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Cui T, Liu Z, Li Z, Han Y, Xiong W, Qu Z, Zhang X. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is different between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability children and adolescents. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:355-360. [PMID: 38215646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Whether their levels are different between ASD and intellectual disability (ID) subjects is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the serum mBDNF and proBDNF concentration, and mBNDF/proBDNF ratio in ASD and ID volunteers. METHODS Children and adolescents with ASD or ID between the ages of 4 and 22 were recruited in Tianjin, China. Serum mBDNF and proBDNF level were tested and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluations were conducted. RESULTS Serum mBDNF concentration and the ratio of mBDNF to proBDNF was higher in ASD subjects than that in ID subjects (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001, respectively), while serum proBDNF of ASD participants was lower compared to that of ID participants (P < 0.001). CARS score was positively correlated with serum mBDNF level (r = 0.33, P = 0.004) and m/p ratio (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with serum proBDNF level (r = -0.39, <0.001) after adjusting for age and IQ. The AUC of mBDNF, proBDNF, and m/p ratio were 0.741, 0.790, and 0.854, respectively, after adjusted for age and IQ. CONCLUSION Serum mBDNF, proBDNF and m/p ratio were different between ASD and ID group. The three biomarkers displayed good diagnostic values for classification of ASD and ID subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Cui
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjuan Xiong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyi Qu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Luo Y, Wang Z. The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines 2024; 12:210. [PMID: 38255315 PMCID: PMC10813633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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Jameson C, Boulton KA, Silove N, Nanan R, Guastella AJ. Ectodermal origins of the skin-brain axis: a novel model for the developing brain, inflammation, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:108-117. [PMID: 36284159 PMCID: PMC9812765 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Early life development and its divergence is influenced by multiple genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Atypical neurodevelopment, such as that observed in autism spectrum disorder, likely begins in early gestation during a period of entwined growth between the brain and epithelial barriers of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and airway. This review coalesces epidemiological and neuroinflammatory evidence linking cutaneous atopic disease with both reduced skin barrier integrity and determinants of neurodivergence. We consider the shared developmental origin of epidermal and neural tissue with related genetic and environmental risk factors to evaluate potential pre- and postnatal modifiers of the skin-brain connection. Initial postnatal skin barrier integrity may provide a useful marker for both cortical integrity and meaningful subgroups of children showing early neurodevelopmental delays. It may also modify known risk factors to neurodevelopment, such as pathogen caused immune system activation. These novel insights of a skin-brain-neurodevelopment connection may advance detection and intervention opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Jameson
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - K. A. Boulton
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - N. Silove
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia ,grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XChild Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW Australia
| | - R. Nanan
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XCharles Perkins Centre Nepean’s and Sydney Medical School Nepean, The University of Sydney, Nepean, Discipline of Paediatrics, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - A. J. Guastella
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
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BDNF, proBDNF and IGF-1 serum levels in naïve and medicated subjects with autism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13768. [PMID: 35962006 PMCID: PMC9374711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promote the development and maintenance of neural circuits. Alterations in these factors might contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We asked whether serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 levels are altered in an ASD population compared to controls. We measured serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 immunoreactive protein in boys and girls aged 5–15 years old with mild to moderate ASD and non-autistic controls by ELISA. IGF-1 was increased in ASD serum compared to controls and was correlated with age and with CARS scores. Serum BDNF levels did not differ between groups, however, proBDNF serum levels were decreased in subjects with ASD compared to non-autistic controls. Medicated, but not unmedicated, ASD subjects exhibited lower serum proBDNF levels compared to controls, while neither IGF-1 nor BDNF levels differed between treatment groups. These data support the involvement of proBDNF and IGF-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of autism.
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