Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative最新文献

Background

Fathers of children and youth with special healthcare needs (FCYSHCN) are an overlooked population at risk for chronic stress. Mind-body practices offer a patient-centered approach to foster coping and resiliency, yet low engagement from fathers in existing programs suggests adaptation is needed. This multiphase study examines the feasibility of a synchronous, virtual mind-body intervention adapted for FCYSHCN.

Methods

31 FCYSHCN were recruited online via community partners and recruitment portals in an academic medical center in Boston, MA. Phase 1 consisted of individual interviews (N = 17) to determine fathers’ stressors, coping strategies, program needs, and suggested adaptations to the intervention protocol. The Phase 2 single arm pilot feasibility trial (N = 14) consisted of eight weekly 60-minute group sessions delivered virtually. Primary feasibility metrics were attendance (benchmark: mean=6 sessions) and electronic survey completion at baseline and post-intervention. Acceptability was assessed using post-session ratings of program satisfaction (4-point Likert scale; scores ≥3 coded as helpful) and helpfulness (e.g., group structure). Exploratory outcomes included validated measures of stress coping, resiliency, parental stress, depression, anxiety, which were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests (alpha=.05) to generate effect sizes (η2).

Results

In Phase 1, FCYSHCN discussed primary stressors (e.g., perceived inadequacy as a father) and multifaceted impacts of these stressors on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing. Fathers also described coping strategies deemed helpful (e.g., humor) and unhelpful (e.g., “shutting down” from others). Qualitative findings informed intervention modifications. In Phase 2, most FCYSHCN (79%) attended ≥ 6 intervention sessions (mean=7). Follow-up survey completion was high (86%). Session satisfaction was high, with 7/8 sessions rated as helpful by most fathers. Program components deemed most helpful were the group structure, virtual delivery, exposure to a variety of relaxation and meditation skills, and the length of sessions. Although we were not powered to observe pre-post change, stress coping improved (p = .02, η2 = 0.42) and confidence increased in applying relaxation (p = .04, η2 = 0.34) and assertiveness techniques (p = .05, η2 = 0.31).

Conclusions

The first mind-body resiliency program for FCYSHCN is feasible and acceptable. Further testing is warranted in randomized trials with diverse samples of fathers, an appropriate comparison arm, and longitudinal assessments of psychosocial and biobehavioral outcomes.

Gut microbiota consists a majority of bacteriodetes, firmicutes, actinobacteria, proteobacteria, fusobacteria, verrucomicrobiota which has evolved a long way alongside humans where it helps in digestion and even other complex functions which include development of gut lymphoid tissue, vitamin synthesis, polarization of specific immune responses, prevention of colonization by pathobionts. Innate and adaptive immunity has been set in the body in contrast to gut microbiota involving helper T cells and cytotoxic cells along with immunoglobulins. Hence immunomodulatory action of gut microbiota is already been studied and explained along with mast cell degranulation. A few factors like age, diet, antibiotics, and others shape normal gut flora into dysbiosis possibly through translocation of microbes, molecular mimicry, and altered metabolite production bringing unfavoured immunological actions like imbalance in helper T cells and improper gut permeability in the body causing, autoimmunity. Changes in microbes from phylum like bacteriodetes, firmicutes, actinobacteria, and proteobacteria bring the changes that lead to various autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis etc. This review explains the possible mechanisms along with causes leading to autoimmunity.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant number of children and adults worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promising results in the treatment of ADHD, serving as an important complementary therapy alongside conventional approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations, treatment modalities, and underlying mechanisms of TCM in the management of ADHD. The concept of ADHD from a TCM perspective emphasizes on the role of imbalances in yin and yang. The treatment encompasses pattern identification, common patterns, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as relevant clinical trials. For mechanism, this review explores the impact of TCM compound formulas on neuroimmunology and neurotransmitters, highlighting the potential modulation of microglia, cytokines, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Scalp acupuncture is an innovative approach that integrates acupuncture needling stimulation with the modern understanding of brain function. In recent decades, scalp acupuncture has been applied to treat chronic pain and has achieved promising results. This study aimed to identify potential brain surface targets for scalp acupuncture based on the functional and anatomical connectivity of the hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens, three deep brain structures that are believed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain, as well as multiple comorbid psychiatric and neurological disorders. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) datasets from 119 healthy participants were included in our analysis. We found that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), corresponding to the acupoints EX-HN3 (Yintang) / BL2 (Cuanzhu), is functionally and anatomically connected to all three subcortical regions, while the precuneus, corresponding to the acupoints GV19 (Houding) / GV20 (Baihui) and the MS12 scalp acupuncture line, is connected to the hippocampus and amygdala. Our results suggest that the mPFC and precuneus, two key hubs of the default mode network (DMN), and other cortical areas distributed at the prefrontal, parietal, and temporal cortices may hold potential as novel targets for scalp acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain and its comorbidities. These identified locations may also be used for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cognitive decline, in which the three corresponding deep brain structures play a crucial role.

