Journal Detail Information

1

Cite

Share

Therapeutic potential of resveratrol for the treatment of type III Gaucher disease

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):43-48.

Gaucher disease is the most common lysosomal storage disorder. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that possesses a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective activities. The aim of this study was to determine if resveratrol has a therapeutic effect on primary fibroblast cells derived from a patient with type III Gaucher disease. 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were performed to determine the effect of resveratrol on cell survival. The expression levels of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), E3- binding protein (E3BP), and citrate synthase (CS) were evaluated by western blotting to characterize the effect of resveratrol treatment on Gaucher disease cells. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out to measure changes in glucosylceramide levels in resveratrol-treated patient cells. Resveratrol increased the viability of patient cells compared to that of untreated control cells. Resveratrol treatment dose-dependently decreased AIF, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 levels, whereas ACAT1, E3BP, and CS expression dose-dependently increased. TLC analysis showed reduced levels of glucosylceramides in resveratrol-treated patient cells. These findings demonstrate that resveratrol can relieve cellular stress due to glucosylceramide accumulation, and suggest that it should be studied further as a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of Gaucher disease.
Gaucher Disease

2

Cite

Share

Tuberculous meningitis in Asia

Lin Zhang ; Guodong Feng ; Gang Zhao

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):1-6.

Tuberculous meningitis is an important global medical problem which gives rise to high morbidity and mortality. It is the most severe form of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Comprehensive prevention effort, prompt diagnosis and rational treatment are all keys to improving treatment outcomes; yet many unsolved problems remain. On the other hand, the new problems, such as HIV co-infection and drug-resistance are posing important challenges. This review outlines the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and prognosis of tuberculous meningitis. We mainly focus on research carried out in the recent decades, giving special attention to the work done among the Asian populations
Tuberculosis, Meningeal

3

Cite

Share

Pattern of circle of Willis between normal subject and patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque

Hyo Sung Kwak ; Seung Bae Hwang ; Gyung Ho Chung ; Sang Yong

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):7-14.

Objective: We investigated whether circle of Willis (COW) morphology on 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography differs between young normal subjects, older normal subjects, and patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: One hundred seventy-seven subjects were grouped according to age into a young group (20 – 40 years; n = 91) and an older group (> 60 years; n = 86). Subjects underwent brain MR examination as part of a health check-up. Fifty-three patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were also included for evaluation in this study. COW morphology on 3D TOF MR angiography was analyzed in terms of completeness or incompleteness of the anterior and posterior components of the circle and completeness of the circle. Results: An incomplete pattern of anterior circulation was significantly more common in carotid atherosclerotic plaque patients (20.7%) than normal older subjects (5.5%) (p < 0.01). A complete posterior circulation pattern was more frequent in normal young subjects (46.5%) than in normal older subjects (16.5%) or the patient group (18.9%) (p < 0.01). Of patients with carotid artery stenosis, 18.9% had a bilateral incomplete connection and were significantly more likely to have an incomplete pattern than normal young (2.3%) or normal older subjects (2.2%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Young, healthy subjects were significantly more likely to have a complete pattern of posterior circulation than older subjects. Patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were significantly more likely to have incomplete anterior circulation and an incomplete circle than young, normal subjects.
Circle of Willis

4

Cite

Share

Prognostic value of the ABCD2 score on long-term follow-up of transient ischemic attack using the new tissue-based definition

Chan-chan Li ; Tong Tong ; Yan-mei Yang ; Zhen-wei Yao ; Xiao-yuan

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):15-21.

The ABCD2 score is validated for evaluating short-term stroke risk after transient ischemic attack (TIA); however, whether it is able to predict the long-term risk of vascular outcome remains uncertain. Recently a new tissue-based definition of TIA has been proposed. The ABCD2 scores of 145 TIA patients admitted to our hospital were retrospectively calculated and stratified into two categories: ≤ 3 points (low risk); 4-7 points (moderate-high risk). At a median follow-up of 81 months, new vascular events were recorded. Follow-up data were available in 107 patients. Seventy one patients had a moderate-high ABCD2 score. Sixty six patients experienced a cerebral ischemic event; 8 a myocardial infarction; 7 died of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular cause. Moderate-high ABCD2 score was significantly associated with the further cerebral ischemic events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.755; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.019 to 3.024) and with the combined endpoint (HR, 1.818; 95% CI, 1.079 to 3.063). Our study shows that the ABCD2 score may also be used to predict long-term vascular outcome after tissue-based definition of TIA. Moderate-high ABCD2 score is associated with an increased general vascular risk in the long-term follow-up after TIA.
Stroke

5

Cite

Share

Parkinsonism in corticobasal syndrome may not be primarily due to presynaptic dopaminergic deficiency

Ji Young Yun ; Jong-Min Kim ; Han-Joon Kim ; Jee-Young Lee ; Hee Jin Kim ; Ji Seon Kim ; Yu Kyeong Kim ; Sang Eun Kim ; Tae-Beom Ahn ; Beom S Jeon

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):23-27.

