Serum Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study

The Ambiguous Role of Growth Factors in Autism: What Do We Really Know?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial origins, including the potential involvement of neurotrophins and growth factors. These molecules, which are crucial for neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and brain development, have been implicated in ASD pathophysiology. Altered levels of neurotrophins such as NGF, BDNF, NT3, and NT4, as well as growth factors like IGF1, VEGF, and FGF, have been associated with cognitive deficits, sensory processing abnormalities, and behavioral issues in ASD patients. However, the literature presents conflicting results, often due to differences in research methodologies, sample sizes, patient populations, and diagnostic criteria. Despite these inconsistencies, the potential of neurotrophins and growth factors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASD remains promising. Future research with standardized methodologies, larger cohorts, and a clearer understanding of genetic influences is needed to further elucidate their roles in ASD diagnosis and treatment.

Development and validation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor measurement in human urine samples as a non-invasive effect biomarker

Background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophic growth factor mainly expressed in the brain, has been proposed as a potential effect biomarker; that is, as a measurable biomarker whose values could be associated with several diseases, including neurological impairments. The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) has also recognized effect biomarkers as a useful tool for establishing link between exposure to environmental pollutants and human health. Despite the well-establish protocol for measuring serum BDNF, there is a need to validate its assessment in urine, a non-invasive sample that can be easily repeated over time. The aim of this study was to develop, standardize and validate a methodology to quantify BDNF protein levels in urine samples before its implementation in biomonitoring studies.

Methods

Different experimental conditions and non-competitive commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were tested to determine the optimal analytical procedure, trying to minimize the shortcomings of ELISA kits. The fine-tune protocol was validated in a pilot study using both upon awakening (n = 150) and prior to sleeping (n = 106) urine samples from the same Spanish adolescent males in a well-characterized study population (the Spanish INMA-Granada cohort).

Results

The best results were obtained in 0.6 ml of urine after the acidification and extraction (pre-concentration) of samples. The highest reproducibility was obtained with the ELISA kit from Raybiotech. Urinary BDNF concentrations of adolescent males were within the previously reported range (morning = 0.047-6.801 ng/ml and night = 0.047-7.404 ng/ml). Urinary BDNF levels in the awakening and pre-sleep samples did not follow a normal distribution and were not correlated.

Conclusion

The developed methodology offers good sensitivity and reproducibility. Having reliable markers in urine may facilitate both diagnosis and monitoring possible diseases (and treatment). Further studies are needed to implement urinary BDNF in biomonitoring studies to further elucidate its usefulness and biological significance for neurological impairments.

Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Previous studies have shown that immunological factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The present study examined whether immunological abnormalities are associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits in children with ASD and whether children with ASD show different immunological biomarkers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF levels than typically developing (TD) children. Sixteen children with TD and 18 children with ASD, aged 6–18 years, voluntarily participated in the study. Participants’ executive functions were measured using neuropsychological tests, and behavioral measures were measured using parent ratings. Immunological measures were assessed by measuring the participants’ blood serum levels of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5). Children with ASD showed greater deficits in cognitive functions as well as altered levels of immunological measures when compared to TD children, and their cognitive functions and behavioral deficits were significantly associated with increased CCL5 levels and decreased BDNF levels. These results provide evidence to support the notion that altered immune functions and neurotrophin deficiency are involved in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Elevated levels of cortisol, brain-derived neurotropic factor and tissue plasminogen activator in male children with autism spectrum disorder

