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Khan S, Naeem A, Fritts A, Cummins M, Kayes C, Fang W. Discovery of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Deficiency in Individuals With Common Psychiatric Comorbidities: A Retrospective Case Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e58122. [PMID: 38738141 PMCID: PMC11088868 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A retrospective analysis was conducted of a data set collected in an outpatient behavioral health clinic to assess medication metabolism and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and to see if there was a correlation with certain diagnoses and/or gender. METHOD The outpatient routine completed genetic testing on their patients and the test results were later collected through a third-party company, which completed the pharmacogenomic test analyzing genetic variations in DNA, medication metabolism, and an MTHFR deficiency. RESULTS This study reviewed 186 patients seen in an outpatient setting who were tested for an MTHFR deficiency and compared their psychiatric diagnoses and the number of failed medication attempts. Of those 186 patients, 77 had normal MTHFR enzyme function, 85 were found to have a moderate MTHFR deficiency, and 24 had a severe MTHFR deficiency. Those with a severe MTHFR deficiency had a higher number of medication trials as compared to those without the deficiency and there were overall more patients with a moderate MTHFR deficiency in this data set. CONCLUSION Currently, MTHFR deficiency is not commonly tested due to lack of insurance coverage and provider knowledge, and due to the cost of the test itself. Thus, the diagnosis can often be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Khan
- Behavioral Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, USA
| | - Abeera Naeem
- Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, USA
| | - Alexia Fritts
- Behavioral Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, USA
| | - Melissa Cummins
- Behavioral Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, USA
| | - Caroline Kayes
- Behavioral Health, West Virginia University (WVU) Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, USA
| | - Wei Fang
- Statistics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA
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Zhou L, Jiang P, Zhao L, Fei X, Tang Y, Luo Y, Gong H, Wang X, Li X, Li S, Zhang C, Yang H, Fan X. Ligustilide inhibits Purkinje cell ferritinophagy via the ULK1/NCOA4 pathway to attenuate valproic acid-induced autistic features. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155443. [PMID: 38394737 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which social impairment is the core symptom. Presently, there are no definitive medications to cure core symptoms of ASD, and most therapeutic strategies ameliorate ASD symptoms. Treatments with proven efficacy in autism are imminent. Ligustilide (LIG), an herbal monomer extracted from Angelica Sinensis and Chuanxiong, is mainly distributed in the cerebellum and widely used in treating neurological disorders. However, there are no studies on its effect on autistic-like phenotypes and its mechanism of action. PURPOSE Investigate the efficacy and mechanism of LIG in treating ASD using two Valproic acid(VPA)-exposed and BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse models of autism. METHODS VPA-exposed mice and BTBR mice were given LIG for treatment, and its effect on autistic-like phenotype was detected by behavioral experiments, which included a three-chamber social test. Subsequently, RNA-Sequence(RNA-Seq) of the cerebellum was performed to observe the biological changes to search target pathways. The autophagy and ferroptosis pathways screened were verified by WB(Western Blot) assay, and the cerebellum was stained by immunofluorescence and examined by electron microscopy. To further explore the therapeutic mechanism, ULK1 agonist BL-918 was used to block the therapeutic effect of LIG to verify its target effect. RESULTS Our work demonstrates that LIG administration from P12-P14 improved autism-related behaviors and motor dysfunction in VPA-exposed mice. Similarly, BTBR mice showed the same improvement. RNA-Seq data identified ULK1 as the target of LIG in regulating ferritinophagy in the cerebellum of VPA-exposed mice, as evidenced by activated autophagy, increased ferritin degradation, iron overload, and lipid peroxidation. We found that VPA exposure-induced ferritinophagy occurred in the Purkinje cells, with enhanced NCOA4 and Lc3B expressions. Notably, the therapeutic effect of LIG disappeared when ULK1 was activated. CONCLUSION LIG treatment inhibits ferritinophagy in Purkinje cells via the ULK1/NCOA4-dependent pathway. Our study reveals for the first time that LIG treatment ameliorates autism symptoms in VPA-exposed mice by reducing aberrant Purkinje ferritinophagy. At the same time, our study complements the pathogenic mechanisms of autism and introduces new possibilities for its therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyu Zhou
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Peiyan Jiang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Linyang Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xinghang Fei
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yexi Tang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaqing Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shigatse, 857000, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Liu SX, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Gewirtz JC, Georgieff MK, Tran PV. Chromatin accessibility and H3K9me3 landscapes reveal long-term epigenetic effects of fetal-neonatal iron deficiency in rat hippocampus. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:301. [PMID: 38515015 PMCID: PMC10956188 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency (ID) during the fetal-neonatal period results in long-term neurodevelopmental impairments associated with pervasive hippocampal gene dysregulation. Prenatal choline supplementation partially normalizes these effects, suggesting an interaction between iron and choline in hippocampal transcriptome regulation. To understand the regulatory mechanisms, we investigated epigenetic marks of genes with altered chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) or poised to be repressed (H3K9me3 ChIP-seq) in iron-repleted adult rats having experienced fetal-neonatal ID exposure with or without prenatal choline supplementation. RESULTS Fetal-neonatal ID was induced by limiting maternal iron intake from gestational day (G) 2 through postnatal day (P) 7. Half of the pregnant dams were given supplemental choline (5.0 g/kg) from G11-18. This resulted in 4 groups at P65 (Iron-sufficient [IS], Formerly Iron-deficient [FID], IS with choline [ISch], and FID with choline [FIDch]). Hippocampi were collected from P65 iron-repleted male offspring and analyzed for chromatin accessibility and H3K9me3 enrichment. 