Review
Immunology
Marc Daeron
Summary: Progress in neuroimmunology has revealed the functional relationship between the nervous and immune systems. While they both have similar communication mechanisms and influence each other, they differ in anatomical structure, response to stimuli, and target of action. The close collaboration of these systems allows the organism to adapt and coexist with the environment and other organisms.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kazuomi Kario, Douglas A. Hettrick, Aleksander Prejbisz, Andrzej Januszewicz
Summary: There is a bidirectional, causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension, with hypoxia/hypercapnia-related sympathetic activation being the key mechanism. While continuous positive airway pressure is the gold standard therapy for OSA, its effects on blood pressure are modest. Antihypertensive agents targeting sympathetic pathways or the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may have potential in patients with comorbid hypertension and OSA.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gizem Yilmaz, Ju Lynn Ong, Lieng-Hsi Ling, Michael W. L. Chee
Summary: The study examines the changes in PPG waveform during sleep and its correlation with arterial elasticity and age effects. It finds that deeper sleep is associated with lower arterial stiffness and that age has a significant impact on these changes.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Lorenzo Pasquini, Fatemeh Noohi, Christina R. Veziris, Eena L. Kosik, Sarah R. Holley, Alex Lee, Jesse A. Brown, Ashlin R. K. Roy, Tiffany E. Chow, Isabel Allen, Howard J. Rosen, Joel H. Kramer, Bruce L. Miller, Manish Saggar, William W. Seeley, Virginia E. Sturm
Summary: In this study, five distinct patterns of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) were identified during an emotional reactivity task in healthy older adults. Each pattern was characterized by specific physiological changes and differentiated trials of the task. These ANS states emerged and dissipated over time, with each instance lasting several seconds on average. Similar patterns of ANS activity were also observed during a resting period, albeit intermittently and with smaller magnitude. These findings shed new light on the functional organization of the ANS and its role in generating physiological states associated with emotions and basal physiology.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Ailsa F. Ralph, Celine Grenier, Hannah M. Costello, Kevin Stewart, Jessica R. Ivy, Neeraj Dhaun, Matthew A. Bailey
Summary: High salt intake leads to hypertension, affecting renal and vascular function in C57BL6/J mice, with a rapid increase in blood pressure observed in male mice within 4 days of dietary switch. The high-salt diet also increases renal artery sensitivity and urinary excretion of adrenaline in these mice.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ying Zhang, Pan Guo, Zhe Ma, Peng Lu, Dereje Kebebe, Zhidong Liu
Summary: Despite the advancements in nanomedicine and the extension of human lifespan, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The blood-brain barrier poses a challenge for delivering therapeutic drugs to the brain. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer a potential strategy for overcoming this barrier and providing a scientific basis for treating CNS diseases.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaohua Dong, Shuchen Sun, Jie Li, Sen Shen, Wanting Chen, Tongqi Li, Xinyuan Li
Summary: This study performed peptidomic analysis of brain tissue from a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing 217 peptides expressed at different levels compared to control mice. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the precursor proteins of these differentially expressed peptides were associated with myelin sheath and oxidative phosphorylation. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis and complexity of MS.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Meriah L. Dejoseph, Keira B. Leneman, Alyssa R. Palmer, Emily R. Padrutt, Otiti A. Mayo, Daniel Berry
Summary: Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for the development of the stress response system. This study found a modest positive relation between the adrenocortical and sympathetic systems, as well as between the adrenocortical and parasympathetic systems. The strength of these associations varied based on methodological and sociodemographic characteristics.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex Cleber Improta-Caria, Marcela Gordilho Aras, Luca Nascimento, Ricardo Augusto Leoni De Sousa, Roque Aras-Junior, Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
Summary: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene and protein expression, playing important roles in various cellular processes. In diseases such as hypertension, microRNAs are involved in regulating physiological processes, but the specific mechanisms need further study.
