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Tamang MK, Ali A, Pertile RN, Cui X, Alexander S, Nitert MD, Palmieri C, Eyles D. Developmental vitamin D-deficiency produces autism-relevant behaviours and gut-health associated alterations in a rat model. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:204. [PMID: 37316481 PMCID: PMC10267107 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02513-3] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental vitamin D (DVD)-deficiency is an epidemiologically established risk factor for autism. Emerging studies also highlight the involvement of gut microbiome/gut physiology in autism. The current study aims to examine the effect of DVD-deficiency on a broad range of autism-relevant behavioural phenotypes and gut health. Vitamin D deficient rat dams exhibited altered maternal care, DVD-deficient pups showed increased ultrasonic vocalizations and as adolescents, social behaviour impairments and increased repetitive self-grooming behaviour. There were significant impacts of DVD-deficiency on gut health demonstrated by alterations to the microbiome, decreased villi length and increased ileal propionate levels. Overall, our animal model of this epidemiologically validated risk exposure for autism shows an expanded range of autism-related behavioural phenotypes and now alterations in gut microbiome that correlate with social behavioural deficits raising the possibility that DVD-deficiency induced ASD-like behaviours are due to alterations in gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Kumar Tamang
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Asad Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
| | - Suzy Alexander
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
| | - Marloes Dekker Nitert
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia.
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Lorenzon F, Gregorio T, Niebisch F, Stolte RCK, Peixe CDMS, Reis WL, Dos Santos GJ, Lima FB. Gestational administration of vitamin D improves maternal care and prevents anxiety-like behavior in male and female Wistar rats prenatally exposed to dexamethasone. Life Sci 2023:121799. [PMID: 37245838 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121799] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal overexposure to glucocorticoids (GC) can lead to behavioral changes in adulthood. We aimed to explore the effects of gestational administration of vitamin D on the behavioral responses of dams and their offspring prenatally exposed to dexamethasone (DEX). Vitamin D (500UI) was given daily during the whole pregnancy (VD group). Half of the groups that received vitamin D were treated with DEX (0.1 mg/kg, VD + DEX group) daily between the 14th and 19th days of pregnancy. The corresponding control groups of progenitors were assigned (CTL and DEX groups, respectively). Maternal care and the dam's behaviors were evaluated during lactation. The offspring had developmental and behavioral parameters evaluated during lactation and at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Gestational administration of vitamin D increased maternal care and had an anxiolytic-like effect on the dams, but the latter was blocked in DEX-treated dams. Prenatal DEX partially impaired neural development and caused an anxiety-like phenotype in the male and female offspring at 6 months, which was prevented by gestational administration of vitamin D. As well, gestational vitamin D improved memory just in the male offspring, but this response was suppressed by prenatal DEX. We concluded that gestational vitamin D could prevent anxiety-like behavior in adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to DEX, which might be, in part, a result of the maternal care improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaviano Lorenzon
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Tamires Gregorio
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Niebisch
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Carla Kachel Stolte
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Carolina De Moraes Silveira Peixe
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Wagner Luis Reis
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Jorge Dos Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Barbosa Lima
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Campus Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Cui X, Eyles DW. Vitamin D and the Central Nervous System: Causative and Preventative Mechanisms in Brain Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204353. [PMID: 36297037 PMCID: PMC9610817 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty of the last one hundred years of vitamin D research have involved investigations of the brain as a target organ for this hormone. Our group was one of the first to investigate brain outcomes resulting from primarily restricting dietary vitamin D during brain development. With the advent of new molecular and neurochemical techniques in neuroscience, there has been increasing interest in the potential neuroprotective actions of vitamin D in response to a variety of adverse exposures and how this hormone could affect brain development and function. Rather than provide an exhaustive summary of this data and a listing of neurological or psychiatric conditions that vitamin D deficiency has been associated with, here, we provide an update on the actions of this vitamin in the brain and cellular processes vitamin D may be targeting in psychiatry and neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol Q4076, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia Q4076, Australia
| | - Darryl W. Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol Q4076, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia Q4076, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Ali A, Alexander S, Ko P, Cuffe JSM, Whitehouse AJO, McGrath JJ, Eyles D. Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Rats Does Not Induce Preeclampsia. Nutrients 2021; 13:4254. [PMID: 34959804 PMCID: PMC8707812 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension. Epidemiological studies have associated preeclampsia with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Preeclampsia has also been linked with maternal vitamin D deficiency, another candidate risk factor also associated with autism. Our laboratory has established a gestational vitamin-D-deficient rat model that shows consistent and robust behavioural phenotypes associated with autism- and schizophrenia-related animal models. Therefore, we explored here whether this model also produces preeclampsia as a possible mediator of behavioural phenotypes in offspring. We showed that gestational vitamin D deficiency was not associated with maternal blood pressure or proteinuria during late gestation. Maternal and placental angiogenic and vasculogenic factors were also not affected by a vitamin-D-deficient diet. We further showed that exposure to low vitamin D levels did not expose the placenta to oxidative stress. Overall, gestational vitamin D deficiency in our rat model was not associated with preeclampsia-related features, suggesting that well-described behavioural phenotypes in offspring born to vitamin-D-deficient rat dams are unlikely to be mediated via a preeclampsia-related mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Suzanne Alexander
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
| | - Pauline Ko
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- Placental Endocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
- Autism Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - John J. McGrath
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
- NCRR—National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
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Neriman A, Hakan Y, Ozge U. The psychotropic effect of vitamin D supplementation on schizophrenia symptoms. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:309. [PMID: 34130647 PMCID: PMC8204117 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03308-w] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disease involving interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Vitamin D has recently been linked to many metabolic diseases and schizophrenia. Vitamin D plays essential roles in the brain in the context of neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, neuroprotection, and neurotransmission. Vitamin D receptors are demonstrated in most brain regions that are related to schizophrenia. However, very few studies in the literature examine the effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on schizophrenia symptoms. METHODS This study aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D replacement on positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Serum 25OHD levels of 52 schizophrenia patients were measured. SANS and SAPS were used to evaluate the severity of schizophrenia symptoms, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: CV4 was used for cognitive assessment. The study was completed with 40 patients for various reasons. The patients whose serum 25OHD reached optimal levels after vitamin D replacement were reevaluated with the same scales in terms of symptom severity. The SPSS 25 package program was used for statistical analysis. The Independent-Samples t-test was used to examine the relationship between the variables that may affect vitamin D levels and the vitamin D level and to examine whether vitamin D levels had an initial effect on the scale scores. RESULTS The mean plasma 25OHD levels of the patients was 17.87 ± 5.54. A statistically significant relationship was found only between the duration of sunlight exposure and 25 OHD level (p < 0.05). The mean SANS and SAPS scores of the participants after 25OHD replacement (23.60 ± 15.51 and 7.78 ± 8.84, respectively) were statistically significantly lower than mean SANS and SAPS scores before replacement (51.45 ± 17.96 and 18.58 ± 15.59, respectively) (p < 0.001 for all). Only the total attention score was significantly improved after replacement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The data obtained from our study suggest that eliminating the 25OHD deficiency together with antipsychotic treatment can improve the total attention span and positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The 25OHD levels should be regularly measured, replacement should be started when necessary, and the patients should be encouraged to get sunlight exposure to keep optimal 25OHD levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aras Neriman
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsun Mental Health and Disorders Hospital, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Yilmaz Hakan
- Department of Psychiatry, Trabzon Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ucuncu Ozge
- grid.31564.350000 0001 2186 0630Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey
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Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have highlighted the link between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia. In particular, two prominent studies report an association between neonatal vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of schizophrenia. In parallel, much has been learnt about the role of vitamin D in the developing central nervous system over the last two decades. Studies in rodent models of developmental vitamin D (DVD)-deficiency describe how brain development is altered leading to a range of neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes of interest to schizophrenia. While glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems have been little investigated in these models, alterations in developing dopamine systems are frequently reported. There have been far more studies reporting patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to well controls. Here we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that basically confirms this association and extends this to first-episode psychosis. However, patients with schizophrenia also have poorer general health, poorer diets, are frequently less active and also have an increased risk of other medical conditions, all factors which reduce circulating vitamin D levels. Therefore, we would urge caution in any causal interpretation of this association. We also summarize the inconsistent results from existing vitamin D supplementation trials in patients with schizophrenia. In respect to animal models of adult vitamin D deficiency, such exposures produce subtle neurochemical alterations and effects on cognition but do not appear to produce behavioral phenotypes of relevance to schizophrenia. We conclude, the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency during early life may increase the risk of schizophrenia remains plausible and warrants ongoing research.
