Review
Clinical Neurology
Antonella Gagliano, Alessandra Carta, Marcello G. Tanca, Stefano Sotgiu
Summary: Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is characterized by a constellation of acute symptoms followed by a chronic course. Recent research has focused on clinical and pathophysiological aspects of PANS, as well as strategies for disease management. The importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment and the role of neuro-inflammation in psychiatric disorders are highlighted. This article is rated 7 out of 10 in terms of importance.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Dalia Dop, Iulia Rahela Marcu, Rodica Padureanu, Carmen Elena Niculescu, Vlad Padureanu
Summary: PANDAS is clinically characterized by sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive manifestations, motor and verbal tics, and other behavioral symptoms in children with streptococcal infection. It is considered an autoimmune disease with molecular mimicry as the most frequent physiopathological mechanism. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and detailed medical history, while treatment options are complex.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Isabella Rea, Cristiana Alessia Guido, Alberto Spalice
Summary: The study revealed clinical differences between PANDAS and PANS patients in terms of symptoms and laboratory findings, with PANS patients exhibiting more irritability, aggressivity, and food restriction, while PANDAS patients had higher levels of anti-streptolysin O and anti-DNAse B.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Natalia Szejko, Kirsten R. Muller-Vahl
Summary: Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by vocal and motor tics, often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities. Differential diagnosis between tics and OCD-related phenomena can be challenging, as some symptoms may overlap. "Just right" phenomena are common in patients with TS, showing similarities with both tics and OCD. Treatment strategies for tics and OCD in TS patients should take into consideration these complexities.
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISEASE AND TREATMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dennis Vollweiter, Jasmeet Kaur Shergill, Alexandra Hilse, Gaga Kochlamazashvili, Stefan Paul Koch, Susanne Mueller, Philipp Boehm- Sturm, Volker Haucke, Tanja Maritzen
Summary: The cortico-striatal-thalamocortical loop is crucial for the expression of motor routines and habits. Mutations in the intersectin proteins have been linked to neuropsychiatric diseases such as ASD and OCD. Deletion of the intersectin proteins leads to severe ASD/OCD-like behavioral alterations and defective cortico-striatal neurotransmission. The findings provide insights into the physiological role of intersectin in countering ASD/OCD and the molecular pathomechanism behind these neuropsychiatric symptoms.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Rebecca Alison Fabricius, Camilla Birgitte Sorensen, Liselotte Skov, Nanette Mol Debes
Summary: Cytokines play an important role in pediatric OCD and/or movement disorder symptoms, with significant changes in the immune system of patients with these symptoms. Many cytokines show significant alterations in children with these symptoms, particularly TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-17.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Donald Hefelfinger, Hannah Kaufman, Alex Gilman, Rick Gebhart
Summary: PANDAS is a neuropsychiatric disease in children, characterized by symptoms of OCD and tic disorder. It is caused by streptococcal infections, which alter central dopamine signaling. Despite being recognized by the medical community, PANDAS often goes unnoticed and treatment is often ineffective.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Saverio La Bella, Giovanna Scorrano, Marta Rinaldi, Armando Di Ludovico, Francesca Mainieri, Marina Attanasi, Alberto Spalice, Francesco Chiarelli, Luciana Breda
Summary: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome is a controversial disease in pediatric rheumatology, with difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Recent research has focused on animal models and understanding the molecular mechanisms.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anette-Eleonore Schrag, Davide Martino, Hanyuying Wang, Gareth Ambler, Noa Benaroya-Milstein, Maura Buttiglione, Francesco Cardona, Roberta Creti, Androulla Efstratiou, Tammy Hedderly, Isobel Heyman, Chaim Huyser, Pablo Mir, Astrid Morer, Natalie Moll, Norbert E. Muller, Kirsten R. Muller-Vahl, Kerstin J. Plessen, Cesare Porcelli, Renata Rizzo, Veit Roessner, Markus Schwarz, Zsanett Tarnok, Susanne Walitza, Andrea Dietrich, Pieter J. Hoekstra
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and tic incidence among unaffected children with a family history of chronic tic disorders (CTDs). Findings showed a strong association between sex and tic onset, with girls having a lower risk of developing tics compared to boys. However, there was no statistical evidence to suggest an association between GAS exposure and tic onset.
Article
Pediatrics
Sarah L. L. O'Dor, Saffron Homayoun, Olivia M. M. Downer, Mary A. A. Hamel, Julia S. S. Zagaroli, Kyle A. A. Williams
Summary: This study describes the comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions in a self-referred cohort of pediatric patients with PANS/PANDAS, along with the high prevalence of autoimmune and psychiatric conditions in family members. The caregivers of these patients experience elevated levels of burden, stress, anxiety, and depression.
JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Adriana Prato, Mariangela Gulisano, Miriam Scerbo, Rita Barone, Carmelo M. Vicario, Renata Rizzo
Summary: PANDAS is a clinical condition characterized by the sudden onset of OCD and/or tics in children with streptococcal infections, often accompanied by other behavioral symptoms. Related disorders include PANS, CANS, and PITANDs. Despite being controversial since its definition in 1998, further research is needed to improve knowledge on these conditions.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hannah F. Jones, Velda X. Han, Shrujna Patel, Brian S. Gloss, Nicolette Soler, Alvin Ho, Suvasini Sharma, Kavitha Kothur, Margherita Nosadini, Louise Wienholt, Chris Hardwick, Elizabeth H. Barnes, Jacqueline R. Lim, Sarah Alshammery, Timothy C. Nielsen, Melanie Wong, Markus J. Hofer, Natasha Nassar, Wendy Gold, Fabienne Brilot, Shekeeb S. Mohammad, Russell C. Dale
Summary: Genetic variation is a major risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, but environmental factors during pregnancy and early life also play a significant role. Studies show that mothers and families of children with tic disorders and OCD have higher rates of autoimmune diseases and other pro-inflammatory states, implying a potential link between maternal inflammation and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jose Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo, Marlene Alonso-Juarez, Joseph Jankovic
Summary: This study found that dystonic tics are present in about a third of patients with Tourette syndrome (TS) and are associated with increased severity of TS.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolas Lamanna-Rama, Diego Romero-Miguel, Manuel Desco, Maria Luisa Soto-Montenegro
Summary: Curcumin, a therapeutic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, has been studied in preclinical and clinical trials for psychiatric disorders. While there are some positive results reported, the limited number of trials and protocol heterogeneity make it difficult to draw solid conclusions about the real efficacy of curcumin in psychiatric disorders.
Article
Psychiatry
Bernhard Weidle, Tord Ivarsson, Fernando R. Asbahr, Rosa Calvo, David Mataix-Cols, Moira A. Rynn, Eric A. Storch
Summary: This paper aims to promote a standardized high level of care for pediatric OCD treatment globally; specific knowledge and competencies recommended for specialized practice for pediatric psychopharmacologists working with OCD are provided; drug treatment should be informed by broad competence in general child and adolescent psychiatry and pediatrics, while considering other treatment relevant areas such as specialty CBT, family functioning, developmental issues, and neurobiology.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Letter
Immunology
Wan-Ju Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Kuan-Pin Su, Po-Ren Hsueh
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Felipe Kenji Sudo, Talita P. Pinto, Fernanda G. Q. Barros-Aragao, Ivanei Bramati, Theo F. Marins, Marina Monteiro, Fernanda Meireles, Rejane Soares, Pilar Erthal, Victor Calil, Naima Assuncao, Natalia Oliveira, Joana Bondarovsky, Camila Lima, Beatriz Chagas, Alana Batista, Julia Lins, Thais L. Pinheiro, Felippe Mendonca, Andrea Silveira de Souza, Fernanda C. Rodrigues, Gabriel R. de Freitas, Pedro Kurtz, Paulo Mattos, Erika C. Rodrigues, Fernanda G. De Felice, Fernanda Tovar-Moll
Summary: Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a multisystemic syndrome that persists for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting cognitive function and neuropsychiatric features. A study on COVID-19 survivors in Brazil found that these patients experienced significant difficulties in overall cognition, memory, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In addition, elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood were associated with brain microstructural damage and cognitive impairments.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Letter
Immunology
Tieh-Cheng Fu, Juei-Chao Chen, Ching-Mao Chang
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Aastha Dheer, Dale B. Bosco, Jiaying Zheng, Lingxiao Wang, Shunyi Zhao, Koichiro Haruwaka, Min-Hee Yi, Abhijeet Barath, Dai-Shi Tian, Long-Jun Wu
Summary: Microglial activation plays a crucial role in the pathology of epilepsy, with both acute and prolonged activation affecting seizure severity and neuronal loss.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Julie B. Rosenberg, Jens Richardt Mollegaard Jepsen, Parisa Mohammadzadeh, Astrid Sevelsted, Rebecca Vinding, Mikkel E. Sorensen, David Horner, Kristina Aagaard, Birgitte Fagerlund, Susanne Brix, Nilofar Folsgaard, Ann -Marie M. Schoos, Jakob Stokholm, Bo Chawes, Christos Pantelis, Soren Dalsgaard, Birte Y. Glenthoj, Niels Bilenberg, Klaus Bonnelykke, Bjorn H. Ebdrup
Summary: Clinical data demonstrates a strong association between prenatal maternal inflammation assessed by hs-CRP and a diagnosis of ADHD by age 10. Maternal inflammation is also associated with ADHD symptom load in the entire cohort.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Suzanne M. Green-Fulgham, Michael J. Lacagnina, Kendal F. Willcox, Jiahe Li, Michael E. Harland, Adriano Polican Ciena, Igor R. Correia Rocha, Jayson B. Ball, Renee A. Dreher, Younus A. Zuberi, Joseph M. Dragavon, Marucia Chacur, Steven F. Maier, Linda R. Watkins, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Regular aerobic activity, specifically voluntary wheel running, can reduce the risk of chronic pain by inhibiting MAC and preserving myelin integrity at the site of peripheral nerve injury.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
