Review| Open Access

Interactions between neurotropic pathogens, neuroinflammatory pathways, and autophagic neural cell death

Priyadarshi Soumyaranjan Sahu, Eunice Ter

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in studies focusing on immunological functions of autophagy, however, knowledge of its roles and regulations in the central nervous system remains unclear. Present reviews highlight the molecular cross talk between host cell autophagy with... Read more

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in studies focusing on immunological functions of autophagy, however, knowledge of its roles and regulations in the central nervous system remains unclear. Present reviews highlight the molecular cross talk between host cell autophagy with inflammatory pathways in the context of neuro-infections. Intracellular pathogens might have an ability to manipulate the autophagy regulation process. An augmented autophagy and inflammation at the site of infection is traditionally considered host protective. Moreover, host cell autophagy might also facilitate pathogen survivability and multiplication in the brain environment. Consequently, an excessive autophagy and neuroinflammatory process do put surrounding healthy brain tissue at risk of pathogen invasion. The question arises, whether there are any known direct interactions of intracellular neurotropic pathogens with this degradative pathway that favour intracerebral pathogen survival and growth? It is worth exploring any such cooperation between pathogen factors and altered immune pathways that modulate autophagy regulatory genes causing massive neuronal damage. A detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms in microbial pathogenesis, neuroinflammatory and neuronal autophagy pathways might identify novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:2. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.43 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Neuroprotection by minocycline in murine traumatic spinal cord injury: analyses of matrix metalloproteinases

Tiffany Rice, Jennifer E.A. Larsen, Hui Li, Robert K. Nuttall, Peter H. Larsen, Steven Casha, John Hurlbert, Dylan R. Edwards, V. Wee Yong

Aim: Minocycline has neuroprotective activities in several models of neurological disorders including spinal cord injury (SCI) where it prevents axonal loss and improves functional recovery. There are still gaps of knowledge on minocycline in SCI including whether it ameliorates neuronal loss at... Read more

Aim: Minocycline has neuroprotective activities in several models of neurological disorders including spinal cord injury (SCI) where it prevents axonal loss and improves functional recovery. There are still gaps of knowledge on minocycline in SCI including whether it ameliorates neuronal loss at the focal site of trauma, and whether minocycline reduces the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of enzymes implicated in the pathophysiology of SCI. This study addressed these gaps. Methods: Mice were treated with either minocycline or vehicle control after a spinal cord contusion. MMPs were compared between the two groups using real time polymerase chain reaction and zymography. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine microglial activation and neuronal cell death. Results: While several MMP members were elevated in the spinal cord following injury, treatment with minocycline did not affect their expression. Importantly, minocycline reduced the loss of neurons in the epicenter of damage to the spinal cord and in segments caudal and rostral to the injury. Conclusion: Despite the inability of minocycline to alter MMPs, the results of neuroprotection at the lesion site support the continued testing of minocycline as a neuroprotective medication in experimental and clinical SCI. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:243-53. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.51 +HTML| PDF

Case Report| Open Access

Steroids and plasma exchange in Isaacs' syndrome with anti-Caspr2 antibodies

Daniele Orsucci, Gianfranco Cafforio, Gianluca Moscato, Alessandro Napolitano, Marco Margelli, Monica Mazzoni

Isaacs’ syndrome is a disease characterized by nerve hyperexcitability. The patients are commonly treated with symptomatic therapies and immunomodulatory approaches, but no clinical trials are available to date. Here, we report the case of an anti-Caspr2-positive patient, presenting with... Read more

Isaacs’ syndrome is a disease characterized by nerve hyperexcitability. The patients are commonly treated with symptomatic therapies and immunomodulatory approaches, but no clinical trials are available to date. Here, we report the case of an anti-Caspr2-positive patient, presenting with continuous muscle twitches and diffuse muscle pain. He experienced a nearly complete clinical response to intravenous high-dose steroids combined with plasma exchange, sustained for at least 1 year. Our experience suggests that methylprednisolone 1000 mg/day × 5 days and consecutive tapering followed by plasma exchange may be efficient and well tolerated in patient with Isaacs’ syndrome due to anti-Caspr2 antibodies. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:7. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.67 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

The role of ubiquitinated TDP-43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Yi Dong, Yan Chen

Deposition of intracellular ubiquitin inclusion in motor neurons is one of the leading pathogenic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The transactive response DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is the main component of intracellular ubiquitin inclusion bodies in pathological deposits.... Read more

