Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Sleczkowska, Rowida Almomani, Margherita Marchi, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Maurice Sopacua, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Patrick Lindsey, Erika Salvi, Gidon J. Boenhof, Dan Ziegler, Rayaz A. Malik, Stephen G. Waxman, Giuseppe Lauria, Catharina G. Faber, Hubert J. M. Smeets, Monique M. Gerrits
Summary: Neuropathic pain is common in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DN), and it may be caused by pathogenic ion channel gene variants. Variants in ion channel genes were found in DN patients with and without pain, suggesting their role in pain generation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rowida Almomani, Maurice Sopacua, Margherita Marchi, Milena Sleczkowska, Patrick Lindsey, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Erika Salvi, Ingemar S. J. Merkies, Maryam A. Ferdousi, Rayaz Malik, Dan Ziegler, Kasper W. J. Derks, Gidon Boenhof, Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi, Daniele Cazzato, Raffaella Lombardi, Sulayman G. Dib-Hajj, Stephen Waxman, Hubert J. M. M. Smeets, Monique G. Gerrits, Catharina Faber, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: Rare SCG genetic variants may contribute to the development of painful neuropathy. Genetic profiling and SCG variant identification can provide better understanding of the genetic variability in patients with painful and painless neuropathy, leading to improved risk stratification and personalized pain treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayank Gupta, Nebojsa Nick Knezevic, Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Mahoua Ray, Kiran Patel, Bhavika Chowdhury
Summary: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that significantly impacts quality of life. Various pharmacological options such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical capsaicin, as well as the recently approved tapentadol, are recommended for managing PDN. In addition to pharmacotherapy, neuromodulation therapies such as intrathecal therapy, TENS, and SCS have shown success in providing pain relief for PDN patients.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Alise Kalteniece, Maryam Ferdousi, Shazli Azmi, Saif Ullah Khan, Anne Worthington, Andrew Marshall, Catharina G. Faber, Giuseppe Lauria, Andrew J. M. Boulton, Handrean Soran, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: This study showed that corneal nerve loss increases with the severity of neuropathic pain, and corneal nerve density may be correlated with the diagnosis of PDN.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jackie Elliott, Gordon Sloan, Lynda Stevens, Dinesh Selvarajah, Giorgio Cruccu, Rajiv A. Gandhi, Peter Kempler, John H. Fuller, Nishi Chaturvedi, Solomon Tesfaye
Summary: This study analyzed the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study data to investigate the incidence and risk factors of painful DPN. It found that female sex was a risk factor for painful DPN and there was less evidence of diabetic nephropathy in painful DPN cases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Sleczkowska, Kaalindi Misra, Silvia Santoro, Monique M. Gerrits, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, PainNet Study Grp
Summary: This study discusses the potential role of various peripheral ion channels involved in sensory signaling, neuronal excitation regulation, involuntary action potential generation, thermal pain, pH modulation, and neurotransmitter release related to painful neuropathy, as well as their prospective role as therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milena Sleczkowska, Rowida Almomani, Margherita Marchi, Erika Salvi, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Maurice Sopacua, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Patrick Lindsey, Stephen G. Waxman, Giuseppe Lauria, Catharina G. Faber, Hubert J. M. Smeets, Monique M. Gerrits
Summary: This study assessed the role of fifteen ion channel genes in neuropathic pain. Variants in ion channel genes were identified in SFN patients, with TRP genes being the most frequent. Patients with these variants reported more severe pain. This study provides promising gene candidates for future research on neuropathic pain etiology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Mirna Andelic, Erika Salvi, Stefania Marcuzzo, Margherita Marchi, Raffaella Lombardi, Daniele Cartelli, Daniele Cazzato, Elkadia Mehmeti, Andrea Gelemanovic, Matilde Paolini, Carlotta Pardo, Ilaria D'Amato, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Sulayman Dib-Hajj, Stephen G. Waxman, Catharina G. Faber, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: Personalized management of neuropathic pain is a clinical need that has not been fulfilled due to various factors. Recent studies on microRNA have provided insights into pain-related mechanisms and identified potential drug candidates. By generating a molecular profile of the epidermis in patients with sodium channel-related painful neuropathy, the researchers identified specific miRNAs and mRNA targets that are involved in peripheral sensory transduction and modulation. The findings suggest a complex interaction between epidermal cells and axons in neuropathy pain. This targeted molecular profiling could advance personalized medicine for neuropathic pain.
Article
Anesthesiology
Dale George, Sandra Hackelberg, Nirupa Jayaraj, Dongjun Ren, Seby Edaserry, Craig Rathwell, Rachel Miller, Jeffery Savas, Richard Miller, Daniela Maria Menichella, Anne-Marie Malfait
Summary: This research identified elevated mitochondrial fission proteins and increased calcium signaling in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a mouse model of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). By selectively deleting the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, the study demonstrated the restoration of normal mitochondrial morphology, prevention of axonal degeneration, and reversal of mechanical allodynia in the PDN mouse model. These findings indicate the potential of targeting calcium entry into nociceptor mitochondria as an effective therapeutic approach for PDN.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Martin Rakusa, Iris Marolt, Zorica Stevic, Sandra Vuckovic Rebrina, Tatjana Milenkovic, Adam Stepien
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of two generic medications, pregabalin and duloxetine, for treating pain in PDPN patients. The results demonstrate that both medications are effective in treating pain in over 86% of all randomised patients.