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Abstract
It has been 20 years since we first proposed vitamin D as a "possible" neurosteroid.( 1 ) Our work over the last two decades, particularly results from our cellular and animal models, has confirmed the numerous ways in which vitamin D differentiates the developing brain. As a result, vitamin D can now confidently take its place among all other steroids known to regulate brain development.( 2 ) Others have concentrated on the possible neuroprotective functions of vitamin D in adult brains. Here these data are integrated, and possible mechanisms outlined for the various roles vitamin D appears to play in both developing and mature brains and how such actions shape behavior. There is now also good evidence linking gestational and/or neonatal vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism, and adult vitamin D deficiency with certain degenerative conditions. In this mini-review, the focus is on what we have learned over these past 20 years regarding the genomic and nongenomic actions of vitamin D in shaping brain development, neurophysiology, and behavior in animal models. © 2020 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl Walter Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research The Park Centre for Mental Health Wacol Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
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Alzghoul L. Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4357-4367. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191122092215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder with heterogeneous etiology.
Vitamin D can function as a fat-soluble vitamin as well as a hormone, and can exert its effect through both genomic
and non-genomic mechanisms. In the last decades, several studies have examined the relationship between
vitamin D levels and ASD. These studies demonstrated that low vitamin D status in early development has been
hypothesized as an environmental risk factor for ASD. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that
vitamin D deficiency in early life can alter brain development, dysregulates neurotransmitter balance in the brain,
decreases body and brain antioxidant ability, and alters the immune system in ways that resemble pathological
features commonly seen in ASD. In this review, we focused on the association between vitamin D and ASD. In
addition, the above-mentioned mechanisms of action that link vitamin D deficiency with ASD were also discussed.
Finally, clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation treatment of ASD have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Alzghoul
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Crew RC, Rakonjac A, Tesic D, Clarke MW, Yates NJ, Wyrwoll CS. Maternal vitamin D deficiency during rat gestation elicits a milder phenotype compared to the mouse model: Implications for the placental glucocorticoid barrier. Placenta 2019; 83:5-7. [PMID: 31477207 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Maternal vitamin D deficiency disturbs fetal development and programmes neurodevelopmental complications in offspring, possibly through increased fetal glucocorticoid exposure. We aimed to determine whether prenatal exposure to excess glucocorticoids underlies our rat model of early-life vitamin D deficiency, leading to altered adult behaviours. Vitamin D deficiency reduced the expression of the glucocorticoid-inactivating enzyme Hsd11b2 in the female placenta, but did not alter maternal glucocorticoid levels, feto-placental weights, or placental expression of other glucocorticoid-related genes at mid-gestation. This differs to the phenotype previously observed in vitamin D deficient mice, and highlights important modelling considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael C Crew
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ana Rakonjac
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dijana Tesic
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael W Clarke
- Metabolomics Australia, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nathanael J Yates
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Asia-Pacific Centre for Neuromodulation, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Caitlin S Wyrwoll
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
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Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency Produces Behavioral Phenotypes of Relevance to Autism in an Animal Model. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11051187. [PMID: 31137843 PMCID: PMC6566814 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that gestational or developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, lack of verbal and non-verbal communications, stereotyped repetitive behaviors and hyper-activities. There are several other clinical features that are commonly comorbid with ASD, including olfactory impairments, anxiety and delays in motor development. Here we investigate these features in an animal model related to ASD-the DVD-deficient rat. Compared to controls, both DVD-deficient male and female pups show altered ultrasonic vocalizations and stereotyped repetitive behavior. Further, the DVD-deficient animals had delayed motor development and impaired motor control. Adolescent DVD-deficient animals had impaired reciprocal social interaction, while as adults, these animals were hyperactive. The DVD-deficient model is associated with a range of behavioral features of interest to ASD.
