there is a recurrent loop that is not inhibited by the correct feedback inhibition resulting in repetitive actions. In obsessive-compulsive disorders, there are repetitive thoughts and actions since this loop is not controlled.
In one study, the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) was stimulated in 98 patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonic tremor with sustained improvement. There was significant long-term improvement even after 10 years(2).
The mechanism is unclear. However, certain nuclei stimulated were found to result in side effects. Thalamic stimulation resulted in fatigue. Subthalamic nuclear implantation was found to give rise to depression and suicidality(3).
Neurologybuzz.com
References
  1. Naestromm, M., Blomstedt, P., Hariz, M., Bodjund, O., Deep brain stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder: knowledge and concerns among psychiatrists, psychotherapists and patients,  Surg. Neurol Int. 2017; 8:298 
  2. Cury, R.G., Fraix, V., Castrioto, A.,Perez-Fernandez, M.A., Krack, P., Chabardes, S., Seigneuret, E., Alho, E.J., Benabid, A.L., Moro, E. Thalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease, essential tremor and dystonia. Neurology. 2017 Sep 26;89(13):1416-1423
  3. Zarzycki, M.Z., Domitrz, I., Stimulation-induced side effects after deep brain stimulation-a systematic review. Acta Neuropsychiatr. 2019, Aug 27:1-24
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Anxiety

Do anti-depressants or anxiolytics cause lower levels of vitamins and minerals?

Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist, Epileptologist
November 4, 2019
A recent question prompted this literature search. We know that patients ho are depressed often complain of fatigue. But which came first the chicken or the egg?
Fatigue could be a result from not sleeping well due persistent thoughts and rumination at night. But can long-term anti-depressants and anxiolytics cause a lowering of vitamins and minerals leading to fatigue? We search the literature.
In one meta-analysis, folate levels were found to be lower in a small number of patients compared to those who were not depressed. However, it does not mention if the use of anti-depressants or anxiolytics were the cause of these lower values. This was an observation (1).
In another study, 355 patients were studied later in life, 60’s and higher in age. Lower levels were found to be lowered which could be a potential cause of later life depression. It is not clear if these patients were on anti-depressants leading to lower Vitamin D levels (2).
In one review, 4 studies were found that an improvement in the the thiamine status led to improved mood. The same study found that folate deficiency led to depression and iron deficiency anemia can lead to fatigue and depression (3).
The take home message is that it is not clear whether anti-depressants and anxiolytic agents used long-term can result in lower levels of minerals and vitamins.
However, it has been studied that lower levels of certain minerals and vitamins can lead to or be associated with depression.
Neurologybuzz.com
Reference
  1. Bender, A., Hagan, K.E., Kingston, N., The association of folate and depression: a meta-analysis. J. Psychiatric Res. 2017 Dec. 95:9-18
  2. Oude Voshaar, R.C.,Derks, W.J., Comiis, H.C., Schoevers, R.A., de Borst, M.H., Marijnissen, R.M. Antidepressants differentially related to 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 and 25-(oH) vitamin D3 in laterlife depression. Transl Psychiatry. 2014, Apr. 15;4:e383
  3. Benton, D., Donohue, R.T. The effects of nutrients on mood. Public Health Nutr. 1999 Sep; 2(3A):403-409
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cerebellar ataxia

Genetics of Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Virginia Thornley, M.D.
Neurologist, Epileptologist
March 18, 2019
Introduction
Cerebellar ataxias are rare disorders, only a few types are treatable. This reviews some of the research regarding the genetics of cerebellar ataxias.
Next generation sequencing is a revolutionary way of DNA sequencing that can sequence an entire genome in one day which previously took 10 years. Clinical applications are still pending (1).
Genetics of hereditary cerebellar ataxias
In one study of 87 patients, the genetics were studies. In the probands meaning the first in a genetic line, triplet repeat testing was done. 58% were male. Genetic variants included ANO10, CACNA1A, SPG7 and DRKCG. The detection rate in probands for the trinucleotide repeat was about 13.8%. Those with variants may have a longer duration of disease and a slower progression of the disorder (2).
 
