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Gardner Z, Holbrook O, Tian Y, Odamah K, Man HY. The role of glia in the dysregulation of neuronal spinogenesis in Ube3a-dependent ASD. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114756. [PMID: 38508482 PMCID: PMC11058030 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Overexpression of the Ube3a gene and the resulting increase in Ube3a protein are linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the cellular and molecular processes underlying Ube3a-dependent ASD remain unclear. Using both male and female mice, we find that neurons in the somatosensory cortex of the Ube3a 2× Tg ASD mouse model display reduced dendritic spine density and increased immature filopodia density. Importantly, the increased gene dosage of Ube3a in astrocytes alone is sufficient to confer alterations in neurons as immature dendritic protrusions, as observed in primary hippocampal neuron cultures. We show that Ube3a overexpression in astrocytes leads to a loss of astrocyte-derived spinogenic protein, thrombospondin-2 (TSP2), due to a suppression of TSP2 gene transcription. By neonatal intraventricular injection of astrocyte-specific virus, we demonstrate that Ube3a overexpression in astrocytes in vivo results in a reduction in dendritic spine maturation in prelimbic cortical neurons, accompanied with autistic-like behaviors in mice. These findings reveal an astrocytic dominance in initiating ASD pathobiology at the neuronal and behavior levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Increased gene dosage of Ube3a is tied to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), yet cellular and molecular alterations underlying autistic phenotypes remain unclear. We show that Ube3a overexpression leads to impaired dendritic spine maturation, resulting in reduced spine density and increased filopodia density. We find that dysregulation of spine development is not neuron autonomous, rather, it is mediated by an astrocytic mechanism. Increased gene dosage of Ube3a in astrocytes leads to reduced production of the spinogenic glycoprotein thrombospondin-2 (TSP2), leading to abnormalities in spines. Astrocyte-specific Ube3a overexpression in the brain in vivo confers dysregulated spine maturation concomitant with autistic-like behaviors in mice. These findings indicate the importance of astrocytes in aberrant neurodevelopment and brain function in Ube3a-depdendent ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Gardner
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Otto Holbrook
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - KathrynAnn Odamah
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., L-603, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America.
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2
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Davidson TL, Stevenson RJ. Vulnerability of the Hippocampus to Insults: Links to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1991. [PMID: 38396670 PMCID: PMC10888241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a critical brain substrate for learning and memory; events that harm the hippocampus can seriously impair mental and behavioral functioning. Hippocampal pathophysiologies have been identified as potential causes and effects of a remarkably diverse array of medical diseases, psychological disorders, and environmental sources of damage. It may be that the hippocampus is more vulnerable than other brain areas to insults that are related to these conditions. One purpose of this review is to assess the vulnerability of the hippocampus to the most prevalent types of insults in multiple biomedical domains (i.e., neuroactive pathogens, neurotoxins, neurological conditions, trauma, aging, neurodegenerative disease, acquired brain injury, mental health conditions, endocrine disorders, developmental disabilities, nutrition) and to evaluate whether these insults affect the hippocampus first and more prominently compared to other brain loci. A second purpose is to consider the role of hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in either causing or worsening the harmful effects of each insult. Recent research suggests that the hippocampal BBB is more fragile compared to other brain areas and may also be more prone to the disruption of the transport mechanisms that act to maintain the internal milieu. Moreover, a compromised BBB could be a factor that is common to many different types of insults. Our analysis indicates that the hippocampus is more vulnerable to insults compared to other parts of the brain, and that developing interventions that protect the hippocampal BBB may help to prevent or ameliorate the harmful effects of many insults on memory and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry L. Davidson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
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Navalón P, Merchan-Naranjo J, Ghosn F, Almansa B, Chafer-Pericas C, González-Peñas J, Rodríguez-Toscano E, Zeballos S, Arriaga M, Castro Castro P, Blanco Bravo D, Vento M, Pina-Camacho L, García-Blanco A. Study of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the onset and course of neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants (the PeriSTRESS-PremTEA study): Rationale, objectives, design and sample description. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 17:19-27. [PMID: 33618030 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies exploring the pathophysiological pathways that may condition differentially the emergence/course of neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) in very preterm and extremely preterm newborns (VPTN/EPTN). Furthermore, there are no established biological markers predictive of ND in this population. The aim of this study is four-fold: in two cohorts of VPTN/EPTN (i) to characterize the emergence/course of ND up to corrected-age 6 years, (ii) to identify those factors (from prenatal stages up to age 6 years) that explain the interindividual differences related to emergence/course of ND, (iii) to identify in the first hours/days of life a urinary metabolomic biomarker profile predictive of ND, and (iv) to determine longitudinally variations in DNA methylation patterns predictive of ND. METHODS Observational, longitudinal, prospective, six-year follow-up, multicentre collaborative study. Two cohorts are being recruited: the PeriSTRESS-Valencia-cohort (n=26 VPTN, 18 EPTN, and 122 born-at-term controls), and the PremTEA-Madrid-cohort (n=49 EPTN and n=29 controls). RESULTS We describe the rationale, objectives and design of the PeriSTRESS-PremTEA project and show a description at birth of the recruited samples. CONCLUSIONS The PeriSTRESS-PremTEA project could help improve early identification of clinical, environmental and biological variables involved in the physiopathology of ND in VPTN/EPTN. It could also help to improve the early identification of non-invasive ND biomarkers in this population. This may allow early ND detection as well as early and personalised intervention for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Navalón
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, España; Department of Psychiatry, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, España
| | - Jéssica Merchan-Naranjo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Farah Ghosn
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, España
| | - Belén Almansa
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, España
| | | | - Javier González-Peñas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Elisa Rodríguez-Toscano
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Susana Zeballos
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - María Arriaga
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Pedro Castro Castro
- Section of Neuropaediatrics, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Dorotea Blanco Bravo
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España
| | - Máximo Vento
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, España
| | - Laura Pina-Camacho
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, España.
