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Remodeling Functional Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Challenging Therapeutic Approach
Mario Stampanoni Bassi1,2, Luana Gilio1,2, Fabio Buttari1,2
1Unit of Neurology & Unit of Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|January 12, 2018
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes brain network disconnection, leading to disability. Targeting inflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity, like long-term potentiation (LTP), may improve recovery and MS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Central nervous system neurons form complex networks crucial for function.
- Brain damage, common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), disrupts these networks, causing neurological symptoms.
- The clinico-radiological paradox in MS highlights a discrepancy between structural damage and clinical disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of brain network architecture and synaptic plasticity in modulating neurological disability.
- To investigate how inflammation in MS interferes with synaptic plasticity and network efficiency.
- To identify therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and promoting plasticity for improved MS recovery.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on brain connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Review of studies on the impact of inflammatory cytokines on neuronal function.
- Examination of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques for modulating plasticity.
Main Results:
- Brain network disconnection, not just lesion site, contributes to MS disability.
- Inflammatory cytokines in MS impair synaptic transmission and plasticity, reducing network efficiency.
- Synaptic plasticity mechanisms, such as long-term potentiation (LTP), may compensate for network damage.
Conclusions:
- Addressing inflammation is a primary therapeutic goal in MS.
- Strategies promoting synaptic plasticity (LTP) could enhance clinical recovery in MS.
- Tailored non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches may benefit MS patients by promoting recovery.
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