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Shah A, Varma M, Bhandari R. Exploring sulforaphane as neurotherapeutic: targeting Nrf2-Keap & Nf-Kb pathway crosstalk in ASD. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:373-385. [PMID: 37249861 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01224-4] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a family of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized mainly through deficits in social behavior and communication. While the causes giving rise to autistic symptoms are numerous and varied, the treatment options and therapeutic avenues are still severely limited. Nevertheless, a number of signalling pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease, and targeting these pathways might provide insight into potential treatments and future strategies. Importantly, alterations in inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction have been noted in the brains of ASD patients, and among the pathways involved in these processes is the Nrf2 cascade. This particular pathway has been hypothesized to be involved in inducing both, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective effects in the brain, sparking an interest in its use in ASD. Sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing phytochemical present mainly in cruciferous plants like broccoli and cabbage, has shown efficacy in activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which in turn brings about a protective effect on neuronal cells, especially against mitochondrial dysfunction. Its efficacy against ASD has not yet been evaluated, and in this paper, we attempt to discuss the therapeutic potential of this agent in the therapy of autism, with special emphasis on the role of the Nrf2 pathway in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shah
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, 160 014, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manasi Varma
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, 160 014, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, 160 014, Chandigarh, India.
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Varma M, Bhandari R, Kuhad A. Repurposing Niclosamide as a plausible neurotherapeutic in autism spectrum disorders, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction: a strong hypothesis. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:387-401. [PMID: 37284987 PMCID: PMC10957696 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01247-x] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a complex set of neurodevelopmental manifestations which present in the form of social and communication deficits. Affecting a growing proportion of children worldwide, the exact pathogenesis of this disorder is not very well understood, and multiple signaling pathways have been implicated. Among them, the ERK/MAPK pathway is critical in a number of cellular processes, and the normal functioning of neuronal cells also depends on this cascade. As such, recent studies have increasingly focused on the impact this pathway has on the development of autistic symptoms. Improper ERK signaling is suspected to be involved in neurotoxicity, and the same might be implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), through a variety of effects including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Niclosamide, an antihelminthic and anti-inflammatory agent, has shown potential in inhibiting this pathway, and countering the effects shown by its overactivity in inflammation. While it has previously been evaluated in other neurological disorders like Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, as well as various cancers by targeting ERK/MAPK, it's efficacy in autism has not yet been evaluated. In this article, we attempt to discuss the potential role of the ERK/MAPK pathway in the pathogenesis of ASD, specifically through mitochondrial damage, before moving to the therapeutic potential of niclosamide in the disorder, mediated by the inhibition of this pathway and its detrimental effects of neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Varma
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
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Nakagami Y, Nishi M. MA-5 ameliorates autism-like behavior in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:488-493. [PMID: 37917568 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Indole-3-acetic acid is a common naturally occurring auxin in plants. A synthesized derivative of this compound, 4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-4-oxobutanoic acid also called mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5), has shown to increase the survival ratio of fibroblasts from patients with mitochondrial disease under stress-induced conditions. Further studies verified its efficacy in pathological models, such as an ischemia-reperfusion model, possibly by increasing ATP production. However, the efficacy of MA-5 in mental disorders, such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has not been investigated. Our study focused on examining the effect of MA-5 in a mouse model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). VPA exposure significantly deteriorated the level of anxiety and exploratory behavior in an open field test. We fed mice an MA-5-containing diet for 5 weeks and observed an improvement in the above behavior in the MA-5-fed groups. The efficacy of MA-5 was also observed in the elevated plus maze and three-chambered tests. These findings suggest that MA-5 could potentially be used to treat ASD, especially in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakagami
- Specialty Medicine Research Laboratories II, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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Nisar S, Haris M. Neuroimaging genetics approaches to identify new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4995-5008. [PMID: 37069342 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that manifest in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social behaviors, communication skills, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms in ASD, extensive research has been done to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers through a neuroimaging genetics approach. Neuroimaging genetics helps to identify ASD-risk genes that contribute to structural and functional variations in brain circuitry and validate biological changes by elucidating the mechanisms and pathways that confer genetic risk. Integrating artificial intelligence models with neuroimaging data lays the groundwork for accurate diagnosis and facilitates the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. This review discusses the significance of neuroimaging genetics approaches to gaining a better understanding of the perturbed neurochemical system and molecular pathways in ASD and how these approaches can detect structural, functional, and metabolic changes and lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Gevezova M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Plaimas K, Suratanee A, Maes M. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - Gene, molecular and pathway signatures linking systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transsynaptic signalling, and neurodevelopment. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100646. [PMID: 37334258 PMCID: PMC10275703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and the vast genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data available, there are still controversies regarding the pathways and molecular signatures underlying the neurodevelopmental disorders leading to ASD. Purpose To delineate these underpinning signatures, we examined the two largest gene expression meta-analysis datasets obtained from the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 1355 ASD patients and 1110 controls. Methods We performed network, enrichment, and annotation analyses using the differentially expressed genes, transcripts, and proteins identified in ASD patients. Results Transcription factor network analyses in up- and down-regulated genes in brain tissue and PBMCs in ASD showed eight main transcription factors, namely: BCL3, CEBPB, IRF1, IRF8, KAT2A, NELFE, RELA, and TRIM28. The upregulated gene networks in PBMCs of ASD patients are strongly associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways, including interferon-α signaling, and cellular responses to DNA repair. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated CNS gene networks indicate involvement of immune-inflammatory pathways, cytokine production, Toll-Like Receptor signalling, with a major involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Analyses of the downregulated CNS genes suggest electron transport chain dysfunctions at multiple levels. Network topological analyses revealed that the consequent aberrations in axonogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and regulation of transsynaptic signalling affect neurodevelopment with subsequent impairments in social behaviours and neurocognition. The results suggest a defense response against viral infection. Conclusions Peripheral activation of immune-inflammatory pathways, most likely induced by viral infections, may result in CNS neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormalities in transsynaptic transmission, and brain neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Li Y, Li R, Wang N, Gu J, Gao J. Gender effects on autism spectrum disorder: a multi-site resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of transcriptome-neuroimaging. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1203690. [PMID: 37409103 PMCID: PMC10318192 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gender disparity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been one of the salient features of condition. However, its relationship between the pathogenesis and genetic transcription in patients of different genders has yet to reach a reliable conclusion. Methods To address this gap, this study aimed to establish a reliable potential neuro-marker in gender-specific patients, by employing multi-site functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, and to further investigate the role of genetic transcription molecules in neurogenetic abnormalities and gender differences in autism at the neuro-transcriptional level. To this end, age was firstly used as a regression covariate, followed by the use of ComBat to remove the site effect from the fMRI data, and abnormal functional activity was subsequently identified. The resulting abnormal functional activity was then correlated by genetic transcription to explore underlying molecular functions and cellular molecular mechanisms. Results Abnormal brain functional activities were identified in autism patients of different genders, mainly located in the default model network (DMN) and precuneus-cingulate gyrus-frontal lobe. The correlation analysis of neuroimaging and genetic transcription further found that heterogeneous brain regions were highly correlated with genes involved in signal transmission between neurons' plasma membranes. Additionally, we further identified different weighted gene expression patterns and specific expression tissues of risk genes in ASD of different genders. Discussion Thus, this work not only identified the mechanism of abnormal brain functional activities caused by gender differences in ASD, but also explored the genetic and molecular characteristics caused by these related changes. Moreover, we further analyzed the genetic basis of sex differences in ASD from a neuro-transcriptional perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Information, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Information, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Information, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahe Gu
- School of Electrical Engineering and Electronic Information, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Gao
- School of Information and Communication Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Investigation of Phospholipid Differences in Valproic Acid-Induced Autistic Mouse Model Brain Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020178. [PMID: 36837796 PMCID: PMC9966147 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder for which the cause and treatment have yet not been determined. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels change rapidly in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of autistic children and PUFAs are closely related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This finding suggests that changes in lipid metabolism are associated with ASD and result in an altered distribution of phospholipids in cell membranes. To further understand ASD, it is necessary to analyze phospholipids in organs consisting of nerve cells, such as the brain. In this study, we investigated the phospholipid distribution in the brain tissue of valproic acid-induced autistic mice using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine were identified in each brain region and exhibited differences between the ASD and control groups. These phospholipids contain docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, which are important PUFAs for cell signaling and brain growth. We expect that the differences in phospholipids identified in the brain tissue of the ASD model with MALDI-MSI, in conjunction with conventional biological fluid analysis, will help to better understand changes in lipid metabolism in ASD.