| | - Ana García-Blanco
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, España; Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, España
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Mendez MA, Oakley B, Canitano R, San José-Cáceres A, Tinelli M, Knapp M, Cusack J, Parellada M, Violland P, Derk Plas JR, Canal-Bedia R, Bejarano-Martin A, Murphy DG, Quoidbach V, Arango C. Autism care pathway in Europe. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e81. [PMID: 37694810 PMCID: PMC10594203 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a lifelong complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development and behaviour with significant consequences for everyday life. Despite its personal, familial, and societal impact, Europe-wide harmonised guidelines are still lacking for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention, leading to an overall unsatisfactory autistic person and carer journey. METHODS The care pathway for autistic children and adolescents was analysed in Italy, Spain and the UK from the perspective of carers (using a survey aimed at caregivers of autistic children 0-18 years old), the autistic community, and professionals in order to identify major barriers (treatment gaps) preventing carers from receiving information, support, and timely screening/diagnosis and intervention. RESULTS Across all three countries, analysis of the current care pathway showed: long waits from the time carers raised their first concerns about a child's development and/or behaviour until screening and confirmed diagnosis; delayed or no access to intervention once a diagnosis was confirmed; limited information about autism and how to access early detection services; and deficient support for families throughout the journey. CONCLUSIONS These findings call for policy harmonisation in Europe to shorten long wait times for diagnosis and intervention and therefore, improve autistic people and their families' journey experience and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Mendez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bethany Oakley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium
| | | | - Antonia San José-Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre), Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium
| | - Michela Tinelli
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | | | - Mara Parellada
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre), Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Declan G.M. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium
| | | | - Celso Arango
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre), Madrid, Spain
- AIMS-2-TRIALS consortium
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Colniță A, Toma VA, Brezeștean IA, Tahir MA, Dina NE. A Review on Integrated ZnO-Based SERS Biosensors and Their Potential in Detecting Biomarkers of Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050499. [PMID: 37232860 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) applications in clinical diagnosis and spectral pathology are increasing due to the potential of the technique to bio-barcode incipient and differential diseases via real-time monitoring of biomarkers in fluids and in real-time via biomolecular fingerprinting. Additionally, the rapid advancements in micro/nanotechnology have a visible influence in all aspects of science and life. The miniaturization and enhanced properties of materials at the micro/nanoscale transcended the confines of the laboratory and are revolutionizing domains such as electronics, optics, medicine, and environmental science. The societal and technological impact of SERS biosensing by using semiconductor-based nanostructured smart substrates will be huge once minor technical pitfalls are solved. Herein, challenges in clinical routine testing are addressed in order to understand the context of how SERS can perform in real, in vivo sampling and bioassays for early neurodegenerative disease (ND) diagnosis. The main interest in translating SERS into clinical practice is reinforced by the practical advantages: portability of the designed setups, versatility in using nanomaterials of various matter and costs, readiness, and reliability. As we will present in this review, in the frame of technology readiness levels (TRL), the current maturity reached by semiconductor-based SERS biosensors, in particular that of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based hybrid SERS substrates, is situated at the development level TRL 6 (out of 9 levels). Three-dimensional, multilayered SERS substrates that provide additional plasmonic hot spots in the z-axis are of key importance in designing highly performant SERS biosensors for the detection of ND biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Colniță
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad-Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 5-7 Clinicilor, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Institute of Biological Research, Department of Biochemistry and Experimental Biology, 48 Republicii, Branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Andreea Brezeștean
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Muhammad Ali Tahir
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nicoleta Elena Dina
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Salazar de Pablo G, Pastor Jordá C, Vaquerizo-Serrano J, Moreno C, Cabras A, Arango C, Hernández P, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Simonoff E, Fusar-Poli P, Santosh P, Cortese S, Parellada M. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions for Irritability and Emotional Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Predictors of Response. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:151-168. [PMID: 35470032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emotional dysregulation and irritability are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted the first meta-analysis assessing the efficacy of a broad range of pharmacological interventions for emotional dysregulation and irritability in ASD and predictors of response. METHOD Following a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42021235779), we systematically searched multiple databases until January 1, 2021. We included placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the efficacy of pharmacological interventions and predictors of response for emotional dysregulation and irritability. We assessed heterogeneity using Q statistics and publication bias. We conducted subanalyses and meta-regressions to identify predictors of response. The primary effect size was the standardized mean difference. Quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2). RESULTS A total of 2,856 individuals with ASD in 45 studies were included, among which 26.7% of RCTs had a high risk of bias. Compared to placebo, antipsychotics (standardized mean difference = 1.028, 95% CI = 0.824-1.232) and medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.471, 0.061-0.881) were significantly better than placebo in improving emotional dysregulation and irritability, whereas evidence of efficacy was not found for other drug classes (p > .05). Within individual medications, evidence of efficacy was found for aripiprazole (1.179, 0.838-1.520) and risperidone (1.074, 0.818-1.331). Increased rates of comorbid epilepsy (β = -0.049, p = .026) were associated with a lower efficacy. CONCLUSION Some pharmacological interventions (particularly risperidone and aripiprazole) have proved efficacy for short-term treatment of emotional dysregulation and irritability in ASD and should be considered within a multimodal treatment plan, taking into account also the tolerability profile and families' preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Carolina Pastor Jordá
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Vaquerizo-Serrano
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Celso Arango
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Hernández
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; University of Pavia, Italy, and OASIS service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, United Kingdom, the New York University Child Study Center, New York, Solent NHS Trust, and the Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mara Parellada
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.
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7
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Oxytocin Exposure in Labor and its Relationship with Cognitive Impairment and the Genetic Architecture of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:66-79. [PMID: 34982326 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Whether there is a relationship between oxytocin (OXT) use in labor and the risk of autism (ASD), and the nature of such relationship, is unclear. By integrating genetic and clinical data in a sample of 176 ASD participants, we tested the hypothesis that OXT is a marker for abnormal prenatal development which leads to impairments in the process of labor. OXT-exposed ASD had more obstetric complications (P = 0.031), earlier onset of symptoms (P = 0.027), poorer cognitive development (P = 0.011), higher mutation burden across neurodevelopment genes (P = 0.020; OR = 5.33) and lower transmission of polygenic risk for ASD (P = 0.0319), than non-exposed ASD. OXT seems to constitute a risk indicator rather than a risk factor for ASD, which is relevant for diagnostic and genetic counselling.
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Amen NE, Eqani SAMAS, Bilal K, Ali N, Rajeh N, Adelman D, Shen H, Lohmann R. Molecularly tracing of children exposure pathways to environmental organic pollutants and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120381. [PMID: 36228862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Organic pollutants (OPs) including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have showed neuro-damaging effects, but studies concerning the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk are limited. A case-control study with ASD (n = 125) and healthy control (n = 125) children was conducted on the different land use settings across Punjab, Pakistan. Serum concentrations of 26 OCPs, 29 PCB congeners, 11 PBDEs and 32 PAHs were measured. Serum PCB77 (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.18), PCB118 (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.00), PCB128 (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.91), PCB153 (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.55, 1.93) were significantly higher, but PCB187 (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.49) was significantly lower in the ASD cases when compared to the controls. Serum BDE99 (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.89) was significantly higher in the healthy controls than in the ASD cases. Among the analyzed OCPs, p,p'-DDE (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.85) was significantly elevated in the ASD cases with comparison in the controls. For PAHs, serum dibenzothiophene (AOR = 7.30; 95% CI: 1.49, 35.85) was significantly higher in the ASD, while perylene (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.10) and fluorene (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.72) were significantly higher in the controls. In addition, many of the serum pollutants were significantly associated with GSTT1, GSTM1 (null/present polymorphism) and presented the genotypic variation to respond xenobiotics in children. The children living in proximity to urban and industrial areas had a greater exposure to most of the studied pollutants when compared to the rural children, however children residing in rural areas showed higher exposure to OCPs. This comprehensive study documents an association between environmental exposure risk of several organic pollutants (OPs) from some contaminated environmental settings with ASD risk in children from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabgha-E Amen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan; Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
| | - Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah Eqani
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, PR China.
| | | | - Nadeem Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisreen Rajeh
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College, King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Adelman
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
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9
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Goldstein S, Sellars T, Velez A. From eligibility assessment to intervention for students with autism spectrum disorder. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Goldstein
- Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Tiffany Sellars
- Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center Salt Lake City Utah USA
| | - Alexandro Velez
- Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center Salt Lake City Utah USA
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10
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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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11
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Sandoval KC, Thackray SE, Wong A, Niewinski N, Chipak C, Rehal S, Dyck RH. Lack of Vesicular Zinc Does Not Affect the Behavioral Phenotype of Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid-Induced Maternal Immune Activation Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:769322. [PMID: 35273483 PMCID: PMC8902171 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.769322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc is important in neural and synaptic development and neuronal transmission. Within the brain, zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) is essential for zinc uptake into vesicles. Loss of vesicular zinc has been shown to produce neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD)-like behavior, such as decreased social interaction and increased anxiety- and repetitive-like behavior. Maternal immune activation (MIA) has been identified as an environmental factor for NDDs, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia (SZ), in offspring, which occurs during pregnancy when the mother’s immune system reacts to the exposure to viruses or infectious diseases. In this study, we investigated the interaction effect of a genetic factor [ZnT3 knockout (KO) mice] and an environmental factor (MIA). We induced MIA in pregnant female (dams) mice during mid-gestation, using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (polyI:C), which mimics a viral infection. Male and female ZnT3 KO and wild-type (WT) offspring were tested in five behavioral paradigms: Ultrasonic Vocalizations (USVs) at postnatal day 9 (P9), Open Field Test, Marble Burying Test, three-Chamber Social Test, and Pre-pulse Inhibition (PPI) in adulthood (P60–75). Our results indicate that loss of vesicular zinc does not result in enhanced ASD- and SZ-like phenotype compared to WT, nor does it show a more pronounced phenotype in male ZnT3 KO compared to female ZnT3 KO. Finally, MIA offspring demonstrated an ASD- and SZ-like phenotype only in specific behavioral tests: increased calls emitted in USVs and fewer marbles buried. Our results suggest that there is no interaction between the loss of vesicular zinc and MIA induction in the susceptibility to developing an ASD- and SZ-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Celina Sandoval
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah E. Thackray
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alison Wong
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Niewinski
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Colten Chipak
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suhkjinder Rehal
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Richard H. Dyck
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Richard H. Dyck,
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12
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The time-locked neurodynamics of semantic processing in autism spectrum disorder: an EEG study. Cogn Neurodyn 2022; 16:43-72. [PMID: 35126770 PMCID: PMC8807749 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-021-09697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Language processing is often an area of difficulty in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Semantic processing-the ability to add meaning to a stimulus-is thought to be especially affected in ASD. However, the neurological origin of these deficits, both structurally and temporally, have yet to be discovered. To further previous behavioral findings on language differences in ASD, the present study used an implicit semantic priming paradigm and electroencephalography (EEG) to compare the level of theta coherence throughout semantic processing, between typically developing (TD) and ASD participants. Theta coherence is an indication of synchronous EEG oscillations and was of particular interest due to its previous links with semantic processing. Theta coherence was analyzed in response to semantically related or unrelated pairs of words and pictures across bilateral short, medium, and long electrode connections. We found significant results across a variety of conditions, but most notably, we observed reduced coherence for language stimuli in the ASD group at a left fronto-parietal connection from 100 to 300 ms. This replicates previous findings of underconnectivity in left fronto-parietal language networks in ASD. Critically, the early time window of this underconnectivity, from 100 to 300 ms, suggests that impaired semantic processing of language in ASD may arise during pre-semantic processing, during the initial communication between lower-level linguistic processing and higher-level semantic processing. Our results suggest that language processing functions are unique in ASD compared to TD, and that subjects with ASD might rely on a temporally different language processing loop altogether.