Genetic testing in hereditary spastic paraparesis
In another study where 306 were genetically tested, next generation sequence testing was performed and different genes were found. These include ATL1 (atlastin 1, SPG3),
PAST (spastin, SPG4),  ITPR1, WASHC5 (SPG8),  KIF1A (SPG30), SPG11 spastacsin), KIF5A (SPG10), CYP27A1, and SETX (3).
There are overlapping genetics and clinical symptoms with spinocerebellar ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Reference
  1. Behjati, S., Tarpey, P., What is next generation sequencing? Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed. 2013 Dec; 98(6)236-238
  2. Kang, C., Liang, C., Ahmad, K.E., Gu, Y., Siow, S.F., Colebatch, J.G., Whyte, S., N, K., Cremer, P.D., Corbett, A.J., Davis, R.L., Roscioloi, T., Cowley, M.J., Park, S.J., Sue, C.M., Kumar, K.R. High Degree of Genetic Hetereogeneity for Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxias in Australia, Cerebellum, 2019, Feb. (1):137-146
  3. Elert-Dobkowska, E., Stepniak, I., Krysa, W., Ziora-Jakutowicz, K., Rakowicz, M., Sobanska, A., Pilch, J., Antczak-Marach, D., Zaremba, J., Sulek, A. Next-generation sequencing reveals the broader variant spectrum of hereditary spastic paraplegia and related phenotypes. Neurogenetic, 2019, Feb, doi:10.1007/s10048-019-00565-6
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cluster headache

Mechanism and novel approaches to treatment of cluster headache

Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist
January 2, 2019
Cluster headache is a debilitating neurological condition which may be difficult to control. Novel approaches to treatment have been explored because of its refractory response to treatment.
Mechanisms involved in cluster headache
The pathophysiology involves the trigeminovascular pathway. This involves innervation to the  cerebral blood vessels and trigeminal complex including the nerves and ganglion. The ganglion has connections with the blood vessels of the cerebrum, the trigeminocervical complex and the dorsal horns of the C1 and C2 levels. In cluster headaches, certain chemicals are found to be increased during an attack  including calcitonin gene-related peptide and neurokinins which are neuropeptide vasodilators (1).
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody therapies
Some of the new anti-CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide antibody) therapies recently introduced to migraine patients have been applied to patients with cluster headache, including fremazunab and galcanezumab (2). it has been found that CGRP is released from the trigeminal ganglion and its transcription is increased when there are conditions that mimic those of migraine which includes an neurogenic inflammatory state (3).
There has been some success in its treatment although its application is not yet indicated for these drugs (2).
Botulinum toxin injection
Injection of onabotulinum toxin into the sphenopalatine ganglion was studied in 7 patients with chronic cluster headache. Of these, 3 dropped out. The patients were followed 24 months. There was a 50% reduction in occurrence of pain, after repeated injections. Due to the small size results should be interpreted with caution, however, because of repeated injections, its effectiveness may be significantly underestimated. This is a small pilot observational study. Larger studies are needed (4).
 
Vagal nerve stimulation
Vagal nerve stimulation was employed in 30 patients and a mean reduction of 26 attacks/week to 9.5 over a 3-6 month period was seen. Mean attack duration was 51.9 to 29.5 minutes. Larger studies are needed (5).
In summary 
Several new novel approaches include vagal nerve stimulation and botulinum toxin injections. Anti-CGRP antibodies are another novel treatment but have not yet been submitted for an indication. Larger studies are needed.
@VThornley_MD
Reference
  1. Goadsby, P.J., Edvinson, L., Human in vivo evidence for trigeminovascular activation in cluster headache.Neuropeptude chanes and effects of acute attackes therapies. Brain. 1994 Jun; 117 (Pt 3):427-34
  2. Ashehoug, I., Bratbak, D.F., Tronvik, E.A. Long-term outcome of patients with intractable chronic cluster headache treated with injection of onabotulinumtoxin A toward the sphenopalatine ganglion – an observational study. Headache, 2018, Nov; 58(10):1519-1529
  3. P.L. Durham, Calcitonin gene-related peptide and migraine. 2006, Jun. 46 (Suppl 1):S3-S8
  4. Tepper, S.J. Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) therapies: update on a previous review after the American Headache Society 60th Scientific Meeting, San Francisco, June 2018
  5. Marin, J., Giffin, N., Consiglio, E., mcClure, C., Liebler, E., Davies, B. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of cluster headache: early UK clinical experience. J. Headache Pain. 2018, Nov. 23; 19

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please see your physician. Reading this does not constitute a physician-patient relationship.