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Boterberg S, Vantroys E, De Paepe B, Van Coster R, Roeyers H. Urine lactate concentration as a non-invasive screener for metabolic abnormalities: Findings in children with autism spectrum disorder and regression. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274310. [PMID: 36084111 PMCID: PMC9462744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that diseases caused by dysfunctional mitochondria (MD) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A comprehensive meta-analysis showed that developmental regression was reported in half of the children with ASD and mitochondrial dysfunction which is much higher than in the general population of ASD. The aim of the present exploratory study was to determine lactate concentrations in urine of children with ASD, as a non-invasive large-scale screening method for metabolic abnormalities including mitochondrial dysfunction and its possible association with regression. First, clinical characteristics of MD were examined in 99 children (3–11 years) with ASD. Second, clinical characteristics of MD, severity of ASD and reported regression were compared between children with the 20% lowest lactate concentrations and those with the 20% highest lactate concentrations in urine. Third, clinical characteristics of MD and lactate concentration in urine were compared in children with (n = 37) and without (n = 62) reported regression. An association of urine lactate concentrations with mitochondrial dysfunction and regression could not be demonstrated in our large ASD cohort. However, since ASD children were reported by their parents to show a broad range of phenotypic characteristics of MD (e.g., gastro-intestinal and respiratory impairments), and lactate concentrations in urine are not always increased in individuals with MD, the presence of milder mitochondrial dysfunction cannot be excluded. Development of alternative biomarkers and their implementation in prospective studies following developmental trajectories of infants at elevated likelihood for ASD will be needed in the future to further unravel the association of ASD with mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually improve early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Boterberg
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Research in Developmental Disorders Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Elise Vantroys
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Boel De Paepe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rudy Van Coster
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Research in Developmental Disorders Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Kato Y, Yokokura M, Iwabuchi T, Murayama C, Harada T, Goto T, Tamayama T, Kameno Y, Wakuda T, Kuwabara H, Benner S, Senju A, Tsukada H, Nishizawa S, Ouchi Y, Yamasue H. Lower Availability of Mitochondrial Complex I in Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Autism: A Positron Emission Tomography Study. Am J Psychiatry 2022; 180:277-284. [PMID: 36069020 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.22010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in previous studies of postmortem brain or peripheral samples. The authors investigated whether and where mitochondrial dysfunction occurs in the living brains of individuals with ASD and to identify the clinical correlates of detected mitochondrial dysfunction. METHODS This case-control study used positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-tert-butyl-4-chloro-5-{6-[2-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)-ethoxy]-pyridin-3-ylmethoxy}-2H-pyridazin-3-one ([18F]BCPP-EF), a radioligand that binds to the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, to examine the topographical distribution of mitochondrial dysfunction in living brains of individuals with ASD. Twenty-three adult males with high-functioning ASD, with no psychiatric comorbidities and free of psychotropic medication, and 24 typically developed males with no psychiatric diagnoses, matched with the ASD group on age, parental socioeconomic background, and IQ, underwent [18F]BCPP-EF PET measurements. Individuals with mitochondrial disease were excluded by clinical evaluation and blood tests for abnormalities in lactate and pyruvate levels. RESULTS Among the brain regions in which mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in postmortem studies of autistic brains, participants with ASD had significantly decreased [18F]BCPP-EF availability specifically in the anterior cingulate cortex compared with typically developed participants. The regional specificity was revealed by a significant interaction between diagnosis and brain regions. Moreover, the lower [18F]BCPP-EF availability in the anterior cingulate cortex was significantly correlated with the more severe ASD core symptom of social communication deficits. CONCLUSIONS This study provides direct evidence to link in vivo brain mitochondrial dysfunction with ASD pathophysiology and its communicational deficits. The findings support the possibility that mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I is a novel therapeutic target for ASD core symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiko Kato
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Masamichi Yokokura
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Toshiki Iwabuchi
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Chihiro Murayama
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Taeko Harada
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Takafumi Goto
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Taishi Tamayama
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Yosuke Kameno
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Tomoyasu Wakuda
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Seico Benner
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Atsushi Senju
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Hideo Tsukada
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Sadahiko Nishizawa
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Yasuomi Ouchi
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
| | - Hidenori Yamasue
- Department of Psychiatry (Kato, Yokokura, Murayama, Goto, Tamayama, Kameno, Wakuda, Kuwabara, Benner, Yamasue), United Graduate School of Child Development (Yokokura, Iwabuchi, Harada, Kameno, Kuwabara, Senju, Yamasue), Research Center for Child Mental Development (Iwabuchi, Harada, Senju), and Department of Biofunctional Imaging (Ouchi), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan; Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan (Tsukada); Hamamatsu Medical Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan (Nishizawa, Ouchi)
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10
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Levy KA, Weisz ED, Jongens TA. Loss of neurexin-1 in Drosophila melanogaster results in altered energy metabolism and increased seizure susceptibility. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3422-3438. [PMID: 35617143 PMCID: PMC9558836 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although autism is typically characterized by differences in language, social interaction and restrictive, repetitive behaviors, it is becoming more well known in the field that alterations in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are comorbid disorders in autism. The synaptic cell adhesion molecule, neurexin-1 (NRXN1), has previously been implicated in autism, and here we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, the homologue of NRXN1, called Nrx-1, regulates energy metabolism and nutrient homeostasis. First, we show that Nrx-1-null flies exhibit decreased resistance to nutrient deprivation and heat stress compared to controls. Additionally, Nrx-1 mutants exhibit a significantly altered metabolic profile characterized by decreased lipid and carbohydrate stores. Nrx-1-null Drosophila also exhibit diminished levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important coenzyme in major energy metabolism pathways. Moreover, loss of Nrx-1 resulted in striking abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology in the flight muscle of Nrx-1-null Drosophila and impaired flight ability in these flies. Further, following a mechanical shock Nrx-1-null flies exhibited seizure-like activity, a phenotype previously linked to defects in mitochondrial metabolism and a common symptom of patients with NRXN1 deletions. The current studies indicate a novel role for NRXN1 in the regulation of energy metabolism and uncover a clinically relevant seizure phenotype in Drosophila lacking Nrx-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra A Levy
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eliana D Weisz
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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11
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Gyllenhammer LE, Rasmussen JM, Bertele N, Halbing A, Entringer S, Wadhwa PD, Buss C. Maternal Inflammation During Pregnancy and Offspring Brain Development: The Role of Mitochondria. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:498-509. [PMID: 34800727 PMCID: PMC9086015 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The association between maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy and risk for offspring neuropsychiatric disorders has been increasingly recognized over the past several years. Among the mechanistic pathways that have been described through which maternal inflammation during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development, the role of mitochondria has received little attention. In this review, the role of mitochondria as a potential mediator of the association between MIA during pregnancy and offspring brain development and risk for psychiatric disorders will be proposed. As a basis for this postulation, convergent evidence is presented supporting the obligatory role of mitochondria in brain development, the role of mitochondria as mediators and initiators of inflammatory processes, and evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in preclinical MIA exposure models and human neurodevelopmental disorders. Elucidating the role of mitochondria as a potential mediator of MIA-induced alterations in brain development and neurodevelopmental disease risk may not only provide new insight into the pathophysiology of mental health disorders that have their origins in exposure to infection/immune activation during pregnancy but also offer new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Gyllenhammer
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Jerod M Rasmussen
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Nina Bertele
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amy Halbing
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pathik D Wadhwa
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California
| | - Claudia Buss
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, California; Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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12
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Whitehead MT, Bluml S. Proton and Multinuclear Spectroscopy of the Pediatric Brain. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:543-555. [PMID: 34717844 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a valuable adjunct to structural brain imaging. State-of-the-art MRS has benefited greatly from recent technical advancements. Neurometabolic alterations in pediatric brain diseases have implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Herein, the authors discuss MRS technical considerations and applications in the setting of various pediatric disease processes including tumors, metabolic diseases, hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy/stroke, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Whitehead
- Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Stefan Bluml
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 450 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Rudi Schulte Research Institute, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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13
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Kolar D, Kleteckova L, Brozka H, Vales K. Mini-review: Brain energy metabolism and its role in animal models of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism. Neurosci Lett 2021; 760:136003. [PMID: 34098028 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles essential for energy metabolism and antioxidant defense. Mitochondrial impairment is implicated in many psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. To characterize and eventually find effective treatments of bioenergetic impairment in psychiatric disease, researchers find animal models indispensable. The present review focuses on brain energetics in several environmental, genetic, drug-induced, and surgery-induced animal models of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism. Most reported deficits included decreased activity in the electron transport chain, increased oxidative damage, decreased antioxidant defense, decreased ATP levels, and decreased mitochondrial potential. Models of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism shared many bioenergetic deficits. This is in concordance with the absence of a disease-specific brain energy phenotype in human patients. Unfortunately, due to the absence of null results in examined literature, indicative of reporting bias, we refrain from making generalized conclusions. Present review can be a valuable tool for comparing current findings, generating more targeted hypotheses, and selecting fitting models for further preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kolar
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Hana Brozka
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Karel Vales
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.