Deposition of intracellular ubiquitin inclusion in motor neurons is one of the leading pathogenic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The transactive response DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) is the main component of intracellular ubiquitin inclusion bodies in pathological deposits. TDP-43 is mainly distributed in the nucleus of neurons, and participates in nuclear RNA transcription, alternative splicing and mRNA stability regulation. The tardbp, as a coding gene, provides instructions for making TDP-43. After post-translational modification, the pathological TDP-43 induces pathological deposition in cells and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, which is similar to tau in Alzheimer’s disease and alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease. The pathogenic tardbp mutation can affect the localization of reverse transcription in the cell. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ALS by ubiquitination of TDP-43 protein. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:5. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.47 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Altered filamin A enables amyloid beta-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease

Lindsay H. Burns, Hoau-Yan Wang

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with proteopathy characterized by abnormalities in amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. Defective amyloid and tau propagate and aggregate, leading to eventual amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. New data show that a third... Read more

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with proteopathy characterized by abnormalities in amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. Defective amyloid and tau propagate and aggregate, leading to eventual amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. New data show that a third proteopathy, an altered conformation of the scaffolding protein filamin A (FLNA), is critically linked to the amyloid and tau pathologies in AD. Altered FLNA is pervasive in AD brain and without apparent aggregation. In a striking interdependence, altered FLNA is both induced by Aβ and required for two prominent pathogenic signaling pathways of Aβ. Aβ monomers or small oligomers signal via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) to activate kinases that hyperphosphorylate tau to cause neurofibrillary lesions and formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Altered FLNA also enables a persistent activation of toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4) by Aβ, leading to excessive inflammatory cytokine release and neuroinflammation. The novel AD therapeutic candidate PTI-125 binds and reverses the altered FLNA conformation to prevent Aβ’s signaling via α7nAChR and aberrant activation of TLR4, thus reducing multiple AD-related neuropathologies. As a regulator of Aβ’s signaling via α7nAChR and TLR4, altered FLNA represents a novel AD therapeutic target. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:263-71. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.50 +HTML| PDF

Case Report| Open Access

Hypodysfibrinogenemia in a young patient with recurrent strokes

Daniele Orsucci, Stefania Salvetti, Marco Margelli, Michele Puglioli, Marco Vista, Monica Mazzoni

Stroke is a complex disease, but in some instances is the direct result of a monogenic disease. Here we report the case of a 44-year-old Italian man who experienced recurrent transitory ischemic attacks and strokes. He also had right fetal-type posterior cerebral artery. He was diagnosed with... Read more

Stroke is a complex disease, but in some instances is the direct result of a monogenic disease. Here we report the case of a 44-year-old Italian man who experienced recurrent transitory ischemic attacks and strokes. He also had right fetal-type posterior cerebral artery. He was diagnosed with congenital hypodysfibrinogenemia due to a mutation leading to a truncated fibrinogen gamma chain. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the links between fibrinogen dysfunction and stroke. Hypodysfibrinogenemia should be included among the monogenic diseases associated with ischemic stroke. Physicians should be aware of this condition, which may be detectable on routine assays. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:6. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.66 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Clinical application of cerebrospinal fluid cytology in China

Hong-Zhi Guan, Gang Zhao

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology is a fundamental test for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disease in neurological practice in China. CSF cytology provides diagnostic evidence in cases suspected of CNS infectious diseases, autoimmune encephalitis and CNS neoplastic disorders.... Read more

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology is a fundamental test for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) disease in neurological practice in China. CSF cytology provides diagnostic evidence in cases suspected of CNS infectious diseases, autoimmune encephalitis and CNS neoplastic disorders. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry make the cytological diagnosis more sensitive and specific. However, the diagnostic significance of CSF cytology should be interpreted and evaluated in the context of specific clinical backgrounds. Although molecular diagnostic techniques, including polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, are increasingly applied to CSF examination, the classical CSF cytology still has its horizon in the era of precision neurology and should be recommended as a routine test for CSF analysis. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:4. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.52 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

MicroRNA-126 is a prospective target for vascular disease

Mei-Jie Qu, Jia-Ji Pan, Xiao-Jing Shi, Zhi-Jun Zhang, Yao-Hui Tang, Guo-Yuan Yang

MicroRNA-126 was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. It was mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and defined as a pivotal biological molecule associated with vascular disease. Increased microRNA-126 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis in ischemic... Read more

MicroRNA-126 was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. It was mainly expressed in endothelial cells, and defined as a pivotal biological molecule associated with vascular disease. Increased microRNA-126 in endothelial cells promotes angiogenesis in ischemic stroke, repairs impaired endothelial cells in atherosclerosis, and attenuates vascular dysfunction in diabetics. By contrast, microRNA-126 transferred from endothelial cell to smooth muscle cells could lead to proliferation that induced intimal hyperplasia. Additionally, microRNA-126 could be a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, which was depended on the cancer type. In this review, we summarized the function of microRNA-126 in ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetics, tumor, and discussed the underlying mechanisms. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:10. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2018.01 +HTML| PDF