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Keiichi Torimoto, Satoru Eguchi
Summary: The study highlights the role of sPRR as a ligand for AT1R, causing endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. The interaction between sPRR and AT1R contributes to obesity-induced cardiovascular diseases. The sPRR/AT1R complex may be a potential therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction.
Article
Physiology
Zahra Sharifi-Heris, Zhongqi Yang, Amir M. Rahmani, Michelle A. Fortier, Hamid Sharifiheris, Miriam Bender
Summary: The study found a significant increase in HRV during pregnancy. Factors such as activity, sleep, diet, and mental stress may affect HRV changes. Healthy and non-healthy individuals showed significant differences in average weekly HRV during the study period.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Rachel E. Siciliano, Allegra S. Anderson, Bruce E. Compas
Summary: This meta-analysis examines the relationship between autonomic nervous system (ANS) measures and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in youth. The findings suggest that heightened ANS activity during stress tasks is associated with increased PTSS, while decreased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity at rest is related to higher PTSS. There was no significant correlation between parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) measures and PTSS. Age also played a moderating role, with younger children showing a stronger negative relation between symptoms and PNS activity. These results highlight the importance of autonomic dysregulation in youth with PTSS.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Camille Francoeur, Julie Moreau, Samuel Lemaire-Paquette, Marie-Claude Battista, Marie-Eve Roy-Lacroix, Anne-Marie Cote
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether urinary PlGF levels can predict severe maternal, fetal/placental, and neonatal complications in women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Eva G. Mulder, Chahinda Ghossein-Doha, Ella Cauffman, Veronica A. Lopes van Balen, Veronique M. M. M. Schiffer, Robert-Jan Alers, Jolien Oben, Luc Smits, Sander M. J. van Kuijk, Marc E. A. Spaanderman
Summary: Tailored circulatory normalization of nonphysiological hemodynamic changes during pregnancy can reduce the risk of recurrent preeclampsia in high-risk populations. This simple and innovative treatment strategy shows no adverse effects on offspring outcomes.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Jeannette Rodriguez, Joan B. Escobar, Emily C. Cheung, Grant Kowalik, Rebekah Russo, Jhansi Dyavanapalli, Bridget R. Alber, Grey Harral, Aman Gill, Makeda Melkie, Vivek Jain, Kathryn J. Schunke, David Mendelowitz, Matthew W. Kay
Summary: This study aimed to determine if chemogenetic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons in animals with existing obstructive sleep apnea-induced hypertension would reverse or blunt the progression of autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction. The results showed that chronic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons can alleviate hypertension, improve heart rate recovery after exercise, and enhance cardiac function.
Article
Cell Biology
Sara Alvente, Gabriele Matteoli, Laura Molina-Porcel, Jon Landa, Mercedes Alba, Stefano Bastianini, Chiara Berteotti, Francesc Graus, Viviana Lo Martire, Lidia Sabater, Giovanna Zoccoli, Alessandro Silvani
Summary: This pilot study suggests that chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of mice with human anti-IgLON5 disease IgG may induce neuropathological, respiratory, and motor alterations. However, these findings need to be replicated in larger studies taking into account potential sex differences in mice.
Article
Cell Biology
Aaro Salminen, Stefan Clemens, Diego Garcia-Borreguero, Imad Ghorayeb, Yuqing Li, Mauro Manconi, William Ondo, David Rye, Jerome M. Siegel, Alessandro Silvani, John W. Winkelman, Richard P. Allen, Sergi Ferre
Summary: Our understanding of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is still incomplete, mainly due to the lack of objective diagnostic biomarkers. In this article, a group of preclinical and clinical scientists establishes new guidelines for constructing valid rodent models of RLS, considering the risk factors, triggering factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms that influence RLS expressivity. This research aims to provide translational implications for better diagnosing and treating RLS.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alessandro Silvani, Luca Baldelli, Giulia Giannini, Pietro Guaraldi, Luisa Sambati, Annagrazia Cecere, Francesco Mignani, Pietro Cortelli, Giovanna Calandra-Buonaura, Federica Provini
Summary: Patients with multiple system atrophy exhibit pervasive muscle activity during sleep, involving axial and limb muscles, and occurring not only during REM sleep but also during non-REM sleep.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Maria P. Mogavero, Alessandro Silvani, Giuseppe Lanza, Lourdes M. DelRosso, Luigi Ferini-Strambi, Raffaele Ferri
Summary: After describing orexins and their roles in sleep and medical disorders, the article discusses the clinical evidence on the effects of DORAs and SORAs on insomnia to provide recommendations for further assessment in personalized and precision medicine. Trials with orexin receptor antagonists have shown potential as a valid therapeutic option for insomnia in various medical conditions, but more studies are needed to determine the most suitable options for different patient populations.