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Parkinson's disaese

Parkinson’s disease: a look at a novel biomarker, immunogenetic & mitochondrial studies

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Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist, Epileptologist
December 17, 2018
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is typically diagnosed through clinical evaluation. At times, it may be difficult to differentiate from other disorders if all cardinal features are not present. This looks at the literature to review biomarkers that may be helpful in evaluation of the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
 
Novel serum marker LAG-3
One study correlates the serum marker LAG-3 lymphocyte activation gene 3  (LAG-3). It is thought to be related to the transmission of alpha-synuclein which could be connected to the degenerative process in Parkinson’s disease. Serum LAG-3 was found to be higher in the serum levels compared to patients with essential tremors and a control group that was sex and age matched. LAG-3 can potentially serve as a biomarker when the diagnosis is in question (1).
 
Immunogenicity
As the population ages, there is a proliferation of neurodegenerative disorders. Familial disorders account for a small portion of these about 5-10%. It is thought that there are genetic and environmental component to the familial types of neurodegenerative diseases. Gene variants are found on HLA (human leukocyte antigen) which code for MHL II (major histocompatibility complex class II) which is found in microglia which has an immunologic component. Microglia phagocytizes unnecessary proteins but also produces an inflammatory response. How the immune system responds to environmental factors resulting in neurodegenerative disease is a subject of research and needs to be elucidated further (2). 
 
The role of the mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage is found in the cells of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Mitochondrial abnormalities have been hypothesized to correlate with the pathophysiology of Parkinsons disease. Recent research has shown a tying of both genetic and environmental factors in relation to the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. The PINK1 and Parkin gene are related to mitochondrial function and are present in Parkinson’s disease and the pathways involved with the  quality control in the mitochondrion. When oxidative stress is present and the cells cannot detoxify this can affect mitochondrial functioning which is the powerhouse of cells producing ATP or the energy source (3).
Reference
  1. Cui, S., Du, J.J., Liu, S.H., Meng, J., Lin, Y.Q., Li, G., He, Y.X., Zhang, P.C., Chen, S., Wang, G., Serm soluble lymphocyte activation gene-3 as a diagnostic biomarker in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot multicenter study,” Mov Disord 2018, Nov. doi:10.1002/mds.27569 (epub ahead of print)
  2. Aliseychik, M.P., Andreeva, T.V., Rogaev, E.I., “Immunogenetic factors of neurodegenerative diseases: the role of HLA Class II,” Biochemistry, 2018, Sep. 83(9):1104-1116
  3. Sato, S., Hattori, N., “Genetic mutations and mitochondrial toxins shed new light on the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.” Parkinsons Dis. 2011; 2011:979231
 
 
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multiple sclerosis

Review of literature:  stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis

Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist, Epileptologist
October 8, 2018
 
Introduction
Stem cell therapy is explored for certain types of cancer such as bone marrow cancer. Its therapeutic options have been experimentally being expanded to other disease such as multiple sclerosis. This seeks to review some of the literature on current research for stem cell therapy in multiple sclerosis. As yet, there are still ongoing research and experiments and is not yet  approved by the FDA as treatment for multiple sclerosis. This seeks to review mechanisms, small studies and experimental studies in multiple sclerosis.
Some mechanisms through which stem cell therapy may help
Natural killer cells are thought to attenuate Th17 cells which are pro-inflammatory after autologous hematopoietic stem cell treatment. It may not have effect on the Th1 cell but it seems to reduce the number of Th17 cells (1).
Comparing Wharton Jelly mesenchymal cell with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell
One study shows that Wharton Jelly mesenchymal stem cell may be comparable to the gold standard bone marrow stem cell and may be more easily extracted. There is a different gene phenotype and are found to overexpress genes that impact neurotrophic support making it a great candidate for stem cell source in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. It was found to cause greater neuronal maturation in neuroblastoma cells compared to bone marrow mesenchymal cells. Genes that influenced adhesion, proliferation and the immune system were found to be greater expressed in Wharton jelly mesenchymal stem cell (2).
 