Case Report| Open Access

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis in a patient with sarcoidosis on hydroxychloroquine with negative cerebrospinal fluid testing for the John Cunningham virus

Ovais Inamullah, Casey Farin, Linh Tran, Roger McLendon, Mark Skeen, Joel Morgenlander

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus typically seen in immuno-compromised patients. Several drugs that suppress that immune system have already been known to cause PML such as... Read more

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus typically seen in immuno-compromised patients. Several drugs that suppress that immune system have already been known to cause PML such as natalizumab and rituximab. We present a patient with sarcoidosis who develops PML in the rare setting of minimal immunosuppression with only hydroxychloroquine. There was significant delay in the diagnosis due to negative cerebrospinal fluid testing for JC virus and concern for neuro-sarcoidosis, but eventually a diagnosis of PML was made via brain biopsy. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:3. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.61 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Applying clustering coefficient to the pattern of international author collaboration in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation

Chen-Fang Hsu, Tsair-Wei Chien, Julie Chi Chow, Willy Chou

Aim: To apply cluster coefficient (CC) to the pattern of international author collaborations in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation using data from Medline and to visualize results using Google maps and social network analysis (SNA). Methods: Selecting 2799 abstracts, author names, countries,... Read more

Aim: To apply cluster coefficient (CC) to the pattern of international author collaborations in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation using data from Medline and to visualize results using Google maps and social network analysis (SNA). Methods: Selecting 2799 abstracts, author names, countries, and keywords on January 22, 2018 from Medline based on keyword neuroimmunology (or neuroinflammation) within the article title since 1982, we reported following features: (1) nation distribution for the 1st author’s nationality; (2) eminent journals and authors in the field of neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation; (3) notable keywords defined by authors representing both neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation; and (4) CCs in networks. We programmed Microsoft Excel VBA routines to extract data from Medline and used Google Maps and SNA Pajek software to display graphical representations with an easy-to-read feature for readers. Results: We found that: (1) the most number of papers in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation are from the USA (902, 32.23%) and China (363, 12.97%); (2) the productive journals and authors in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation are J Neuroinflammation and PLoS One, and Michael T. Heneka (Germany) and Richard M. Ransohoff (USA); (3) the most linked keywords are interleukin (IL), IL-1beta, and blood brain barrier; (4) author networks present higher CC than those nation networks. Conclusion: SNA provides wide and deep insight into the relationships among nations in co-author collaboration. The results can help readers in future submission to a journal in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:9. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2018.03 +HTML| PDF

Topic: Infectious Disease of Central Nervous System| Open Access

Current diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Xiao-Su Guo, Hui Bu, Jun-Ying He, Yue-Li Zou, Yue Zhao, Yuan-Yuan Li, Jun-Zhao Cui, Ming-Ming Zheng, Wei-Xin Han, Ze-Yan Zhao

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a central nervous system infectious disease caused by Cryptococcus. It is the most common fungal infection in the central nervous system, accounting for about 48% of fungal infection. The disease occurs mainly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients... Read more

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a central nervous system infectious disease caused by Cryptococcus. It is the most common fungal infection in the central nervous system, accounting for about 48% of fungal infection. The disease occurs mainly in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and concentrates in the immunocompromised people without AIDS. There are nearly one million new cases of CM each year, and about 70% of them died. In China, CM occurs mainly in people without AIDS and there is an increasing trend in recent years. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with CM. The diagnosis mainly depends on laboratory examination such as morphological examination, fungal culture and antigen detection. History, clinical manifestation and imaging examination are the important parts of auxiliary examination. The initial combined antifungal treatment is emphasized, and the principle of fractional treatment including induction, consolidation and maintenance therapy should be followed. The high intracranial pressure must be reduced actively at the same time. In addition, it is proved that the novel immunotherapy combined with antifungal agents can improve the curative effect and limit the chance of antimicrobial resistance. Large-scale clinical trials are needed for further study. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:249-56. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2016.10 +HTML| PDF

Short Communication| Open Access

Trends in neurology fellowship training

Jordan S.A. Williams, Trent S. Hodgson, Fernando D. Goldenberg, Rimas V. Lukas

Aim: A need for Neurologists exists in the US. The majority of Neurology residency graduates go on to additional subspecialty training. Methods: Data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education from 2001-2014 and the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties from was analyzed... Read more