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14
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Wang YM, Qiu MY, Liu Q, Tang H, Gu HF. Critical role of dysfunctional mitochondria and defective mitophagy in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Res Bull 2021; 168:138-145. [PMID: 33400955 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, including autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder. Mitochondria not only provide neurons with energy in the form of ATP to sustain neuron growth, proliferation and neurodevelopment, but also regulate neuron apoptosis, intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance. Due to their postmitotic state and high energy-demanded feature, neurons are particularly prone to mitophagy and mitochondrial disfunction. Mitophagy, a selective autophagy, is critical for sustaining mitochondrial turnover and quality control via eliminating unwanted and dysfunctional mitochondria in neurons. Dysfunctional mitochondria and dysregulated mitophagy have been closely associated with the onset of ASDs. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of mitophagy and its role in neurons, and the consequence of mitophagy dysfunction in ASDs. Deeper appreciation of the role of mitophagy in ASDs pathology is required for developing new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Mei Wang
- Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment & Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China; Lhasa Guangsheng Hospital, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Yue Qiu
- Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment & Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China; Lhasa Guangsheng Hospital, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment & Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China; Lhasa Guangsheng Hospital, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Tang
- Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment & Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China; Lhasa Guangsheng Hospital, Lhasa, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Feng Gu
- Hengyang Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Cognitive Impairment & Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China; Lhasa Guangsheng Hospital, Lhasa, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Gonçalves CL, Vasconcelos FFP, Wessler LB, Lemos IS, Candiotto G, Lin J, Matias MBD, Rico EP, Streck EL. Exposure to a high dose of amoxicillin causes behavioral changes and oxidative stress in young zebrafish. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:1407-1416. [PMID: 32876824 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00610-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social and communication skills. Autism is widely described as a behavioral syndrome with multiple etiologies where may exhibit neurobiological, genetic, and psychological deficits. Studies have indicated that long term use of antibiotics can alter the intestinal flora followed by neuroendocrine changes, leading to behavioral changes. Indeed, previous studies demonstrate that a high dose of amoxicillin can change behavioral parameters in murine animal models. The objective was to evaluate behavioral and oxidative stress parameters in zebrafish exposed to a high dose of amoxicillin for 7 days. Young zebrafish were exposed to a daily concentration of amoxicillin (100 mg/L) for 7 days. Subsequently, the behavioral analysis was performed, and the brain content was dissected for the evaluation of oxidative stress parameters. Zebrafish exposed to a high dose of amoxicillin showed locomotor alteration and decreased social interaction behavior. In addition, besides the significant decrease of sulfhydryl content, there was a marked decrease in catalase activity, as well as an increased superoxide dismutase activity in brain tissue. Thus, through the zebrafish model was possible to note a central effect related to the exposition of amoxicillin, the same as observed in murine models. Further, the present data reinforce the relation of the gut-brain-axis and the use of zebrafish as a useful tool to investigate new therapies for autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinara L Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Francine F P Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Leticia B Wessler
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Isabela S Lemos
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Candiotto
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Jaime Lin
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Mariane B D Matias
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Eduardo P Rico
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil
| | - Emilio L Streck
- Laboratório de Neurologia Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, 88806-000, Brazil.
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16
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Di Liberto D, D’Anneo A, Carlisi D, Emanuele S, De Blasio A, Calvaruso G, Giuliano M, Lauricella M. Brain Opioid Activity and Oxidative Injury: Different Molecular Scenarios Connecting Celiac Disease and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E437. [PMID: 32659996 PMCID: PMC7407635 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Celiac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease triggered by the ingestion of wheat gliadin and related prolamins from other cereals, such as barley and rye. Immunity against these cereal-derived proteins is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by both innate and adaptive system response in individuals unable to adequately digest them. Peptides generated in this condition are absorbed across the gut barrier, which in these patients is characterized by the deregulation of its permeability. Here, we discuss a possible correlation between CD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) pathogenesis. ASD can be induced by an excessive and inappropriate brain opioid activity during the neonatal period. Cereal-derived peptides produced in celiac patients cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to endogenous opioid receptors interfering with neurotransmission and generating deleterious effects on brain maturation, learning and social relations. Moreover, an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in the antioxidant capacity, as well as an extended mitochondrial impairment in the brain, could represent a possible connection between ASD and CD. Therefore, we critically discuss the proposed relationship between ASD and CD and the possible usefulness of a gluten-free diet in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Di Liberto
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Antonella D’Anneo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.D.B.); (G.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Daniela Carlisi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Institute of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.C.); (S.E.)
| | - Sonia Emanuele
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Institute of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.C.); (S.E.)
| | - Anna De Blasio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.D.B.); (G.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Calvaruso
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.D.B.); (G.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Michela Giuliano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (A.D.B.); (G.C.); (M.G.)
| | - Marianna Lauricella
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), Institute of Biochemistry, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (D.C.); (S.E.)
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17
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Thorsen M. Oxidative stress, metabolic and mitochondrial abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:331-354. [PMID: 32711815 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired development and by abnormal function in regards to social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behavior. It affects approximately 1% of the worldwide population. Like other psychiatric disorders the diagnosis is based on observation of, and interview with the patient and next of kin, and diagnostic tests. Many genes have been associated with autism, but only few highly penetrant. Some researchers have instead focused on oxidative stress, metabolic abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction as an explanation of the disorder. Currently no cure exists for the disorder, making these abnormalities interesting as they are possibly correctable with supplements or treatment. These various processes cannot be seen independently as they are influencing and interacting with each other. Furthermore many of the metabolic changes seen in autism have also been shown in other psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder along with often comorbid disorders like epilepsy and intellectual disability. As such some of these abnormalities are not specific, however, could indicate a similar mechanism for the development of these disorders, with symptomatology and severity varying according to the location and the amount of damage done to proteins, cells and DNA. Clinical studies trying to treat these abnormalities, have widely been successful in correcting the metabolic abnormalities seen, but only some studies have also shown bettering of autistic symptoms. Hopefully with increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disorder, future preventive measures or treatment can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Thorsen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aalborg, Denmark.
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18
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Matsuo K, Yabuki Y, Fukunaga K. 5-aminolevulinic acid inhibits oxidative stress and ameliorates autistic-like behaviors in prenatal valproic acid-exposed rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:107975. [PMID: 31991146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) constitute a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and learning disability. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are associated with ASD brain pathology. Here, we used oxidative stress in prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rats as an ASD model. After maternal VPA exposure (600 mg/kg, p.o.) on embryonic day (E) 12.5, temporal analyses of oxidative stress in the brain using an anti-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal antibody revealed that oxidative stress was increased in the hippocampus after birth. This was accompanied by aberrant enzymatic activity in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the hippocampus. VPA-exposed rats exhibited impaired spatial reference and object recognition memory alongside impaired social behaviors and repetitive behaviors. ASD-like behaviors including learning and memory were rescued by chronic oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA; 30 mg/kg/day) and intranasal administration of oxytocin (OXT; 12 μg/kg/day), a neuropeptide that improves social behavior in ASD patients. 5-ALA but not OXT treatment ameliorated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats. Fewer parvalbumin-positive interneurons were observed in VPA-exposed rats. Both 5-ALA and OXT treatments augmented the number of parvalbumin-positive interneurons. Collectively, our results indicate that oral 5-ALA administration ameliorated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that 5-ALA administration improves ASD-like neuropathology and behaviors via mechanisms different to those of OXT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Matsuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yabuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
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19
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Chidambaram SB, Bhat A, Mahalakshmi AM, Ray B, Tuladhar S, Sushmitha BS, Saravanan B, Thamilarasan M, Thenmozhi AJ, Essa MM, Guillemin GJ, Qoronfleh MW. Protein Nutrition in Autism. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:573-586. [PMID: 32006374 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a "developmental disorder" because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life. The primary cause of autism is still not clear and therapy is currently restricted to controlling behavioral abnormalities. However, emerging studies have shown a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and autism. Dietary supplements that promote mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibit the production of oxidative stress have been used to treat autism patients. Dietary adjustments in treating autism is a novel approach to suppress autistic symptoms. Supplementation with antioxidants has been found to not only inhibit cognitive decline but also improve behavioral symptoms in autism. Dietary supplements fortified with vitamins should only be given under the supervision of a physician. A wide range of nutraceuticals are under clinical trials to understand whether they physiologically target mitochondrial pathways and improve the quality of life in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India. .,Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India.
| | - Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India.,Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | | | - Bipul Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India.,Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Sunanda Tuladhar
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India.,Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - B S Sushmitha
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - B Saravanan
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Manivasagam Thamilarasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Walid Qoronfleh
- Research & Policy Department, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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20
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Mehan S, Rahi S, Tiwari A, Kapoor T, Rajdev K, Sharma R, Khera H, Kosey S, Kukkar U, Dudi R. Adenylate cyclase activator forskolin alleviates intracerebroventricular propionic acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction of autistic rats. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1140-1149. [PMID: 31823895 PMCID: PMC7034277 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.270316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction increases inflammatory mediators and leads to free radical generation and anti-oxidant enzymatic alterations, which are major neuropathological hallmarks responsible for autism. Mitochondrial dysfunction in autism is associated with decreased ATP levels due to reduced levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Rat models of autism were established by intracerebroventricular injection of propionic acid. These rat models had memory dysfunction, decreased muscle coordination and gait imbalance. Biochemical estimation of propionic acid-treated rats showed changes in enzyme activity in neuronal mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes and increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and lipid biomarkers. Oral administration of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg adenylate cyclase activator forskolin for 15 days reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that forskolin can alleviate neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and improve neurological symptoms of rats with autism. This study was approved by the RITS/IAEC, SIRSA, HARYANA on March 3, 2014 (approval No. RITS/IAEC/2014/03/03).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Mehan
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Aarti Tiwari
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Tarun Kapoor
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Kajal Rajdev
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Ramit Sharma
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Himanshi Khera
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sourabh Kosey
- Department of Neuropharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Umesh Kukkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Rajendra Institute of Technology & Sciences, Sirsa, Haryana, India
| | - Rajesh Dudi
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
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Kim Y, Vadodaria KC, Lenkei Z, Kato T, Gage FH, Marchetto MC, Santos R. Mitochondria, Metabolism, and Redox Mechanisms in Psychiatric Disorders. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:275-317. [PMID: 30585734 PMCID: PMC6602118 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Our current knowledge of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms causing psychiatric disorders is modest, but genetic susceptibility and environmental factors are central to the etiology of these conditions. Autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder show genetic gene risk overlap and share symptoms and metabolic comorbidities. The identification of such common features may provide insights into the development of these disorders. Recent Advances: Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that brain energy metabolism, mitochondrial functions and redox balance are impaired to various degrees in psychiatric disorders. Since mitochondrial metabolism and redox signaling can integrate genetic and environmental environmental factors affecting the brain, it is possible that they are implicated in the etiology and progression of psychiatric disorders. Critical Issue: Evidence for direct links between cellular mitochondrial dysfunction and disease features are missing. Future Directions: A better understanding of the mitochondrial biology and its intracellular connections to the nuclear genome, the endoplasmic reticulum and signaling pathways, as well as its role in intercellular communication in the organism, is still needed. This review focuses on the findings that implicate mitochondrial dysfunction, the resultant metabolic changes and oxidative stress as important etiological factors in the context of psychiatric disorders. We also propose a model where specific pathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders depend on circuit-specific impairments of mitochondrial dysfunction and redox signaling at specific developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, South Korea
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Krishna C. Vadodaria
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Zsolt Lenkei
- Laboratory of Dynamic of Neuronal Structure in Health and Disease, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (UMR_S1266 INSERM, University Paris Descartes), Paris, France
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Maria C. Marchetto
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Renata Santos
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
- Laboratory of Dynamic of Neuronal Structure in Health and Disease, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (UMR_S1266 INSERM, University Paris Descartes), Paris, France
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22
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Giusti L, Molinaro A, Alessandrì MG, Boldrini C, Ciregia F, Lacerenza S, Ronci M, Urbani A, Cioni G, Mazzoni MR, Pizzorusso T, Lucacchini A, Baroncelli L. Brain mitochondrial proteome alteration driven by creatine deficiency suggests novel therapeutic venues for creatine deficiency syndromes. Neuroscience 2019; 409:276-289. [PMID: 31029731 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Creatine (Cr) is a small metabolite with a central role in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function. Creatine deficiency syndromes are inborn errors of Cr metabolism causing Cr depletion in all body tissues and particularly in the nervous system. Patient symptoms involve intellectual disability, language and behavioral disturbances, seizures and movement disorders suggesting that brain cells are particularly sensitive to Cr depletion. Cr deficiency was found to affect metabolic activity and structural abnormalities of mitochondrial organelles; however a detailed analysis of molecular mechanisms linking Cr deficit, energy metabolism alterations and brain dysfunction is still missing. Using a proteomic approach we evaluated the proteome changes of the brain mitochondrial fraction induced by the deletion of the Cr transporter (CrT) in developing mutant mice. We found a marked alteration of the mitochondrial proteomic landscape in the brain of CrT deficient mice, with the overexpression of many proteins involved in energy metabolism and response to oxidative stress. Moreover, our data suggest possible abnormalities of dendritic spines, synaptic function and plasticity, network excitability and neuroinflammatory response. Intriguingly, the alterations occurred in coincidence with the developmental onset of neurological symptoms. Thus, cerebral mitochondrial alterations could represent an early response to Cr deficiency that could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Giusti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, I-62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Angelo Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135, Florence, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Alessandrì
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Boldrini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Ciregia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; Department of Rheumatology, GIGA Research, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Serena Lacerenza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ronci
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, I-66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Catholic university of the sacred heart, I-00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, I-50135, Florence, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Lucacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124, Pisa, Italy; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, I-56128 Pisa, Italy.
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23
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Possible Metabolic Alterations among Autistic Male Children: Clinical and Biochemical Approaches. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 67:204-216. [PMID: 30600432 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The present cross-sectional, hospital-based study was carried out on 146 Egyptian male children, 73 males with autism who were comparable with another 73 healthy age- and sex-matched children, recruited from the outpatients' psychiatric clinics of the Neuropsychiatric and Pediatric Departments of South Valley and Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt. Neuropsychological assessments of autistic males were done using CARS, short sensory profile and intelligent quotients. Serum markers of mitochondrial dysfunction (lactate, pyruvate, and lactate to pyruvate ratio, creatine kinase (CK), L-carnitine, ammonia, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), oxidative stress and blood levels of heavy metals (mercury, lead and aluminium) were measured. Serum cholesterol, cortisol, free testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrostenedione, adenosine deaminase and Helicobacter pylori antigen in stool were also performed. There was evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction among autistic children. Additionally, there were significantly lower serum total cholesterol, cortisol and estradiol as well as significantly higher dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA) and free testosterone (p < 0.05 for all markers). Twenty-eight (38%) cases were positive for H. pylori antigen in their stool with significant higher serum ammonia and lower adenosine deaminase than in H. pylori-negative autistic children. Mitochondrial dysfunction, H. pylori infection and low cholesterol were prevalent among autistic male children, which should be targeted during autism management.
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24
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Huang H, Cheng S, Ding M, Wen Y, Ma M, Zhang L, Li P, Cheng B, Liang X, Liu L, Du Y, Zhao Y, Kafle OP, Han B, Zhang F. Integrative analysis of transcriptome-wide association study and mRNA expression profiles identifies candidate genes associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2018; 12:33-38. [PMID: 30561910 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of highly heritable psychiatric syndromes with high prevalence. The genetic mechanism of ASD remains elusive now. Here we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) of ASD. The GWAS summary data of ASD was driven from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) portal, totally involving 5,305 ASD cases and 5,305 controls. FUSION software was applied to the GWAS summary data for tissue-related TWAS of ASD considering brain and blood. The ASD associated genes identified by TWAS were further validated by mRNA expression profiling of ASD and the Simons Foundation for Autism Research (SFARI) Gene tool. DAVID 6.8 was used to perform gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of ASD associated genes identified by TWAS. TWAS identified 85 genes with TWAS P value <0.05 for ASD. Further comparing the 85 genes with the differentially expressed genes identified by mRNA expression profiling of ASD patients found 5 overlapped genes, including MUTYH (PTWAS = 0.0460, PmRNA = 0.0040), ARHGAP27 (PTWAS = 0.0100, PmRNA = 0.0016), GCA (PTWAS = 0.0480, PmRNA = 0.0063), CCDC14 (PTWAS = 0.0067, PmRNA = 0.0035), and MED15 (PTWAS = 0.0324, PmRNA = 0.0092). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the genes identified by TWAS detected 10 significant GO terms, such as mitochondrion (P = 0.0051), NAD or NADH binding (P = 0.0169), mitochondrial part (P = 0.0386) and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic process (P = 0.0399). In conclusion, this study identified multiple ASD associated genes and gene sets, providing novel clues for revealing the pathogenesis of ASD. Autism Research 2019, 12: 33-38. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Recent genetic studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have found multiple ASD related genes. However, the results of these studies were hardly replicated with each other, providing limited clues for exploring the genetic mechanism of ASD. This study detected a group of candidate genes showing transcriptome-wide associations with ASD. These results may provide novel clues for revealing the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Huang
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shiqiang Cheng
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Miao Ding
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Wen
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mei Ma
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bolun Cheng
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanan Du
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Om Prakash Kafle
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bei Han
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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25