The clinical features of corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are quite asymmetric. The severity of clinical symptoms and dopamine transporter (DAT) bindings were less correlated compared to other parkinsonisms, suggesting that presynaptic nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction may not explain extrapyramidal manifestations in CBD. Therefore we wanted to reexamine asymmetry and severity between DAT imaging and clinical findings. We studied patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for CBD based on clinical features. We collected their clinical information and imaging retrospectively. Seven patients were enrolled and all had asymmetric rigidity, bradykinesia and unilateral limb dystonia. These symptoms did not improve with levodopa. All patients showed symptoms bilaterally in the last visit, but asymmetry of clinical symptoms was remarkable at the time of DAT imaging. The DAT bindings were decreased in six subjects. However, one patient showed normal DAT binding. Four patients had a more evident DAT reduction on the side contralateral to the more clinically affected side, however, two patients had a more prominent reduction on the ipsilateral side. The symptoms that we regard as parkinsonian features in CBD are not only explained by presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction. Our findings suggest that postsynaptic dopaminergic or nondopaminergic systems may play a major role in parkinsonian symptoms in corticobasal syndrome.
Parkinsonian Disorders

6

Cite

Share

Electromyographicanalysis of prevalence and characteristics of radiculopathy in Parkinson’s disease

Do-Young Kwon ; Seong-Beom Koh ; Kun-Woo Park ; Byung-Jo Kim

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):29-34.

Background & Objectives: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of radiculopathy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients through electrodiagnostic tests, to assess associated radicular pain characteristics,and to investigate the relationship between pain and other clinical manifestations of PD. Methods: Electrodiagnostic testing including nerve conduction studies and needle electromyographywas performed to investigate comorbid peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy. All patients were asked to complete aquality of life (QOL) measurement related to pain. Results: Thirty-two (39%) of 82 PD patients had radiculopathy based on electrodiagnostic testing. 46.9% with radiculopathy patients had involvement of multiple roots level. The most commonly involved root was L5 (83.3%). Patients with radiculopathy had longer PD durations (p=0.011) and higher posture-related axial scores on the UPDRS scale (p=0.017).There was a trend for pain in the leg and low back to occur more frequently in PD patients with radiculopathy. QOL is not significantly different according to the presence of radiculopathy in PD. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of radiculopathy, particularly multiple root involvement, and is correlated with pain complaints and with axial motor scores on UPDRS. These findings might be related to increased shear force at the intervertebral disc by axial rigidity and flexed posture in PD along with the duration and severity of PD disease course.
Parkinson Disease ; Radiculopathy

7

Cite

Share

Age, hypertension, and genetic polymorphisms and their relative associations with white matter hyperintensities in Korean patients with Alzheimer’s disease

Heejeong Jeong ; Seungnam Son ; Soo-Kyoung Kim ; Ki-Jong Park ; Nack-Cheon Choi ; Oh-Young Kwon ; Byeonghoon Lim ; Heeyoung Kang

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):35-41.

Objectives: White matter hyperintensities are known to influence dementia in Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic components are suggested as putative risk factors for vascular pathology and cognitive decline. This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between candidate genetic polymorphisms and the severity of white matter hyperintensities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Seventy-five patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease underwent genetic tests for specific alleles of apolipoprotein E, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans and neuropsychological tests. The severity of white matter hyperintensities was semiquantified using the CREDOS rating scale, and patients were divided into three groups according to their rating. Results:The severity of white matter hyperintensities was related to age and hypertension. However, none of the gene polymorphisms we tested was found to be associated with the severity of white matter hyperintensities. Conclusion:The genetic polymorphisms found in apolipoprotein E, angiotensin-converting enzyme and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase did not contribute to white matter hyperintensities in Alzheimer’s disease.Only age and hypertension factors were found to be contributory to white matter hyperintensities.
Alzheimer Disease ; Dementia

8

Cite

Share

Incidence and predictors of early ankle contracture in adults with acquired brain injury

Norhamizan Hamzah ; Muhammad Aizuddin Bahari ; Saini Jeffery Freddy Abdullah ; Mazlina Mazlan

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):49-58.

Objective: To determine the incidence and predictors of early ankle contracture in adults with acquired brain injury. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients admitted to Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU), University Malaya Medical Centre and referred for rehabilitation within a period of 12 months. Adult patients with newly diagnosed acquired brain injury with no prior deformity to lower limbs, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12, no concomitant spinal or lower limb injuries, medical stability at inclusion into the study and agreed to participate for the total duration of assessment (3 months) were recruited. We conducted weekly review of ankle muscle tone and measurement of ankle maximum passive dorsiflexion motion. The end point is reached if ankle contracture developed or completed 3 months post injury assessment. Results: The cohort included 70 patients, of which only 46 patients completed the study. Twenty-eight patients suffered from severe brain injury whilst 18 from moderate brain injury. Out of the 46 patients, 13 (28%) developed ankle contracture at the end of the study period. Abnormal motor pattern was significantly associated with incidence of ankle contracture, which included spasticity (p<0.001), spastic dystonia (p=0.001) and clonus (p=0.015). Using univariate analysis, the predictors for ankle contracture were spasticity (OR 51.67, CI 7.53-354.52, p<0.001), spastic dystonia (OR 27.43 CI 2.84-265.35, p=0.004) and clonus (OR 4.18 CI 1.33-13.19, p =0.015). Conclusion: Abnormal motor patterns are strongly associated with early incidence of ankle contracture amongst adult with new diagnosis of moderate to severe acquired brain injury despite a regular standard therapy program. This is an important clinical finding towards early prevention of ankle contracture.
Contracture ; Ankle

9

Cite

Share

Thoracic neurogenic tumors: A clinicopathologic evaluation of 42 cases

Elif Ulker Akyildiz ; Ulviye Yalcinkaya

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):59-63.