Asthma is more common when a particular type of pathogenic gut microbiota is present, whereas the presence of some beneficial bacteria lowers the frequency of asthma attacks. Cortisol levels rise when the HPA axis is activated by stress. The diversity of the gut microbiota and the permeability of the digestive system may be interfered with by an activated HPA axis. Additionally, stress affects peripheral mononuclear cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, and IgA antibody levels. Intestinal microbial dysbiosis and leaky gut can be caused by low IgA concentration, low polymorphonuclear cell count, and active NK cells, and lymphocytes. Asthma is brought on by intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, which are associated with low-grade inflammation. Mind-body medicine is an alternative form of therapy, including yoga, and mindfulness practices. For instance, Qigong meditation has also been shown to reduce HPA axis activity, improve immune function, and reduce asthma symptoms. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-7, and TNF-alpha have been shown to decrease with the use of mind-body medicine techniques. In order to prevent microbial translocation, yoga can boost IgA, CD4 + cells, and NK cell concentrations. Mind-body medicine can reduce CRH and cortisol levels as well as stop microbial dysbiosis. In this review, we want to emphasize how these practices reduce stress, inhibit the activation of the HPA axis, prevent gut microbial dysbiosis, encourage the proliferation of antiasthmatic bacteria, and decrease the diversity of pathogenic, and opportunistic asthmatic bacteria.

Management of neurodegenerative disease can be challenging when there is limited access to effective treatment options. Recent studies indicate that human gut microbiota may influence neurodegenerative diseases and the aging process. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is one of the exacerbating factors associated with the interrupted gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases. According to preclinical evidence, targeting gut microbiota by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LBP) may be a promising approach to improve altered gut microbiota and several neurodegenerative hallmarks. LBP has been a popular probiotic model but its psychobiotic potential is little understood so far. LBP can modulate altered gut microbiota and maintain intestinal homeostasis, resulting in induced levels of SCFAs, GABA, and other neurotransmitter. LBP-associated signaling agents induce the gut-brain axis (GBA) and stimulate intracellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways in the nerve cells. LBP-based probiotic supplements may reduce various neurodegenerative hallmarks such as β-amyloid formation, tau phosphorylation, microgliosis, infiltrated blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, and influence the morphology of grey matter in several neurodegenerative animal models such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. This review suggests LBP may be an important psychobiotic agent to modulate perturbed gut microbiota associated neurodegenerative disease. LBP administration may enhance the existed neurodegenerative treatment, especially associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and geriatric conditions.

The Wim Hof method (WHM) is a behavioral intervention technique that consists of deep breathing exercises, cold exposure and meditation. In light of the crucial role of the cannabinoid system in modulating neurotransmitter release through a negative feedback mechanism that aims at the maintenance of network homeostasis, our study investigated changes in cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor binding following a longitudinal (6 weeks) WHM intervention in 4 male controls using the F18]FMPEP-d2 PET tracer, an inverse CB1 receptor agonist. Results revealed a global increase in CB1 receptor binding of ∼20%, with largest increases found in brain regions associated with the interoceptive network such as the anterior cingulate, the orbitofrontal cortex OFC), the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and the brainstem. Furthermore, in the same participants a whole-body cold-stress paradigm was used to systematically evoke sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Post-intervention, participants showed increased engagement of regions like the anterior insula and the orbitofrontal cortex that have been respectively classified as belonging to the brain’s interoceptive (AIC) and executive (OFC) sub-networks. Our results suggest that a relatively short 6-week WHM intervention positively impacts brain markers that have been associated with stress resistance, mood, anxiety and interoceptive function.

In the last decade, meditation practice has been extended and is becoming increasingly popular whereas, the research to understand the effects of meditation on the health is growing. The aim of this review/commentary is explored how meditation can modulate stress and stress effects on brain-endocrine-immune axis to understand the main genomic/metabolomic elements and mechanisms involved in the effects of meditation on the inflammatory process including the modulation of the pain. World Health Organization considers that by 2030 depression and stress-related disorders will be the most widespread health problems, closely followed by inflammatory processes such as autoimmune diseases, allergy and diseases associated to chronic low-grade inflammation. Thus, this review contributes to the evidence-based integration of meditation practices into clinical care for reducing the burden of chronic diseases and lowering the overall cost of healthcare; and analysing the limitations, safety, and possible contraindications.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of finger exercise on cognitive function and activities of daily living (ADL) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in four English databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and two Chinese databases (Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from inception to June 2023. The inclusion criteria focused on RCTs evaluating the impact of finger exercise on cognitive function. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Data synthesis was performed using random-effects models, calculating weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the review, with 11 (covering 1215 participants) eligible for meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that a positive effect of finger exercise on general cognitive function and ADL. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) but less pronounced effects in patients with dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly at moderate to severe stages. Population, exercise hours, and age were identified as significant moderators for the pooled effects.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence supporting the positive effects of finger exercise in improving cognitive decline. However, the majority of reviewed studies were conducted in the Chinese population, thus warranting more rigorous studies in diverse populations to validate and strengthen these findings. Further investigation into the optimal exercise routines and frequency may position finger exercises as a cost-effective and convenient intervention against cognitive decline in healthy or MCI older adults.