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Guo Z, Xie HQ, Zhang P, Luo Y, Xu T, Liu Y, Fu H, Xu L, Valsami-Jones E, Boksa P, Zhao B. Dioxins as potential risk factors for autism spectrum disorder. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:906-915. [PMID: 30347373 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged as a major public health concern due to its fast-growing prevalence in recent decades. Environmental factors are thought to contribute substantially to the variance in ASD. Interest in environmental toxins as causes of ASD has arisen due to the high sensitivity of the developing human brain to toxic chemicals, particularly to dioxin and certain dioxin-like compounds (dioxins). As a group of typical persistent organic pollutants, dioxins have been found to exert adverse effects on human brain development. In this paper, we review the evidence for association of exposure to dioxins with neurodevelopmental abnormalities related to ASD based on both human epidemiological and animal studies. It has been documented that exposure to dioxins during critical developmental periods increased risk for ASD. This notion has been demonstrated in different populations exposed to high or background level of dioxins. Furthermore, the effects and mechanisms of action of dioxins relevant to the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of ASD are summarized, describing potential underlying mechanisms linking dioxin exposure with ASD onset. Further studies focusing on effects of prenatal/perinatal exposure to individual dioxin congeners or to mixtures of dioxins on ASD-associated behavioral and neurobiological consequences in animal models, and on the mechanisms of actions of dioxins, are needed in order to better understand how dioxin exposure might contribute to increased risk for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- University of Birmingham, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Yali Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hualing Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Eugenia Valsami-Jones
- University of Birmingham, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Patricia Boksa
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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26
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Rose S, Niyazov DM, Rossignol DA, Goldenthal M, Kahler SG, Frye RE. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 22:571-593. [PMID: 30039193 PMCID: PMC6132446 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects ~ 2% of children in the United States. The etiology of ASD likely involves environmental factors triggering physiological abnormalities in genetically sensitive individuals. One of these major physiological abnormalities is mitochondrial dysfunction, which may affect a significant subset of children with ASD. Here we systematically review the literature on human studies of mitochondrial dysfunction related to ASD. Clinical aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD include unusual neurodevelopmental regression, especially if triggered by an inflammatory event, gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, motor delays, fatigue and lethargy. Traditional biomarkers of mitochondrial disease are widely reported to be abnormal in ASD, but appear non-specific. Newer biomarkers include buccal cell enzymology, biomarkers of fatty acid metabolism, non-mitochondrial enzyme function, apoptosis markers and mitochondrial antibodies. Many genetic abnormalities are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD, including chromosomal abnormalities, mitochondrial DNA mutations and large-scale deletions, and mutations in both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial nuclear genes. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been described in immune and buccal cells, fibroblasts, muscle and gastrointestinal tissue and the brains of individuals with ASD. Several environmental factors, including toxicants, microbiome metabolites and an oxidized microenvironment are shown to modulate mitochondrial function in ASD tissues. Investigations of treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are promising but preliminary. The etiology of mitochondrial dysfunction and how to define it in ASD is currently unclear. However, preliminary evidence suggests that the mitochondria may be a fruitful target for treatment and prevention of ASD. Further research is needed to better understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dmitriy M Niyazov
- Section of Medical Genetics, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael Goldenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology Section, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen G Kahler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas St, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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27
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Khemakhem AM, Frye RE, El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L, Bacha AB. Novel biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction is autism spectrum disorder: potential for biological diagnostic markers. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1983-1997. [PMID: 28831647 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is behaviorally defined by social and communication impairments and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. There is currently no biomarkers that can help in the diagnosis. Several studies suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is commonly involved in ASD pathophysiology, but standard mitochondrial biomarkers are thought to be very variable. In the present study we examine a wide variety of plasma biomarkers of mitochondrial metabolism and the related abnormalities of oxidative stress and apoptosis in 41 ASD patients assessed for ASD severity using the Childhood Autism Rating Scales and 41 non-related age and sex matched healthy controls. Our findings confirm previous studies indicating abnormal mitochondrial and related biomarkers in children with ASD including pyruvate, creatine kinase, Complex 1, Glutathione S-Transferase, glutathione and Caspase 7. As a novel finding, we report that lactate dehydrogenase is abnormal in children with ASD. We also identified that only the most severe children demonstrated abnormalities in Complex 1 activity and Glutathione S-Transferase. Additionally, we find that several biomarkers could be candidates for differentiating children with ASD and typically developing children, including Caspase 7, gluthatione and Glutathione S-Transferase by themselves and lactate dehydrogenase and Complex I when added to other biomarkers in combination. Caspase 7 was the most discriminating biomarker between ASD patients and healthy controls suggesting its potential use as diagnostic marker for the early recognition of ASD pathophysiology. This study confirms that several mitochondrial biomarkers are abnormal in children with ASD and suggest that certain mitochondrial biomarkers can differentiate between ASD and typically developing children, making them possibly useful as a tool to diagnosis ASD and identify ASD subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma M Khemakhem
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology Applied to Crop Improvement, Faculty of Science of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Richard E Frye
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Slot 512-41B, Room R4041, 13 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA.
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Central Laboratory, King Saud University, P.O Box 22452, Zip code, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abir Ben Bacha
- Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology Applied to Crop Improvement, Faculty of Science of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, P.O Box 22452, Zip code, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
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28
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El-Ansary A, Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, Alnakhli OM. Predictive value of selected biomarkers related to metabolism and oxidative stress in children with autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1209-1221. [PMID: 28497358 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behavior. Several and reproducible studies have suggested that oxidative stress may represent one of the primary etiological mechanism of ASD that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. In the present study, multiple regression and combined receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to search for a relationship between impaired energy and oxidative metabolic pathways in the etiology of ASD and to find the linear combination that maximizes the partial area under a ROC curve for a pre-identified set of markers related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Thirty children with ASD and 30 age and gender matched controls were enrolled in the study. Using either spectrophotometric or ELISA-colorimetric assay, levels of lipid peroxides, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) together with the enzymatic activity of catalase, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in peripheral blood samples, as biomarkers related to oxidative stress. Creatine kinase, ectonucleotidases (ADPase and ATPase) Na+/K+ (ATPase), lactate, inorganic phosphate, and levels of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) together with adenylate energy charge, were also measured as markers of impaired energy metabolism. Statistical analysis using ROC curves, multiple and logistic regression were performed. A remarkable increase in the area under the curve for most of the combined markers, representing both energy impaired metabolism or oxidative stress, was observed by using combined ROC analyses. Moreover, higher specificity and sensitivity of the combined markers were also reported. The present study indicated that the measurement of the predictive value of selected biomarkers related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress in children with ASD using ROC analysis should lead to the better identification of the etiological mechanism of ASD associated with metabolism and diet. Agents with activity against the impaired metabolic pathway associated with ASD including the metabolic defects and involved enzymes hold a promise as a novel therapy for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Osima M Alnakhli
- Central Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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29
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Qasem H, Al-Ayadhi L, Al Dera H, El-Ansary A. Increase of cytosolic phospholipase A2 as hydrolytic enzyme of phospholipids and autism cognitive, social and sensory dysfunction severity. Lipids Health Dis 2017; 16:117. [PMID: 28724385 PMCID: PMC5516334 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0391-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by developmental, behavioral, social and sensory abnormalities. Researchers have focused in last years in immunological alteration and inflammation as a hot subject in autism field. This work aims to study the alteration in phospholipids (PE, PS, and PC) together with the change in cPLA2 concentration as the main phospholipid hydrolytic enzyme in autistic patients compared to control. It was also extended to find a correlation between these biomarkers and severity of autism measured as childhood autism rating scale (CARS), Social responsiveness scale (SRS), and Short sensory profile (SSP). METHODS Phospholipids (PE, PS, PC) and cPLA2 as biochemical parameters were determined in the plasma of 48 Saudi autistic male patients, categorized as mild-moderate and severe as indicated by their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), social responsiveness scale (SRS) and short sensory profile (SSP) and compared to 40 age- and gender-matched control samples. RESULTS The reported data demonstrate significantly lower levels of PE, PS, and PC together with a significant increase in cPLA2. While association between severity of autism and impaired phospholipid concentration was completely lacked, an association between cPLA2 and impaired sensory processing was observed. CONCLUSIONS The impaired phospholipid level and remarkable increased in cPLA2 concentration asserted their roles in the etiology of autism. Receiver operating characteristic analysis together with predictiveness diagrams proved that the measured parameters could be used as predictive biomarkers of clinical symptoms and provide significant guidance for future therapeutic strategy to re-establish physiological homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Qasem
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, 11495 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Al Dera
- Basic medical science dept. College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (Kaimrc), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, 11495 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Central Laboratory, Center for Female Scientific and Medical Colleges at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Evidence of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism: Biochemical Links, Genetic-Based Associations, and Non-Energy-Related Mechanisms. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017. [PMID: 28630658 PMCID: PMC5467355 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4314025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, represents a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. The underlying cause of autism is unknown and therapy is currently limited to targeting behavioral abnormalities. Emerging studies suggest a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and ASD. Here, we review the evidence demonstrating this potential connection. We focus specifically on biochemical links, genetic-based associations, non-energy related mechanisms, and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Connecting the dots: Overlaps between autism and cancer suggest possible common mechanisms regarding signaling pathways related to metabolic alterations. Med Hypotheses 2017; 103:118-123. [PMID: 28571796 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Common features between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and cancer have been discerned using methodologies from a number of disciplines, including genetics, bioinformatics and epidemiological studies. To understand such apparent overlaps between these two conditions and the mechanisms that may underlie these linkages, it is important to look at their multi-level systems context. Here we discuss ASDs and cancer linkages across levels ranging from genes to pathways and systems, as well as from the vantage points of mechanism and of clinical and epidemiological studies. Review of existing findings yielded evidence that ASDs and cancer overlap extensively in signal transduction pathways that are involved in metabolic processes. We hypothesize that further studies focusing on illuminating the relationships between ASDs and cancer, specifically with regard to signaling pathways that regulate metabolic activities, could help shed new insight on these conditions and develop treatment strategies that, by targeting underlying mechanisms, may be more efficient and effective for both conditions.