22% and 24% of differentially transcribed genes in FID- and FIDch-groups, respectively, exhibited significant differences in chromatin accessibility, whereas 1.7% and 13% exhibited significant differences in H3K9me3 enrichment. These changes mapped onto gene networks regulating synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and reward circuits. Motif analysis of differentially modified genomic sites revealed significantly stronger choline effects than early-life ID and identified multiple epigenetically modified transcription factor binding sites. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals genome-wide, stable epigenetic changes and epigenetically modifiable gene networks associated with specific chromatin marks in the hippocampus, and lays a foundation to further elucidate iron-dependent epigenetic mechanisms that underlie the long-term effects of fetal-neonatal ID, choline, and their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle X Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | | | - Li Shen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gewirtz
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Michael K Georgieff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Phu V Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Zhang F, Guo L, Shi J, Jiang H, Zhou F, Zhou Y, Lv B, Xu M. Choline metabolism in regulating inflammatory bowel disease-linked anxiety disorders: A multi-omics exploration of the gut-brain axis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 191:106390. [PMID: 38145852 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety and depression caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) negatively affect the mental health of patients. Emerging studies have demonstrated that the gut-brain axis (GBA) mediates IBD-induced mood disorders, but the underlying mechanisms of these findings remain unknown. Therefore, it's vital to conduct comprehensive research on the GBA in IBD. Multi-omics studies can provide an understanding of the pathological mechanisms of the GBA in the development of IBD, helping to uncover the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of the disease. Thus, we analyzed the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-induced IBD mice using transcriptomics and metabolomics. We observed increased mRNA related to acetylcholine synthesis and secretion, along with decreased phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels in the PFC of DSS group compared to the control group. Fecal metagenomics also revealed abnormalities in the microbiome and lipid metabolism in the DSS group. Since both acetylcholine and PC are choline metabolites, we posited that the DSS group may experience choline deficiency and choline metabolism disorders. Subsequently, when we supplemented CDP-choline, IBD mice exhibited improvements, including decreased anxiety-like behaviors, reduced PC degradation, and increased acetylcholine synthesis in the PFC. In addition, administration of CDP-choline can restore imbalances in the gut microbiome and disruptions in lipid metabolism caused by DSS treatment. This study provides compelling evidence to suggest that choline metabolism plays a crucial role in the development and treatment of mood disorders in IBD. Choline and its metabolites appear to have a significant role in maintaining the stability of the GBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Lingnan Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Feini Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yanlin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Bin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Maosheng Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310006, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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Obeid R, Karlsson T. Choline - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Food Nutr Res 2023; 67:10359. [PMID: 38187796 PMCID: PMC10770654 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Choline is an essential nutrient with metabolic roles as a methyl donor in one carbon metabolism and as a precursor for membrane phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline content is particularly high in liver, eggs, and wheat germ, although it is present in a variety of foods. The main dietary sources of choline in the Nordic and Baltic countries are meat, dairy, eggs, and grain. A diet that is devoid of choline causes liver and muscle dysfunction within 3 weeks. Choline requirements are higher during pregnancy and lactation than in non-pregnant women. Although no randomized controlled trials are available, observational studies in human, supported by coherence from interventional studies with neurodevelopmental outcomes and experimental studies in animals, strongly suggest that sufficient intake of choline during pregnancy is necessary for normal brain development and function in the child. Observational studies suggested that adequate intake of choline could have positive effects on cognitive function in older people. However, prospective data are lacking, and no intervention studies are available in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Therese Karlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Peng X, Zhu Y, Wang T, Wang S, Sun J. Integrative analysis links autophagy to intrauterine adhesion and establishes autophagy-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:8275-8297. [PMID: 37616056 PMCID: PMC10497020 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a troublesome complication characterized with endometrial fibrosis after endometrial trauma. Increasing number of investigations focused on autophagy and non-coding RNA in the pathogenesis of uterine adhesion, but the underlying mechanism needs to be further studied. METHODS mRNA expression profile and miRNA expression profile were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The autophagy related genes were low. Venn diagram was used to set the intersection of autophagy genes and DEGs to obtain ARDEGs. Circbank was used to select hub autophagy-related circRNAs based on ARDEMs. Then, the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes, miRNAs