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13
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Jenabi E, Bashirian S, Khazaei S, Farhadi Nasab A, Maleki A. The Association between Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders among Offspring: A Meta-analysis. Curr Pediatr Rev 2022; 19:83-89. [PMID: 35410610 DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220410231435] [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] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review aimed to determine the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and increased chances of having an autistic child. METHODS The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were systematically searched for studies published until December 2020 with the restricted English language. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort and case-control studies has been used for the evaluation of quality in individual studies. We evaluated the heterogeneity among the studies using I-squared. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger's and Begg's tests. We presented results using odds ratio (OR) and relative ratio (RR) estimates with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a randomeffects model. RESULTS In total, 18 articles were included in the present study. The overall findings of the present meta-analysis show that the use of ART didn't associate with the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among offspring based on OR and RR (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.88-1.21) and (RR = 1 .26, 95% CI: 0.96- 1 .55), respectively. We showed a significant association between ART and the risk of ASD in Asia than in the other regions without heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our result showed that the risk of ASD was not increased in children born from ART. Possible interaction between ART and other regions with increased risk of ASD is important to point and future studies of this topic were recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensiyeh Jenabi
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Bashirian
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Salman Khazaei
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Farhadi Nasab
- Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Maleki
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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14
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Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study on Efficacy, Feasibility, Safety, and Unexpected Outcomes in Tic Disorder and Epilepsy. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010143. [PMID: 35011884 PMCID: PMC8745597 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display distinctive neurophysiological characteristics associated with significant cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the frontal or temporoparietal lobes has demonstrated potential to reduce the severity of ASD-related symptoms. Recently, the cerebellum has been identified as a brain area involved in ASD pathophysiology. In this open-label pilot study, seven ASD patients aged between 9 and 13 years underwent 20 daily sessions of 20 min cathodal stimulation of the right cerebellar lobe. At the end of the treatment, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores showed a 25% mean reduction in global severity of symptoms, with a more pronounced reduction in the “social withdrawal and lethargy” (−35%), “hyperactivity and noncompliance” (−26%), and “irritability, agitation, and crying” (−25%) subscales. Minor and no improvement were observed in the “stereotypic behavior” (−18%) and “inappropriate speech” (−0%) subscales, respectively. Improvements were not detected in the two patients who were taking psychotropic drugs during the study. Clinical response showed a symptom-specific time course. Quality of sleep and mood improved earlier than hyperactivity and social withdrawal. The treatment was generally accepted by patients and well tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported. Stimulation also appeared to markedly reduce the severity of tics in a patient with comorbid tic disorder and led to the disappearance of a frontal epileptogenic focus in another patient with a history of seizures. In conclusion, cerebellar tDCS is safe, feasible, and potentially effective in the treatment of ASD symptoms among children. Strategies to improve recruitment and retention are discussed.
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15
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Werneck-Rohrer SG, Lindorfer TM, Waleew C, Philipp J, Prillinger K, Konicar L. Effects of an intensive slow cortical potentials neurofeedback training in female and male adolescents with autism spectrum disorder : Are there sex differences? Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 134:60-68. [PMID: 34910250 PMCID: PMC8671879 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aims to compare the effects of neurofeedback training on male and female adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, it examines sex differences regarding improvements in co-occurring psychopathological symptoms, cognitive flexibility and emotion recognition abilities. The study might provide first hints whether there is an influence of sex on treatment outcomes. Methods Six female and six male adolescents with ASD were matched according to age, IQ and symptom severity. All participants received 24 sessions of electroencephalography-based neurofeedback training. Before and after the intervention, psychological data for measuring co-occurring psychopathological symptoms as well as behavioral data for measuring cognitive flexibility and emotion recognition abilities were recorded. Results Caregivers rated statistically significant higher psychopathological problems in female than in male adolescents with ASD at baseline. Apart from that, no statistically significant sex-related differences were revealed in this sample; however, male adolescents tended to report greater improvements of externalizing, internalizing and total symptoms, whereas females experienced smaller improvements of externalizing and total problems, but no improvements of internalizing problems. Regarding caregivers’ assessments, more improvement of total problems was reported for females. For males, only improvements of internalizing and total problems were described. Conclusion This study reveals preliminary results that sex-related differences might play a role when evaluating treatment outcomes after neurofeedback training regarding comorbid psychopathological symptoms. Adolescents’ self-report and parental assessments, especially concerning psychopathological symptoms, should be combined and considered in future studies to help prevent sex bias in adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja G Werneck-Rohrer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Theresa M Lindorfer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carolin Waleew
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Philipp
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Prillinger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lilian Konicar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Sabaie H, Dehghani H, Shiva S, Asadi MR, Rezaei O, Taheri M, Rezazadeh M. Mechanistic Insight Into the Regulation of Immune-Related Genes Expression in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:754296. [PMID: 34746237 PMCID: PMC8568055 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.754296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder featuring impairment in verbal and non-verbal interactions, defects in social interactions, stereotypic behaviors as well as restricted interests. In recent times, the incidence of ASD is growing at a rapid pace. In spite of great endeavors devoted to explaining ASD pathophysiology, its precise etiology remains unresolved. ASD pathogenesis is related to different phenomena associated with the immune system; however, the mechanisms behind these immune phenomena as well as the potential contributing genes remain unclear. In the current work, we used a bioinformatics approach to describe the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in the peripheral blood (PB) samples to figure out the molecular regulatory procedures involved in ASD better. The Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to obtain the PB microarray dataset (GSE89594) from the subjects suffering from ASD and control subjects, containing the data related to both mRNAs and lncRNAs. The list of immune-related genes was obtained from the ImmPort database. In order to determine the immune-related differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), the limma package of R software was used. A protein-protein interaction network was developed for the immune-related DEmRNAs. By employing the Human MicroRNA Disease Database, DIANA-LncBase, and DIANA-TarBase databases, the RNA interaction pairs were determined. We used the Pearson correlation coefficient to discover the positive correlations between DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs within the ceRNA network. Finally, the lncRNA-associated ceRNA network was created based on DElncRNA-miRNA-DEmRNA interactions and co-expression interactions. In addition, the KEGG enrichment analysis was conducted for immune-related DEmRNAs found within the constructed network. This work found four potential DElncRNA-miRNA-DEmRNA axes in ASD pathogenesis, including, LINC00472/hsa-miR-221-3p/PTPN11, ANP32A-IT1/hsa-miR-182-5p/S100A2, LINC00472/hsa-miR-132-3p/S100A2, and RBM26-AS1/hsa-miR-182-5p/S100A2. According to pathway enrichment analysis, the immune-related DEmRNAs were enriched in the "JAK-STAT signaling pathway" and "Adipocytokine signaling pathway." An understanding of regulatory mechanisms of ASD-related immune genes would provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms behind ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Sabaie
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Dehghani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Shadi Shiva
- Pediatric Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Asadi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omidvar Rezaei
