{"title":"Five-Year Longitudinal Trajectories of Non-Motor Symptoms in Relation to Baseline Dopaminergic Decline in Parkinson’s Disease","authors":"Mehrdad Mozafar , Hanieh Mirhosseini , Setayesh Farahani , Hamid Harandi , Setareh Garousi , Fatemeh Samadian , Ali Rezaei , Hossein Hamidi , Melika Jameie , Samira Rezaei , Mehran Mottahedi , Mahsa Mayeli","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100288","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>While Non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) substantially affect quality of life, their association with dopaminergic dysfunction remains unclear. This study examined longitudinal associations between NMS and striatal dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DaT-SPECT) measures over five years in PD patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We studied 258 PD patients from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). The associations between the baseline DaT-SPECT-derived specific binding ratios (SBR) in the caudate, putamen, and striatum and longitudinal NMS, including rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, cognition, and olfaction were investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Greater caudate SBR asymmetry at baseline was associated with poorer visuospatial reasoning at year 2 (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Lower initial putamen and striatal SBR correlated with impaired verbal memory retention at year 3 (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Reduced baseline bilateral putamen SBR were linked to deficits in working memory and executive function at year 4 (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Decreased baseline putamen uptake was associated with higher anxiety five years after diagnosis (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Lower baseline caudate and striatal uptake was noted in PD patients who manifested depression 4–5 years later, whereas diminished baseline caudate, putamen, and striatal SBR was detected in those who exhibited RBD five years post-diagnosis (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Predictive modeling indicated modest diagnostic accuracy, with olfactory dysfunction best distinguished using the asymmetry index (AUC > 0.6).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Reduced striatal dopamine uptake, particularly in the caudate and putamen, was associated with progression of NMS including anxiety, depression, memory loss, visuospatial impairment, and RBD. Baseline DaT-SPECT may serve as a useful tool for anticipating NMS trajectories in PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Host and microbiota interaction in depression syndrome","authors":"Zeinab Mohsenipour , Pariya Keshavarz , Zahra Shahpasand Moghanloo","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Depression is a multifactorial mental disorder with genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences. More recently, the role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of depression has received growing interest, placing the gut-brain axis as a key mediator in this relationship. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbial community, may correlate with neurotransmitter synthesis alteration, immune demodulation, and increased inflammation—all of which contribute to depressive symptoms. The current review discusses the growing evidence that supports the involvement of the gut microbiota in depression by focusing on its mechanisms of action, including microbial-driven neuroinflammation, as well as alterations in the production of 5-HT and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the modulation of the immune system. We also discuss interventions, including Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) and dietary supplements, in an attempt to bring the gut microbiota to a healthy state and improve depressive symptoms. However, several challenges remain in translating microbiome-based therapies into clinical practice. Future research should focus on elucidating the exact microbial species involved, identifying biomarkers for targeted therapies, and conducting large-scale clinical trials to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of microbiome modulation as a treatment for depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Tsimakidi, M. Gontika, St. Giamouri, N. Kallias, C. Kotsalis, F. Mylona, D. Gkougka
{"title":"A case series of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: diagnosis, treatment choices and genetic landscape","authors":"C. Tsimakidi, M. Gontika, St. Giamouri, N. Kallias, C. Kotsalis, F. Mylona, D. Gkougka","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100280","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100280","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We present a one‑year case series of nine patients diagnosed with Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS) treated in our clinic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Nine (9) patients presenting with spasms underwent electroencephalogram (EEG) which confirmed the diagnosis of IESS in all cases. Their clinical presentation, EEG, MRI and genetic findings are reviewed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Hypsarrhythmia and spasms resolved in all patients. However developmental outcomes as psychomotor delay (4/9) and autism (3/9) and the progression to other types of epilepsy (6/9) remain under evaluation. Genetic and imaging findings are provided.