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Bärebring L, O'Connell M, Winkvist A, Johannsson G, Augustin H. Serum cortisol and vitamin D status are independently associated with blood pressure in pregnancy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:259-264. [PMID: 30710744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to study if serum cortisol during pregnancy was associated with blood pressure and development of gestational hypertensive disorders. Additionally, associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and cortisol, including confounding effects and interactions in their relation to blood pressure were investigated. In total, 1413 pregnant women from the prospective Swedish GraviD cohort were included. Serum was collected in the first (T1) and third trimester (T3) and analyzed for 25OHD by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and cortisol using an electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. The main outcome measures were T1 blood pressure and development of gestational hypertensive disorders (gestational hypertension or preeclampsia). Gestational hypertensive disorders were defined as new onset hypertension, with or without proteinuria, after gestational week 20. Mean ± SD cortisol increased significantly from T1 to T3 (312 ± 123 vs. 659 ± 201 nmol/L, p < 0.001) and this increase was influenced by ethnicity. Serum concentrations of cortisol and 25OHD correlated in both T1 (B = 0.35, p < 0.001) and T3 (B = 0.30, p < 0.001). Cortisol and 25OHD were positively associated with T1 blood pressure, and there were non-significant trends for associations with gestational hypertensive disorders. Cortisol and 25OHD did not display any confounding effect or effect modification in their relationships with blood pressure. In conclusion, there was a positive correlation between serum cortisol and 25OHD in both early and late pregnancy. Both cortisol and 25OHD were positively associated with early pregnancy blood pressure. These results imply that the two hormones might be on different paths in their relationship with blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Bärebring
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Moira O'Connell
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Winkvist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Gudmundur Johannsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Medicinmottagning Sahlgrenska, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Hanna Augustin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 459, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Ali Y, Anderson LN, Smile S, Chen Y, Borkhoff CM, Koroshegyi C, Lebovic G, Parkin PC, Birken CS, Szatmari P, Maguire JL. Prospective cohort study of vitamin D and autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in early childhood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 23:584-593. [PMID: 38321697 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318756787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested an association between vitamin D in childhood and autism spectrum disorder. No prospective studies have evaluated whether lower vitamin D levels precede ASD diagnoses - a necessary condition for causality. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether vitamin D serum levels in early childhood was associated with incident physician diagnosed ASD. A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from preschool-aged children in the TARGet Kids! practice-based research network in Toronto, Canada, from June 2008 to July 2015. 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was measured through blood samples and vitamin D supplementation from parent report. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was determined from medical records at follow-up visits. Covariates included age, sex, family history of autism spectrum disorder, maternal ethnicity, and neighborhood household income. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression with a robust error variance. In this study, 3852 children were included. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was identified in 41 children (incidence = 1.1%) over the observation period (average follow-up time = 2.5 years). An association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and autism spectrum disorder was not identified in the unadjusted (relative risk = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.11 per 10 nmol/L increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration) or adjusted models (adjusted relative risk = 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.95, 1.18). An association between vitamin D supplementation in early childhood and autism spectrum disorder was also not identified (adjusted relative risk = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.46, 1.62). Vitamin D in early childhood may not be associated with incident physician diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamna Ali
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura N Anderson
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Sharon Smile
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yang Chen
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelia M Borkhoff
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Gerald Lebovic
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia C Parkin
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine S Birken
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jonathon L Maguire
- Li Ka Thing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Ideraabdullah FY, Belenchia AM, Rosenfeld CS, Kullman SW, Knuth M, Mahapatra D, Bereman M, Levin ED, Peterson CA. Maternal vitamin D deficiency and developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). J Endocrinol 2019; 241:JOE-18-0541.R2. [PMID: 30909167 PMCID: PMC6717694 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is metabolized in the body to generate an active metabolite (1,25(OH)2D) with hormone-like activity and highly diverse roles in cellular function. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a prevalent but easily preventable nutritional disturbance. Emerging evidence demonstrates the importance of sufficient vitamin D concentrations during fetal life with deficiencies leading to long-term effects into adulthood. Here, we provide a detailed review and perspective of evidence for the role of maternal VDD in offspring long term health, particularly as it relates to Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). We focus on roles in neurobehavioral and cardiometabolic disorders in humans and highlight recent findings from zebrafish and rodent models that probe potential mechanisms linking early life VDD to later life health outcomes. Moreover, we explore evidence implicating epigenetic mechanisms as a mediator of this link. Gaps in our current understanding of how maternal VDD might result in deleterious offspring outcomes later in life are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folami Y. Ideraabdullah
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Anthony M. Belenchia
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Seth W. Kullman
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Megan Knuth
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Debabrata Mahapatra
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Michael Bereman
- Toxicology Program, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695
| | - Edward D. Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Catherine A. Peterson
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
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14
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Maternal vitamin D concentrations are associated with faster childhood reaction time and response speed, but not with motor fluency and flexibility, at the age of 5-6 years: the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) Study. Br J Nutr 2018; 120:345-352. [PMID: 29843832 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114518001319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
About 57 % of the pregnant European women have 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations below 50 nmol/l. However, as data on the impact of gestational vitamin D deficiency on maternal and fetal health are limited, the WHO does not advocate vitamin D supplementation as part of routine antenatal care. We explored associations between first trimester maternal 25(OH)D status and childhood cognition at 5-6 years of age (n 1854, primarily Caucasian). Median serum 25(OH)D was determined at 13 (interquartile range 12-14) weeks of gestation. Childhood attention, motor fluency and flexibility and executive function were assessed using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks. Restricted cubic splines and linear regression analyses were used to analyse the data while adjusting for many maternal and child related covariates. Higher 25(OH)D status (nmol/l) was associated with better attention and executive functioning as shown by a faster reaction time (β -0·30 (sd 0·14) ms, P=0·03), faster response speed (β -0·58 (sd 0·21) ms, P=0·006), and better response speed stability (β -0·45 (sd 0·17) ms, P=0·009). No associations were observed of serum 25(OH)D with motor fluency and flexibility. Associations were most pronounced among children of African origin (n 205) as compared with those of Caucasian or another origin, for example attention (reaction time, β -2·06 (sd 0·70) ms, P=0·004) and executive function (response speed, β -1·95 (sd 0·94) ms, P=0·04). Concluding, maternal 25(OH)D status was significantly associated with childhood attention and executive function, while no associations were observed for 25(OH)D status with motor fluency and flexibility.
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15
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Liang Q, Cai C, Duan D, Hu X, Hua W, Jiang P, Zhang L, Xu J, Gao Z. Postnatal Vitamin D Intake Modulates Hippocampal Learning and Memory in Adult Mice. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:141. [PMID: 29666565 PMCID: PMC5891641 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) is a neuroactive steroid crucial for brain development, function and homeostasis. Its deficiency is associated with numerous brain conditions. As such, VD and its variants are routinely taken by a broad of groups with/without known VD deficiency. In contrast, the harmful effects of VD overdose have been poorly studied. Similarly, the developmental stage-specific VD deficiency and overdose have been rarely explored. In the present work, we showed that postnatal VD supplementation enhanced the motor function transiently in the young adult, but not in the older one. Postnatal VD intake abnormality did not impact the anxiety and depressive behavior but was detrimental to spatial learning and hippocampus-dependent memory. At the molecular level we failed to observe an obvious and constant change with the neural development and activity-related genes examined. However, disrupted developmental expression dynamics were observed for most of the genes, suggesting that the altered neural development dynamics and therefore aberrant adult plasticity might underlie the functional deficits. Our work highlights the essence of VD homeostasis in neural development and adult brain function. Further studies are needed to determine the short- and long-term effects VD intake status may have on brain development, homeostasis, and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiujuan Liang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxia Duan
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanhao Hua
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peicheng Jiang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengliang Gao
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Ali A, Cui X, Eyles D. Developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism: Putative pathogenic mechanisms. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 175:108-118. [PMID: 28027915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that presents in early life. Despite a considerable amount of studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism remain obscure. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of autism. Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a consistently reported risk factor in children. One reason for the prominence now being given to this risk factor is that it would appear to interact with several other epidemiological risk factors for autism. Vitamin D is an active neurosteroid and plays crucial neuroprotective roles in the developing brain. It has important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, regulation of neurotransmission and steroidogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development. Here we review the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism and also discuss what future research targets must now be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Qld 4076, Australia.
