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- Title
Resting-state functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis patients receiving nabiximols for spasticity.
- Authors
Gajofatto, Alberto; Cardobi, Nicolò; Gobbin, Francesca; Calabrese, Massimiliano; Turatti, Marco; Benedetti, Maria Donata
- Abstract
Background: Nabiximols (Sativex®) is a cannabinoid approved for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity. Its mechanism of action is partially understood, and efficacy is variable. Objective: To conduct an exploratory analysis of brain networks connectivity changes on resting state (RS) functional MRI (fMRI) of MS patients treated with nabiximols. Methods: We identified a group of MS patients treated with Sativex® at Verona University Hospital, who underwent RS brain fMRI in the 4 weeks before (T0) and 4–8 weeks after (T1) treatment start. Sativex® response was defined as ≥ 20% spasticity Numerical Rating Scale score reduction at T1 vs. T0. Connectivity changes on fMRI were compared between T0 and T1 in the whole group and according to response status. ROI-to-ROI and seed-to-voxel connectivity were evaluated. Results: Twelve MS patients (7 males) were eligible for the study. Seven patients (58.3%) resulted Sativex® responders at T1. On fMRI analysis, Sativex® exposure was associated with global brain connectivity increase (particularly in responders), decreased connectivity of motor areas, and bidirectional connectivity changes of the left cerebellum with a number of cortical areas. Conclusions: Nabiximols administration is associated with brain connectivity increase of MS patients with spasticity. Modulation of sensorimotor cortical areas and cerebellum connectivity could play a role in nabiximols effect.
- Subjects
FUNCTIONAL connectivity; MULTIPLE sclerosis; SPASTICITY; FUNCTIONAL magnetic resonance imaging
- Publication
BMC Neurology, 2023, Vol 23, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1471-2377
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s12883-023-03171-0