India Boyton, Stella M. Valenzuela, Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino, Andrew Care
Summary: Neuronanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative nanotechnologies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles are an important component of neuronanomedicine, as they can improve drug properties and enhance safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier. However, a major challenge for neuronanomedicine translation is the poor understanding of bio-nano interactions, partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. This review provides specific recommendations to guide researchers in harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles for breakthrough treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Celine De Looze, Cathal McCrory, Aisling O'Halloran, Silvia Polidoro, Rose Anne Kenny, Joanne Feeney
Summary: Our study found that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently associated with cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at potential different underlying mechanisms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Beatrice Bravi, Elisa Maria Teresa Melloni, Marco Paolini, Mariagrazia Palladini, Federico Calesella, Laura Servidio, Elena Agnoletto, Sara Poletti, Cristina Lorenzi, Cristina Colombo, Francesco Benedetti
Summary: Depressed patients show changes in immune-inflammatory markers in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The Choroid Plexus, located at the base of the brain ventricles, plays a key role in regulating the exchange of substances between the brain and immune cells. Patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder have larger Choroid Plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. Age and levels of circulating cytokines are associated with Choroid Plexus volumes in the clinical groups.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Mingxuan Zheng, Huaiyu Ye, Xiaoying Yang, Lijun Shen, Xuemei Dang, Xiaoli Liu, Yuying Gong, Qingyuan Wu, Li Wang, Xing Ge, Xiaoli Fang, Benchi Hou, Peng Zhang, Renxian Tang, Kuiyang Zheng, Xu-Feng Huang, Yinghua Yu
Summary: Obesity is linked to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is altered in obesity. The probiotic Clostridium butyricum can improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Edward Drydale, Phalguni Rath, Katie Holden, Gregory Holt, Laurissa Havins, Thomas Johnson, James Bancroft, Lahiru Handunnetthi
Summary: This study created a novel three-dimensional neurosphere assay using induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the effect of a simulated viral infection on cortical development. The findings demonstrated that the infection led to reduced radial glial growth and neural migration.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Yuancheng Weng, Ningting Chen, Rui Zhang, Jian He, Xukai Ding, Guo Cheng, Qianqian Bi, Ying-mei Lu, Xiao Z. Shen, Shu Wan, Peng Shi
Summary: This study reveals that microglia is the primary cellular source of PDGFB in adults, and microglial PDGFB is crucial for maintaining BBB integrity in adult mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Evan A. Bordt, Haley A. Moya, Young Chan Jo, Caitlin T. Ravichandran, Izabella M. Bankowski, Alexis M. Ceasrine, Christopher J. Mcdougle, William A. Carlezon Jr, Staci D. Bilbo
Summary: There is a strong male bias in many neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms behind this bias are unknown. Infection during the perinatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a mouse model, researchers found that early-life immune activation only induced deficits in social behaviors in male mice. These behavioral changes were associated with alterations in microglial immune signaling, mitochondrial morphology, gene expression, and function specifically in microglia, the brain's innate immune cells. Furthermore, the vulnerability to early-life immune activation and its effects on behavior and microglial mitochondria were programmed by the male-typical perinatal gonadal hormone surge. These findings highlight the role of microglia-specific mechanisms shaped by early developmental events in regulating male social behavior throughout lifespan.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Maria Amalia Di Castro, Stefano Garofalo, Alessandro Mormino, Laura Carbonari, Erika Di Pietro, Eleonora De Felice, Myriam Catalano, Laura Maggi, Cristina Limatola
Summary: Cytokines, such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), play important roles in modulating the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the authors found that exposure to IL-15 enhances GABA release and reduces glutamatergic currents in hippocampal slices. Chronic treatment with IL-15 has negative effects on memory formation. Serotonin is involved in mediating these effects, as a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and improves performance in a memory test.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Nikhitha Sreenivas, Michael Maes, Hansashree Padmanabha, Apoorva Dharmendra, Priyanka Chakkera, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Fazal Abdul, Thrinath Mullapudi, Vykuntaraju K. Gowda, Michael Berk, John Vijay Sagar Kommu, Monojit Debnath
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with both common and differing characteristics in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the possibility of a shared immune etiology among three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD).
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)