Several studies demonstrated biological effects of cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on human metabolism and central nervous system. Our study investigated the serum levels of tPA along with BDNF and cortisol in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty three male children with ASD ranging in age from 2 to 15 years were selected for the study group and 27 age-matched healthy male children were selected for the control group. The ASD severity was determined by the score on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The mean cortisol levels for the study group and the control group were 79.1 ± 30.2 ng/ml and 60.0 ± 25.1 ng/ml, respectively. The mean BDNF levels for the study group and the control group were 5.9 ± 2.8 ng/ml and 3.7 ± 1.8 ng/ml, respectively. The mean tPA levels for the study group and the control group were 32.9 ± 18.5 ng/ml and 25.5 ± 15.1 ng/ml, respectively. Cortisol, BDNF and tPA levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant effect in terms of age, ABC total and subscale scores on serum cortisol, BDNF and tPA levels in the study group (p > 0.05). It may be suggested that elevations may indicate a role in the pathogenesis of ASD or it may be the case that ASD may alter the levels or pathways of these metabolic factors. LAY SUMMARY: The underlying mechanism or a specific metabolic target relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been identified. Cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have biological effects on neuroplasticity but little is known about the role of cortisol and tPA-BDNF pathway in ASD. In the present study focused on male children with ASD, we have found higher blood levels of cortisol, BDNF and tPA than their healthy peers. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the serum tPA levels along with BDNF and cortisol in ASD. The results suggest that several neurotrophic and other related markers should be born in mind while examining children with ASD.

Peripheral blood neurotrophic factor levels in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis

Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal regulation of neurotrophic factors is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, clinical data on neurotrophic factor levels in children with ASD were inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of peripheral blood neurotrophic factors levels in children with ASD, and quantitatively summarized the clinical data of peripheral blood neurotrophic factors in ASD children and healthy controls. A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 31 studies with 2627 ASD children and 4418 healthy controls to be included in the meta-analysis. The results of random effect meta-analysis showed that the peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Hedges’ g = 0.302; 95% CI = 0.014 to 0.591; P = 0.040) , nerve growth factor (Hedges’ g = 0.395; 95% CI = 0.104 to 0.686; P = 0.008) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Hedges’ g = 0.097; 95% CI = 0.018 to 0.175; P = 0.016) in children with ASD were significantly higher than that of healthy controls, whereas blood neurotrophin-3 (Hedges’ g =  − 0.795; 95% CI =  − 1.723 to 0.134; P = 0.093) and neurotrophin-4 (Hedges’ g = 0.182; 95% CI =  − 0.285 to 0.650; P = 0.445) levels did not show significant differences between cases and controls. Taken together, these results clarified circulating neurotrophic factor profile in children with ASD, strengthening clinical evidence of neurotrophic factor aberrations in children with ASD.

Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of gastrointestinal comorbidity and exacerbates core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and many individuals with ASD have gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities. Vitamin A (VA) is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in brain development and GI function.

METHODS

A total of 323 children with ASD and 180 control children were enrolled in this study. Symptoms of ASD were assessed with the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Caregivers of the children completed questionnaires about GI symptoms. Serum retinol levels were detected with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

Children with ASD and with GI comorbidity and constipation had considerably lower serum VA levels than autistic children without these symptoms. VA level was associated with CARS, SRS, and ABC scores, whereas GI symptoms were associated some SRS and ABC scores. The interaction of VAD and GI symptoms appeared to aggravate some of the core symptoms of children with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

VAD exacerbates core symptoms in children with ASD, and ASD children with GI comorbidities also have more serious core symptoms than ASD children without GI comorbidities. VAD comorbid with GI symptoms aggravates autistic children's core symptoms.

IMPACT

VAD exacerbates core symptoms in children with ASD. ASD children with GI comorbidities have more serious core symptoms than ASD children without GI comorbidities. VAD comorbid with GI symptoms aggravates autistic children's core symptoms. We speculate that VAD might be related to a subtype of ASD that involves GI comorbidities. We believe that our findings will be of fundamental importance to the scientific community.