Aim: A need for Neurologists exists in the US. The majority of Neurology residency graduates go on to additional subspecialty training. Methods: Data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education from 2001-2014 and the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties from was analyzed for trends in the number of Neurology subspecialty training programs and their composition. Results: There has been an overall trend of growth in the number of accredited Neurology subspecialty training programs and fellows. These trends vary between specific subspecialties. Conclusion: The authors provide an overview of the contemporary state of Neurology subspecialty training in the US. A clearer understanding of subspecialty training allows for anticipation of workforce surpluses and deficits. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:65-8. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.11 +HTML| PDF

Topic: Stroke| Open Access

Role of neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke

Rui Liu, Meng-Xian Pan, Jun-Chun Tang, Ya Zhang, Hua-Bao Liao, Yang Zhuang, Dan Zhao, Qi Wan

Ischemic stroke causes the depletion of energy and induce excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the brain that results from thrombotic blockage. Neuroinflammation occurs initially depending on activated resident microglia that has the same function as the macrophage. Activated microglia... Read more

Ischemic stroke causes the depletion of energy and induce excitotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the brain that results from thrombotic blockage. Neuroinflammation occurs initially depending on activated resident microglia that has the same function as the macrophage. Activated microglia participates in the neuroinflammatory process by phagocytosing the injured brain cells and producing the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. In this review, the authors present an overview of the role of microglia in mediating neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:158-66. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.09 +HTML| PDF

Editorial| Open Access

On the need to unify neuroscience and physics

Maurits van den Noort, Sabina Lim, Peggy Bosch Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:271-3. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2016.55 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Neuroimaging of corpus callosum in central nervous system demyelinating disorders

Masoud Etemadifar, Amir Neshatfar, Amir Arsalan Zamani, Mehri Salari

Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections. It is the major commissural pathway connecting the hemispheres of human brain. The pathology of CC includes wide variety of entities that arise from different... Read more

Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of 200-250 million contralateral axonal projections. It is the major commissural pathway connecting the hemispheres of human brain. The pathology of CC includes wide variety of entities that arise from different causes such as congenital, inflammatory, tumoral, degenerative, infectious, etc. This study reviews the most reliable neuroimaging data of human CC in central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases to facilitate the understanding of different pathological entities of the CC and their role in anticipation of probable prognostic findings. After a brief description of normal anatomy and functions of CC, this review examines the most valuable findings obtained using conventional and functional magnetic resonance imaging. It also demonstrates the most well organized findings of how CC features influence prognostic factors of demyelinating disorders, which could have a great value for choosing proper therapy methods. The authors also provided a brief review of other demyelinating disorders which are primarily caused by other pathological factors other than autoimmunity. As a conclusion, the authors showed the importance of CC as an critical part of the brain, which should be explored by different methods of imaging, correspondent to clinical evaluation of CNS demyelinating disorder to widen our knowledge on pathology and clinical patterns of such disorders. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:69-77. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.02 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Interactions between neurotropic pathogens, neuroinflammatory pathways, and autophagic neural cell death

Priyadarshi Soumyaranjan Sahu, Eunice Ter

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in studies focusing on immunological functions of autophagy, however, knowledge of its roles and regulations in the central nervous system remains unclear. Present reviews highlight the molecular cross talk between host cell autophagy with... Read more

In recent times, there has been a significant increase in studies focusing on immunological functions of autophagy, however, knowledge of its roles and regulations in the central nervous system remains unclear. Present reviews highlight the molecular cross talk between host cell autophagy with inflammatory pathways in the context of neuro-infections. Intracellular pathogens might have an ability to manipulate the autophagy regulation process. An augmented autophagy and inflammation at the site of infection is traditionally considered host protective. Moreover, host cell autophagy might also facilitate pathogen survivability and multiplication in the brain environment. Consequently, an excessive autophagy and neuroinflammatory process do put surrounding healthy brain tissue at risk of pathogen invasion. The question arises, whether there are any known direct interactions of intracellular neurotropic pathogens with this degradative pathway that favour intracerebral pathogen survival and growth? It is worth exploring any such cooperation between pathogen factors and altered immune pathways that modulate autophagy regulatory genes causing massive neuronal damage. A detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms in microbial pathogenesis, neuroinflammatory and neuronal autophagy pathways might identify novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2018;5:2. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.43 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Meningeal carcinomatosis: a retrospective analysis of seventy-seven cases

Feng-Na Chu, Yue Lang, Xiao-Min Sun, Li Cui

Aim: Meningeal carcinomatosis is a special type of malignant tumor characterized by short survival and poor prognosis. In the present study, the authors aim to analyze the clinical, laboratory data and prognosis of meningeal carcinomatosis patients. Methods: The authors enrolled 77 cases of... Read more

