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Trials Jun 2024Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is considered a disorder of emotion regulation resulting from the expression of a biologically determined emotional vulnerability...
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation to acutely reduce emotional vulnerability and improve emotional regulation in borderline personality disorder (tVNS-BPD): study protocol for a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is considered a disorder of emotion regulation resulting from the expression of a biologically determined emotional vulnerability (that is, heightened sensitivity to emotion, increased emotional intensity/reactivity, and a slow return to emotional baseline) combined with exposure to invalidating environments. Vagal tone has been associated with activity in cortical regions involved in emotion regulation and a lower resting state of vagal tone has been observed in BPD patients relative to healthy controls. Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been shown to reduce temper outbursts in adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome, to enhance recognition of emotions in healthy students, and to improve depressive and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, a single session of taVNS has been shown to acutely alter the recognition of facial expressions of negative valence in adolescents with MDD and increase emotion recognition in controls. However, the effect of taVNS on emotional vulnerability and regulation in individuals diagnosed with BPD has not been investigated. Our aims are to determine if taVNS is effective in acutely reducing emotional vulnerability and improve emotional regulation in BPD patients.
METHODS
Forty-two patients will be randomized to a single session of taVNS or sham-taVNS while going through an affect induction procedure. It will consist of the presentation of one neutral and three negative affect-evoking 4-min-long videos in sequence, each of which is followed by a 4-min post-induction period during which participants will rate the quality and intensity of their current self-reported emotions (post-induction ratings) and the perceived effectiveness in managing their emotions during the video presentation. The rating of the current self-reported emotions will be repeated after every post-induction period (recovery ratings). Mixed models with individuals as random effect will be used to investigate the ratings at each stage of the study, taking into account the repeated measures of the same individuals at baseline, pre-induction, post-induction, and recovery.
DISCUSSION
The study has potential to yield new insights into the role of vagal tone in emotion dysregulation in BPD and offer preliminary data on the effectiveness of taVNS as a possible non-invasive brain stimulation to treat a core symptom of BPD.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05892900. Retrospectively registered on Jun 07, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Borderline Personality Disorder; Vagus Nerve Stimulation; Emotional Regulation; Single-Blind Method; Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Emotions; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Young Adult; Female; Treatment Outcome; Male; Adolescent; Time Factors; Vagus Nerve; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38898522
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08230-6 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Strict regimens of restricted caloric intake and daily physical exercise are life-saving in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) but are extremely challenging in home...
: Strict regimens of restricted caloric intake and daily physical exercise are life-saving in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) but are extremely challenging in home environments. PWS-specialized hostels (SH) succeed in preventing morbid obesity and in coping with behavioral disorders; however, effects of restricted living environments on quality of life (QOL) have not been described. Evidence on QOL is critical for clinicians involved in placement decisions. : We examined the impact of living in SH versus at home or in non-specialized hostels (H and NSH) on QOL, behavior, and health parameters. All 58 adults (26 males) followed-up in the National Multidisciplinary Clinic for PWS were included: 33 resided in SH, 18 lived at home, and 7 lived in NSH. Questionnaires were administered to primary caregivers to measure QOL, and data were obtained from the medical records. : The H and NSH group were compared with those for adults in SH. Despite strict diet and exercise regimens, QOL was similar for both groups. Eight-year follow-up showed that food-seeking behavior decreased in SH but increased in H and NSH. BMI, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were lower in SH. : Our results suggest that living in SH is associated with benefits for physical health and behavior without negatively affecting QOL.
PubMed: 38893034
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113323 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Jun 2024Obesity is a major risk factor for liver and cardiovascular diseases. However, obesity-driven mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple organ diseases...
Obesity is a major risk factor for liver and cardiovascular diseases. However, obesity-driven mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple organ diseases are still obscure and treatment is inadequate. We hypothesized that increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the key rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose shunt, is critical in evoking metabolic reprogramming in multiple organs and is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of liver and cardiovascular diseases. G6PD is induced by carbohydrate-rich diet and insulin. Long-term (8 months) high-fat diet (HFD) feeding increased body weight and elicited metabolic reprogramming in visceral fat, liver, and aorta, of the wild-type rats. In addition, HFD increased inflammatory chemokines in visceral fat. Interestingly, CRISPR-edited loss-of-function Mediterranean G6PD variant (G6PD) rats, which mimic human polymorphism, moderated HFD-induced weight gain and metabolic reprogramming in visceral fat, liver, and aorta. The G6PD variant prevented HFD-induced CCL7 and adipocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, the G6PD variant increased Magel2 - a gene encoding circadian clock-related protein that suppresses obesity associated with Prader-Willi syndrome - and reduced HFD-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver. Additionally, the G6PD variant reduced aging-induced aortic stiffening. Our findings suggest G6PD is a regulator of HFD-induced obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and fatty liver.