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>IESS encompasses a spectrum of underlying aetiologies and continues to pose therapeutic challenges. While aggressive treatment is necessary in the acute phase, long-term psychomotor outcomes depend on aetiology and remain largely unpredictable. Genetic testing plays a key role in clarifying underlying causes and informing prognosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluating zuranolone: Discrepancies and insights from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on major depression and postpartum depression treatment","authors":"Abdulqadir J. Nashwan , Areesha Jawed","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zuranolone, a novel neuroactive steroid and positive allosteric modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA<sub>A</sub>) receptors, has been explored for its potential in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD). This review compiles findings from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses, emphasizing its rapid action and efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. Significant improvement is consistently observed by day 15 of treatment, positioning zuranolone as a promising option for rapid relief in depressive episodes. However, variability in research outcomes and methodology across different studies highlights the complexity of evaluating new treatments. Safety concerns, particularly at higher doses, and the increased incidence of side effects such as dizziness and somnolence, call for cautious dose management and close monitoring. Cultural and regional differences also influence treatment efficacy, suggesting the need for culturally sensitive clinical practices. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of zuranolone while also noting the necessity for further research to address safety concerns and optimize treatment protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100293"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"With great power comes great responsibility: Promise and caution in the new psychedelic renaissance","authors":"Matthew Halma , Rakeem Levy , Joseph Varon","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100286","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clinicians and researchers are showing increased interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy for patients who don't show improvement from using conventional antidepressants. This updated review integrates recent developments, including data on lesser-studied compounds like DMT and 5-MeO-DMT, findings from large clinical trials, and evolving regulatory landscapes. In treatment-resistant depression, Ketamine stands out for its fast-acting effects; however, these benefits are often short-lived. Psilocybin and Ayahuasca have shown meaningful symptom reduction in both randomized trials and real-world settings. Emerging data on LSD and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy further suggest potential in mood disorder treatment. Several policy changes have created new frameworks for legal therapeutic use. Oregon legalized supervised psilocybin therapy in November 2020, Colorado passed Proposition 122 in November 2022, and Australia approved the prescription use of psilocybin and MDMA in February 2023. These milestones reflect a growing international shift toward integrating psychedelics into regulated mental health care. Although the mentioned outcomes are encouraging, these treatments must occur under professional supervision and local regulations to reduce the risk of adverse events. These therapies generally take place in a controlled setting with trained facilitators who help guide these introspective experiences and altered levels of consciousness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Peter Zsigmond , Emmanuel Bäckryd , Bijar Ghafouri
{"title":"The relationship between inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid in healthy controls and in patients with severe essential tremor before and after deep brain stimulation","authors":"Peter Zsigmond , Emmanuel Bäckryd , Bijar Ghafouri","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 5 % in individuals over 65 years old. The pathophysiology behind ET is still largely unknown but emerging evidence indicates that ET can be a neurodegenerative disorder. Our aim in this pilot study was to evaluate alterations in inflammatory cytokines in ET patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) compared to healthy controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ten patients with severe ET were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed in healthy controls and in ET patients before and after deep brain stimulation. The samples were analyzed with a U-PLEX assay, based on an electrochemiluminescent detection method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Several cytokines were downregulated or upregulated in patients with ET compared to the healthy control group. Interestingly, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was one of the significantly upregulated inflammatory mediators. There was no difference in the analyzed cytokines before and after DBS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Inflammatory proteins are altered in patients with ET compared to healthy individuals. The finding of an upregulation of MIF, an interesting cytokine that plays a role in other neurodegenerative disorders, suggests evidence for a neurodegenerative pathophysiology in ET. Inflammatory biomarkers might be promising to be future biomarkers and targets of therapeutics against several neurodegenerative disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maryam Doshmanziari , Arash Sarveazad , Fatemeh Moradi , Sara Simorgh , Marjan Shariatpanahi , Mina Eftekharzadeh