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Burger BJ, Rose S, Bennuri SC, Gill PS, Tippett ML, Delhey L, Melnyk S, Frye RE. Autistic Siblings with Novel Mutations in Two Different Genes: Insight for Genetic Workups of Autistic Siblings and Connection to Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:219. [PMID: 29075622 PMCID: PMC5643424 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is high, yet the etiology of this disorder is still uncertain. Advancements in genetic analysis have provided the ability to identify potential genetic changes that may contribute to ASD. Interestingly, several genetic syndromes have been linked to metabolic dysfunction, suggesting an avenue for treatment. In this case study, we report siblings with ASD who had similar initial phenotypic presentations. Whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel c.795delT mutation in the WDR45 gene affecting the girl, which was consistent with her eventual progression to a Rett-like syndrome phenotype including seizures along with a stereotypical cyclic breathing pattern. Interestingly, WES identified that the brother harbored a novel heterozygous Y1546H variant in the DEP domain-containing protein 5 (DEPDC5) gene, consistent with his presentation. Both siblings underwent a metabolic workup that demonstrated different patterns of mitochondrial dysfunction. The girl demonstrated statistically significant elevations in mitochondrial activity of complex I + III in both muscle and fibroblasts and increased respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on Seahorse Extracellular Flux analysis. The boy demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in complex IV activity in buccal epithelium and decreased respiration in PBMCs. These cases highlight the differences in genetic abnormalities even in siblings with ASD phenotypes as well as highlights the individual role of novel mutations in the WDR45 and DEPDC5 genes. These cases demonstrate the importance of advanced genetic testing combined with metabolic evaluations in the workup of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrett J Burger
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sirish C Bennuri
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | | | - Marie L Tippett
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Leanna Delhey
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Stepan Melnyk
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
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Siddiqui MF, Elwell C, Johnson MH. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. AUTISM-OPEN ACCESS 2016; 6:1000190. [PMID: 27928515 PMCID: PMC5137782 DOI: 10.4172/2165-7890.1000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are classified as neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by diminished social communication and interaction. Recently, evidence has accrued that a significant proportion of individuals with autism have concomitant diseases such as mitochondrial disease and abnormalities of energy generation. This has therefore led to the hypothesis that autism may be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. We review such studies reporting decreased activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and reduced gene expression of mitochondrial genes, in particular genes of respiratory chain complexes, in individuals with autism. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that there is an association of ASD with impaired mitochondrial function; however, many of the studies have small sample sizes and there is variability in the techniques utilised. There is therefore a vital need to utilise novel imaging techniques, such as near-infrared spectroscopy, that will allow non-invasive measurement of metabolic markers for neuronal activity such as cytochrome c oxidase, in order to better establish the link between autism and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen F Siddiqui
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, London, UK
| | - Clare Elwell
- Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, London, UK
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Abstract
Early infantile autism is the most severe of a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes called the pervasive developmental disorders. The clinical features of autism vary greatly, but, by definition, include deficits in social relatedness, communication, and interests or routines. The onset of autistic signs and behaviors typ ically occurs in infancy, and the syndrome is usually fully present by the fourth year. The presence of mental retardation affects the clinical picture greatly. Severely autistic children may be retarded and mute and are often preoccupied with repetitive activities; they often exhibit motor stereotypes, such as rocking or hand flapping. They can be profoundly withdrawn and may show extreme aversion to social or physical contact. More mildly affected children may have normal or even superior intelligence, with well-developed language skills. Their deficits in social relatedness and preoccupation with rituals and routines may set them apart as very odd, but not necessarily as autistic. Autism occurs in 1 of 2000 live births; boys outnumber girls about 3 or 4:1. Although there are no localizing neurological signs in autism, mild or "soft" neurological signs are common and grand mal seizures are frequently present after puberty (Lotspeich LJ, Ciaranello RD. The neurobiology and genetics of infantile autism. In: Bradley R, editor. International reviews of neurobiology. San Diego: Academic Press 1993:87-129). The Neuroscientist 1:361-367, 1995
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Ciaranello
- Harvard University (ALC) Cambridge, Massachussets Nancy
Pritzker Laboratory of Developmental and Molecular Neurobiology (RDC) Department
of Psychiatry Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, California
| | - Roland D. Ciaranello
- Harvard University (ALC) Cambridge, Massachussets Nancy
Pritzker Laboratory of Developmental and Molecular Neurobiology (RDC) Department
of Psychiatry Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford, California
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Abstract
The past 9 years have witnessed the development of a new chapter in human pathology related to mutations in the "other genome" or the "25th chromosome," namely mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). An astounding array of multisystemic disorders, almost always involving muscle and brain (mitochondrial encephalomyopathies) have been attributed to over 50 point mutations and a multitude of rearrangements in mtDNA. Here, we review the still expanding spectrum of proven or putative mtDNA-related disorders, and we try to explain some peculiarities of these diseases according to the new rules of "mitochondrial genetics." NEURO SCIENTIST 4:53-63, 1998
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Dimauro
- H. Houston Merritt Clinical Research Center for Muscular
Dystrophy and Related Diseases Departments of Neurology and Genetics and Development
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, New York
| | - Eric A. Schon
- H. Houston Merritt Clinical Research Center for Muscular
Dystrophy and Related Diseases Departments of Neurology and Genetics and Development
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons New York, New York
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The Stress-Induced Atf3-Gelsolin Cascade Underlies Dendritic Spine Deficits in Neuronal Models of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. J Neurosci 2015. [PMID: 26224859 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4796-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, as a result of loss-of-function mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) or TSC2 genes, causes protein synthesis dysregulation, increased cell size, and aberrant neuronal connectivity. Dysregulated synthesis of synaptic proteins has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with TSC and fragile X syndrome. However, cell type-specific translational profiles in these disease models remain to be investigated. Here, we used high-fidelity and unbiased Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP) methodology to purify ribosome-associated mRNAs and identified translational alterations in a rat neuronal culture model of TSC. We find that expression of many stress and/or activity-dependent proteins is highly induced while some synaptic proteins are repressed. Importantly, transcripts for the activating transcription factor-3 (Atf3) and mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 (Ucp2) are highly induced in Tsc2-deficient neurons, as well as in a neuron-specific Tsc1 conditional knock-out mouse model, and show differential responses to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Gelsolin, a known target of Atf3 transcriptional activity, is also upregulated. shRNA-mediated block of Atf3 induction suppresses expression of gelsolin, an actin-severing protein, and rescues spine deficits found in Tsc2-deficient neurons. Together, our data demonstrate that a cell-autonomous program consisting of a stress-induced Atf3-gelsolin cascade affects the change in dendritic spine morphology following mTOR hyperactivation. This previously unidentified molecular cascade could be a therapeutic target for treating mTORopathies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease associated with epilepsy and autism. Dysregulated protein synthesis has been implicated as a cause of this disease. However, cell type-specific translational profiles that are aberrant in this disease are unknown. Here we show that expression of many stress and/or activity-dependent proteins is highly induced while some synaptic proteins are repressed in neurons missing the Tsc2 gene expression. Identification of genes whose translation is abnormal in TSC may provide insights to previously unidentified therapeutic targets.
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Nadal-Desbarats L, Aïdoud N, Emond P, Blasco H, Filipiak I, Sarda P, Bonnet-Brilhault F, Mavel S, Andres CR. Combined 1H-NMR and 1H-13C HSQC-NMR to improve urinary screening in autism spectrum disorders. Analyst 2015; 139:3460-8. [PMID: 24841505 DOI: 10.1039/c4an00552j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental diseases with complex genetic and environmental etiological factors. Although genetic causes play a significant part in the etiology of ASD, metabolic disturbances may also play a causal role or modulate the clinical features of ASD. The number of ASD studies involving metabolomics is increasing, and sometime with conflicting findings. We assessed the metabolomics profiling of urine samples to determine a comprehensive biochemical signature of ASD. Furthermore, to date no study has combined metabolic profiles obtained from different analytical techniques to distinguish patient with ASD from healthy individuals. We obtained (1)H-NMR spectra and 2D (1)H-(13)C HSQC NMR spectra from urine samples of patients with ASD or healthy controls. We analyzed these spectra by multivariate statistical data analysis. The OPLS-DA model obtained from (1)H NMR spectra showed a good discrimination between ASD samples and non-ASD samples (R(2)Y(cum) = 0.70 and Q(2) = 0.51). Combining the (1)H NMR spectra and the 2D (1)H-(13)C HSQC NMR spectra increased the overall quality and predictive value of the OPLS-DA model (R(2)Y(cum) = 0.84 and Q(2) = 0.71), leading to a better sensitivity and specificity. Urinary excretion of succinate, glutamate and 3-methyl-histidine differed significantly between ASD and non-ASD samples. Urinary screening of children with neurodevelopmental disorders by combining NMR spectroscopies (1D and 2D) in multivariate analysis is a better sensitive and a straightforward method that could help the diagnosis ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Nadal-Desbarats
- Equipe neurogénétique et neurométabolomique INSERM U930, Université François Rabelais, PPF "Analyses des Systèmes Biologiques", UFR de Médecine, 10 BlvdTonnellé, 37044 Tours Cedex 9, 37000 Tours, France.