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Schudlo LC, Anagnostou E, Chau T, Doyle-Thomas K. Investigating sensory response to physical discomfort in children with autism spectrum disorder using near-infrared spectroscopy. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257029. [PMID: 34478466 PMCID: PMC8415580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-reporting of pain can be difficult in populations with communication challenges or atypical sensory processing, such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Consequently, pain can go untreated. An objective method to identify discomfort would be valuable to individuals unable to express or recognize their own bodily distress. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a brain-imaging modality that is suited for this application. We evaluated the potential of detecting a cortical response to discomfort in the ASD population using NIRS. Using a continuous-wave spectrometer, prefrontal and parietal measures were collected from 15 males with ASD and 7 typically developing (TD) males 10-15 years of age. Participants were exposed to a noxious cold stimulus by immersing their hands in cold water and tepid water as a baseline task. Across all participants, the magnitude and timing of the cold and tepid water-induced brain responses were significantly different (p < 0.001). The effect of the task on the brain response depended on the study group (group x task: p < 0.001), with the ASD group exhibiting a blunted response to the cold stimulus. Findings suggest that NIRS may serve as a tool for objective pain assessment and atypical sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C. Schudlo
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Computer and Biomedical Engineering Department, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tom Chau
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Krissy Doyle-Thomas
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- School of Health and Community Services, Mohawk College, Hamilton, Canada
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18
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Shiva S, Gharesouran J, Sabaie H, Asadi MR, Arsang-Jang S, Taheri M, Rezazadeh M. Expression Analysis of Ermin and Listerin E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1 Genes in Autistic Patients. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:701977. [PMID: 34349621 PMCID: PMC8326841 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.701977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that involves social interaction defects, impairment of non-verbal and verbal interactions, and limited interests along with stereotypic activities. Its incidence has been increasing rapidly in recent decades. Despite numerous attempts to understand the pathophysiology of ASD, its exact etiology is still unclear. Recent data shows the role of accurate myelination and translational regulation in ASD's pathogenesis. In this study, we assessed Ermin (ERMN) and Listerin E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1 (LTN1) genes expression in Iranian ASD patients and age- and gender-matched healthy subjects' peripheral blood using quantitative real-time PCR to recognize any probable dysregulation in the expression of these genes and propose this disorder's mechanisms. Analysis of the expression demonstrated a significant ERMN downregulation in total ASD patients compared to the healthy individuals (posterior beta = -0.794, adjusted P-value = 0.025). LTN1 expression was suggestively higher in ASD patients in comparison with the corresponding control individuals. Considering the gender of study participants, the analysis showed that the mentioned genes' different expression levels were significant only in male subjects. Besides, a significant correlation was found between expression of the mentioned genes (r = -0.49, P < 0.0001). The present study provides further supports for the contribution of ERMN and LTN1 in ASD's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Shiva
- Pediatric Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Gharesouran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hani Sabaie
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Asadi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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19
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Parellada M, San José Cáceres A, Palmer M, Delorme R, Jones EJH, Parr JR, Anagnostou E, Murphy DGM, Loth E, Wang PP, Charman T, Strydom A, Arango C. A Phase II Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Arbaclofen Administered for the Treatment of Social Function in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Study Protocol for AIMS-2-TRIALS-CT1. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:701729. [PMID: 34504446 PMCID: PMC8421761 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.701729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, which negatively impact on individuals and their families' quality of life. Currently no pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective for improving social communication in autism. Previous trials have indicated the potential of arbaclofen for improving social function among autistic children and adolescents with fluent speech. The AIMS2TRIALS-Clinical Trial 1 (AIMS-CT1) will examine whether arbaclofen is superior to placebo in improving social function and other secondary outcomes over 16 weeks, along with safety and tolerability profiles. Methods: AIMS-CT1 is an international, multi-site, double-blind, parallel group Phase II randomized clinical trial. It will include 130 males and females aged 5:0-17:11 years, with a diagnosis of ASD and fluent speech. Eligible participants will be randomized on a ratio of 1:1 for a 16-week treatment period. Medication will be titrated over 5 weeks. The primary outcome is the effect on social function from weeks 0 to 16 measured on the Socialization domain of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd editionTM. Secondary outcome measures include the CGI-S (Clinical Global Impression-Severity), CGI-I (Clinical Global Impression-Improvement), other areas of adaptive function, social communication and other autism symptoms, co-occurring behavior problems and health-related quality of life. Genetic and electrophysiological markers will be examined as potential stratifiers for treatment response. Exploratory novel digital technologies will also be used to measure change, examining simultaneously the validity of digital biomarkers in natural environments. The safety and tolerability of the drug will also be examined. Our protocol is very closely aligned with a parallel Canadian trial of 90 participants (ARBA Study, US NCT number: NCT03887676) to allow for secondary combined analyses. Outcomes will be compared using both an Intent-to-reat and Per Protocol approach. Discussion: The outcomes of this trial, combined with the parallel Canadian trial, will contribute to the evidence base for medications used to help social difficulties among young autistic individuals; demonstrate the capabilities of the AIMS-2-TRIALS network of academic centers to deliver clinical trials; and support future drug development. Clinical Trial Registration: EudraCT number: 2018-000942-21 and ClinicalTrials.gov registry number: NCT03682978. Currently under protocol v.7.2, dated 20.11.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Parellada
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonia San José Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Melanie Palmer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre of Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.,Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service, Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul P Wang
- Clinical Research Associates LLC, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Celso Arango
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.,School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Role of Oligodendrocytes and Myelin in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120951. [PMID: 33302549 PMCID: PMC7764453 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120951] [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] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an early neurodevelopmental disorder that involves deficits in interpersonal communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Although ASD pathophysiology is still uncertain, alterations in the abnormal development of the frontal lobe, limbic areas, and putamen generate an imbalance between inhibition and excitation of neuronal activity. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that a disruption in neuronal connectivity is associated with neural alterations in white matter production and myelination in diverse brain regions of patients with ASD. This review is aimed to summarize the most recent evidence that supports the notion that abnormalities in the oligodendrocyte generation and axonal myelination in specific brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Fundamental molecular mediators of these pathological processes are also examined. Determining the role of alterations in oligodendrogenesis and myelination is a fundamental step to understand the pathophysiology of ASD and identify possible therapeutic targets.
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21
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Vargason T, Grivas G, Hollowood-Jones KL, Hahn J. Towards a Multivariate Biomarker-Based Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Review and Discussion of Recent Advancements. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 34:100803. [PMID: 32446437 PMCID: PMC7248126 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An ever-evolving understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology necessitates that diagnostic standards also evolve from being observation-based to include quantifiable clinical measurements. The multisystem nature of ASD motivates the use of multivariate methods of statistical analysis over common univariate approaches for discovering clinical biomarkers relevant to this goal. In addition to characterization of important behavioral patterns for improving current diagnostic instruments, multivariate analyses to date have allowed for thorough investigation of neuroimaging-based, genetic, and metabolic abnormalities in individuals with ASD. This review highlights current research using multivariate statistical analyses to quantify the value of these behavioral and physiological markers for ASD diagnosis. A detailed discussion of a blood-based diagnostic test for ASD using specific metabolite concentrations is also provided. The advancement of ASD biomarker research promises to provide earlier and more accurate diagnoses of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Vargason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Genevieve Grivas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Kathryn L Hollowood-Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.