Molecular Biomarkers Predictive of Sertraline Treatment Response in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sertraline is one among several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that exhibited improvement of language development in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. A double blind, randomized, 6-month, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of low-dose sertraline in children ages (3-6 years) with ASD was conducted at the UC Davis MIND Institute. It aimed at evaluating the efficacy and benefit with respect to early expressive language development and global clinical improvement. This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers that might be key players in the serotonin pathway and might be predictive of a clinical response to sertraline. Fifty eight subjects with the diagnosis of ASD were randomized to sertraline or placebo. Eight subjects from the sertraline arm and five from the placebo arm discontinued from the study. Furthermore, four subjects did not have a successful blood draw. Hence, genotypes for 41 subjects (20 on placebo and 21 on sertraline) were determined for several genes involved in the serotonin pathway including the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), and the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In addition, plasma levels of BDNF, Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and a selected panel of cytokines were determined at baseline and post-treatment. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed several primary significant correlations between molecular changes and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement (CGI-I) of treatment and control groups but they were not significant after adjustment for multiple testing. Thus, sertraline showed no benefit for treatment of young children with ASD in language development or changes in molecular markers in this study. These results indicate that sertraline may not be beneficial for the treatment of children with ASD; however, further investigation of larger groups as well as longer term follow-up studies are warranted.

Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the reported accuracy and sensitivity of the various modalities used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in efforts to help focus further biomarker research on the most promising methods for early diagnosis.

METHODS

The Medline scientific literature database was searched to identify publications assessing potential clinical ASD biomarkers. Reports were categorized by the modality used to assess the putative markers, including protein, genetic, metabolic, or objective imaging methods. The reported sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and overall agreement were summarized and analyzed to determine weighted averages for each diagnostic modality. Heterogeneity was measured using the I² test.

RESULTS

Of the 71 papers included in this analysis, each belonging to one of five modalities, protein-based followed by metabolite-based markers provided the highest diagnostic accuracy, each with a pooled overall agreement of 83.3% and respective weighted area under the curve (AUC) of 89.5% and 88.3%. Sensitivity provided by protein markers was highest (85.5%), while metabolic (85.9%) and protein markers (84.7%) had the highest specificity. Other modalities showed degrees of sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreements in the range of 73%-80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Each modality provided for diagnostic accuracy and specificity similar or slightly higher than those reported for the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) instrument. Further studies are required to identify the most predictive markers within each modality and to evaluate biological pathways or clustering with possible etiological relevance. Analyses will also be necessary to determine the potential of these novel biomarkers in diagnosing pediatric patients, thereby enabling early intervention.

The association between particulate matter 2.5 exposure and children with autism spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVE

Particulate matter (PM) as an environmental pollutant is suspected to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess whether exposures to PM_2.5 during the first three years of life in relation to the risk and degree of the severity of ASD.

METHODS

A total of two hundred and ninety-seven 3-6 years old Chinese children (99 confirmed autism cases and 198 their age-gender matched control subjects) were included. Children's exposures to PM_2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) during the first three years after birth were estimated. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the PM_2.5-ASD association.

RESULTS

The mean levels of PM_2.5 exposures in ASD and typical developmental children during the first three years of life were 89.8[standard deviations (SD): 6.1] μg/m³ and 87.3(6.6) μg/m3, respectively (p = 0.002). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the serum levels of PM_2.5 and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score indicating severity of autism (r = 0.259; p = 0.010). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cutoff value of PM_2.5 levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of ASD was projected to be 89.5ug/m³, which yielded a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 63.2%, with the area under the curve at 0.61 (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.54-0.68; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis models were used to assess ASD risk according to PM_2.5 quartiles (the lowest quartile [Q1] as the reference), with the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) were recorded. As shown in the Table 2, the 3rd and 4th quartile of PM_2.5 were compared against the Q1, and the risks were increased by 103% (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.13-5.54; p = 0.015) and 311% (4.15; 2.04-9.45; p = 0.002), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, the evidence from this study allowed us to conclude that there was an association between PM_2.5 exposure and ASD risk and severity.