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Frye RE. Metabolic and mitochondrial disorders associated with epilepsy in children with autism spectrum disorder. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 47:147-57. [PMID: 25440829 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.08.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects a significant number of individuals in the United States, with the prevalence continuing to grow. A significant proportion of individuals with ASD have comorbid medical conditions such as epilepsy. In fact, treatment-resistant epilepsy appears to have a higher prevalence in children with ASD than in children without ASD, suggesting that current antiepileptic treatments may be suboptimal in controlling seizures in many individuals with ASD. Many individuals with ASD also appear to have underlying metabolic conditions. Metabolic conditions such as mitochondrial disease and dysfunction and abnormalities in cerebral folate metabolism may affect a substantial number of children with ASD, while other metabolic conditions that have been associated with ASD such as disorders of creatine, cholesterol, pyridoxine, biotin, carnitine, γ-aminobutyric acid, purine, pyrimidine, and amino acid metabolism and urea cycle disorders have also been associated with ASD without the prevalence clearly known. Interestingly, all of these metabolic conditions have been associated with epilepsy in children with ASD. The identification and treatment of these disorders could improve the underlying metabolic derangements and potentially improve behavior and seizure frequency and/or severity in these individuals. This paper provides an overview of these metabolic disorders in the context of ASD and discusses their characteristics, diagnostic testing, and treatment with concentration on mitochondrial disorders. To this end, this paper aims to help optimize the diagnosis and treatment of children with ASD and epilepsy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Autism and Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Frye RE, Rose S, Slattery J, MacFabe DF. Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: the role of the mitochondria and the enteric microbiome. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2015; 26:27458. [PMID: 25956238 PMCID: PMC4425813 DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v26.27458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects a significant number of individuals worldwide with the prevalence continuing to grow. It is becoming clear that a large subgroup of individuals with ASD demonstrate abnormalities in mitochondrial function as well as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Interestingly, GI disturbances are common in individuals with mitochondrial disorders and have been reported to be highly prevalent in individuals with co-occurring ASD and mitochondrial disease. The majority of individuals with ASD and mitochondrial disorders do not manifest a primary genetic mutation, raising the possibility that their mitochondrial disorder is acquired or, at least, results from a combination of genetic susceptibility interacting with a wide range of environmental triggers. Mitochondria are very sensitive to both endogenous and exogenous environmental stressors such as toxicants, iatrogenic medications, immune activation, and metabolic disturbances. Many of these same environmental stressors have been associated with ASD, suggesting that the mitochondria could be the biological link between environmental stressors and neurometabolic abnormalities associated with ASD. This paper reviews the possible links between GI abnormalities, mitochondria, and ASD. First, we review the link between GI symptoms and abnormalities in mitochondrial function. Second, we review the evidence supporting the notion that environmental stressors linked to ASD can also adversely affect both mitochondria and GI function. Third, we review the evidence that enteric bacteria that are overrepresented in children with ASD, particularly Clostridia spp., produce short-chain fatty acid metabolites that are potentially toxic to the mitochondria. We provide an example of this gut–brain connection by highlighting the propionic acid rodent model of ASD and the clinical evidence that supports this animal model. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches that could be helpful for GI symptoms in ASD and mitochondrial disorders. To this end, this review aims to help better understand the underlying pathophysiology associated with ASD that may be related to concurrent mitochondrial and GI dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA;
| | - Shannon Rose
- Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - John Slattery
- Autism Research Program, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Derrick F MacFabe
- Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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The many roads to mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders. BMC Med 2015; 13:68. [PMID: 25889215 PMCID: PMC4382850 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-015-0310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial dysfunction and defects in oxidative metabolism are a characteristic feature of many chronic illnesses not currently classified as mitochondrial diseases. Examples of such illnesses include bipolar disorder, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression, autism, and chronic fatigue syndrome. DISCUSSION While the majority of patients with multiple sclerosis appear to have widespread mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired ATP production, the findings in patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, autism, depression, bipolar disorder schizophrenia and chronic fatigue syndrome are less consistent, likely reflecting the fact that these diagnoses do not represent a disease with a unitary pathogenesis and pathophysiology. However, investigations have revealed the presence of chronic oxidative stress to be an almost invariant finding in study cohorts of patients afforded each diagnosis. This state is characterized by elevated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and/or reduced levels of glutathione, and goes hand in hand with chronic systemic inflammation with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. SUMMARY This paper details mechanisms by which elevated levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species together with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines could conspire to pave a major road to the development of mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxidative metabolism seen in many patients diagnosed with these disorders.
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Frye RE, Rossignol DA. Treatments for biomedical abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:66. [PMID: 25019065 PMCID: PMC4073259 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies point to the effectiveness of novel treatments that address physiological abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is significant because safe and effective treatments for ASD remain limited. These physiological abnormalities as well as studies addressing treatments of these abnormalities are reviewed in this article. Treatments commonly used to treat mitochondrial disease have been found to improve both core and associated ASD symptoms. Double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) studies have investigated l-carnitine and a multivitamin containing B vitamins, antioxidants, vitamin E, and co-enzyme Q10 while non-blinded studies have investigated ubiquinol. Controlled and uncontrolled studies using folinic acid, a reduced form of folate, have reported marked improvements in core and associated ASD symptoms in some children with ASD and folate related pathway abnormities. Treatments that could address redox metabolism abnormalities include methylcobalamin with and without folinic acid in open-label studies and vitamin C and N-acetyl-l-cysteine in DBPC studies. These studies have reported improved core and associated ASD symptoms with these treatments. Lastly, both open-label and DBPC studies have reported improvements in core and associated ASD symptoms with tetrahydrobiopterin. Overall, these treatments were generally well-tolerated without significant adverse effects for most children, although we review the reported adverse effects in detail. This review provides evidence for potentially safe and effective treatments for core and associated symptoms of ASD that target underlying known physiological abnormalities associated with ASD. Further research is needed to define subgroups of children with ASD in which these treatments may be most effective as well as confirm their efficacy in DBPC, large-scale multicenter studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Eugene Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Rossignol DA, Frye RE. Evidence linking oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the brain of individuals with autism. Front Physiol 2014; 5:150. [PMID: 24795645 PMCID: PMC4001006 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are defined solely on the basis of behavioral observations. Therefore, ASD has traditionally been framed as a behavioral disorder. However, evidence is accumulating that ASD is characterized by certain physiological abnormalities, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation/inflammation. While these abnormalities have been reported in studies that have examined peripheral biomarkers such as blood and urine, more recent studies have also reported these abnormalities in brain tissue derived from individuals diagnosed with ASD as compared to brain tissue derived from control individuals. A majority of these brain tissue studies have been published since 2010. The brain regions found to contain these physiological abnormalities in individuals with ASD are involved in speech and auditory processing, social behavior, memory, and sensory and motor coordination. This manuscript examines the evidence linking oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation/inflammation in the brain of ASD individuals, suggesting that ASD has a clear biological basis with features of known medical disorders. This understanding may lead to new testing and treatment strategies in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard E Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR, USA
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43
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Petrinovic MM, Künnecke B. Neuroimaging endophenotypes in animal models of autism spectrum disorders: lost or found in translation? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1167-89. [PMID: 23852013 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3200-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder(s) (ASDs) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behaviours and impairments in communication and social interactions. This heterogeneity has been a major obstacle in uncovering the aetiology and biomarkers of ASDs. Rodent models with genetic modifications or environmental insults have been created to study particular endophenotypes and bridge the gap between genetics and behavioural phenotypes. Translational neuroimaging modalities with their ability to screen the brain noninvasively and yield structural, biochemical and functional information provide a unique platform for discovery and evaluation of such endophenotypes in preclinical and clinical research. OBJECTIVES We reviewed literature on translational neuroimaging in rodent models of ASDs. The most prominent models will be described and the respective neuroimaging endophenotypes will be discussed with reference to human data. A perspective on future directions of translational neuroimaging in animal models of ASDs will be given. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS To date, we experience a proliferation of rodent models which recapitulate specific liabilities identified in ASDs patients. Translational neuroimaging in these models is emerging but is skewed towards magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities. Volumetric and structural assessments of the brain are dominating and a host of endophenotypes have been reported that allude to findings in ASDs patients but with only few to converge among the models. Caveats of current studies are the diverging biological conditions related to genetic background and age of the animals. It is anticipated that longitudinal and functional assessments will gain much importance and will help elucidating mechanistic relationship between behavioural and structural endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija M Petrinovic