Article
Neurosciences
D. F. S. Santos, R. R. Donahue, D. E. Laird, M. C. G. Oliveira, B. K. Taylor
Summary: Females exhibit greater anti-hyperalgesic responses to Pioglitazone in mouse models of chronic pain, suggesting the potential analgesic properties of Pioglitazone in a broad spectrum of chronic pain conditions, especially in women.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yurong Ma, Wenwen Liu, Lingzhi Liang, Jiaqi Ye, Chaonan Huang, Tao Zhuang, Guisen Zhang
Summary: This study evaluates the potential synergistic antinociceptive effects of indomethacin-pregabalin and meloxicam-pregabalin in neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain. The results show significant synergistic effects in neuropathic pain models, but antagonistic effects in inflammatory pain models.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiangmei Yu, Xiaomei Chen, Weiting Liu, Menghong Jiang, Zhifu Wang, Jing Tao
Summary: The study showed that electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment increased mechanical pain threshold and decreased fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Proteomics analysis revealed significant changes in proteins involved in oxidative stress injury regulation during EA effects on diabetic painful neuropathy.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Troels S. Jensen, Pall Karlsson, Sandra S. Gylfadottir, Signe T. Andersen, David L. Bennett, Hatice Tankisi, Nanna B. Finnerup, Astrid J. Terkelsen, Karolina Khan, Andreas C. Themistocleous, Alexander G. Kristensen, Mustapha Itani, Soren H. Sindrup, Henning Andersen, Morten Charles, Eva L. Feldman, Brian C. Callaghan
Summary: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, with the most common type being distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy remains challenging due to lack of a single established diagnostic standard, leading to a reliance on a hierarchical system combining symptoms, signs, and confirmatory tests for research purposes. Treatments for diabetic neuropathy focus on glycemic control and symptomatic management, with a need for large randomized clinical trials to identify the most effective interventions for improved patient outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Vikram Thakur, Mayra A. Gonzalez, Maria Parada, Robert D. Martinez, Munmun Chattopadhyay
Summary: Diabetic painful neuropathy is a severe complication of diabetes, and alterations in neuroinflammatory mediators play a crucial role in its development. This study suggests that using the HDAC inhibitor FK228 can suppress NETosis and improve diabetic nerve degeneration in DPN patients.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Varo Kirthi, Kate I. Reed, Komeil Alattar, Benjamin P. Zuckerman, Catey Bunce, Paul Nderitu, Uazman Alam, Bronagh Clarke, Scott Hau, Fatima Al-Shibani, Ioannis N. Petropoulos, Rayaz A. Malik, Theodoros Pissas, Christos Bergeles, Prashanth Vas, David Hopkins, Timothy L. Jackson
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate whether novel non-invasive diagnostic technologies can identify early small nerve fibre and retinal neurovascular pathology in prediabetes. The results showed that abnormal retinal neurovascular structure and function may precede retinopathy in prediabetes, which is different from the diagnosis of retinopathy based on fundus examination.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yanda Meng, Frank George Preston, Maryam Ferdousi, Shazli Azmi, Ioannis Nikolaos Petropoulos, Stephen Kaye, Rayaz Ahmed Malik, Uazman Alam, Yalin Zheng
Summary: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a major cause of neuropathy worldwide, leading to excess morbidity and mortality. An AI deep learning algorithm was developed using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images to classify the presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in participants with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The algorithm showed excellent results for the diagnosis of PN using CCM, but further large-scale prospective real-world studies are needed to validate its diagnostic efficacy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Fahmida Haque, Mamun B. I. Reaz, Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury, Mohd Ibrahim bin Shapiai, Rayaz S. A. Malik, Mohammed Alhatou, Syoji Kobashi, Iffat Ara, Sawal H. M. Ali, Ahmad A. A. Bakar, Mohammad Arif Sobhan Bhuiyan
Summary: Diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to foot ulceration and amputation. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI) is commonly used for screening DSPN but lacks a measure of severity. In this study, a DSPN severity grading system based on machine learning algorithms was developed using longitudinal data from the EDIC trial. The system utilizes the top seven MNSI features, including vibration perception, filament test, previous neuropathy, callus, deformities, and fissure, to detect DSPN severity. The developed nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting DSPN and can be used to determine prognosis in patients with DSPN.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Subodh Verma, Hani Sabbour, Naji Alamuddin, Fatheya Alawadi, Hessa Alkandari, Wael Almahmeed, Samir H. Assaad-Khalil, Jihad Haddad, Landman Lombard, Rayaz A. Malik, Emel Mashaki Ceyhan, Preethy Prasad, Gamze Tombak, Sam Salek