Increased serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in autism spectrum disorders

OBJECTIVE

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been suggested as a pivotal regulator of innate immunity and inflammatory. The aim of this study was to measure serum circulating levels of MIF in relation to the degree of the severity of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

METHODS

One hundred and two Chinese children with ASD and same their age-sex matched typical development children were included. Concentrations of MIF were tested by Quantikine Human MIF Immunoassay. Serum levels of homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also tested. The influence of serum levels of MIF on ASD risk and ASD severity were performed by binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The serum levels of MIF in the children with ASD (24.7 ± 08.9 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those of control subjects (18.3 ± 5.5 ng/ml) (t = 6.134, P < 0.001). Levels of MIF increased with increasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score (P < 0.001). In multivariate model, MIF was associated with an increased risk of ASD (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17; P < 0.001). MIF improved the combined model (HCY/CRP/IL-6) to predict ASD (P < 0.001). At admission, 68 children (66.7%) had a severe autism. In these children, the mean serum level of MIF was higher than in those children with mild to moderate autism (28.1 ± 8.5 ng/ml VS. 17.9 ± 4.7 ng/ml; t = 6.482, P < 0.001). In multivariate model, MIF was still associated with an increased risk of severe ASD (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; P < 0.001). MIF improved the combined model (HCY/CRP/IL-6) to predict severe ASD (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results identify high serum MIF levels are associated with severity of ASD. Further study is warranted on the precise involvement of MIF in ASD, and the mechanism by which MIF contributes to ASD pathogenesis.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD and their parents: a 3-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Several lines of evidence point to a probable relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but studies have yielded inconsistent findings on the BDNF serum level in ASD. The study aimed to assess those levels in children with ASD and their families.

METHOD

BDNF serum levels were measured in 45 ASD children without intellectual disability (ID) and allergies, age 30-42 months and age-matched normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the parents of the ASD subjects were compared to normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the ASD subjects were followed up for 3 years and correlated with adaptive functioning changes.

RESULTS

BDNF serum levels were measured to be lower in children with ASD and independent of all the major baseline characteristics of the subjects. Having a child with ASD raises the BDNF levels in parents comparing to controls. Prospectively, no correlation between the change of BDNF variables in time and the change of the Vineland scores was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results contradict those from recent published meta-analyses with the age, the presence of ID and allergies being possible contributing factors. The parents' data indeed point to a role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of ASD.

Meta-Analysis of BDNF Levels in Autism

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) centrally mediates growth, differentiation and survival of neurons, and the synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. Recent meta-analyses have reported significantly lower peripheral BDNF among individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, compared with controls. To evaluate the role of BDNF in autism, and to compare autism to psychotic-affective disorders with regard to BDNF, we conducted a meta-analysis of BDNF levels in autism. Inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies, which included 1242 participants. The meta-analysis estimated a significant summary effect size of 0.33 (95 % CI 0.21-0.45, P < 0.001), suggesting higher BDNF in autism than in controls. The studies showed notable heterogeneity, but no evidence of publication biases. Higher peripheral BDNF in autism is concordant with several neurological and psychological theories on the causes and symptoms of this condition, and it contrasts notably with the lower levels of BDNF found in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Elevated Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) but not BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism Is Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The aim of our study was to illuminate the potential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We measured the circulating levels of BDNF in serum and BDNF gene (Val66Met) polymorphisms, in which two indicators were then compared between ASD and normal controls. A total of 82 drug-naïve ASD children and 82 age- and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled in the study. Their serum BDNF levels were detected by the ELISA. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism genotyping was conducted as according to the laboratory's standard protocol in laboratory. The ASD severity assessment was mainly determined by the score of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). ELISA assay showed that the mean serum BDNF level of children with ASD was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than that of the control cases (17.75 ± 5.43 vs. 11.49 ± 2.85 ng/ml; t = 9.236). Besides, the serum BDNF levels and CARS scores (P < 0.0001) were positively related. And, the BDNF genotyping results showed that there was no difference between the ASD cases and the control. Among the children with ASD, the mean serum BDNF level of Met/Met group was lower than other groups. According to the ROC curve generated from our clinical data, the optimal cutoff value of serum BDNF levels, an indicator for diagnosis of ASD, was projected to be 12.50 ng/ml. Thus, it yielded a corresponding sensitivity of 81.7 % and the specificity of 66.9 %. Accordingly, area value under the curve was 0.836 (95 % CI, 0.774-0.897); the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 70.1 and 79.1 %, respectively. These results suggested that rather than Val66Met polymorphism, BDNF was more possible to impact the pathogenesis of ASD.