PubMed: 38876306
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107460 -
Journal of Applied Research in... Jul 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is commonly associated with intellectual disability, but also with a specific behavioural phenotype and a high predisposition to psychiatric...
BACKGROUND
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is commonly associated with intellectual disability, but also with a specific behavioural phenotype and a high predisposition to psychiatric comorbidity. This study examines the psychiatric care situation of people with PWS.
METHOD
A structured online questionnaire was administered to carers of people with PWS living in Germany, asking about demographic, diagnostic and treatment parameters as well as personal experiences.
RESULTS
Of 77 people with PWS, 44.2% had at least one psychiatric comorbid diagnosis. The main reasons for seeking psychiatric care were emotional outbursts and aggressive behaviour. 34.9% reported that they were currently seeking psychiatric care without success. However, 32.5% of PWS had been treated with psychotropic medication, mainly antipsychotics.
CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric comorbidity appears to be undertreated in PWS, especially in the ambulatory setting. Uncertainty among mental health care providers may also lead to frequent off-label use of psychotropic medications.
Topics: Humans; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Male; Female; Adult; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Germany; Comorbidity; Adolescent; Psychotropic Drugs; Mental Health Services; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38863266
DOI: 10.1111/jar.13266 -
Missouri Medicine 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with multisystem impact and a unique behavior profile that evolves over the life span.... (Review)
Review
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic neurodevelopmental disorder with multisystem impact and a unique behavior profile that evolves over the life span. Beyond the primary care needs of all children and adults, the unique medical concerns and management needs of those with PWS are best served in a multidisciplinary academic center. Our PWS center has provided care for individuals with PWS and their families since 1981. Our growth hormone studies contributed to growth hormone supplementation becoming standard of care in this country. Here, in collaboration with the primary care provider, early childhood intervention programs, schools and local parent organizations, solid, patient-centered care for affected individuals and their families can be provided across the life-span. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of PWS and the attendant medical and behavior management challenges attendant to the disorder.
Topics: Prader-Willi Syndrome; Humans; Child; Human Growth Hormone
PubMed: 38854617
DOI: No ID Found -
Translational Pediatrics May 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by chromosomal imprinting gene defects, with approximately 70% of cases resulting from paternal...
BACKGROUND
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by chromosomal imprinting gene defects, with approximately 70% of cases resulting from paternal deletion of the chromosomal region 15. The main clinical features include severe infantile hypotonia, early-onset childhood obesity, hyperphagia, and underdeveloped external genitalia. As individuals with PWS age, they may exhibit irritability, social dysfunction, impaired gonadal development, and metabolic syndrome. Previous literature places the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in PWS at approximately 7-24%. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide secreted by the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamus and regulates energy metabolism, which is involved in PWS. Due to age limitations, very few patients progress to diabetic nephropathy during childhood, and reports of typical diabetic nephropathy in PWS during childhood are extremely rare. Dulaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist which can be used in the treatment of T2DM.
CASE DESCRIPTION
This article reports a case of a child with PWS complicated by stage III diabetic nephropathy, providing a retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process, as well as a review of domestic and international literature, to enhance understanding of this condition. And this article provides a treatment idea for PWS patients with diabetic nephropathy.
CONCLUSIONS
It is very important to enhance understanding of PWS. And we offer new diagnostic and possible therapeutic approaches for pediatric patients with diabetic nephropathy.
PubMed: 38840685
DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-518 -
Endocrine Connections Jun 2024Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare orphan disease and complex genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, with a birth incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000-30,000.... (Review)
Review
Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare orphan disease and complex genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, with a birth incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000-30,000. Management of people with PWS requires a multi-disciplinary approach, ideally through a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) clinic with community support. Hypotonia, poor feeding and faltering growth are characteristic features in the neonatal period, followed by hyperphagia and risk of rapid weight gain later in childhood. Children and adolescents (CA) with PWS usually display developmental delay and mild learning disability, and can develop endocrinopathies, scoliosis, respiratory difficulties (both central and obstructive sleep apnoea), challenging behaviours, skin picking, and mental health issues especially into adulthood. This consensus statement is intended to be a reference document for clinicians managing children and adolescents (up to 18 years of age) with PWS. It considers the bio-psycho-social domains of diagnosis, clinical assessment, and management in the paediatric setting as well as during and after transition to adult services. The guidance has been developed from information gathered from peer-reviewed scientific reports and from the expertise of a range of experienced clinicians in the United Kingdom and Ireland involved in the care of patients with PWS.
PubMed: 38838713
DOI: 10.1530/EC-24-0091 -
American Journal of Medical Genetics.... Jun 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common genetic syndrome with obesity and results from loss of expression of paternally inherited genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 by...