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22
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Ayaydın H, Kirmit A, Çelik H, Akaltun İ, Koyuncu İ, Bilgen Ulgar Ş. High Serum Levels of Serum 100 Beta Protein, Neuron-specific Enolase, Tau, Active Caspase-3, M30 and M65 in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 18:270-278. [PMID: 32329316 PMCID: PMC7242104 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.2.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate whether neuronal, axonal, and glial cell markers (Neuron-specific enolase [NSE], tau, serum 100 beta protein [S100B], respectively) and apoptosis markers (active caspase 3, M30, M65) and whether these parameters can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Methods This study measured the serum S100B, NSE, tau, active caspase 3, M30, and M65 levels in 43 patients with ASD (aged 3−12 years) and in 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. ASD severity was rated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The serum levels were determined in the biochemistry laboratory using the ELISA technique. The receiver operator characteristics curve method was employed to evaluate the accuracy of the parameters in diagnosing ASD. Results Serum S100B, tau, NSE, active caspase-3, M30, and M65 levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.002, p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p = 0.004, respectively). The cut-off value of S100B was 48.085 pg/ml (sensitivity: 74.4%, specificity: 80.5%, areas under the curve: 0.879, p < 0.001). Conclusion Apoptosis increased in children with ASD, and neuronal, axonal, and glial cell injury was observed. In addition, S100B may be an important diagnostic biomarker in patients with ASD. Apoptosis, and neuronal, axonal and astrocyte pathologies may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of ASD, and further studies are now required to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Ayaydın
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Adnan Kirmit
- Departments of Biochemistry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Hakim Çelik
- Departments of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - İsmail Akaltun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - İsmail Koyuncu
- Departments of Biochemistry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Şermin Bilgen Ulgar
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey
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23
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Update on Atypicalities of Central Nervous System in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10050309. [PMID: 32443912 PMCID: PMC7287879 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10050309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined, neurodevelopmental disorder that has been modeled as a brain-based disease. The behavioral and cognitive features of ASD are associated with pervasive atypicalities in the central nervous system (CNS). To date, the exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ASD still remain unknown and there is currently no cure or effective treatment for this disorder. Many publications implicated the association of ASD with inflammation, immune dysregulation, neurotransmission dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment and cell signaling dysregulation. This review attempts to highlight evidence of the major pathophysiology of ASD including abnormalities in the brain structure and function, neuroglial activation and neuroinflammation, glutamatergic neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunction and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway dysregulation. Molecular and cellular factors that contributed to the pathogenesis of ASD and how they may affect the development and function of CNS are compiled in this review. However, findings of published studies have been complicated by the fact that autism is a very heterogeneous disorder; hence, we addressed the limitations that led to discrepancies in the reported findings. This review emphasizes the need for future studies to control study variables such as sample size, gender, age range and intelligence quotient (IQ), all of which that could affect the study measurements. Neuroinflammation or immune dysregulation, microglial activation, genetically linked neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunctions and mTOR signaling pathway could be the primary targets for treating and preventing ASD. Further research is required to better understand the molecular causes and how they may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.
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24
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Kondo HM, Lin IF. Excitation-inhibition balance and auditory multistable perception are correlated with autistic traits and schizotypy in a non-clinical population. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8171. [PMID: 32424307 PMCID: PMC7234986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder and individuals with schizophrenia have impaired social and communication skills. They also have altered auditory perception. This study investigated autistic traits and schizotypy in a non-clinical population as well as the excitation-inhibition (EI) balance in different brain regions and their auditory multistable perception. Thirty-four healthy participants were assessed by the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The EI balance was evaluated by measuring the resting-state concentrations of glutamate-glutamine (Glx) and ϒ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in vivo by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To observe the correlation between their traits and perception, we conducted an auditory streaming task and a verbal transformation task, in which participants reported spontaneous perceptual switching while listening to a sound sequence. Their AQ and SPQ scores were positively correlated with the Glx/GABA ratio in the auditory cortex but not in the frontal areas. These scores were negatively correlated with the number of perceptual switches in the verbal transformation task but not in the auditory streaming task. Our results suggest that the EI balance in the auditory cortex and the perceptual formation of speech are involved in autistic traits and schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito M Kondo
- School of Psychology, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8666, Japan. .,Human Information Science Laboratory, NTT Communication Science Laboratories, NTT Corporation, Atsugi, Kanagawa, 243-0198, Japan.
| | - I-Fan Lin
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, 235, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
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25
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Blanc J, Rahill G, Spruill T, Jean-Louis G, Mouchenik Y. Association between prenatal exposure to the Haiti 2010 earthquake, consequent maternal PTSD and autistic symptoms in offspring. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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26
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Abdelhamid N, Padmavathy A, Peebles D, Thabtah F, Goulder-Horobin D. Data Imbalance in Autism Pre-Diagnosis Classification Systems: An Experimental Study. JOURNAL OF INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219649220400146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) is a branch of computer science that is rapidly gaining popularity within the healthcare arena due to its ability to explore large datasets to discover useful patterns that can be interepreted for decision-making and prediction. ML techniques are used for the analysis of clinical parameters and their combinations for prognosis, therapy planning and support and patient management and wellbeing. In this research, we investigate a crucial problem associated with medical applications such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) data imbalances in which cases are far more than just controls in the dataset. In autism diagnosis data, the number of possible instances is linked with one class, i.e. the no ASD is larger than the ASD, and this may cause performance issues such as models favouring the majority class and undermining the minority class. This research experimentally measures the impact of class imbalance issue on the performance of different classifiers on real autism datasets when various data imbalance approaches are utilised in the pre-processing phase. We employ oversampling techniques, such as Synthetic Minority Oversampling (SMOTE), and undersampling with different classifiers including Naive Bayes, RIPPER, C4.5 and Random Forest to measure the impact of these on the performance of the models derived in terms of area under curve and other metrics. Results pinpoint that oversampling techniques are superior to undersampling techniques, at least for the toddlers’ autism dataset that we consider, and suggest that further work should look at incorporating sampling techniques with feature selection to generate models that do not overfit the dataset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Abdelhamid
- IT Programme, Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Arun Padmavathy
- Digital Technologies, Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Peebles
- Department of Psychology, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Fadi Thabtah
- Digital Technologies, Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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27
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Giannopoulou I, Lazaratou H, Economou M, Dikeos D. Converging Psychoanalytic and Neurobiological Understanding of Autism: Promise for Integrative Therapeutic Approaches. Psychodyn Psychiatry 2019; 47:275-290. [PMID: 31448985 DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2019.47.3.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of heterogeneous neu-rodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. For many years, psychoanalysis and neurobiology have been in opposite camps regarding the understanding of autism in terms of causation and treatment. This paper aims to highlight converging points between neurobiological and psychodynamic understanding of autism, which could be useful in designing more effective early interventions. For this purpose, we give a brief overview of the psychoanalytic conceptualization of autism since its first description as well as present the most pertinent neurobiological findings underlying the disorder; both these approaches are pointing to a dysfunction in caregiver-child interactions. In the last few decades, the convergence of the psychoanalytical with the neurobiological perspectives of the disorder enhances further our understanding of the dynamic interplay among biological and psychological processes in autism. This integrative approach, grounded in both theoretical perspectives, could inform future research focusing on interpersonal neurobiology, but also provide a base for developing multi-level and multi-component early interventions, which should start as early as possible, most appropriately during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Giannopoulou
- Second Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital
| | - Helen Lazaratou
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilisis Sofias St 72-74, Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Economou
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilisis Sofias St 72-74, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Dikeos
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilisis Sofias St 72-74, Athens, Greece
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28
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Marques RC, Vieira L, Marques D, Cantilino A. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex for psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 41:447-457. [PMID: 31166547 PMCID: PMC6796817 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2019-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a highly connected cortical region that acts as a hub in major large-scale brain networks. Its dysfunction is associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, depression, substance use disorder (SUD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) studies targeting the mPFC indicate that it may be a useful therapeutic resource in psychiatry due to its selective modulation of this area and connected regions. Methods: This review examines six mPFC rTMS trials selected from 697 initial search results. We discuss the main results, technical and methodological details, safety, tolerability, and localization strategies. Results: Six different protocols were identified, including inhibitory (1 Hz) and excitatory (5, 10, and 20 Hz) frequencies applied therapeutically to patient populations diagnosed with major depressive disorder, OCD, autistic spectrum disorder, SUD, specific phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the OCD and acrophobia trials, rTMS significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo. Conclusion: These protocols were considered safe and add interesting new evidence to the growing body of mPFC rTMS literature. However, the small number and low methodological quality of the studies indicate the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C Marques
- Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Laboratório de Neurociência Aplicada, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Déborah Marques
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Laboratório de Neurociência Aplicada, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Amaury Cantilino
- Departamento de Neuropsiquiatria, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neuropsiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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29
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Rebellato P, Kaczynska D, Kanatani S, Rayyes IA, Zhang S, Villaescusa C, Falk A, Arenas E, Hermanson O, Louhivuori L, Uhlén P. The T-type Ca 2+ Channel Ca v3.2 Regulates Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells during Cortical Development via Caspase-3. Neuroscience 2019; 402:78-89. [PMID: 30677486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Here we report that the low-voltage-dependent T-type calcium (Ca2+) channel Cav3.2, encoded by the CACNA1H gene, regulates neuronal differentiation during early embryonic brain development through activating caspase-3. At the onset of neuronal differentiation, neural progenitor cells exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ activity. This activity strongly correlated with the upregulation of CACNA1H mRNA. Cells exhibiting robust spontaneous Ca2+ signaling had increased caspase-3 activity unrelated to apoptosis. Inhibition of Cav3.2 by drugs or viral CACNA1H knock down resulted in decreased caspase-3 activity followed by suppressed neurogenesis. In contrast, when CACNA1H was overexpressed, increased neurogenesis was detected. Cortical slices from Cacna1h knockout mice showed decreased spontaneous Ca2+ activity, a significantly lower protein level of cleaved caspase-3, and microanatomical abnormalities in the subventricular/ventricular and cortical plate zones when compared to their respective embryonic controls. In summary, we demonstrate a novel relationship between Cav3.2 and caspase-3 signaling that affects neurogenesis in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rebellato
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dagmara Kaczynska
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shigeaki Kanatani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ibrahim Al Rayyes
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Songbai Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Villaescusa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ernest Arenas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Hermanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauri Louhivuori
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Per Uhlén
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Risk and Protective Environmental Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Principles and Recommendations. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020217. [PMID: 30744008 PMCID: PMC6406684 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition with early childhood onset, characterized by a set of common behavioral features. The etiology of ASD is not yet fully understood; however, it reflects the interaction between genetics and environment. While genetics is now a well-established risk factor, several data support a contribution of the environment as well. This paper summarizes the conclusions of a consensus conference focused on the potential pathogenetic role of environmental factors and on their interactions with genetics. Several environmental factors have been discussed in terms of ASD risk, namely advanced parental age, assisted reproductive technologies, nutritional factors, maternal infections and diseases, environmental chemicals and toxicants, and medications, as well as some other conditions. The analysis focused on their specific impact on three biologically relevant time windows for brain development: the periconception, prenatal, and early postnatal periods. Possible protective factors that might prevent or modify an ASD trajectory have been explored as well. Recommendations for clinicians to reduce ASD risk or its severity have been proposed. Developments in molecular biology and big data approaches, which are able to assess a large number of coexisting factors, are offering new opportunities to disentangle the gene⁻environment interplay that can lead to the development of ASD.