{"title":"Neuroprotective effects of human adipose-derived stem cells in AD rat model focusing on CD11b and synaptophysin","authors":"Maryam Doshmanziari , Arash Sarveazad , Fatemeh Moradi , Sara Simorgh , Marjan Shariatpanahi , Mina Eftekharzadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of progressive cognitive impairment and is generally age-related. Stem cell therapy, as a new way of treating neurological disorders can improve the nervous system, but there is not enough perception about the underlying mechanisms. In this investigation, we have studied the effect of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) intravenous injection on CD11b and Synaptophysin (SYP) expression in the hippocampus of the AD rat. We used thirty-two male rats (four groups): AD model, Control, Sham and hADSCs (AD+Sc) group. Morris Water Maze (MWM) was utilized to evaluate alterations in behavior. Also, double immunofluorescent staining results determined SYP and CD11b expressions. According to the MWM results, the AD+Sc group's spatial memory improved following the injection of hADSCs. A markedly lower number of dead cells was observed in the AD+Sc group in comparison to the AD rat model, as assessed through Nissl staining. Consequently, hADSCs administration considerably reduced the level of CD11b about 6-fold and increased SYP expression level about 8-fold in the AD+Sc group comparing to the AD group. Firstly, we have demonstrated that hADSCs had neuroprotective effects on AD group through increase in SYP and reduction in CD11b expression. Based on reversal expression of CD11b and SYP in AD model before and after treatment with hADSCs, it seems that microglia have a key role in treatment of the cognitive and learning dysfunction via improving of synaptic function in AD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145108093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jason J. Chang , David Kepplinger , Yongwoo Kim , Daniel R. Felbaum , Jeffrey C. Mai , Rocco A. Armonda , Edward F. Aulisi
{"title":"Exploratory comparison of autoregulation indices in severe neurological injury using near-infrared spectroscopy and pressure reactivity index","authors":"Jason J. Chang , David Kepplinger , Yongwoo Kim , Daniel R. Felbaum , Jeffrey C. Mai , Rocco A. Armonda , Edward F. Aulisi","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Cerebral autoregulation monitoring utilizes pressure reactivity index (PRx) but has limited use due to its reliance on invasive continuous intracranial pressure monitoring. Non-invasive forms of cerebral autoregulation monitoring may help evaluate secondary neurological injury. We compared temporal trends for tissue oxygen reactivity index (TOx)—a non-invasive cerebral autoregulation index that utilizes the moving correlation coefficient between tissue oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure—and PRx.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A single-center, retrospective exploratory feasibility study in a Level-One Trauma and Tertiary Stroke center comparing PRx and TOx smoothed trajectories in patients with severe neurological injury and comatose exams.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eighteen patients who received TOx and PRx monitoring were analyzed. Individualized smoothed trajectories for TOx and PRx were created. Overall median correlations between TOx and PRx was 0.73. TOx and PRx were also analyzed for their association with poor clinical outcome. Matthew Correlation Coefficient (MCC) suggested that TOx had the strongest association with outcome, reaching a peak value of 0.71 that occurred after day 13 of monitoring. PRx achieved a peak MCC of 0.6 that was consistently reached after day 15 of monitoring.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings suggest that TOx may correlate with PRx trajectories. In our cohort, TOx was more strongly associated with poor outcome than PRx. These preliminary results should be interpreted as exploratory, and further research is required to confirm and validate these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100295"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145528024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Aghakhani , A. Arzoo , B. Dorflinger , S.Z. Athari , G. Mohaddes
{"title":"Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis using biofluidic biomarkers with a focus on α-synuclein","authors":"N. Aghakhani , A. Arzoo , B. Dorflinger , S.Z. Athari , G. Mohaddes","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease of the nervous system. The pathogenesis of PD is not yet fully understood; however, some investigations suggest that neuroinflammation, genetic mutations, and mitochondrial dysfunction may underlie the disease mechanism. Though the manifestations of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration and Lewy body presentation are rigorously documented, the interaction of these factors that presumably lead to such manifestations is far less understood. This article aims to delineate specific diagnostic correlates or biomarkers that have previously shown promise as potential avenues for physician consideration or impetuses for fruitful future research. Potentially, integrating diagnostic biofluid biomarkers, clinical history, and imaging techniques can significantly enhance the accuracy of PD diagnosis. Progress has been made in identifying biomarkers in biofluids for PD. Oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and alpha-synuclein (α-syn) have been briefly discussed in the existing literature and warrant further investigation. The evaluation of combined biomarkers, along with α-syn, may improve diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing PD, which could be achieved by focusing on large-scale clinical assessments of biofluids.</div></div><div><h3>Significance Statement</h3><div>Early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease using biofluidic biomarkers is crucial for improving patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection and intervention, reducing misdiagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145579290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}