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common genetic syndrome with obesity and results from loss of expression of paternally inherited genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 by a variety of mechanisms which include large deletions (70%-75%), maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) (20%-30%), and imprinting defects (2%-5%) or balanced translocations. Individuals often have a characteristic behavior disorder with mild intellectual disability, infantile hypotonia associated with poor sucking, short stature, and obesity. PWS is characterized by hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction with growth hormone (GH) deficiency, hypogonadism, and several other hormonal deficiencies resulting in short stature, centrally driven excessive appetite (hyperphagia), central obesity, cryptorchidism, and decreased lean body mass. In this study, we determined and sought differences in the incidence of thyroid abnormalities among the common genetic subtypes in a cohort of 52 subjects with PWS because there was limited literature available. We also sought the effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment on the thyroid profile. Fifty-two subjects with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of PWS were included in this study at the University of California, Irvine. Blood samples for baseline thyroxine stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were obtained in the morning after an overnight fast for 8-12 h. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS (SPSS Inc., 21.0). Mean values were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and student's t-test and statistical significance were set at p < 0.05. The subjects included 26 males and 26 females with an age range of 3-38 years. There were 29 subjects with chromosome 15q11-q13 deletions and 23 with UPD; 28 were GH treated currently or in the past, and 24 never received GH. There was no significant difference in age or body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) between GH-treated versus non-GH-treated groups. BMI was higher in the deletion group compared to the UPD group (p = 0.05). We identified two individuals who were clinically diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism, one of whom was on GH supplements. We identified two additional individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism who were not on GH treatment, giving a frequency of 7.6% (4/52) in this cohort of patients. We did not find significant differences in thyroid function (TSH) in the deletion versus UPD groups. We found significant differences in thyroid function, however, between GH-treated and non-GH-treated groups. The mean TSH was lower (2.25 ± 1.17 uIU/M, range 0.03-4.92 uIU/M versus 2.80 ± 1.44 uIU/M, range 0.55-5.33 uIU/M respectively, p = 0.046), and the free T4 levels were significantly higher (1.13 ± 0.70 and 1.03 ± 0.11 ng/dL, respectively, p = 0.05) in the GH-treated individuals compared to non-GH-treated individuals. In this cohort of subjects with PWS, we identified two previously diagnosed individuals with hypothyroidism and two individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism (4/52, 7.6%), three of whom were not receiving GH treatment. We did not find any significant differences in thyroid function between molecular subtypes; however, we found that euthyroid status (lower TSH levels and higher free T4 levels) was significantly higher in individuals who were treated with GH compared to the untreated group. We recommend that individuals with PWS should be screened regularly for thyroid deficiency and start treatment early with GH in view of the potentially lower incidence of thyroid deficiency.
PubMed: 38837660
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63724 -
IScience Jun 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by behavioral disturbances, hyperphagia, and intellectual disability. Several surveys indicate that PWS...
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by behavioral disturbances, hyperphagia, and intellectual disability. Several surveys indicate that PWS is also associated with cardiac abnormalities, possibly contributing to a high incidence of sudden death. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction in PWS remain unclear. In this study, we found that deficiency in necdin, an intronless gene within PWS region, led to heart systolic and diastolic dysfunction in mice. Through yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified an interaction between necdin and non-muscle myosin regulatory light chain 12a/b (MYL12 A/B). We further showed that necdin stabilized MYL12 A/B via SGT1-heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) chaperone machinery. The zebrafish lacking the MYL12 A/B analog, MYL12.1, exhibited impaired heart function, while cardiac-specific overexpression of MYL12A normalized the heart dysfunction in necdin-deficient mice. Our findings revealed necdin dysfunction as a contributing factor to cardiomyopathy in PWS patients and emphasized the importance of HSP90 chaperone machinery and non-muscle myosin in heart fitness.
PubMed: 38832028
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109974 -
Child: Care, Health and Development Jul 2024The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of projective techniques such as house-tree-person (HTP) and family in individuals with...
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of projective techniques such as house-tree-person (HTP) and family in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), who have a limited ability to identify and verbalize emotions and express them often using behaviors.
METHODS
We included individuals with genetic confirmation of PWS immersed in a regular transdisciplinary treatment in an institution dedicated to rare diseases. All individuals were evaluated using the HTP and family projective techniques. These instruments are commonly administered to the general population and, in this case, to people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, including difficulties in their communication abilities.
RESULTS
A total of 25 individuals with PWS between 10 and 41 years old (15 men and 10 women) were included. We identified the presence of graphic indicators corresponding to the behavioral phenotype of individuals with PWS, such as anxiety, stubbornness, emotional lability, difficulty in achieving adequate externalization and identification of emotions, impulsivity, aggressive traits, poor social skills, need for support and interaction, low self-concept, and compulsive behaviors.
CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, we demonstrated the usefulness of graphic techniques to elucidate aspects of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that individuals with PWS cannot formulate due to expression and communication difficulties.
Topics: Humans; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Male; Female; Adult; Adolescent; Child; Young Adult; Projective Techniques; Emotions
PubMed: 38829287
DOI: 10.1111/cch.13289