aHSCT in fatigue
In one small study in 23 patients the use of autologous human stem cell treatment helped with symptoms of fatigue using the FIS or the fatigue impact scale (1). The median score in FIS was reduced by 36% with 4 patients with a complete reduction. Some even had gainful employment and returned to driving, measured with the EDSS or expanded disability status scale(3).
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A pilot study shows mesenchymal stem cell injection slows progression
In a pilot study of 4 patients, 3 had secondary progressive type while 1 was in the relapsing-remitting stage. Autologous bone marrow stem cells were injected and patients were followed for 2 years. Those with secondary progressive type stabilized with no further deterioration while the patient with relapsing remitting type had an attack. None of the MRI tests showed any new plaques or abnormalities(4).
Mesenchymal stem cell treatment is thought to be helpful as a neuroprogenitor and slows the neurodegeneration where standard medications may be ineffective (5).
Hematopoietic cell transplant  for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
In one study of 25 patients looking at high dose immunotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy, peripheral blood stem cell grafts were CD34+ chosen. Immunosuppression was given beforehand. It was found to reduce relapses over a course of 3 years in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis without serious adverse effects(6).
In summary
There is growing interest in stem cell therapy as a novel treatment in multiple sclerosis.  Research has shown that Wharton’s jelly from the umbilical cord may have features making it a better therapeutic alternative compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. So far, small studies have shown promise. Larger human trials are needed.
Reference
    1. Darlington, P.J., Stopnicki, B., Touil, T., Doucet, J.S., Fawaz L.,  Roberts, M.E., Boivin, M.N., Arbour, N., Freedman, M.S., Atkins, H.L., Bar-Or, A., Canadian MS/BST Study Group. Natural killer cells regulate Th17 cells after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Immunol. 2018, 9:834
    2. Donders, R., Bogie, J.F.J., Ravanidis, S., Gervois, P., Vanheusden, M., Maree, R., Schrynemackers, M., Smeets, H.J.M., Pinxteren, J., Gijbels, K., Walbers, S., Mays, R.W., Deans, R., Van Den Bosch, L., Stinnissen, P., Lambrichts, I., Gyselaers, W., Hellings, N. Human Wharton’s jelly-derived stem cells display a distinct immunomodulatory and preregenerative transcriptional signature compared to bone marrow-derived stem cells. Stem Cells Dev. 2018, Jan. 27(2):65-84
    3. Bose G., Atkins, H.L., Bowman, M., Freedman, M.S. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Mult. Scler. 2018, Sep: 1352458518802544 (epub: ahead of print)
    4. Sahraian, M.A., Mohyeddin Bonab, M., Baghbanian, S.M., Naser Moghadasi, A. Therapeutic use of intrathecal mesenchymal stem cells in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a pilot study with booster injection. Immunol Invest 2018, Aug. 29:1-9
    5. Holloman, J.P., Ho, C.C., Huntley, J.L., Gallicano, G.I. The development of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation as an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis. Am. J. Stem Cells. 2013, Jun. 30, 2(2):95-107
    6. Nash, R.A., Hutton, G.J., Racke, M.K., Popat, U., Devine, S.M., Griffith, L.M., Muraro, P.A., openshaw, H., Savre, P.H., Stuve, O., Arnold, D.L., Spychala, M.E., McConville, K.C., Harris, K.M., Phippard, D., Georges, G.E., Wundes, A., Kraft, G.H., Bowen, J.D., High-dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous hematopoeitic cell transplantation for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (HALT-MS): a 3 year interim report. JAMA Neurol 2015, Feb. 72(2):159-69

This is for informational purposes only not medical advice see your physician.

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Epilepsy

Dravet Syndrome: morphologic abnormalities, role of precision medicine, novel mechanisms for treatment and treatment options

Virginia Thornley, M.D., Neurologist, Epileptologist
@VThornleyMD

August 13, 2018


Introduction

Dravet syndrome is characterized by developmental delay and intractable predominantly myoclonic seizures related to an abnormality in the SCN1A gene. The SCN1A gene encodes for sodium channel Nav1.1 which is voltage gated. It is one of the most pharmacologically resistant types of epilepsy syndromes.