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17
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Schoenrock SA, Oreper D, Farrington J, McMullan RC, Ervin R, Miller DR, Pardo-Manuel de Villena F, Valdar W, Tarantino LM. Perinatal nutrition interacts with genetic background to alter behavior in a parent-of-origin-dependent manner in adult Collaborative Cross mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:e12438. [PMID: 29125223 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in animal models and humans have shown that exposure to nutritional deficiencies in the perinatal period increases the risk of psychiatric disease. Less well understood is how such effects are modulated by the combination of genetic background and parent-of-origin (PO). To explore this, we exposed female mice from 20 Collaborative Cross (CC) strains to protein deficient, vitamin D deficient, methyl donor enriched or standard diet during the perinatal period. These CC females were then crossed to a male from a different CC strain to produce reciprocal F1 hybrid females comprising 10 distinct genetic backgrounds. The adult F1 females were then tested in the open field, light/dark, stress-induced hyperthermia, forced swim and restraint stress assays. Our experimental design allowed us to estimate effects of genetic background, perinatal diet, PO and their interactions on behavior. Genetic background significantly affected all assessed phenotypes. Perinatal diet exposure interacted with genetic background to affect body weight, basal body temperature, anxiety-like behavior and stress response. In 8 of 9 genetic backgrounds, PO effects were observed on multiple phenotypes. Additionally, we identified a small number of diet-by-PO effects on body weight, stress response, anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. Our data show that rodent behaviors that model psychiatric disorders are affected by genetic background, PO and perinatal diet, as well as interactions among these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Schoenrock
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Neuroscience Curriculum, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - D Oreper
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Curriculum, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - J Farrington
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - R C McMullan
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - R Ervin
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - D R Miller
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - F Pardo-Manuel de Villena
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - W Valdar
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - L M Tarantino
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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18
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Yates N, Crew RC, Wyrwoll CS. Vitamin D deficiency and impaired placental function: potential regulation by glucocorticoids? Reproduction 2017; 153:R163-R171. [PMID: 28137896 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in a range of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. Some of these adverse outcomes arise from alterations in placental function. Indeed, vitamin D appears critical for implantation, inflammation, immune function and angiogenesis in the placenta. Despite these associations, absence of the placental vitamin D receptor in mice provokes little effect. Thus, interactions between maternal and fetal compartments are likely crucial for instigating adverse placental changes. Indeed, maternal vitamin D deficiency elicits changes in glucocorticoid-related parameters in pregnancy, which increase placental and fetal glucocorticoid exposure. As in utero glucocorticoid excess has a well-established role in eliciting placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction, this review proposes that glucocorticoids are an important consideration when understanding the impact of vitamin D deficiency on placental function and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachael C Crew
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Caitlin S Wyrwoll
- School of Human SciencesThe University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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19
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20
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Schoenrock SA, Tarantino LM. Developmental vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia: the role of animal models. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:45-61. [PMID: 26560996 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder that affects 1% of the US population. Based on twin and genome-wide association studies, it is clear that both genetics and environmental factors increase the risk for developing schizophrenia. Moreover, there is evidence that conditions in utero, either alone or in concert with genetic factors, may alter neurodevelopment and lead to an increased risk for schizophrenia. There has been progress in identifying genetic loci and environmental exposures that increase risk, but there are still considerable gaps in our knowledge. Furthermore, very little is known about the specific neurodevelopmental mechanisms upon which genetics and the environment act to increase disposition to developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Vitamin D deficiency during the perinatal period has been hypothesized to increase risk for schizophrenia in humans. The developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency hypothesis of schizophrenia arises from the observation that disease risk is increased in individuals who are born in winter or spring, live further from the equator or live in urban vs. rural settings. These environments result in less exposure to sunlight, thereby reducing the initial steps in the production of vitamin D. Rodent models have been developed to characterize the behavioral and developmental effects of DVD deficiency. This review focuses on these animal models and discusses the current knowledge of the role of DVD deficiency in altering behavior and neurobiology relevant to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Schoenrock
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Neurobiology Curriculum, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - L M Tarantino
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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21
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Sánchez-Hernández D, Anderson GH, Poon AN, Pannia E, Cho CE, Huot PS, Kubant R. Maternal fat-soluble vitamins, brain development, and regulation of feeding behavior: an overview of research. Nutr Res 2016; 36:1045-1054. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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22
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Pet MA, Brouwer-Brolsma EM. The Impact of Maternal Vitamin D Status on Offspring Brain Development and Function: a Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2016; 7:665-78. [PMID: 27422502 PMCID: PMC4942857 DOI: 10.3945/an.115.010330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Various studies have examined associations between maternal vitamin D (VD) deficiency and offspring health, including offspring brain health. The purpose of this review was to summarize current evidence concerning the impact of maternal VD deficiency on brain development and function in offspring. A systematic search was conducted within Medline (on Ovid) for studies published through 7 May 2015. Animal and human studies that examined associations between maternal VD status or developmental VD deficiency and offspring brain development and function were included. A total of 26 animal studies and 10 human studies met the inclusion criteria. Several animal studies confirmed the hypothesis that low prenatal VD status may affect brain morphology and physiology as well as behavioral outcomes. In humans, subtle cognitive and psychological impairments in offspring of VD-deficient mothers were observed. However, data obtained from animal and human studies provide inconclusive evidence, and results seem to depend on strain or race and age of offspring. To conclude, prenatal VD status is thought to play an important role in brain development, cognitive function, and psychological function. However, results are inconclusive; validation of these findings and investigation of underlying mechanisms are required. Thus, more investigation is needed before recommending supplementation of VD during pregnancy to promote brain health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milou A Pet
- Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands; and,Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands
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23
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Overeem K, Eyles DW, McGrath JJ, Burne THJ. The impact of vitamin D deficiency on behaviour and brain function in rodents. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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24
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Tesic D, Hawes JE, Zosky GR, Wyrwoll CS. Vitamin D Deficiency in BALB/c Mouse Pregnancy Increases Placental Transfer of Glucocorticoids. Endocrinology 2015; 156:3673-9. [PMID: 26252062 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is increasing and implicated in adverse consequences for the health of offspring in later life. The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin D deficiency increases fetal exposure to glucocorticoids, which are known to alter fetal development and result in adverse adult health outcomes. Female BALB/c mice were placed on either a vitamin D control (2195 IU/kg) or deficient (0 IU/kg) diet for 5 weeks before and during pregnancy. Maternal serum, placentas and fetal brains were collected at embryonic day 14.5 or 17.5 for morphological and gene expression analysis. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy increased maternal corticosterone concentrations and reduced placental weight. Maternal vitamin D deficiency decreased placental expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II, which inactivates glucocorticoids thereby protecting the fetus from inappropriate glucocorticoid exposure. There was a corresponding increase in placental and fetal expression of the highly glucocorticoid-sensitive factor glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper. Furthermore, placental expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor-A was reduced in vitamin D-deficient pregnancies, with a corresponding decline in fetal capillary volume within the placenta. Overall, we show that prenatal vitamin D deficiency leads to an increase in maternal corticosterone, alterations in genes indicative of increased fetal glucocorticoid exposure and impairment in placental vascular development. Thus, the long-term adverse health consequences of vitamin D deficiency during early development may not just be due to alteration in direct vitamin D-related pathways but also altered fetal glucocorticoid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Tesic