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, pRED, Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Neuroscience, Building 68, Room 327A, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
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Golomb BA, Erickson LC, Scott-Van Zeeland AA, Koperski S, Haas RH, Wallace DC, Naviaux RK, Lincoln AJ, Reiner GE, Hamilton G. Assessing bioenergetic compromise in autism spectrum disorder with 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy: preliminary report. J Child Neurol 2014; 29:187-93. [PMID: 24141271 PMCID: PMC3931549 DOI: 10.1177/0883073813498466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We sought to examine, via Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) in a case-control design, whether bioenergetic deficits in autism spectrum disorders extend to the brain and muscle. Six cases with autism spectrum disorder with suspected mitochondrial dysfunction (age 6-18 years) and 6 age/sex-matched controls underwent (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The outcomes of focus were muscle resting phosphocreatine and intracellular pH as well as postexercise phosphocreatine recovery time constant and frontal brain phosphocreatine. Intracellular muscle pH was lower in each autism spectrum disorder case than their matched control (6/6, P = .03; P = .0048, paired t test). Muscle phosphocreatine (5/6), brain phosphocreatine (3/4), and muscle phosphocreatine recovery time constant (3/3) trends were in the predicted direction (not all participants completed each). This study introduces (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a noninvasive tool for assessment of mitochondrial function in autism spectrum disorder enabling bioenergetic assessment in brain and provides preliminary evidence suggesting that bioenergetic defects in cases with autism spectrum disorder are present in muscle and may extend to brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice A. Golomb
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laura C. Erickson
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown
University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Sabrina Koperski
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard H. Haas
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas C. Wallace
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of
Pennsylvania, Pittsburg, PA, USA
| | - Robert K. Naviaux
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Pathology,
University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alan J. Lincoln
- Alliant International University and Center for
Autism Research, Evaluation and Service, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gail E. Reiner
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, University of
California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gavin Hamilton
- Department of Radiology, University of California,
San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Gestational exposure to a viral mimetic poly(i:C) results in long-lasting changes in mitochondrial function by leucocytes in the adult offspring. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:609602. [PMID: 24174710 PMCID: PMC3793312 DOI: 10.1155/2013/609602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ). In rodents, MIA results in changes in cytokine profiles and abnormal behaviors in the offspring that model these neuropsychiatric conditions. Given the central role that mitochondria have in immunity and other metabolic pathways, we hypothesized that MIA will result in a fetal imprinting that leads to postnatal deficits in the bioenergetics of immune cells. To this end, splenocytes from adult offspring exposed gestationally to the viral mimic poly(I:C) were evaluated for mitochondrial outcomes. A significant decrease in mitochondrial ATP production was observed in poly(I:C)-treated mice (45% of controls) mainly attributed to a lower complex I activity. No differences were observed between the two groups in the coupling of electron transport to ATP synthesis, or the oxygen uptake under uncoupling conditions. Concanavalin A- (ConA-) stimulated splenocytes from poly(I:C) animals showed no statistically significant changes in cytokine levels compared to controls. The present study reports for the first time that MIA activation by poly(I:C) at early gestation, which can lead to behavioral impairments in the offspring similar to SZ and ASD, leads to long-lasting effects in the bioenergetics of splenocytes of adult offspring.
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Gu F, Chauhan V, Kaur K, Brown WT, LaFauci G, Wegiel J, Chauhan A. Alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number and the activities of electron transport chain complexes and pyruvate dehydrogenase in the frontal cortex from subjects with autism. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e299. [PMID: 24002085 PMCID: PMC3784762 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2013.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social deficits and behavioral abnormalities. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may contribute to the etiology of autism. This is the first study to compare the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (I-V) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), as well as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in the frontal cortex tissues from autistic and age-matched control subjects. The activities of complexes I, V and PDH were most affected in autism (n=14) being significantly reduced by 31%, 36% and 35%, respectively. When 99% confidence interval (CI) of control group was taken as a reference range, impaired activities of complexes I, III and V were observed in 43%, 29% and 43% of autistic subjects, respectively. Reduced activities of all five ETC complexes were observed in 14% of autistic cases, and the activities of multiple complexes were decreased in 29% of autistic subjects. These results suggest that defects in complexes I and III (sites of mitochondrial free radical generation) and complex V (adenosine triphosphate synthase) are more prevalent in autism. PDH activity was also reduced in 57% of autistic subjects. The ratios of mtDNA of three mitochondrial genes ND1, ND4 and Cyt B (that encode for subunits of complexes I and III) to nuclear DNA were significantly increased in autism, suggesting a higher mtDNA copy number in autism. Compared with the 95% CI of the control group, 44% of autistic children showed higher copy numbers of all three mitochondrial genes examined. Furthermore, ND4 and Cyt B deletions were observed in 44% and 33% of autistic children, respectively. This study indicates that autism is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gu
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - V Chauhan
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - K Kaur
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - W T Brown
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - G LaFauci
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - J Wegiel
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - A Chauhan
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Essa MM, Subash S, Braidy N, Al-Adawi S, Lim CK, Manivasagam T, Guillemin GJ. Role of NAD(+), Oxidative Stress, and Tryptophan Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Tryptophan Res 2013; 6:15-28. [PMID: 23922500 PMCID: PMC3729335 DOI: 10.4137/ijtr.s11355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neuro-developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, reduced/absent verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behavior during early childhood. The etiology of this developmental disorder is poorly understood, and no biomarkers have been identified. Identification of novel biochemical markers related to autism would be advantageous for earlier clinical diagnosis and intervention. Studies suggest that oxidative stress-induced mechanisms and reduced antioxidant defense, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired energy metabolism (NAD(+), NADH, ATP, pyruvate, and lactate), are major causes of ASD. This review provides renewed insight regarding current autism research related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered tryptophan metabolism in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Dept of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. ; School of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
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Peripheral blood gene expression signature differentiates children with autism from unaffected siblings. Neurogenetics 2013; 14:143-52. [PMID: 23625158 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-013-0363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability, yet a majority of genetic contribution to pathophysiology is not known. Siblings of individuals with ASD are at increased risk for ASD and autistic traits, but the genetic contribution for simplex families is estimated to be less when compared to multiplex families. To explore the genomic (dis-) similarity between proband and unaffected sibling in simplex families, we used genome-wide gene expression profiles of blood from 20 proband-unaffected sibling pairs and 18 unrelated control individuals. The global gene expression profiles of unaffected siblings were more similar to those from probands as they shared genetic and environmental background. A total of 189 genes were significantly differentially expressed between proband-sib pairs (nominal p < 0.01) after controlling for age, sex, and family effects. Probands and siblings were distinguished into two groups by cluster analysis with these genes. Overall, unaffected siblings were equally distant from the centroid of probands and from that of unrelated controls with the differentially expressed genes. Interestingly, five of 20 siblings had gene expression profiles that were more similar to unrelated controls than to their matched probands. In summary, we found a set of genes that distinguished probands from the unaffected siblings, and a subgroup of unaffected siblings who were more similar to probands. The pathways that characterized probands compared to siblings using peripheral blood gene expression profiles were the up-regulation of ribosomal, spliceosomal, and mitochondrial pathways, and the down-regulation of neuroreceptor-ligand, immune response and calcium signaling pathways. Further integrative study with structural genetic variations such as de novo mutations, rare variants, and copy number variations would clarify whether these transcriptomic changes are structural or environmental in origin.
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Good P. Does infectious fever relieve autistic behavior by releasing glutamine from skeletal muscles as provisional fuel? Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 08/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Anitha A, Nakamura K, Thanseem I, Matsuzaki H, Miyachi T, Tsujii M, Iwata Y, Suzuki K, Sugiyama T, Mori N. Downregulation of the expression of mitochondrial electron transport complex genes in autism brains. Brain Pathol 2012; 23:294-302. [PMID: 23088660 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction (MtD) and abnormal brain bioenergetics have been implicated in autism, suggesting possible candidate genes in the electron transport chain (ETC). We compared the expression of 84 ETC genes in the post-mortem brains of autism patients and controls. Brain tissues from the anterior cingulate gyrus, motor cortex, and thalamus of autism patients (n = 8) and controls (n = 10) were obtained from Autism Tissue Program, USA. Quantitative real-time PCR arrays were used to quantify gene expression. We observed reduced expression of several ETC genes in autism brains compared to controls. Eleven genes of Complex I, five genes each of Complex III and Complex IV, and seven genes of Complex V showed brain region-specific reduced expression in autism. ATP5A1 (Complex V), ATP5G3 (Complex V) and NDUFA5 (Complex I) showed consistently reduced expression in all the brain regions of autism patients. Upon silencing ATP5A1, the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 (MAPK13), a p38 MAPK responsive to stress stimuli, was upregulated in HEK 293 cells. This could have been induced by oxidative stress due to impaired ATP synthesis. We report new candidate genes involved in abnormal brain bioenergetics in autism, supporting the hypothesis that mitochondria, critical for neurodevelopment, may play a role in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyappan Anitha
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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