The article at hand discussed the effectiveness and benefits of usage of MR Imaging in the case of Alzheimer Disease. The study took place in a mouse model, however it claims for being equally effective in the treatment of people who suffer from this disease. The main purpose of the study was to determine whether MR targeted to the hippocampus is helpful in identifying and monitoring Alzheimer Disease. It is also aimed at seeking ways to achieve improvement in pathologic brain abnormalities and behavior that can possibly prevent prompt development of disease.
The choice of the method that was used to conduct research was based on its high quality and widespread application around the world. MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound can provide superior image contrast and resolution that is needed in case of pathology identification and treatment. Moreover, it is the most well-studied and used technology for non-invasive treatment due to temporary and localized opening of the blood-brain barrier. Doctors are able to improve delivery of drugs and increase the effectiveness of treatment. Previous studies suggested that such MR is particularly useful in the treatment of numerous diseases, but pathological abnormalities in the brain caused by Alzheimer disease remained unstudied, especially if it comes to the hippocampus area. Researchers believe that such technology’s potential can be indeed a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. This issue can help in diagnosing and facilitate timely efforts in the disease prevention, identification and treatment.
The main hypothesis of the study is whether “MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound targeted to the Hippocampus opens the blood brain barrier and improves pathologic abnormalities and behavior” (Burgass et al., 2014). The experimental study is held on a mouse model, but it may have huge practical implications for humans in their treatment. Moreover, the used mice were transgenic, or genetically modified mice. They are created either by a special injection in the mouse embryo or by modification of embryo stem cells by a DNA construct that carries particular information. The study at hand used mice with the gene that pre-exposed animals to Alzheimer disease in order to carry the study. It led to disease in the majority of cases and made the study possible.
After all examinations and experiments, the main idea was “to compare MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound-treated animals and untreated animals with respect to measurements of plaque size and number” (Burgass et al., 2014). The groups of treated and untreated mice are those variables that can indeed prove the effectiveness of the treatment. Moreover, as it was mentioned before, the experiment was held on the hippocampus that is a brain structure responsible for Alzheimer disease. The bilateral hippocampus is a perfect area for such a study as it represents the core region from which the disease takes its origins and how it develops. It is known for its critical role in the process of learning and memory, which are especially vulnerable to any changes that happen to the brain under Alzheimer’s. Especial attention was given to DCX-positive neurons that were created in the result of MR treatment and newborn cells in the hippocampus. These changes are the main drivers of improvements in Alzheimer disease. Doublecortin (DCX) positive neurons are immature neurons that positively correlate with improvements in behaviors of a person diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. Their creation and increase in numbers are particularly important for any progress in tackling disease; they also serve as indicators of success of the treatment.
The behavioral studies carried along the general research identified that focused ultrasound has a positive effect on spatial learning. The treated mice showed a better ability to memorize and learn. Treatment with MR imaging-focused ultrasound led to the creation of special neurons, which led to improvement in the above-mentioned behaviors. Untreated mice showed a lack of ability to learn and to memorize things that healthy species would remember. However, the analysis should go further and study how the suggested treatment influence anxiety, depression and other types of memory, apart from cognitive abilities of mice. Such experiments were conducted as improvements in behavior were the main focus of MR treatment. The patient (in our case it is a mouse, but in the future, it may be an individual) should see real improvements of his or her health status, which can be ensured only by behavioral changes. The suggested tests for further studies are necessary as they may increase the scope of application and the effectiveness of the suggested treatment and its practical significance.
The study at hand has a huge scientific significance. It is unique in is kind as it tried to integrate previous studies’ achievements and bring novelty to the issue of Alzheimer disease’s treatment. It is also based on both laboratory experiments and behavior examination of the species. The results that were gained in the process of studying demonstrated that MR imaging-guided focused ultrasound has a great potential in Alzheimer’s treatment. It facilitates improvements as well as allows better drug injection. It also stimulates the creation of neurons that have a positive impact on the patient. However, additional studies are required for gaining complete image of the effect of the treatment as well as better awareness of its negative sides in order to have the opportunity to apply it for treating people. They should include laboratory tests as well as studies of such behavioral changes as anxiety and depression disorders.
References
Burgess, A., Dubey, S., Young, S., Hough, O., Eterman, N., Aubert, I., Hynunan, K. (2014, December). Alzheimer Disease in a Mouse Model: MR Imaging-guided Focused Ultrasound Targeted to the Hippocampus Opens the Blood-Brain Barrier and Improves Pathologic Abnormalities and Behavior. Radiology, 273(3), 736-745.