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology (D.T., J.E.H., C.S.W.), The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; and School of Medicine (G.R.Z.), University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Jazmin E Hawes
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology (D.T., J.E.H., C.S.W.), The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; and School of Medicine (G.R.Z.), University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Graeme R Zosky
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology (D.T., J.E.H., C.S.W.), The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; and School of Medicine (G.R.Z.), University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Caitlin S Wyrwoll
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology (D.T., J.E.H., C.S.W.), The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; and School of Medicine (G.R.Z.), University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
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25
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Kesby JP, Cui X, Burne THJ, Eyles DW. Altered dopamine ontogeny in the developmentally vitamin D deficient rat and its relevance to schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:111. [PMID: 23882183 PMCID: PMC3713405 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous group of disorders with unknown etiology. Although abnormalities in multiple neurotransmitter systems have been linked to schizophrenia, alterations in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission remain central to the treatment of this disorder. Given that schizophrenia is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder we have hypothesized that abnormal DA signaling in the adult patient may result from altered DA signaling during fetal brain development. Environmental and genetic risk factors can be modeled in rodents to allow for the investigation of early neurodevelopmental pathogenesis that may lead to clues into the etiology of schizophrenia. To address this we created an animal model of one such risk factor, developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency. DVD-deficient adult rats display an altered behavioral profile in response to DA releasing and blocking agents that are reminiscent of that seen in schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, developmental studies revealed that DVD deficiency also altered cell proliferation, apoptosis, and neurotransmission across the embryonic brain. In particular, DVD deficiency reduces the expression of crucial dopaminergic specification factors and alters DA metabolism in the developing brain. We speculate such alterations in fetal brain development may change the trajectory of DA neuron ontogeny to induce the behavioral abnormalities observed in adult offspring. The widespread evidence that both dopaminergic and structural changes are present in people who develop schizophrenia prior to onset also suggest that early alterations in development are central to the disease. Taken together, early alterations in DA ontogeny may represent a core feature in the pathology of schizophrenia. Such a mechanism could bring together evidence from multiple risk factors and genetic vulnerabilities to form a convergent pathway in disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Kesby
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San DiegoLa Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas H. J. Burne
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental HealthWacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Darryl W. Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental HealthWacol, QLD, Australia
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26
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Nissou MF, Brocard J, El Atifi M, Guttin A, Andrieux A, Berger F, Issartel JP, Wion D. The transcriptomic response of mixed neuron-glial cell cultures to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d3 includes genes limiting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. J Alzheimers Dis 2013; 35:553-64. [PMID: 23455988 PMCID: PMC3962683 DOI: 10.3233/jad-122005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal or chronic vitamin D deficiency and/or insufficiency is highly prevalent in the human population. Receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonal metabolite of vitamin D, are found throughout the brain. To provide further information on the role of this hormone on brain function, we analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of mixed neuron-glial cell cultures in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment increases the mRNA levels of 27 genes by at least 1.9 fold. Among them, 17 genes were related to neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, or brain morphogenesis. Notably, 10 of these genes encode proteins potentially limiting the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These data provide support for a role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in brain disease prevention. The possible consequences of circannual or chronic vitamin D insufficiencies on a tissue with a low regenerative potential such as the brain should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Nissou
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Jacques Brocard
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Michèle El Atifi
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Audrey Guttin
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Annie Andrieux
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
- GPC-GIN, Groupe Physiopathologie du Cytosquelette
INSERM : U836CEA : DSV/IRTSV/GPCUniversité Joseph Fourier - Grenoble IUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - François Berger
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Jean-Paul Issartel
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
| | - Didier Wion
- GIN, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences
INSERM : U836Université Joseph Fourier - Grenoble ICHU GrenobleCEA : DSV/IRTSVUJF - Site Santé La Tronche BP 170 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, FR
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27
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Eyles DW, Burne THJ, McGrath JJ. Vitamin D, effects on brain development, adult brain function and the links between low levels of vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:47-64. [PMID: 22796576 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 434] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly vitamin D deficiency is being associated with a number of psychiatric conditions. In particular for disorders with a developmental basis, such as autistic spectrum disorder and schizophrenia the neurobiological plausibility of this association is strengthened by the preclinical data indicating vitamin D deficiency in early life affects neuronal differentiation, axonal connectivity, dopamine ontogeny and brain structure and function. More recently epidemiological associations have been made between low vitamin D and psychiatric disorders not typically associated with abnormalities in brain development such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. Once again the preclinical findings revealing that vitamin D can regulate catecholamine levels and protect against specific Alzheimer-like pathology increase the plausibility of this link. In this review we have attempted to integrate this clinical epidemiology with potential vitamin D-mediated basic mechanisms. Throughout the review we have highlighted areas where we think future research should focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl W Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia.
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Pan P, Jin DH, Chatterjee-Chakraborty M, Halievski K, Lawson D, Remedios D, Smetka C, Pinto V, Parra E, Fleming AS. The effects of vitamin D3during pregnancy and lactation on offspring physiology and behavior in Sprague-Dawley rats. Dev Psychobiol 2012; 56:12-22. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Pan
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario, Canada M1C1A4
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - Daniel H.S. Jin
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | | | - Katherine Halievski
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - Daeria Lawson
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - David Remedios
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - Cassandra Smetka
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto at Mississauga; 3359 Mississauga Rd N., Davis Building, Room 2037B Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - Vania Pinto
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario, Canada M1C1A4
| | - Esteban Parra
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Mississauga Ontario, Canada L5L1C6
| | - Alison S. Fleming
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario, Canada M1C1A4