NATURE AND SCIENCE OF SLEEP
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Chiara Berteotti, Carmen Calvello, Claudio Liguori
Summary: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects patients of all ages and is associated with reduced quality of life and comorbidities. Sleep impairment is frequently observed in epilepsy patients, and the relationship between sleep and epilepsy is bidirectional. The orexin system, which plays a role in controlling the sleep-wake cycle, may be affected in epilepsy patients. Clinical studies have shown inconsistent results due to different methodologies in quantifying orexin levels. Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) have been suggested as a potential treatment for sleep impairment and insomnia in epilepsy patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuela Loi, Stefano Bastianini, Giulia Candini, Nicola Rizzardi, Giorgio Medici, Valentina Papa, Laura Gennaccaro, Nicola Mottolese, Marianna Tassinari, Beatrice Uguagliati, Chiara Berteotti, Viviana Lo Martire, Giovanna Zoccoli, Giovanna Cenacchi, Stefania Trazzi, Christian Bergamini, Elisabetta Ciani
Summary: CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Mouse models of CDD have helped understand the role of CDKL5 in brain development and function. This study reveals cardiac alterations in Cdkl5 +/- mice, including prolonged QT interval, increased heart rate, fibrosis, altered gap junction organization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased ROS production. These findings provide new insights into the function of CDKL5 in heart structure/function.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vittoria Schirinzi, Carolina Poli, Chiara Berteotti, Alessandro Leone
Summary: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity indicates that current strategies are insufficient to tackle this epidemic. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is receiving attention as a potential weapon against obesity. Research is focused on developing strategies to increase BAT activity and energy expenditure. This review summarizes knowledge on molecules that promote white-to-brown adipose tissue conversion and assesses the potential role of thermogenic nutraceuticals in combating obesity.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alessandro Silvani, Isabelle Lambert, Anna Heidbreder, Yves Dauvilliers, Lucie Barateau
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of autonomic dysfunctions in central disorders of hypersomnolence, including narcolepsy type 1 and type 2, idiopathic hypersomnia, and Kleine-Levin syndrome. Recent studies have assessed autonomic symptoms in large cohorts of patients and found that autonomic impairment is frequent in these disorders. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this dysfunction are not fully understood and further research is needed to understand the effects of wake-promoting agents on the autonomic nervous system.
CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
A. Silvani
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
V. Lo Martire, S. Alvente, S. Bastianini, C. Berteotti, G. Matteoli, H. Ohtsu, J. -S. Lin, A. Silvani, G. Zoccoli
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
S. Alvente, G. Matteoli, L. Molina-Porcel, J. Landa, M. Alba, S. Bastianini, C. Berteotti, F. Graus, V. Lo Martire, L. Sabater, G. Zoccoli, A. Silvani
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
L. Baldelli, A. Silvani, G. Giannini, P. Guaraldi, L. Sambati, A. Cecere, F. Mignani, P. Cortelli, G. Calandra Buonaura, F. Provini
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
C. Berteotti, S. Alvente, M. L. Bartolucci, S. Bastianini, V. Lo Martire, G. Matteoli, E. Miglioranza, R. Rimondini Giorgini, A. Silvani, G. Zoccoli
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)