Journal of the neurological sciences
-
Several studies have reported that homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease without special biomarkers for early diagnosis. Here, we examined the levels of Hcy, folic acid and its metabolic molecule 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in SOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model of ALS in an attempt to determine whether the change in those molecules can be used as potential biomarkers for the disease. ⋯ Our study suggests that decreased 5-MTHF level may be a potential biomarker for the early stage of the disease in the ALS mice, which may warrant further validating study of 5-MTHF level in ALS patients.
-
The rat double-SAH model is one of the standard models to simulate delayed cerebral vasospasm (CVS) in humans. However, the proof of delayed ischemic brain damage is missing so far. Our objective was, therefore, to determine histological changes in correlation with the development of symptomatic and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) proven CVS in this animal model. ⋯ In contrast, on day 5 after SAH the neuronal cell count was significantly reduced in the hippocampus (p<0.001) and the inner cortical layer (p=0.03). The present investigation provides quantitative data on brain tissue damage in association with delayed CVS for the first time in a rat SAH model. Accordingly, our data suggest that the rat double-SAH model may be suitable to mimic delayed ischemic brain damage due to CVS and to investigate the neuroprotective effects of drugs.
-
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies demonstrated that cerebral vasomotor reactivity (VMR) can predict the outcome of carotid artery occlusion (CAO). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive optical method for assessing hemoglobin (Hb) oxygenation parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of NIRS parameters as prognostic markers of stroke occurrence in patients with CAO. ⋯ NIRS is potentially useful in monitoring cerebral oxygenation; however, at present NIRS does not effectively predict the outcomes of stroke or vascular death in patients with CAO. This study does confirm the primary role of TCD VMR in the outcome of carotid disease.
-
Two patients with clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) exhibiting lesions in the white matter and entire corpus callosum (type 2) are reported. The time course differed between the splenial lesion and other lesions in the white matter and corpus callosum other than the splenium; the latter disappeared earlier than the former. These findings strongly suggest that MERS type 2 resolves completely through MERS type 1 exhibiting an isolated splenial lesion, and MERS types 1 and 2 have the same pathophysiology. The possible prior white matter lesions in patients with MERS type 1 may explain the neurological symptoms or EEG abnormalities.
-
m.3243A>G mutation in mitochondrial DNA is the most common pathogenic point mutation, causing a variety of phenotypes. To further elucidate its clinical characteristics, we recruited 47 Chinese families carrying m.3243A>G mutation and analyzed their symptoms, disease history, inheritance, and mitochondria-related complications. ⋯ In the probands, the mutation ratio in blood was threefold higher and the ratio in urine was twofold higher than those of their mothers. m.3243A>G mutation ratio in mothers' urine and in their probands' blood were weakly correlated. In conclusion, (a) stroke-like episode induced by m.3243A>G mutation may be the symptom predominantly found in older patients; (b) m.3243A>G mutation ratio correlates with the severity of the disease; (c) m.3243A>G mutation ratio in mothers' urine may correlate to the ratio in blood in their offspring.