Aim: Meningeal carcinomatosis is a special type of malignant tumor characterized by short survival and poor prognosis. In the present study, the authors aim to analyze the clinical, laboratory data and prognosis of meningeal carcinomatosis patients. Methods: The authors enrolled 77 cases of meningeal carcinomatosis from 2003 to 2013 in the First Hospital of Jilin University. The clinical data including age, gender, symptoms at onset, clinical manifestations, primary tumors and the laboratory data including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), tumor markers as well as the imaging data were analyzed. The interval between the onset of primary tumor and the onset of central nervous symptoms, treatments and survival time were also analyzed. Results: The onset of meningeal carcinomatosis was usually acute (46.2%) or subacute (39.0%). The most frequent symptom at onset was intracranial hypertension (70.1%). Symptoms such as headache, vomit and high lumbar puncture intracranial pressure was observed in 56% of cases during the course of the disease. CSF abnormalities such as higher protein concentration (73.4%), more CSF pleocitosis (57.1%) and lower glucose levels (48.4%) were found in 95.3% of meningeal carcinomatosis patients. Non-contrast enhanced cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that 13.2% patients had abnormal meningeal changes while in the enhancement scan 35.3% patients showed changes. The serum tumor markers increased in 84% of the patients. There were no differences regarding the mean survival between patients who received intrathecal chemotherapy and those who received brain radiotherapy or supportive treatment. Conclusion: The most common clinical manifestation of meningeal carcinomatosis is intracranial hypertension. The most common primary tumor is lung cancer, followed by gastric cancer and breast cancer. The linear enhancement of meningeal on the MRI scan is of great importance for the diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:1-5. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2016.23 +HTML| PDF

Topic: Stroke| Open Access

When friend turns foe: central and peripheral neuroinflammation in central nervous system injury

Paul Marcet, Nicole Santos, Cesar V. Borlongan

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is common, and though it has been well studied, many aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke are poorly understood. TBI and stroke are two pathologic events that can cause severe, immediate impact to the neurostructure and function of the CNS,... Read more

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is common, and though it has been well studied, many aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke are poorly understood. TBI and stroke are two pathologic events that can cause severe, immediate impact to the neurostructure and function of the CNS, which has been recognized recently to be exacerbated by the body’s own immune response. Although the brain damage induced by the initial trauma is most likely unsalvageable, the secondary immunologic deterioration of neural tissue gives ample opportunity for therapeutic strategists seeking to mitigate TBI’s secondary detrimental effects. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the cell death mechanisms associated with CNS injury with special emphasis on inflammation. The authors discuss sources of inflammation, and introduce the role of the spleen in the systemic response to inflammation after CNS injury. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:82-92. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.07 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Peripheral NK and B regulatory cell frequencies are altered with symptomatic exacerbation in generalized myasthenia gravis patients

Xiao-Yin Lai, Meng-Cui Gui, Jing Lin, Yue Li, Xuan Luo, Long-Xuan Li, Bi-Tao Bu

Aim: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease, in which immunotherapy can improve symptoms for a period, but the majority of patients still experience symptomatic fluctuation or develop myasthenic crisis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between frequency of peripheral... Read more

Aim: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease, in which immunotherapy can improve symptoms for a period, but the majority of patients still experience symptomatic fluctuation or develop myasthenic crisis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between frequency of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and myasthenia gravis disease stage. Methods: The percentages of B regulatory (Breg) cells and natural killer (NK) cells in the peripheral blood samples obtained from 54 MG patients and 10 healthy controls were surveyed using flow cytometry. MG patients were subdivided into the ocular MG, generalized MG (GMG) in exacerbation stage and GMG in remission stage. Results: The percentage of Breg cells was significantly decreased in both the exacerbation stage (6.93 ± 1.18) and remission stage (6.56 ± 1.32) of GMG patients compared to healthy controls (15.97 ± 2.88). The percentage of NK cells were significantly increased in GMG patients in remission stage (20.69 ± 3.45) compared to healthy controls (11.33 ± 0.95). Frequency of NK cells in the patients in remission stage was significantly increased compared to patients in exacerbation (20.69 ± 3.45 vs. 12.32 ± 1.42). Conclusion: The Breg cells are involved in the pathogenesis of GMG, and NK cells are closely associated with the fluctuation of MG symptoms. NK cells could be a useful marker for MG activity and for monitoring effectiveness of immunotherapy. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:179-87. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.29 +HTML| PDF

Case Report| Open Access

A rare case of quadrigeminal plate lipoma presenting with the sixth cranial nerve palsy