Summary: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and clinical management of patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or high/very high cardiovascular disease risk in seven countries in the Middle East and Africa. It also aims to assess physicians' attitudes and decision-making in the management of these patients. The study will determine the prevalence of these conditions, assess current treatment with cardioprotective antidiabetic medication, and evaluate factors influencing clinical decision-making in type 2 diabetes management.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Gulfidan Bitirgen, Adem Kucuk, Mustafa Cagri Ergun, Gunhal Satirtav, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: This study utilized corneal confocal microscopy to identify evidence of small nerve fibre injury and immune cell activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Article
Ophthalmology
Sangeetha Srinivasan, Sobha Sivaprasad, Ramachandran Rajalakshmi, Ranjit Mohan Anjana, Rayaz A. Malik, Vaitheeswaran Kulothungan, Rajiv Raman, Muna Bhende
Summary: OCTA measures have high predictive ability in predicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanan Ehtewish, Areej Mesleh, Georgios Ponirakis, Alberto de la Fuente, Aijaz Parray, Ilham Bensmail, Houari Abdesselem, Marwan Ramadan, Shafi Khan, Mani Chandran, Raheem Ayadathil, Ahmed Elsotouhy, Ahmed Own, Hanadi Al Hamad, Essam M. Abdelalim, Julie Decock, Nehad M. Alajez, Omar Albagha, Paul J. Thornalley, Abdelilah Arredouani, Rayaz A. Malik, Omar M. A. El-Agnaf
Summary: Dementia is a progressive and debilitating neurological disease. Proteomic studies have revealed potential protein biomarkers for dementia. This pilot study used a high-throughput proximity extension immunoassay to quantify proteins in plasma and identified diagnostic biomarkers for dementia with high accuracy. Dysregulation of plasma proteins and correlation with cognitive performance suggest potential mechanisms and pathways in dementia pathogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rowida Almomani, Maurice Sopacua, Margherita Marchi, Milena Sleczkowska, Patrick Lindsey, Bianca T. A. de Greef, Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers, Erika Salvi, Ingemar S. J. Merkies, Maryam A. Ferdousi, Rayaz Malik, Dan Ziegler, Kasper W. J. Derks, Gidon Boenhof, Filippo Martinelli-Boneschi, Daniele Cazzato, Raffaella Lombardi, Sulayman G. Dib-Hajj, Stephen Waxman, Hubert J. M. M. Smeets, Monique G. Gerrits, Catharina Faber, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: Rare SCG genetic variants may contribute to the development of painful neuropathy. Genetic profiling and SCG variant identification can provide better understanding of the genetic variability in patients with painful and painless neuropathy, leading to improved risk stratification and personalized pain treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ahmad Yaser Alhaddad, Hussein Aly, Hoda Gad, Einas Elgassim, Ibrahim Mohammed, Khaled Baagar, Abdulaziz Al-Ali, Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni, John-John Cabibihan, Rayaz A. Malik
Summary: Glucose monitoring is crucial for managing diabetes effectively. Non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring techniques have advanced to replace finger prick testing, and physiological variables like heart rate and pulse pressure can be used to predict hypoglycemia. This study investigates the relationship between physiological variables collected from wearables and glucose levels, providing insights, challenges, and recommendations for data capture validity.
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Ioannis N. N. Petropoulos, Rayaz A. A. Malik
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adnan Khan, Madeeha A. Kamal, Abdula Alhothi, Hoda N. Gad, Marian A. Adan, Georgios Ponirakis, Ioannis Petropoulos, Rayaz Malik
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by communication and interaction difficulties. Recent studies have found abnormal tactile discrimination and allodynia in ASD subjects, as well as neuronal loss in the amygdala, cerebellum, and inter-hemispheric regions of the brain. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can identify central corneal nerve fiber loss in children with ASD, suggesting its potential as an imaging biomarker for neuronal loss in different subtypes of ASD and disease progression.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jonathan Z. M. Lim, Jamie Burgess, Cheong Ooi, Maryam Ferdousi, Shazli Azmi, Alise Kalteniece, Matthew Anson, Daniel J. Cuthbertson, Ioannis N. Petropoulos, Rayaz A. Malik, John P. H. Wilding, Uazman Alam
Summary: This study examines the relationship between small and large nerve fiber pathology and diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in type 1 diabetes. Results show that corneal nerve loss, specifically corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), predicts incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. This study is important for the prevention of DFU and cardiovascular cerebrovascular diseases.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ning-Ning Che, Qiu-Huan Jiang, Shuai Chen, Si-Yuan Chen, Zhen-Xiang Zhao, Xue Li, Jian-Jun Ma, Jie-Wen Zhang, Rayaz A. A. Malik, Hong-Qi Yang
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) has different motor subtypes, and corneal nerve loss differs between these subtypes. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can be used to differentiate motor subtypes in PD.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
(2023)