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31
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Penzol MJ, Salazar de Pablo G, Llorente C, Moreno C, Hernández P, Dorado ML, Parellada M. Functional Gastrointestinal Disease in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Descriptive Study in a Clinical Sample. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:179. [PMID: 31024351 PMCID: PMC6469513 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with complex multifactorial etiologies. Medical comorbidities are common in ASD and include functional gastrointestinal disorders (fGID), which are reported in 30-70% of patients. In this research study, we aimed to systematically assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in ASD and describe their clinical correlates. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of all patients admitted to the Comprehensive Medical Program for ASD (AMITEA) at Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital from January 2012 to December 2015. All patients fulfilled the clinical criteria for ASD (DSM-IV-TR). In addition to fGID, epidemiological and clinical variables were collected at intake. Clinical and demographic features were compared among subjects with and without comorbid gastrointestinal problems. Results: The analyses included all patients with documented information about presence/absence of fGID (n = 845; 95% of patients). Ages ranged from 1 to 53 years (mean = 10.52; SD = 8.92; 80.4% males). At least one fGID was present in 30.5% of patients, constipation being the most prevalent (47.4% of fGID patients); fGID were significantly associated with intellectual disability (ID) (p = 0.017), sleep disorders (p = 0.012), and prescription of psychopharmacological treatment (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Almost one-third of ASD patients in our sample had at least one fGID. The presence of fGID was associated with ID, sleep problems and with behavioral problems (as measured by the prescription of psychotropic drugs). This subsample of ASD patients with fGID deserves particular attention in future research projects, focusing on specific phenotypic characteristics and overlapping biological markers that may underlie both pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Penzol
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.,Molecular Medicine Ph.D Program, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cloe Llorente
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Hernández
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Dorado
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Braam W, Ehrhart F, Maas APHM, Smits MG, Curfs L. Low maternal melatonin level increases autism spectrum disorder risk in children. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 82:79-89. [PMID: 29501372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is assumed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by a combination of de novo inherited variation and common variation as well as environmental factors. It often co-occurs with intellectual disability (ID). Almost eight hundred potential causative genetic variations have been found in ASD patients. However, not one of them is responsible for more than 1% of ASD cases. Low melatonin levels are a frequent finding in ASD patients. Melatonin levels are negatively correlated with severity of autistic impairments, it is important for normal neurodevelopment and is highly effective in protecting DNA from oxidative damage. Melatonin deficiency could be a major factor, and well a common heritable variation, that increases the susceptibility to environmental risk factors for ASD. ASD is already present at birth. As the fetus does not produce melatonin, low maternal melatonin levels may be involved. METHODS We measured 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in urine of 60 mothers of a child with ASD and controls. RESULTS 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels were significantly lower in mothers with an ASD child than in controls (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Low parental melatonin levels could be one of the contributors to ASD and possibly ID etiology. Our findings need to be duplicated on a larger scale. If our hypothesis is correct, this could lead to policies to detect future parents who are at risk and to treatment strategies to ASD and intellectual disability risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebe Braam
- 's Heeren Loo, Department Advisium, Wekerom, The Netherlands; Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
| | - Friederike Ehrhart
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke P H M Maas
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Department of Special Education, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel G Smits
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands; Multidisciplinary expert centre for sleep-wake disturbances and chronobiology, Gelderse Vallei Hospital, Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold Curfs
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
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Jia H, Yu D. Aberrant Intrinsic Brain Activity in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from EEG Microstates. Brain Topogr 2018; 32:295-303. [PMID: 30382452 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-018-0685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves aberrant organization and functioning of large-scale brain networks. The aim of this study was to examine whether the resting-state EEG microstate analysis could provide novel insights into the abnormal temporal and spatial properties of intrinsic brain activities in patients with ASD. To achieve this goal, EEG microstate analysis was conducted on the resting-state EEG datasets of 15 patients with ASD and 18 healthy controls from the Healthy Brain Network. The parameters (i.e., duration, occurrence rate, time coverage and topographical configuration) of four classical microstate classes (i.e., class A, B, C and D) were statistically tested between two groups. The results showed that: (1) the occurrence rate and time coverage of microstate class B in ASD group were significantly larger than those in control group; (2) the duration of microstate class A, the duration and time coverage of microstate class C were significantly smaller than those in control group; (3) the map configuration and occurrence rate differed significantly between two groups for microstate class D. These results suggested that EEG microstate analysis could be used to detect the deviant functions of large-scale cortical activities in ASD, and may provide indices that could be used in clinical researches of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongchuan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, Research Center for Learning Science, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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34
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Daghsni M, Rima M, Fajloun Z, Ronjat M, Brusés JL, M'rad R, De Waard M. Autism throughout genetics: Perusal of the implication of ion channels. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00978. [PMID: 29934975 PMCID: PMC6085908 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in social interactions, interpersonal communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and may be associated with intellectual disabilities. The description of ASD as a synaptopathology highlights the importance of the synapse and the implication of ion channels in the etiology of these disorders. METHODS A narrative and critical review of the relevant papers from 1982 to 2017 known by the authors was conducted. RESULTS Genome-wide linkages, association studies, and genetic analyses of patients with ASD have led to the identification of several candidate genes and mutations linked to ASD. Many of the candidate genes encode for proteins involved in neuronal development and regulation of synaptic function including ion channels and actors implicated in synapse formation. The involvement of ion channels in ASD is of great interest as they represent attractive therapeutic targets. In agreement with this view, recent findings have shown that drugs modulating ion channel function are effective for the treatment of certain types of patients with ASD. CONCLUSION This review describes the genetic aspects of ASD with a focus on genes encoding ion channels and highlights the therapeutic implications of ion channels in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Daghsni
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, 1007, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Biology Paris-Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Application, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Michel Ronjat
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
| | - Juan L Brusés
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA
| | - Ridha M'rad
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, LR99ES10 Laboratoire de Génétique Humaine, 1007, Tunis, Tunisie.,Service des Maladies Congénitales et Héréditaires, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Michel De Waard
- L'institut du Thorax, INSERM UMR1087/CNRS UMR6291, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Nice, France
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35
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Burgio E, Leo I, Lucangeli D. The Little Prince: is not a glimpse into the world of autism. Arch Dis Child 2018; 103:405. [PMID: 29438962 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Irene Leo
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Lucangeli
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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36
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Facilitating Neurofeedback in Children with Autism and Intellectual Impairments Using TAGteach. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:2090-2100. [PMID: 29380270 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism and intellectual impairments tend to be excluded from research due to their difficulties with methodological compliance. This study focuses on using Teaching with Acoustic Guidance-TAGteach-to behaviorally prepare children with autism and a IQ ≤ 80 to participate in a study on neurofeedback training (NFT). Seven children (ages 6-8) learned the prerequisite skills identified in a task analysis in an average of 5 h of TAGteach training, indicating that this is a feasible method of preparing intellectually-impaired children with autism to participate in NFT and task-dependent electroencephalography measures. TAGteach may thus have the potential to augment this population's ability to participate in less accessible treatments and behavioral neuroscientific studies.