Bipin Kumar Chaurasia, Narendra Shalike, Silak Ram Chaudhary, Shamsul Alam, Dhiman Chowdhory, Kanak Kanti Barua, Ranjit Kumar Chaurasiya, Raushan Kumar Chaurasia, Ramesh Kumar Chaurasia, Tolga Dundar

Intracranial lipomas are rare benign tumour that is slow growing, generally asymptomatic, most frequently located in the midline areas and are usually an incidental finding on imaging and therefore cases are not frequently reported. This study reports a case of a patient with quadrigeminal plate... Read more

Intracranial lipomas are rare benign tumour that is slow growing, generally asymptomatic, most frequently located in the midline areas and are usually an incidental finding on imaging and therefore cases are not frequently reported. This study reports a case of a patient with quadrigeminal plate lipoma presenting with obstructive hydrocephalous and the 6th cranial nerve palsy that was successfully treated with ventriculo-peritoneal shunting without addressing the lesion. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2017;4:232-5. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2017.40 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Neurological manifestations in Fabry disease

Joseph Bruno Bidin Brooks, Yara Dadalti Fragoso

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, progressive, multisystem and highly debilitating disease. FD is an X-linked lysosome storage disorder that results in α-galactosidase A deficiency. The subsequent accumulation of glycosphingolipids is more evident in vascular endothelium and smooth-muscle cells. The... Read more

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare, progressive, multisystem and highly debilitating disease. FD is an X-linked lysosome storage disorder that results in α-galactosidase A deficiency. The subsequent accumulation of glycosphingolipids is more evident in vascular endothelium and smooth-muscle cells. The resulting effect of the deposition is generalized inflammation and vasculopathy, which can also affect the central and peripheral nervous system. FD progresses with kidney dysfunction, angiokeratoma of the skin, cardiomyopathy, cerebrovascular events and neurological disorders. In the present review, the neurological manifestations of FD are summarized with emphasis on cerebral vasculopathy, cochlear nerve dysfunction, psychiatric and cognitive symptoms, autonomic dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy. Enzyme replacement therapy is also discussed in the light of its more prominent effects when administered early in life, which make it essential to diagnose FD as soon as possible. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:228-31. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2016.36 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus infection subtype in patients with multiple sclerosis by indirect immunofluorescence assay

Shan-Chao Zhang, Lei Liu, Rui-Jin Wang, Hou-Zhen Tuo, Yan-Jun Guo, Li Yi, De-Xin Wang, Jia-Wei Wang

Aim: The aim was to investigate the infectious conditions of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 patients with MS and 20 with other neurological diseases (OND) were tested with indirect immunofluorescence for anti-EBV capsid... Read more

Aim: The aim was to investigate the infectious conditions of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 patients with MS and 20 with other neurological diseases (OND) were tested with indirect immunofluorescence for anti-EBV capsid antigen (EBV-CA) immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG affinity for anti-EBV-CA, anti-EBV-CA immunoglobulin M (IgM), anti-EBV early antigen (EBV-EA) IgG and anti-EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) IgG. According to the pattern of antibodies in CSF, infection rates of acute, chronic, primary, recurrent, and past infections were analyzed in the two groups of patients. Results: There were no significant differences in anti-EBV-CA, anti-EBC-EA, and anti-EBNA antigen IgG in CSF between MS and OND patients (P > 0.05). The positive rate of low affinity for anti-EBV-CA IgG in MS patients was significantly higher than that for OND patients (75% vs. 40%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences in the positive rate of anti-EBV-CA IgM were found between MS and OND patients (70% vs. 25%, P<0.05). Of the MS patients, 75% were in an EBV acute infection state compared with 40% of OND patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acute infection of EBV closely correlates with the occurrence of MS. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2014;1:24-8. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.135572 +HTML| PDF

Case Report| Open Access

Isolated palatal palsy: a clinical rarity

Harpreet Singh, Rekha Mathur, Parminder Kaur

Acquired isolated palatal palsy is a rare disease. It is commonly seen in children. It usually presents with acute onset nasal regurgitation of fluids, rhinolalia, and palatal asymmetry. Many causes of this disease, such as infections, trauma, tumor, and brainstem lesions, etc., have been... Read more

Acquired isolated palatal palsy is a rare disease. It is commonly seen in children. It usually presents with acute onset nasal regurgitation of fluids, rhinolalia, and palatal asymmetry. Many causes of this disease, such as infections, trauma, tumor, and brainstem lesions, etc., have been reported. However, the most plausible explanation is immunological/ischemic damage to the affected nerve. After ruling out major potential causes of this disease, the damage is often considered to be idiopathic in nature. This disease has a benign self‑limiting course with excellent recovery. In accordance with a hypothesized immunological basis for this condition, treatment with steroids results in significant improvement in its clinical features. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2015;2:190-2. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.153981 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Current overview of myasthenia gravis and experience in China