Serum levels of Glial fibrillary acidic protein in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders

OBJECTIVE

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been studied in many neurological diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of GFAP in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by measuring serum circulating levels of GFAP and comparing them with age and gender-matched typical development children.

METHODS

A total of one hundred and fifty 2-6 years old Chinese children (75 confirmed autism cases and 75 their age-gender matched typical development children) participated in this study. Serum levels of GFAP were assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, and severity of ASD was evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) Score.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the mean serum GFAP level was significantly (P<0.001) higher in autistic children as compared to controls (1.71±0.53ng/ml vs. 0.99±0.25ng/ml). There was a significant positive association between serum GFAP levels and CARS scores (r [Pearson]=0.390, P=0.001). Based on the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cut-off value of serum GFAP levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of autism was projected to be 1.28ng/ml which yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 88.4%, the area under the curve was 0.895(95%CI, 0.844-0.947). Further, an increased risk of ASD was associated with GFAP levels >1.28ng/ml (adjusted OR 9.88, 95% CI: 3.32-17.82) in the multivariate logistic analysis model.

CONCLUSION

The data indicates that serum GFAP levels may be associated with severity of ASD among Chinese children, suggesting the hypothesis that increased serum levels of GFAP could be implicated in the pathophysiology of autism in Chinese children.

Severity of ASD symptoms and their correlation with the presence of copy number variations and exposure to first trimester ultrasound

Current research suggests that incidence and heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms may arise through a variety of exogenous and/or endogenous factors. While subject to routine clinical practice and generally considered safe, there exists speculation, though no human data, that diagnostic ultrasound may also contribute to ASD severity, supported by experimental evidence that exposure to ultrasound early in gestation could perturb brain development and alter behavior. Here we explored a modified triple hit hypothesis [Williams & Casanova, ] to assay for a possible relationship between the severity of ASD symptoms and (1) ultrasound exposure (2) during the first trimester of pregnancy in fetuses with a (3) genetic predisposition to ASD. We did so using retrospective analysis of data from the SSC (Simon's Simplex Collection) autism genetic repository funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. We found that male children with ASD, copy number variations (CNVs), and exposure to first trimester ultrasound had significantly decreased non-verbal IQ and increased repetitive behaviors relative to male children with ASD, with CNVs, and no ultrasound. These data suggest that heterogeneity in ASD symptoms may result, at least in part, from exposure to diagnostic ultrasound during early prenatal development of children with specific genetic vulnerabilities. These results also add weight to on-going concerns expressed by the FDA about non-medical use of diagnostic ultrasound during pregnancy. Autism Res 2017, 10: 472-484. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal survival and growth and promotes synaptic plasticity. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the relationship between peripheral BDNF levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the findings are inconsistent. We undertook the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with healthy controls. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before February 2016. Fourteen studies involving 2,707 participants and 1,131 incident cases were included. The meta-analysis provided evidence of higher peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.18–1.08; P = 0.006]. Subgroup analyses revealed higher BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls for both serum [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.11–1.04; P = 0.02] and plasma [SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.92–1.61; P < 0.001]. Studies of childhood yielded similar cumulative effect size [SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.31–1.26; P = 0.001], while this was not true for the studies of adulthood [SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −1.72–1.80; P = 0.97]. This meta-analysis suggests that peripheral BDNF levels are a potential biomarker of ASD.