Background & Objective: Neurogenic tumors typically originate from the peripheral nerves, paraganglionic nerves, or the autonomic nervous system. Tumors arising from peripheral nerves are classified as schwannoma, neurofibroma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors while tumors arising from the sympathetic chain ganglion cells are classified as ganglioneuroma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and neuroblastoma. Tumors arising from the parasympathetic chain ganglion cells are classified as paraganglioma. Neurogenic tumors of the thorax are uncommon and originate from large airways, lungs, the mediastinum, or the chest wall. In this study, we report the clinical and histopathological features of 42 patients diagnosed with neurogenic tumors of the thorax. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of 42 patients diagnosed with intrathoracic neurogenic tumors and treated in Uludag University between 2002 and 2012 was conducted. All pathology specimens were examined by a pathologist experienced in the examination of soft tissue tumors. The patients were evaluated according to age, gender, location and histological characteristics of the tumor. Results: The study group included 42 patients diagnosed thoracic neurogenic tumors, including 31 female (74%) and 11 male (26%). The sex ratio was 2.8 (female/male) and the mean age of the study population was 38.52 years. The age of patients ranged from 3 to 73 years. The neurogenic tumor was located in the posterior mediastinum in 31(74%) patients, anterior mediastinum in 2 (5%) patients, and in the chest wall in 9 (21%) patients. The origin of the neurogenic tumor was the peripheral nerve sheath in 31 (74%) patients, and the ganglion cells in 10 (24%) patients, and the paraganglion system in 1 (2%) patient. The study group also included 20 (48%) patients diagnosed with schwannoma, 6 (14%) patients diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor , 5 (12%) patients diagnosed with neurofibroma , 5 (12%) patients diagnosed with ganglioneuroma, 4 (10%) patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma , 1 (2%) patient diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma and 1 (2%) patient diagnosed with paraganglioma. Our study group comprised 36 adults and 6 children. Of the adult patients, 20 (55%) had schwannomas, 6 (17%) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, 5 (14%) neurofibroma, 4 (11%) ganglioneuromas, and 1 (3%) paraganglioma. Four of the six children (66%) included in our study group were diagnosed with neuroblastoma, 1 (17%) child was diagnosed with ganglioneuroma, and 1 (17%) child was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma. The malignancy rate was 83% in children and 17% in adults. Conclusion: Age is an important clinical parameter in terms of histological type and malignancy rate. In our study group, malignancy rate in children was much higher than adults. The most common thoracic neurogenic tumor in adults and children was schwannoma and neuroblastoma, respectively.
Autonomic Nervous System ; Neuroblastoma ; Neurilemmoma

10

Cite

Share

Effects of neonatal capsaicin treatment on stress induced analgesia and hyperalgesia in Tail-Flick test in male rats

Zahra Sepehri ; Masoud Fereidoni ; Saeed Niazmand ; Shirin Hosseini ; Maryam Mahmoudabady

Neurology Asia.2015;20(1):65-72.

Background & Objective: It is reported that acute forced swimming stress induces analgesia immediately, and chronic stress induces hyperalgesia. Whereas in response to nociceptive stimulation, small-diameter C-fibers of the excitatory system in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord are activated, therefore, in the present study, the effects of C-fiber lesion in stress and dexamethasone-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia in acute and chronic forms were investigated using Tail-Flick test. Methods: Adults Wistar male rats (180-200 g) were assigned into three groups (n=7): C-normal (intact C-fibers), sham (received capsaicin vehicle at neonate stage) and C-lesion (received capsaicin at neonate stage). Forced swim stress (10 min/day) in water (18±1 ºC) was considered as acute stress and repeated daily forced swim stress as chronic stress, also single-dose of dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p.) was considered as acute dexamethasone and repeated for three days as chronic dexamethasone. Neonatal capsaicin treatment was used for C-fibers depletion. The nociceptive thermal threshold was assessed using Tail-Flick test. Results: In C-lesion group, thermal pain sensitivity was reduced (P<0.001). Acute stress in C-normal group, reduced pain (P<0.001) and in C-lesion group, it caused deeper antinociception in Tail-Flick (P<0.001). Chronic stress and acute-chronic dexamethasone in C-normal group, created hyperalgesia (P<0.001) and induced analgesia in C-lesion groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: It seems that presence of C-fiber is so important in thermal pain transmission in Tail-Flick test; therefore, C-fiber lesion, reduces pain sensitivity (analgesia), increases antinociception effects of acute stress, decreases hyperalgesia of chronic-stress and acute-chronic dexamethasone
Analgesia ; Hyperalgesia

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share