Jun Guo, Dan Dang, Hong-Zeng Li, Zhu-Yi Li

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease affecting synaptic transmission via the neuromuscular junction mainly due to the presence of auto-antibodies targeting acetylcholine receptors. Ocular or generalized MG is clinically diagnosed when the extra-ocular muscles or other muscle... Read more

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disease affecting synaptic transmission via the neuromuscular junction mainly due to the presence of auto-antibodies targeting acetylcholine receptors. Ocular or generalized MG is clinically diagnosed when the extra-ocular muscles or other muscle groups beyond the extra-ocular muscles are involved. MG occurs in both sexes at any ages from all races but shows a wide variability in incidence and prevalence. Differences in clinical phenotypes of MG patients between West and East countries have been observed. Herein, we review the current concept on epidemiology, classification, and generalized progression in MG, mainly focusing on the differential features from mainland China. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2014;1:127-30. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.143664 +HTML| PDF

Topic: Autoimmune neurological diseases associated with autoantibodies specific for synaptic antigens| Open Access

Diagnostic algorithms in autoimmune encephalitis

Valentina Damato

Over the past decade the discovery of novel forms of encephalitis associated with neuronal surface antibodies had changed the paradigms for diagnosing and treating disorders that were previously mischaracterized. Recognition of clinical syndromes, consistent methods of diagnosis, and early... Read more

Over the past decade the discovery of novel forms of encephalitis associated with neuronal surface antibodies had changed the paradigms for diagnosing and treating disorders that were previously mischaracterized. Recognition of clinical syndromes, consistent methods of diagnosis, and early targeted immunotherapy can lead to a favorable outcome in diseases that may be associated with significant disability or death if left untreated. Here the conditions associated with neuronal surface antibodies are briefly reviewed, some general aspects of these syndromes are considered and guidelines that could help in the recognition of these disorders are suggested. Furthermore, a diagnostic algorithm to detect and characterize neuronal cell surface autoantibodies is suggested and some of the caveats of serum testing are outlined. Future directions will involve the identification of novel autoantibodies, the standardization of methods to detect and characterize them, as well as evaluation of the most efficacious therapeutic strategies in patients with established diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:93-7. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2015.43 +HTML| PDF

Editorial| Open Access

On the need to unify neuroscience and physics

Maurits van den Noort, Sabina Lim, Peggy Bosch Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:271-3. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2016.55 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

Assessment of cognitive function in patients with myasthenia gravis

Sherifa A. Hamed, Ahmad H. Youssef, Mohamad A. Abd ElHameed, Mohamed F. Mohamed, Amal M. Elattar

Aim: During the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the evaluation of cognitive function in myasthenia gravis (MG), neuromuscular transmission disorder caused by acetylcholine receptor auto-antibodies. However, the results of previous studies on cognition and MG are inconsistent... Read more

Aim: During the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in the evaluation of cognitive function in myasthenia gravis (MG), neuromuscular transmission disorder caused by acetylcholine receptor auto-antibodies. However, the results of previous studies on cognition and MG are inconsistent and controversial. This study aimed to evaluate cognition in patients with mild/moderate grades of MG. Methods: This study included 20 patients with MG with a mean age of 28.45 ± 8.89 years and duration of illness of 3.52 ± 1.15 years. Cognition was tested using a sensitive battery of psychometric testing (Mini‑mental State Examination [MMSE], Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale 4th edition [SBIS] and Wechsler Memory Scale‑Revised [WMS‑R]) and by recording P300 component of event‑related potentials (ERPs), a neurophysiological analog for cognitive function. Results: Compared with healthy subjects (n = 20), patients had lower total scores of cognitive testing (MMSE, SBIS and WMS‑R) (P = 0.001), higher Beck Depression Inventory 2nd edition scores (P = 0.0001) and prolonged latencies (P = 0.01) and reduced amplitudes (P = 0.001) of P300 component of ERPs. Correlations were identified between total scores of cognitive testing and age (r = -0.470, P = 0.010), duration of illness (r = -0.788, P = 0.001) and depression scores (r = -0.323, P = 0.045). Using linear regression analysis and after controlling for age and depression scores, a significant correlation was identified between total scores of cognitive testing and duration of illness (β = -0.305, P = 0.045). Conclusion: Patients with mild/moderate MG may have cognitive dysfunction. This is important to determine prognosis and managing patients. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2014;1:141-6. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.143671 +HTML| PDF