Sustained lentiviral-mediated overexpression of microRNA124a in the dentate gyrus exacerbates anxiety- and autism-like behaviors associated with neonatal isolation in rats

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly disabling psychiatric disorders. Despite a strong genetic etiology, there are no efficient therapeutic interventions that target the core symptoms of ASD. Emerging evidence suggests that dysfunction of microRNA (miR) machinery may contribute to the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in ASD. Here, we report a stress model demonstrating that neonatal isolation-induced long-lasting hippocampal elevation of miR124a was associated with reduced expression of its target BDNF mRNA. In addition, we investigated the impact of lentiviral-mediated overexpression of miR124a into the dentate gyrus (DG) on social interaction, repetitive- and anxiety-like behaviors in the neonatal isolation (Iso) model of autism. Rats isolated from the dams on PND 1 to PND 11 were assessed for their social interaction, marble burying test (MBT) and repetitive self-grooming behaviors as adults following miR124a overexpression. Also, anxiety-like behavior and locomotion were evaluated in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field (OF) tests. Results show that, consistent with previously published reports, Iso rats displayed decreased social interaction contacts but increased repetitive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Interestingly, across both autism- and anxiety-like behavioral assays, miR124a overexpression in the DG significantly exacerbated repetitive behaviors, social impairments and anxiety with no effect on locomotor activity. Our novel findings attribute neonatal isolation-inducible cognitive impairments to induction of miR124a and consequently suppressed BDNF mRNA, opening venues for intercepting these miR124a-mediated damages. They also highlight the importance of studying microRNAs in the context of ASD and identify miR124a as a novel potential therapeutic target for improving mood disorders.

Decreased plasma levels of lipoxin A4 in children with autism spectrum disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a mediator involved in the resolution of inflammation in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). From January 2013 to June 2014, a total of 150 children (75 confirmed ASD cases and 75 their age-matched and sex-matched control cases) participated in this study after consent was obtained from their parents. Clinical information was collected. Plasma levels of LXA4 were measured at baseline. The severity of ASD was assessed at admission using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale total score. The results indicated that the mean plasma levels of LXA4 were significantly lower in autistic children compared with the normal children (P<0.0001). There was a significant negative relationship between circulating LXA4 levels and severity of autism evaluated by Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores (P=0.006) after adjustment for the possible covariates. On the basis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value of plasma LXA4 levels as an indicator for an auxiliary diagnosis of ASD was projected to be 81.5 pg/ml, which yielded a sensitivity of 90.7% and a specificity of 76.0%, with the area under the curve at 0.911 (95% confidence interval, 0.867-0.955). These results suggested that autistic children had lower plasma LXA4 levels, suggesting an increased susceptibility to recurring inflammation in these samples.

Perspective Biological Markers for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Advantages of the Use of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves in Evaluating Marker Sensitivity and Specificity

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Recognized causes of ASD include genetic factors, metabolic diseases, toxic and environmental factors, and a combination of these. Available tests fail to recognize genetic abnormalities in about 70% of ASD children, where diagnosis is solely based on behavioral signs and symptoms, which are difficult to evaluate in very young children. Although it is advisable that specific psychotherapeutic and pedagogic interventions are initiated as early as possible, early diagnosis is hampered by the lack of nongenetic specific biological markers. In the past ten years, the scientific literature has reported dozens of neurophysiological and biochemical alterations in ASD children; however no real biomarker has emerged. Such literature is here reviewed in the light of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, a very valuable statistical tool, which evaluates the sensitivity and the specificity of biomarkers to be used in diagnostic decision making. We also apply ROC analysis to some of our previously published data and discuss the increased diagnostic value of combining more variables in one ROC curve analysis. We also discuss the use of biomarkers as a tool for advancing our understanding of nonsyndromic ASD.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in childhood

BACKGROUND

Neurotrophic factors are essential regulators of neuronal maturation including synaptic synthesis. Among those, Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been in particular focus in the understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

PURPOSE

The aim of our study was to investigate whether BNDF could be used as diagnostic/biological marker for ASD. For this purpose we examined the plasma levels of BDNF and the precursors pro- BDNF in patients with ASD and compared it with non-autistic controls; determined whether there was a correlation between the BDNF and proBDNF levels and clinical severity. We also investigated the coding region of BDNF identify for well-variations which could be associated to ASD.