Functional and morphological studies

One animal study using SCN1a(E1099x/HET mouse model for Dravet syndrome demonstrated early seizures which reached its maximum at post-natal week 4. There were less GABAergic neurons that expressed the Nav1.1 subunit in the dentate gyrus in the Het mice. There was a reduced number of inhibitory inputs travelling to the dentate gyrus cells in the Het mice. There was an increase in transmissions of excitatory impulses. The dentate gyral cells were noted to be abnormal morphologically with less arborization and a greater number of spines(1). This correlated with the abnormal excitation and reduced inhibition.

IMG_6486_preview

Fenfluramine

Fenfluramine has been revisited as a treatment option for Dravet syndrome. It is metabolized into norfenfluramine. Fenfluramine and its metabolite norfenfluramine uncouples the association of sigma 1 receptor from the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptors (glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate). Fenfluramine has serotonergic activity at the 5HT2AR receptor in addition to the activity at the sigma 1 receptor which reduces convulsive activity. Fenfluramine influences the cannabinoid type 1 receptor uncoupling with NMDARs which allowed greater restriction of the NMDAR actions (2).

Ketogenic diet

Ketogenic diet should not be discounted as a therapeutic option (3). In a study of 52 patients with pharmacoresistent epilepsy, spike and sharp wave complexes were reduced on the electroencephalograms of 26 patients which was significant (p<0.5). After a treatment of 12 weeks, there was a noticeable effective rate if seizure reduction of 42%. Motor, language and cognition was found to be improved in 23 patients, although the degree of improvement was not thought to be significant. Some adverse reactions included digestive problems and elevated liver enzymes.

Precision medicine

Because Dravet syndrome is related to a de novo loss of function mutation, great interest has been generated towards precision medicine. This involves targeting the genetic abnormality with treatments tailored towards a patient’s particular genetic make-up.

In one study using precision medicine, the selective activation of the Nav1.1 through the venom Hm1a restored the inhibitory mechanism of the neurons that are responsible for causing seizures in the mice model for Dravet syndrome (4). This may be a novel target for a therapeutic option using precision medicine in the treatment of Dravet syndrome.

Summary

In summary, while Dravet syndrome continues to be a devastating neurological disorder, there is research in precision medicine and other novel therapeutic options that can pave the way for more studies in this area.



https://neurologybuzz.com/
This is info only not medical advice.

Reference

1. Tsai, M.S., Lee, M.L., Chang, C.Y., Fan, H.H., Yu, I.S., You, J.Y., Chen, C.Y., Chang, F.C., Hsiao, J.H., Khorkova, O., Liou, H.H.,Yanagawa, Y., Lee, L.J., Lin, S.W. Functional and structural deficits of the dentate gyrus network coincide with the emerging spontaneous seizures in an Scn1a mutant Dravet syndrome model during development. Neurobiol Dis 2015, May, 77:35-48
2. Rodriguez-Munoz, Maria, Sanchez-Blasquez, Pilar, Garzon, Javier. Fenfluramine diminishes NMDA receptor-mediated seizures via its mixed activity at serotonin 5HT2A and type 1 sigma receptors. Oncotarget. 2018, May, 9(34):23373-23389
3. Qiong, W., Hua, W., Yu, Y., Mei Zhang, J., Yan Liu, X., Ying Fang, X., Hua Yang, F., Jun Cao, Q., Qi, Ying. Ketogenic diet effects on 52 children with pharmacoresistent epileptic encephalopathy: a clinical prospective study. Brain Behav. 2018, May, 8(5):e00973
4. Richards, K.L., Milligan C.J., Richardson, R.J., Jancovski, N., Grunnet, M., Jacobson, L.H., Undheim, EAB, Mobli, M., Chow, C.Y., Herzig, V., Csoti, A., Panvi, G., Reid, C.A., King, G.F., Petrou, S. Selective Nav1.1 activation rescues Dravet syndrome mice from seiuzres and premature death. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2018, Aug. pii:201804764

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