Original Article| Open Access

A novel method for evaluating microglial activation using ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 staining: cell body to cell size ratio

Iris Bertha Hovens, Csaba Nyakas, Regien Geertruida Schoemaker

Aim: The aim was to validate a newly developed methodology of semi-automatic image analysis to analyze microglial morphology as marker for microglial activation in ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (IBA-1) stained brain sections. Methods: The novel method was compared to currently used... Read more

Aim: The aim was to validate a newly developed methodology of semi-automatic image analysis to analyze microglial morphology as marker for microglial activation in ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (IBA-1) stained brain sections. Methods: The novel method was compared to currently used analysis methods, visual characterization of activation stage and optical density measurement, in brain sections of young and aged rats that had undergone surgery or remained naοve. Results: The cell body to cell size ratio of microglia was strongly correlated to the visual characterization activation stage. In addition, we observed specific surgery and age-related changes in cell body size, size of the dendritic processes and cell body to cell size ratio. Conclusion: The novel analysis method provides a sensitive marker for microglial activation in the rat brain, which is quick and easy to perform and provides additional information about microglial morphology. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2014;1:82-8. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.139719 +HTML| PDF

Topic: Autoimmune neurological diseases associated with autoantibodies specific for synaptic antigens| Open Access

Neurological diseases associated with autoantibodies targeting the voltage-gated potassium channel complex: immunobiology and clinical characteristics

Domenico Plantone, Rosaria Renna, Tatiana Koudriavtseva

Voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) represent a group of tetrameric signaling proteins with several functions, including modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. Moreover, VGKCs give a key contribution to the generation of the action potential. VGKCs are complexed... Read more

Voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) represent a group of tetrameric signaling proteins with several functions, including modulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. Moreover, VGKCs give a key contribution to the generation of the action potential. VGKCs are complexed with other neuronal proteins, and it is now widely known that serum autoantibodies directed against VGKCs are actually directed against the potassium channel subunits only in a minority of patients. By contrast, these autoantibodies more commonly target three proteins that are complexed with alpha-dendrotoxin-labeled potassium channels in brain extracts. These three proteins are contactin-associated protein-2 (Caspr-2), leucine-rich, glioma inactivated 1 (LGI-1) protein and the protein Tag-1/contactin-2. Neoplasms are detected only in a minority of seropositive patients for VGKC complex-IgG and do not significantly associate with Caspr-2 or LGI-1. Among all the cancers described in association with VGKC complex-IgG, lung carcinoma, thymoma, and hematologic malignancies are the most commonly detected. We will review all the major neurological conditions associated with VGKC complex-IgG. These include Isaacs' syndrome, Morvan syndrome, limbic encephalitis, facio-brachial dystonic seizures, chorea and other movement disorders, epilepsy, psychosis, gastrointestinal neuromuscular diseases, a subacute encephalopathy that mimics Creutzfeldt-Jakob prion disease both clinically and radiologically and autoimmune chronic pain. The vast majority of these conditions are reversible by immunotherapy, and it is becoming increasingly recognized that early diagnosis and detection of VGKC complex-IgG is critical in order to rapidly start the treatment. As a result, VGKC complex-IgG are now part of the investigation of patients with unexplained subacute onset of epilepsy, memory or cognitive problems, or peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndromes. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:69-78. | doi:10.4103/2347-8659.169883 +HTML| PDF

Review| Open Access

Necroptosis: a new link between cell death and inflammation

Yuan-Hang Pan, Xun-Yuan Liu, Jia-Qiang Liu, Qian Liu, Yang Yang, Jia-Lei Yang, Xiu-Fen Zhang, Yin Wu, Ya-Zhou Wang

Necroptosis is a type of newly identified cell death induced by apoptotic stimuli under conditions where apoptotic execution is prevented. Studies over the past 10 years have revealed the molecular mechanism of necroptosis and challenged the old conception that necrosis is un-programmed.... Read more

Necroptosis is a type of newly identified cell death induced by apoptotic stimuli under conditions where apoptotic execution is prevented. Studies over the past 10 years have revealed the molecular mechanism of necroptosis and challenged the old conception that necrosis is un-programmed. Recently, more and more data have emerged suggesting a close association between necroptosis and inflammation. In this review, the authors summarized the current knowledge of the mechanism of necroptosis, focusing on tumour necrosis factor α induced necroptosis and the roles of necroptosis in regulating inflammation. In particular, we discussed the occurrence of necroptosis and its relation with inflammation in neurological diseases hoping to provide new insight for the research and treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders. Back

Neuroimmunol Neuroinflammation 2016;3:156-60. | doi:10.20517/2347-8659.2015.59 +HTML| PDF