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Morales E, Guxens M, Llop S, Rodríguez-Bernal CL, Tardón A, Riaño I, Ibarluzea J, Lertxundi N, Espada M, Rodriguez A, Sunyer J. Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in pregnancy and infant neuropsychological development. Pediatrics 2012; 130:e913-20. [PMID: 22987876 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] concentration in pregnancy is associated with neuropsychological development in infants. METHODS The Spanish population-based cohort study INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project recruited pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy between November 2003 and February 2008. Completed data on 1820 mother-infant pairs were used. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D(3) concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in pregnancy (mean 13.5 ± 2.1 weeks of gestation). Offspring mental and psychomotor scores were assessed by trained psychologists at age 14 months (range, 11-23) by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. β-Coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mental and psychomotor scores associated with continuous or categorical concentrations of maternal plasma 25(OH)D(3) were calculated by using linear regression analysis. RESULTS The median plasma value of 25(OH)D(3) in pregnancy was 29.6 ng/mL (interquartile range, 21.8-37.3). A positive linear relationship was found between circulating concentrations of maternal 25(OH)D(3) concentrations in pregnancy and mental and psychomotor scores in the offspring. After adjustment for potential confounders, infants of mothers with 25(OH)D(3) concentrations in pregnancy >30 ng/mL showed higher mental score (β = 2.60; 95% CI 0.63-4.56) and higher psychomotor score (β = 2.32; 95% CI 0.36-4.28) in comparison with those of mothers with 25(OH)D(3) concentrations <20 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS Higher circulating concentration of maternal 25(OH)D(3) in pregnancy was associated with improved mental and psychomotor development in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Morales
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003-Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Tolppanen AM, Sayers A, Fraser WD, Lewis G, Zammit S, Lawlor DA. The association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and D2 with depressive symptoms in childhood--a prospective cohort study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2012; 53:757-66. [PMID: 22211693 PMCID: PMC3412227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02518.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression in adolescence is common and early onset predicts worse outcome in adulthood. Studies in adults have suggested a link between higher total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and lower risk of depression. OBJECTIVES To investigate (a) the association between serum 25(OH)D(2) and 25(OH)D(3) concentrations and depressive symptoms in children, and (b) whether the associations of 25(OH)D(2) and 25(OH)D(3) are different from, and independent of, each other. METHODS Prospective cohort study with serum 25(OH)D(2) and 25(OH)D(3) concentrations measured at mean age of 9.8 years and depressive symptoms assessed with the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire by a trained interviewer at the mean ages of 10.6 years (n = 2,759) and 13.8 years (n = 2,752). RESULTS Higher concentrations of 25(OH)D(3) assessed at mean age 9.8 years were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms at age 13.8 years [adjusted risk ratio (RR; 95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.90 (0.86-0.95)], but not at age 10.6 years [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.98 (0.93-1.03)] and with increased odds of decreasing symptoms between age 10.6 and 13.8 years [adjusted RR (95% CI): 1.08 (1.01-1.16)]. Serum 25(OH)D(2) concentrations were not associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in children to suggest that the association between 25(OH)D(3) concentrations and depression emerges in childhood. The association is independent of a wide range of potential confounding factors, and appears to be stronger with greater time separation between assessment of 25(OH)D(3) and assessment of depressive symptoms. Confirmation of our findings in large prospective studies and trials would be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maija Tolppanen
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of BristolBristol
| | - Adrian Sayers
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of BristolBristol
| | | | - Glyn Lewis
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of BristolBristol
| | - Stanley Zammit
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of BristolBristol,MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff UniversityCardiff, UK
| | - Debbie A Lawlor
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of BristolBristol
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Eyles D, Feldon J, Meyer U. Schizophrenia: do all roads lead to dopamine or is this where they start? Evidence from two epidemiologically informed developmental rodent models. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e81. [PMID: 22832818 PMCID: PMC3309552 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that there is some sort of abnormality in dopamine (DA) signalling is one of the more enduring hypotheses in schizophrenia research. Opinion leaders have published recent perspectives on the aetiology of this disorder with provocative titles such as 'Risk factors for schizophrenia--all roads lead to dopamine' or 'The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia--the final common pathway'. Perhaps, the other most enduring idea about schizophrenia is that it is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Those of us that model schizophrenia developmental risk-factor epidemiology in animals in an attempt to understand how this may translate to abnormal brain function have consistently shown that as adults these animals display behavioural, cognitive and pharmacological abnormalities consistent with aberrant DA signalling. The burning question remains how can in utero exposure to specific (environmental) insults induce persistent abnormalities in DA signalling in the adult? In this review, we summarize convergent evidence from two well-described developmental animal models, namely maternal immune activation and developmental vitamin D deficiency that begin to address this question. The adult offspring resulting from these two models consistently reveal locomotor abnormalities in response to DA-releasing or -blocking drugs. Additionally, as adults these animals have DA-related attentional and/or sensorimotor gating deficits. These findings are consistent with many other developmental animal models. However, the authors of this perspective have recently refocused their attention on very early aspects of DA ontogeny and describe reductions in genes that induce or specify dopaminergic phenotype in the embryonic brain and early changes in DA turnover suggesting that the origins of these behavioural abnormalities in adults may be traced to early alterations in DA ontogeny. Whether the convergent findings from these two models can be extended to other developmental animal models for this disease is at present unknown as such early brain alterations are rarely examined. Although it is premature to conclude that such mechanisms could be operating in other developmental animal models for schizophrenia, our convergent data have led us to propose that rather than all roads leading to DA, perhaps, this may be where they start.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Queensland, Australia
| | - J Feldon
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neurobiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - U Meyer
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neurobiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Physiology and Behaviour Laboratory, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
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Abstract
Basic research in animals represents a fruitful approach to study the neurobiological basis of brain and behavioral disturbances relevant to neuropsychiatric disease and to establish and evaluate novel pharmacological therapies for their treatment. In the context of schizophrenia, there are models employing specific experimental manipulations developed according to specific pathophysiological or etiological hypotheses. The use of selective lesions in adult animals and the acute administration of psychotomimetic agents are indispensable tools in the elucidation of the contribution of specific brain regions or neurotransmitters to the genesis of a specific symptom or collection of symptoms and enjoy some degrees of predictive validity. However, they may be inaccurate, if not inadequate, in capturing the etiological mechanisms or ontology of the disease needed for a complete understanding of the disease and may be limited in the discovery of novel compounds for the treatment of negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Under the prevailing consensus of schizophrenia as a disease of neurodevelopmental origin, we have seen the establishment of neurodevelopmental animal models which aim to identify the etiological processes whereby the brain, following specific triggering events, develops into a "schizophrenia-like brain" over time. Many neurodevelopmental models such as the neonatal ventral hippocampus (vHPC) lesion, methylazoxymethanol (MAM), and prenatal immune activation models can mimic a broad spectrum of behavioral, cognitive, and pharmacological abnormalities directly implicated in schizophrenic disease. These models allow pharmacological screens against multiple and coexisting schizophrenia-related dysfunctions while incorporating the disease-relevant concept of abnormal brain development. The multiplicity of existing models is testimonial to the multifactorial nature of schizophrenia, and there are ample opportunities for their integration. Indeed, one ultimate goal must be to incorporate the successes of distinct models into one unitary account of the complex disorder of schizophrenia and to use such unitary approaches in the further development and evaluation of novel antipsychotic treatment strategies.