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Çetin İ, Tezdiğ İ, Tarakçioğlu MC, Kadak MT, Demirel ÖF, Özer ÖF, Erdoğan F, Doğangün B. Do Low Serum UCH-L1 and TDP-43 Levels Indicate Disturbed Ubiquitin-Proteosome System in Autism Spectrum Disorder? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 54:267-271. [PMID: 29033641 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2017.14873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mechanism of ubiquitination-related abnormalities causing neural development problems is still unclear. We examined the association between autism and serum transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) and ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) levels, both of which are members of the ubiquitin-proteosome system. METHODS We measured serum levels of TDP-43 and UCH-L1 in 24 children with autism and 24 healthy children. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess symptom severity at admission. RESULTS The mean serum TDP-43 and UCH-L1 levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were found to decrease compared to healthy controls (p<0.001, 506.21±780.97 ng/L and 1245.80±996.76 ng/L, respectively; 3.08±5.44 ng/mL and 8.64±6.67 ng/mL, respectively). A positive correlation between serum TDP-43 levels and UCH-L1 levels was found in the ASD group (r=0.947, n=24, p<0.001). The CARS score of children with ASD was 48.91 points (standard deviation [SD]: 5.82). CONCLUSION Low serum levels of UCH-L1 and TDP-43 may reflect disturbed ubiquitination in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- İhsan Çetin
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Batman University School of Health, Batman, Turkey
| | - İhsan Tezdiğ
- Department of Chemistry, Batman University Institute of Science, Batman, Turkey
| | - Mahmut Cem Tarakçioğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Tayyib Kadak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Demirel
- Department of Psychiatry, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Özer
- Department of Biochemistry, Bezmialem Vakif University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fırat Erdoğan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medipol University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Doğangün
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
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38
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Gentile I, Zappulo E, Riccio MP, Binda S, Limauro R, Scuccimarra G, Borgia G, Bravaccio C. No evidence of congenital varicella zoster virus infection assessed through dried blood spot in children with autism spectrum disorders. Future Virol 2017. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2017-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Several authors have hypothesized an association between congenital viral infections and the onset of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We aimed to assess the prevalence of congenital varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection in patients with ASD. Patients & methods: Congenital infection by VZV was evaluated in a cohort of 38 children with ASD and in 44 healthy controls. PCR for VZV-DNA performed on dried blood spots collected at birth. Results & conclusion: No VZV infection was detected in both groups. With the limitation of the small sample size of this study, the results are not in favor of a role of VZV in the etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Zappulo
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Riccio
- Department of Medical Translational Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Binda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Guglielmo Borgia
- Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Bravaccio
- Department of Medical Translational Science, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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39
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Wilson J, Wright B, Jost S, Smith R, Pearce H, Richardson S. Can urinary indolylacroylglycine levels be used to determine whether children with autism will benefit from dietary intervention? Pediatr Res 2017; 81:672-679. [PMID: 27879968 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increase in urinary indolyl-3-acryloylglycine (IAG) has been reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who suffer with bowel problems in comparison to ASD children without gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The case for dietary intervention for ASD children with GI symptoms might be strengthened were such a difference to be autism-specific. METHODS Quantitative analysis of urinary IAG levels was performed for 53 children on the autism spectrum and 146 age-matched controls. The parents of each child were asked to provide information on bowel symptoms experienced by the child and their eating habits over a period of 2 wk. RESULTS We find no significant difference in urinary IAG levels between the ASD children with GI problems and ASD children without GI problems. Although we see some difference between ASD children with GI problems and controls in mainstream schools with GI problems, the difference between non-autistic children with other developmental disorders and controls in mainstream schools is more significant so that any difference is not autism-specific. We find a strong correlation between bowel symptoms and diet problems in ASD children, especially idiosyncratic feeding behavior and we show that ASD children suffering from multiple bowel symptoms tend to be those who also have dietary problems. CONCLUSION We found no evidence to support the hypothesis that children with ASD who suffer with bowel problems have increased levels of urinary IAG in comparison to children with ASD who do not have gastrointestinal problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Wilson
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, UK.,Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
| | - Barry Wright
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.,Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Sandra Jost
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK.,Department of Health Science, University of York, York, UK
| | - Robert Smith
- York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Helen Pearce
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
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40
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Zheng HF, Wang WQ, Li XM, Rauw G, Baker GB. Body fluid levels of neuroactive amino acids in autism spectrum disorders: a review of the literature. Amino Acids 2016; 49:57-65. [PMID: 27686223 PMCID: PMC5241332 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A review of studies on the body fluid levels of neuroactive amino acids, including glutamate, glutamine, taurine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, tryptophan, d-serine, and others, in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is given. The results reported in the literature are generally inconclusive and contradictory, but there has been considerable variation among the previous studies in terms of factors such as age, gender, number of subjects, intelligence quotient, and psychoactive medication being taken. Future studies should include simultaneous analyses of a large number of amino acids [including d-serine and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)] and standardization of the factors mentioned above. It may also be appropriate to use saliva sampling to detect amino acids in ASD patients in the future—this is noninvasive testing that can be done easily more frequently than other sampling, thus providing more dynamic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Fei Zheng
- Mental Health Research Laboratory, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wen-Qiang Wang
- Mental Health Research Laboratory, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Xin-Min Li
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gail Rauw
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Glen B Baker
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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41
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Couto N, Wood J, Barber J. The role of glutathione reductase and related enzymes on cellular redox homoeostasis network. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 95:27-42. [PMID: 26923386 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this review article we examine the role of glutathione reductase in the regulation, modulation and maintenance of cellular redox homoeostasis. Glutathione reductase is responsible for maintaining the supply of reduced glutathione; one of the most abundant reducing thiols in the majority of cells. In its reduced form, glutathione plays key roles in the cellular control of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species act as intracellular and extracellular signalling molecules and complex cross talk between levels of reactive oxygen species, levels of oxidised and reduced glutathione and other thiols, and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase determine the most suitable conditions for redox control within a cell or for activation of programmed cell death. Additionally, we discuss the translation and expression of glutathione reductase in a number of organisms including yeast and humans. In yeast and human cells, a single gene expresses more than one form of glutathione reductase, destined for residence in the cytoplasm or for translocation to different organelles; in plants, however, two genes encoding this protein have been described. In general, insects and kinetoplastids (a group of protozoa, including Plasmodia and Trypanosoma) do not express glutathione reductase or glutathione biosynthetic enzymes. Instead, they express either the thioredoxin system or the trypanothione system. The thioredoxin system is also present in organisms that have the glutathione system and there may be overlapping functions with cross-talk between the two systems. Finally we evaluate therapeutic targets to overcome oxidative stress associated cellular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narciso Couto
- Michael Barber Centre for Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Princess Road, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; ChELSI Institute, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Jennifer Wood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jill Barber
- Michael Barber Centre for Mass Spectrometry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Princess Road, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; Manchester Pharmacy School, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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42
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Improvement of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in three children by using gastrin‐releasing peptide. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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43
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Becker MM, Bosa C, Oliveira-Freitas VL, Goldim JR, Ohlweiler L, Roesler R, Schwartsmann G, Riesgo RDS. Improvement of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in three children by using gastrin-releasing peptide. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2016; 92:302-6. [PMID: 26893210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety, tolerability and potential therapeutic effects of gastrin-releasing peptide in three children with autistic spectrum disorder. METHODS Case series study with the intravenous administration of gastrin-releasing peptide in the dose of 160pmol/kg for four consecutive days. To evaluate the results, parental impressions the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale. Each child underwent a new peptide cycle after two weeks. The children were followed for four weeks after the end of the infusions. RESULTS The gastrin-releasing peptide was well tolerated and no child had adverse effects. Two children had improved social interaction, with a slight improvement in joint attention and the interaction initiatives. Two showed reduction of stereotypes and improvement in verbal language. One child lost his compulsion to bathe, an effect that lasted two weeks after each infusion cycle. Average reduction in CARS score was 2.8 points. CGI was "minimally better" in two children and "much better" in one. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the gastrin-releasing peptide is safe and may be effective in improving key symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, but its results should be interpreted with caution. Controlled clinical trials-randomized, double-blinded, and with more children-are needed to better evaluate the possible therapeutic effects of gastrin-releasing peptide in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Michelin Becker