METHODS

The 65 ASD patients (51 boys) were enrolled from a recent completed epidemiological survey covering two counties (Oppland and Hedmark) in Norway. The mean age of the total number of children who participated in this study was 11,7 years. 30 non-autistic children were included as controls, 14 boys and 16 girls. The mean age was 11.3 years. Exclusion criteria for control group were individuals suffering from either neurological, endocrine, or immune insuffiency.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ASD were characterized by moderately but significantly elevated plasma levels of BDNF compared to matched controls. No differences were observed in the proBDNF level between patients and controls. Within the ASD group, children with intellectual disability demonstrated increased BDNF, but not proBDNF levels, while the presence of ADHD had no impact on circulating proBDNF or BDNF. No further associations between plasma proBDNF or BDNF and other clinical demographics were observed.

The Role of Epigenetic Change in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by problems with social communication, social interaction, and repetitive or restricted behaviors. ASD are comorbid with other disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, Rett syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Neither the genetic nor the environmental components have been characterized well enough to aid diagnosis or treatment of non-syndromic ASD. However, genome-wide association studies have amassed evidence suggesting involvement of hundreds of genes and a variety of associated genetic pathways. Recently, investigators have turned to epigenetics, a prime mediator of environmental effects on genomes and phenotype, to characterize changes in ASD that constitute a molecular level on top of DNA sequence. Though in their infancy, such studies have the potential to increase our understanding of the etiology of ASD and may assist in the development of biomarkers for its prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and eventually in its prevention and intervention. This review focuses on the first few epigenome-wide association studies of ASD and discusses future directions.

High plasma neopterin levels in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Neopterin, a pteridine mainly synthesized by activated macrophages, is a marker of inflammation, immune system activation and an active participant in Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of plasma neopterin levels in ASD.

METHODS

Eighty patients diagnosed with ASD and 80 sex and age matched typically developing children were assessed for plasma levels of neopterin at admission. Plasma neopterin levels were measured using a human ELISA kit and severity of ASD were evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score.

RESULTS

We found that the mean plasma neopterin level was significantly (P<0.0001) higher in children with ASD as compared to controls. Plasma neopterin increased with increasing severity of ASD as defined by the CARS score. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of plasma neopterin level as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of ASD was projected to be 8.5nmol/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 80.1%, with the area under the curve at 0.876 (95% CI, 0.825-0.928). Elevated neopterin (≥8.5nmol/L) was an independent diagnosis indicator of ASD with an adjusted OR of 12.11 (95% CI: 5.48-28.11; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that autistic children had higher plasma levels of neopterin, and elevated plasma neopterin levels may be associated with severity of ASD among Chinese children.

Altered expression levels of neurodevelopmental proteins in fetal brains of BTBR T+tf/J mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics

Autism is a brain developmental disorder with characteristics of social interaction defects, language and communication dysfunction, and repetitive behavior. Occurrence of autism is continuously increasing, but the cause of autism is not clearly defined. Genetic linkage or environmental factors were proposed as sources for pathogenesis of autism. BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice were reported as an appropriate animal model for autism investigation because of their similarities in behavioral abnormalities with human autistic subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression levels of proteins involved with brain development at fetal stage of BTBR mice. FVB/NJ mice were used as a control strain because of their social behaviors. Level of fetal brain immunoglobulin (Ig) G deposit was also evaluated. Fetal brains were obtained at d 18 of gestational period. Thirty-one and 27 fetuses were obtained from 3 pregnant BTBR and FVB dams, respectively. The level of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was significantly lower in fetal brains of BTBR than FVB/NJ mice. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and myelin basic protein was significantly more upregulated in BTBR than in FVB/NJ mice. No significant difference was obtained for nerve growth factor between the two strains. Levels of IgG isotypes deposited in fetal brain of BTBR mice were significantly higher than in FVB mice except for IgG1. Overall, these results suggest that prenatal alterations in expression of various fetal brain proteins may be implicated in aberrant behavioral characteristics of BTBR mice.