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Kesby JP, Eyles DW, Burne THJ, McGrath JJ. The effects of vitamin D on brain development and adult brain function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 347:121-7. [PMID: 21664231 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A role for vitamin D in brain development and function has been gaining support over the last decade. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that this vitamin is actually a neuroactive steroid that acts on brain development, leading to alterations in brain neurochemistry and adult brain function. Early deficiencies have been linked with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, and adult deficiencies have been associated with a host of adverse brain outcomes, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, depression and cognitive decline. This review summarises the current state of research on the actions of vitamin D in the brain and the consequences of deficiencies in this vitamin. Furthermore, we discuss specific implications of vitamin D status on the neurotransmitter, dopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Kesby
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld 4076, Australia
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Yu J, Gattoni-Celli M, Zhu H, Bhat NR, Sambamurti K, Gattoni-Celli S, Kindy MS. Vitamin D3-enriched diet correlates with a decrease of amyloid plaques in the brain of AβPP transgenic mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 25:295-307. [PMID: 21422528 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-101986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its function in calcium and bone metabolism, vitamin D is neuroprotective and important for mitigating inflammation. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, characterized by neuronal loss in many areas of the brain, and the formation of senile (neuritic) plaques, which increase in number and size over time. The goal of this project was to investigate whether vitamin D3 supplementation would affect amyloid plaque formation in amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) transgenic mice that spontaneously develop amyloid plaques within 3-4 months of birth. AβPP mice were fed control, vitamin D3-deficient or vitamin D3-enriched diets for five months, starting immediately after weaning. At the end of the study, the animals were subjected to behavioral studies, sacrificed, and examined for bone changes and brain amyloid load, amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide levels, inflammatory changes, and nerve growth factor (NGF) content. The results obtained indicate that a vitamin D3-enriched diet correlates with a decrease in the number of amyloid plaques, a decrease in Aβ peptides, a decrease in inflammation, and an increase in NGF in the brains of AβPP mice. These observations suggest that a vitamin D3-enriched diet may benefit AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yu
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Abstract
Vitamin D is a member of the superfamily of nuclear steroid transcription regulators and as such, exerts transcriptional control over a large number of genes. Several other steroids, such as thyroid hormones, vitamin A, androgens and the glucocorticoids, are known as 'neurosteroids' and their role in brain development and function is well defined. It has only been in the last decade or so that vitamin D has been thought to function as a neurosteroid. In this review we have collated a diverse array of data describing the presence of vitamin D metabolites and the receptor in the brain, the evidence that vitamin D may be an important modulator of brain development, and the potential role of vitamin D in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Harms
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Prenatal stress: role in psychotic and depressive diseases. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 214:89-106. [PMID: 20949351 PMCID: PMC3050113 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The birth of neurons, their migration to appropriate positions in the brain, and their establishment of the proper synaptic contacts happen predominately during the prenatal period. Environmental stressors during gestation can exert a major impact on brain development and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as depression and psychotic disorders including schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE The objectives here are to present recent preclinical studies of the impact of prenatal exposure to gestational stressors on the developing fetal brain and discuss their relevance to the neurobiological basis of mental illness. The focus is on maternal immune activation, psychological stresses, and malnutrition, due to the abundant clinical literature supporting their role in the etiology of neuropsychiatric illnesses. RESULTS Prenatal maternal immune activation, viral infection, unpredictable psychological stress, and malnutrition all appear to foster the development of behavioral abnormalities in exposed offspring that may be relevant to the symptom domains of schizophrenia and psychosis, including sensorimotor gating, information processing, cognition, social function, and subcortical hyperdopaminergia. Depression-related phenotypes, such as learned helplessness or anxiety, are also observed in some model systems. These changes appear to be mediated by the presence of proinflammatory cytokines and/or corticosteroids in the fetal compartment that alter the development the neuroanatomical substrates involved in these behaviors. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to environmental stressors alters the trajectory of brain development and can be used to generate animal preparations that may be informative in understanding the pathophysiological processes involved in several human neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Relationship between vitamin D during perinatal development and health. J Midwifery Womens Health 2011; 55:550-60. [PMID: 20974417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2010.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent condition that is present in 40% to 80% of pregnant women. There is emerging evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk modifying factor for many chronic diseases, including osteomalacia, rickets, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and cancer. Heightened susceptibility to these diseases may originate in early life during the development of tissue structure and function. It is suspected that biologic mechanisms can "memorize" the metabolic effects of early nutritional environment through fetal and neonatal imprinting. Inadequate vitamin D nutrition during perinatal life may establish a poor foundation that may produce long-term threats to human health. This review summarizes the risks of vitamin D deficiency for human health and provides the current vitamin D recommendations for mothers and their newborns.
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Taghizadeh M, Djazayery A, Salami M, Eshraghian MR, Zavareh SAT. Vitamin-D-Free Regimen Intensifies the Spatial Learning Deficit in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Neurosci 2011; 121:16-24. [DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2010.523132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Tolppanen AM, Williams D, Lawlor DA. The association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium with cognitive performance in adolescents: cross-sectional study using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2011; 25:67-74. [PMID: 21133971 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2010.01171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies in middle- and older-aged adults have shown positive associations between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cognitive function. Higher serum calcium levels have been associated with greater cognitive decline in older adults. There have been relatively few studies of the associations of 25(OH)D and calcium with cognitive function in adolescents. We investigated the cross sectional association between circulating levels of 25(OH)D and pH-normalised calcium with different domains of cognitive function (block design and digit span components from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-revised and reading and mathematics subtests of Wide-range Achievement Test-revised) in adolescents (age 12-16.9 years) of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with performance in all four cognitive tests (e.g. 1 standard deviation (SD) change in digit span score per 1SD in 25(OH)D was 0.10 [95% confidence interval 0.03, 0.16]), but the association was attenuated to the null after adjusting for ethnicity/race and language used in test (1SD change in digit span per 1SD in 25(OH)D after adjusting for self-reported race/ethnicity and language used in test was 0.01[-0.06, 0.09]). pH-normalised calcium levels were not associated with any of the cognitive domains and adjustment for serum calcium levels did not alter the association between 25(OH)D and cognitive function. Thus, we found no evidence that the serum levels of 25(OH)D or calcium were associated with cognitive function in adolescents. A positive association of 25(OH)D with cognitive function was completely explained by confounding due to race/ethnicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maija Tolppanen
- MRC Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Epidemiology, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency alters pup-retrieval but not isolation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations in the rat. Physiol Behav 2010; 102:201-4. [PMID: 21059363 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Evidence from animal experiments now demonstrates that prenatal vitamin D levels influence brain development. The aims of this study were to examine isolation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations and maternal-infant interactions using a pup-retrieval test in developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficient and control rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a vitamin D deficient diet or control diet six weeks prior to mating until birth and housed under UVB-free lighting conditions. In two separate experiments we recorded ultrasonic vocalizations at 46KHz in isolated pups and we performed a pup-retrieval test on the day of birth. There was no significant effect of maternal diet on the calling rate of isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations by pups. We found that DVD-deficient dams retrieved their pups sooner than control dams and engaged in more pup directed activities (sniffing and carrying pups) and had a longer latency for self-grooming and rearing than control dams. We also assessed vitamin D related measures from a terminal blood sample immediately after the pup-retrieval test and found that DVD-deficient dams and pups had significantly lower levels of 25 OH D₃, 1,25 (OH)₂D₃ and phosphate, elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) but there was no significant effect of maternal diet on calcium levels. We speculate that the altered maternal-pup interactions identified in the DVD model may impact on early periods of brain development and behaviour.