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Cleonice Bosa
- Department of Psychology, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - José Roberto Goldim
- Department of Research Group and Post-Graduation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lygia Ohlweiler
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Schwartsmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rudimar Dos Santos Riesgo
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Unit, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Ford TC, Crewther DP. A Comprehensive Review of the (1)H-MRS Metabolite Spectrum in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:14. [PMID: 27013964 PMCID: PMC4783404 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of neuropsychiatric behavior biomarkers across spectrum disorders are typically based on diagnosis, thus failing to account for the heterogeneity of multi-dimensional spectrum disorders such as autism (ASD). Control group trait phenotypes are also seldom reported. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) measures the abundance of neurochemicals such as neurotransmitters and metabolites and hence can probe disorder phenotypes at clinical and sub-clinical levels. This detailed review summarizes and critiques the current 1H-MRS research in ASD. The literature reports reduced N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate and glutamine (Glx), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), creatine and choline, and increased glutamate for children with ASD. Adult studies are few and results are inconclusive. Overall, the literature has several limitations arising from differences in 1H-MRS methodology and sample demographics. We argue that more consistent methods and greater emphasis on phenotype studies will advance understanding of underlying cortical metabolite disturbance in ASD, and the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of ASD and other multi-dimensional psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha C Ford
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David P Crewther
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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45
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Fröhlich F. Autism Spectrum Disorders. Netw Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801560-5.00026-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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46
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Gao R, Penzes P. Common mechanisms of excitatory and inhibitory imbalance in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Curr Mol Med 2015; 15:146-67. [PMID: 25732149 DOI: 10.2174/1566524015666150303003028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Schizophrenia (SCZ) are cognitive disorders with complex genetic architectures but overlapping behavioral phenotypes, which suggests common pathway perturbations. Multiple lines of evidence implicate imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory activity (E/I imbalance) as a shared pathophysiological mechanism. Thus, understanding the molecular underpinnings of E/I imbalance may provide essential insight into the etiology of these disorders and may uncover novel targets for future drug discovery. Here, we review key genetic, physiological, neuropathological, functional, and pathway studies that suggest alterations to excitatory/inhibitory circuits are keys to ASD and SCZ pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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47
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Roine U, Roine T, Salmi J, Nieminen-von Wendt T, Tani P, Leppämäki S, Rintahaka P, Caeyenberghs K, Leemans A, Sams M. Abnormal wiring of the connectome in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2015; 6:65. [PMID: 26677408 PMCID: PMC4681075 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent brain imaging findings suggest that there are widely distributed abnormalities affecting the brain connectivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using graph theoretical analysis, it is possible to investigate both global and local properties of brain’s wiring diagram, i.e., the connectome. Methods We acquired diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data from 14 adult males with high-functioning ASD and 19 age-, gender-, and IQ-matched controls. As with diffusion tensor imaging-based tractography, it is not possible to detect complex (e.g., crossing) fiber configurations, present in 60–90 % of white matter voxels; we performed constrained spherical deconvolution-based whole brain tractography. Unweighted and weighted structural brain networks were then reconstructed from these tractography data and analyzed with graph theoretical measures. Results In subjects with ASD, global efficiency was significantly decreased both in the unweighted and the weighted networks, normalized characteristic path length was significantly increased in the unweighted networks, and strength was significantly decreased in the weighted networks. In the local analyses, betweenness centrality of the right caudate was significantly increased in the weighted networks, and the strength of the right superior temporal pole was significantly decreased in the unweighted networks in subjects with ASD. Conclusions Our findings provide new insights into understanding ASD by showing that the integration of structural brain networks is decreased and that there are abnormalities in the connectivity of the right caudate and right superior temporal pole in subjects with ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0058-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Roine
- Brain and Mind Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 2 C, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland ; Advanced Magnetic Imaging Centre, Aalto University, Otakaari 5, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Timo Roine
- iMinds-Vision Lab, Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk (Antwerp), Belgium
| | - Juha Salmi
- Brain and Mind Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 2 C, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland ; Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Åbo Akademi University, Fabriksgatan 2, FI-20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Taina Nieminen-von Wendt
- Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation and Medical Centre Neuromental, Kaupintie 11 A, FI-00440 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Tani
- Clinic for Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Tukholmankatu 8 F, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Leppämäki
- Clinic for Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Tukholmankatu 8 F, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland ; Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Rintahaka
- Clinic for Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Tukholmankatu 8 F, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karen Caeyenberghs
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy MDC, VIC 3065 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander Leemans
- Image Sciences Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mikko Sams
- Brain and Mind Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 2 C, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland ; Advanced Magnetic Imaging Centre, Aalto University, Otakaari 5, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland
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48
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Igartúa DE, Calienni MN, Feas DA, Chiaramoni NS, Del Valle Alonso S, Prieto MJ. Development of Nutraceutical Emulsions as Risperidone Delivery Systems: Characterization and Toxicological Studies. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:4142-4152. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.24636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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49
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Sanders SJ. First glimpses of the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorder. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2015; 33:80-92. [PMID: 26547130 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Rapid progress in identifying the genes underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has provided the substrate for a first wave of analyses into the underlying neurobiology. This review describes the consensus across these diverse analyses, highlighting two distinct sets of genes: 1) Genes that regulate chromatin and transcription, especially in cortical projection neurons and striatal medium spiny neurons during mid-fetal development; and 2) Genes involved in synapse development and function, especially during infancy and early childhood, and differentially expressed in the post mortem ASD brain. Both gene sets are also regulatory targets of the ASD genes CHD8 and FMRP. It remains to be seen whether these represent two independent paths to the ASD phenotype or two components of a common path.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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50
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Persico AM, Arango C, Buitelaar JK, Correll CU, Glennon JC, Hoekstra PJ, Moreno C, Vitiello B, Vorstman J, Zuddas A. Unmet needs in paediatric psychopharmacology: Present scenario and future perspectives. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1513-31. [PMID: 26166453 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric psychopharmacology holds great promise in two equally important areas of enormous biomedical and social impact, namely the treatment of behavioural abnormalities in children and adolescents, and the prevention of psychiatric disorders with adolescent- or adult-onset. Yet, in striking contrast, pharmacological treatment options presently available in child and adolescent psychiatry are dramatically limited. The most important currently unmet needs in paediatric psychopharmacology are: the frequent off-label prescription of medications to children and adolescents based exclusively on data from randomized controlled studies involving adult patients; the frequent lack of age-specific dose, long-term efficacy and tolerability/safety data; the lack of effective medications for many paediatric psychiatric disorders, most critically autism spectrum disorder; the scarcity and limitations of randomized placebo-controlled trials in paediatric psychopharmacology; the unexplored potential for the prevention of psychiatric disorders with adolescent- and adult-onset; the current lack of biomarkers to predict treatment response and severe adverse effects; the need for better preclinical data to foster the successful development of novel drug therapies; and the effective dissemination of evidence-based treatments to the general public, to better inform patients and families of the benefits and risks of pharmacological interventions during development. Priorities and strategies are proposed to overcome some of these limitations, including the European Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychopharmacology Network, as an overarching Pan-European infrastructure aimed at reliably carrying out much needed psychopharmacological trials in children and adolescents, in order to fill the identified gaps and improve overall outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Persico
- Child & Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry Unit, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy; Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Milan, Italy.
| | - Celso Arango
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, and Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, and Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jacob Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, Child & Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry Unit, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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