Thalamic GABA levels and occupational manganese neurotoxicity: Association with exposure levels and brain MRI

Download
2018-1
Ma, Ruoyun E.
Ward, Eric J.
Yeh, Chien-Lin
Snyder, Sandy
Long, Zaiyang
Gökalp Yavuz, Fulya
Zauber, S. Elizabeth
Dydak, Ulrike
Excessive occupational exposure to Manganese (Mn) has been associated with clinical symptoms resembling idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD), impairing cognitive and motor functions. Several studies point towards an involvement of the brain neurotransmitter system in Mn intoxication, which is hypothesized to be disturbed prior to onset of symptoms. Edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) offers the unique possibility to measure gamma-amminobutyric acid (GABA) and other neuro-metabolites in vivo non-invasively in workers exposed to Mn. In addition, the property of Mn as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent may be used to study Mn deposition in the human brain. In this study, using MRI, MRS, personal air sampling at the working place, work history questionnaires, and neurological assessment (UPDRS-III), the effects of chronic Mn exposure on the thalamic GABAergic system was studied in a group of welders (N = 39) with exposure to Mn fumes in a typical occupational setting. Two subgroups of welders with different exposure levels (Low: N = 26; mean air Mn = 0.13 +/- 0.1 mg/m(3); High: N = 13; mean air Mn = 0.23 +/- 0.18 mg/m(3)), as well as unexposed control workers (N = 22, mean air Mn = 0.002 +/- 0.001 mg/m(3)) were recruited. The group of welders with higher exposure showed a significant increase of thalamic GABA levels by 45% (p < 0.01, F(1,33) = 9.55), as well as significantly worse performance in general motor function (p <0.01, F(1,33) = 11.35). However, welders with lower exposure did not differ from the controls in GABA levels or motor performance. Further, in welders the thalamic GABA levels were best predicted by past-12-months exposure levels and were influenced by the Mn deposition in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus. Importantly, both thalamic GABA levels and motor function displayed a non-linear pattern of response to Mn exposure, suggesting a threshold effect.
NeuroToxicology

Suggestions

Association analysis of cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1)and cholesterol 24-hydroxlase (CYP46A1) genetic polymorphisms and multiple sclerosis risk in Turkish population
Sezer, Eda; Kaya, Zeki; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (2019)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. Under the effects of certain environmental factors, MS develops in genetically susceptible individuals. People with MS have significantly lower vitamin D levels. UV-B radiation catalyzes the photo-conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol, produced in cholesterol production pathway, to vitamin D in the skin. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver and Cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (CYP46A1) in the brain are resp...
Phase validation of neurotoxic animal models of Parkinson's disease
Telkes, İlknur; Jakubowska Doğru, Ewa; Department of Medical Informatics (2012)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic nigral neurons and striatal dopamine resulting in serious motor deficits but also some non-motor anomalies. Animal models of human neurodegenerative diseases are essential for better understanding their pathogenesis and developing efficient therapeutic tools. There are many different PD models, however, none of them is fully reproducing all the symptoms of the disease. In addition, different investigators use different behavio...
Unilateral deep brain stimulation suppresses alpha and beta oscillations in sensorimotor cortices
Abbasi, Omid; Hirschmann, Jan; Storzer, Lena; Özkurt, Tolga Esat; Elben, Saskia; Vesper, Jan; Wojtecki, Lars; Schmitz, Georg; Schnitzler, Alfons; Butz, Markus (2018-07-01)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established therapy to treat motor symptoms in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The mechanisms leading to the high therapeutic effectiveness of DBS are poorly understood so far, but modulation of oscillatory activity is likely to play an important role. Thus, investigating the effect of DBS on cortical oscillatory activity can help clarifying the neurophysiological mechanisms of DBS. Here, we aimed at scrutinizing changes of cortical oscillatory activit...
Psychological distress in rheumatoid arthritis patients: An evaluation within the conservation of resources theory
Dirik, Gulay; Karancı, Ayşe Nuray (2010-01-01)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, which can lead to considerable psychological distress. The present study evaluated anxiety and depression symptoms for this chronic and painful illness within the framework of the conservation of resources (COR) theory. Coping strategies, coping self-efficacy, religiousness and social support are very important personal resources, which have been found to protect individuals from psychological distress. The aim of the present study was to examine the predictiv...
Epileptic seizures induce structural and functional alterations on brain tissue membranes
Turker, Sevgi; Severcan, Mete; İLBAY, GÜL; Severcan, Feride (2014-12-01)
Epilepsy is characterized by disruption of balance between cerebral excitation and inhibition, leading to recurrent and unprovoked convulsions. Studies are still underway to understand mechanisms lying epileptic seizures with the aim of improving treatment strategies. In this context, the research on brain tissue membranes gains importance for generation of epileptic activities. In order to provide additional information for this field, we have investigated the effects of pentylenetetrazol-induced and audio...
Citation Formats
R. E. Ma et al., “Thalamic GABA levels and occupational manganese neurotoxicity: Association with exposure levels and brain MRI,” NeuroToxicology, pp. 30–42, 2018, Accessed: 00, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/11511/28160.