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Meyer U, Feldon J. Epidemiology-driven neurodevelopmental animal models of schizophrenia. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 90:285-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Fernandes de Abreu DA, Nivet E, Baril N, Khrestchatisky M, Roman F, Féron F. Developmental vitamin D deficiency alters learning in C57Bl/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2010; 208:603-8. [PMID: 20079764 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Revised: 01/06/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have highlighted a season of birth effect in multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia. As a result, low prenatal vitamin D has been proposed as a candidate risk factor for these brain diseases, with cognitive impairments. In order to further investigate the long-term consequences of a transient gestational hypovitaminosis D, we used a mouse developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency model. Female C57Bl/6J mice were fed a vitamin D-free diet for 6 weeks prior to conception and during gestation. At birth, dams and their offspring were fed a normal vitamin D-containing diet. The adult offspring underwent a learning test based on olfactory cues, at 30 weeks and 60 weeks of age. In addition, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volumes of cerebrum, hippocampus and lateral ventricles were measured at 30 weeks and 70 weeks of age. We found that DVD-deficient mice, when compared to control animals at Week 30, displayed impaired learning and smaller lateral ventricles. At Weeks 60-70, both groups deteriorated when compared to young mice and no significant difference was observed between groups. This study confirms that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency alters brain development and functioning and induces cognitive impairments in the young adult offspring.
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Developmental vitamin D deficiency causes abnormal brain development. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34 Suppl 1:S247-57. [PMID: 19500914 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
There is now clear evidence that vitamin D is involved in brain development. Our group is interested in environmental factors that shape brain development and how this may be relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia. The origins of schizophrenia are considered developmental. We hypothesised that developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency may be the plausible neurobiological explanation for several important epidemiological correlates of schizophrenia namely: (1) the excess winter/spring birth rate, (2) increased incidence of the disease in 2nd generation Afro-Caribbean migrants and (3) increased urban birth rate. Moreover we have published two pieces of direct epidemiological support for this hypothesis in patients. In order to establish the "Biological Plausibility" of this hypothesis we have developed an animal model to study the effect of DVD deficiency on brain development. We do this by removing vitamin D from the diet of female rats prior to breeding. At birth we return all dams to a vitamin D containing diet. Using this procedure we impose a transient, gestational vitamin D deficiency, while maintaining normal calcium levels throughout. The brains of offspring from DVD-deficient dams are characterised by (1) a mild distortion in brain shape, (2) increased lateral ventricle volumes, (3) reduced differentiation and (4) diminished expression of neurotrophic factors. As adults, the alterations in ventricular volume persist and alterations in brain gene and protein expression emerge. Adult DVD-deficient rats also display behavioural sensitivity to agents that induce psychosis (the NMDA antagonist MK-801) and have impairments in attentional processing. In this review we summarise the literature addressing the function of vitamin D on neuronal and non-neuronal cells as well as in vivo results from DVD-deficient animals. Our conclusions from these data are that vitamin D is a plausible biological risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders and that vitamin D acts as a neurosteroid with direct effects on brain development.
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Harvey L, Burne T, Cui X, Mackay-Sim A, Eyles D, McGrath J. Vitamin D and the Brain: A Neuropsychiatric Perspective. Clin Rev Bone Miner Metab 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s12018-009-9031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Lucas RM, Ponsonby AL, Pasco JA, Morley R. Future health implications of prenatal and early-life vitamin D status. Nutr Rev 2008; 66:710-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2008.00126.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disease syndrome with major public health implications. The primary advance in pharmacotherapeutics was in 1952 with the introduction of antipsychotic medications (ie, chlorpromazine, dopamine D2 antagonism). Barriers to progress have been substantial, but many will be subject to rapid change based on current knowledge. There are attractive psychopathology indications for drug discovery (eg, impaired cognition and negative symptoms), and drugs with efficacy in these domains may have application across a number of disease classes. These pathologies are observed prior to psychosis raising the possibility of very early intervention and secondary prevention. Success in drug discovery for cognition and negative symptom pathologies may bring forth issues in ethics as the potential for enhancing normal function is explored.
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McCann JC, Ames BN. Is there convincing biological or behavioral evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to brain dysfunction? FASEB J 2007; 22:982-1001. [PMID: 18056830 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-9326rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D insufficiency is common in the United States; the elderly and African-Americans are at particularly high risk of deficiency. This review, written for a broad scientific readership, presents a critical overview of scientific evidence relevant to a possible causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and adverse cognitive or behavioral effects. Topics discussed are 1) biological functions of vitamin D relevant to cognition and behavior; 2) studies in humans and rodents that directly examine effects of vitamin D inadequacy on cognition or behavior; and 3) immunomodulatory activity of vitamin D relative to the proinflammatory cytokine theory of cognitive/behavioral dysfunction. We conclude there is ample biological evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in brain development and function. However, direct effects of vitamin D inadequacy on cognition/behavior in human or rodent systems appear to be subtle, and in our opinion, the current experimental evidence base does not yet fully satisfy causal criteria. Possible explanations for the apparent inconsistency between results of biological and cognitive/behavioral experiments, as well as suggested areas for further research are discussed. Despite residual uncertainty, recommendations for vitamin D supplementation of at-risk groups, including nursing infants, the elderly, and African-Americans appear warranted to ensure adequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce C McCann
- Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
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O'Loan J, Eyles DW, Kesby J, Ko P, McGrath JJ, Burne THJ. Vitamin D deficiency during various stages of pregnancy in the rat; its impact on development and behaviour in adult offspring. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2007; 32:227-34. [PMID: 17276604 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 12/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency alters brain development and behaviour in the rat. The aim of this study was to vary levels of vitamin D deficiency during gestation and examine the effects on developmental milestones and behaviour in adult offspring. By manipulating the withdrawal and reintroduction of vitamin D in the diet of female Sprague-Dawley rats, their offspring were subjected to four different prenatal vitamin D conditions: (a) control (normal vitamin D throughout gestation); (b) early-DVD deficiency; (c) late-DVD deficiency; and (d) full-DVD deficiency. We show that the standard measure for vitamin D status, 25(OH)D(3), can be significantly manipulated within 7 days by dietary intervention. We also show that levels of the active form of this vitamin, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), replete within the same time frame as 25(OH)D(3) but are slower to deplete. Developmental milestones remained normal across all four dietary groups. Concerning the adult behavioural phenotype, both full- and late-DVD deficiency were associated with MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion. Overall, these data suggest that vitamin D deficiency restricted to late gestation only is sufficient to disrupt adult brain functioning in the rat. These findings suggest there may be a therapeutic window for maternal dietary intervention in the DVD model of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan O'Loan
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Qld. 4076, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone with multiple functions in the nervous system. We discuss clinical and experimental evidence of the role of vitamin D in normal and pathological brain functions, and analyze the relative importance of vitamin D-modulated brain mechanisms at different stages of life. We also outline perspectives for the use of vitamin D in clinical nutrition to prevent or treat various brain disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous brain dysfunctions are linked to vitamin D deficits and/or dysfunctions of its receptors. In both animals and humans, vitamin D serves as an important endogenous and/or exogenous regulator of neuroprotection, antiepileptic and anticalcification effects, neuro-immunomodulation, interplay with neurotransmitters and hormones, modulation of behaviors, brain ageing, and some other, less-explored, brain processes. SUMMARY Vitamin D emerges as an important neurosteroid hormone in the brain, with a strong potential for age-specific applications in clinical nutrition.
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