and circRNAs were analyzed by functional enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis. Finally, the expression levels of hub circRNAs and hub miRNAs were validated through RT-PCR of clinical intrauterine adhesion samples. In vitro experiments were investigated to explore the effect of hub ARCs on cell autophagy, myofibroblast transformation and collagen deposition. RESULTS 11 autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (ARDEGs) and 41 differentially expressed miRNA (ARDEMs) compared between normal tissues and IUA were identified. Subsequently, the autophagy-related miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and hub ARDEMs were selected. Furthermore, the autophagy-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established. According to the ranking of number of regulated ARDEMs, hsa-circ-0047959, hsa-circ-0032438, hsa-circ-0047301 were regarded as the hub ARCs. In comparison of normal endometrial tissue, all three hub ARCs were upregulated in IUA tissue. All hub ARDEMs were downregulated except has-miR-320c. CONCLUSIONS In the current study, we firstly constructed autophagy-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identified hub ARCs and ARDEMs had not been reported in IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yiping Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Sadigurschi N, Scrift G, Hirrlinger J, Golan HM. Genetic impairment of folate metabolism regulates cortical interneurons and social behavior. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1203262. [PMID: 37449270 PMCID: PMC10338116 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The implications of folate deficiency in neuropsychiatric disorders were demonstrated in numerous studies. Genetic deficiency in a key folate metabolism enzyme, MTHFR, is an example of the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors: the maternal MTHFR deficiency governs in-utero nutrient availability, and the embryo's Mthfr genotype influences its ability to metabolize folates. Here, we explore how the maternal and offspring Mthfr genotypes affect cortical interneuron densities and distributions, mouse social outcome, and the relation of the different interneuron patterns to cortical excitability. Methods Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of maternal and offspring Mthfr-KO heterozygosity. Mice were tested for direct social interactions (DSIs), repetitive behavior and cortical laminar distribution of interneuron populations expressing glutamate-decarboxylase-65, parvalbumin and somatostatin. Susceptibility to seizure was tested by exposure to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Results Maternal Mthfr+/- genotype was associated with suppressed social activities and reduced interneuron densities in all layers of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Somatostatin density and the somatostatin/parvalbumin ratio in the RSC and frontal cortex positively correlated with social behavior in the mice. An interaction between maternal and offspring Mthfr genotypes resulted in higher susceptibility of wild-type offspring to PTZ induced seizure. Discussion Maternal folate metabolism was shown to be critical to interneuron ontogenesis. Our results demonstrate that interneurons have a specific susceptibility to folate deficiency that may mediate folate's involvement in neuropsychiatric disease. The relations between cortical somatostatin interneuron patterns and social behavior highlight this subpopulation of interneurons as a target for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Sadigurschi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gilad Scrift
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hava M. Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Derbyshire E, Maes M. The Role of Choline in Neurodevelopmental Disorders-A Narrative Review Focusing on ASC, ADHD and Dyslexia. Nutrients 2023; 15:2876. [PMID: 37447203 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132876] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders appear to be rising in prevalence, according to the recent Global Burden of Disease Study. This rise is likely to be multi-factorial, but the role of certain nutrients known to facilitate neurodevelopment should be considered. One possible contributing factor could be attributed to deficits in choline intake, particularly during key stages of neurodevelopment, which includes the first 1000 days of life and childhood. Choline, a key micronutrient, is crucial for optimal neurodevelopment and brain functioning of offspring. The present narrative review discusses the main research, describing the effect of choline in neurodevelopmental disorders, to better understand its role in the etiology and management of these disorders. In terms of findings, low choline intakes and reduced or altered choline status have been reported in relevant population subgroups: pregnancy (in utero), children with autism spectrum disorders, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and those with dyslexia. In conclusion, an optimal choline provision may offer some neuronal protection in early life and help to mitigate some cognitive effects in later life attributed to neurodevelopmental conditions. Research indicates that choline may act as a modifiable risk factor for certain neurodevelopmental conditions. Ongoing research is needed to unravel the mechanisms and explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 4002, Thailand
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 10330 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Yin B, Li H, Zhao P, Zhao Y, Zheng R, Feng P, Xu C, Li E, Li L. GM1 Reduced the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Suppressing α-Syn Through Activating Autophagy. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:287-296. [PMID: 37084025 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot be cured. The ASD rat model was developed in this study to demonstrate the role and mechanism of ganglioside GM1 (GM1). Rats were given valproic acid (VPA) to create the ASD rat model. The rats' behaviors were assessed using the Y-maze test, open-field test, three-chamber social interaction test, and Morris water maze test. Relative levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantitated using relative kits. Nissl, TUNEL, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemistry staining techniques were used. GM1 treatment improved the ASD model rats' behavior disorders, including locomotor activity and exploratory behavior, social interaction, learning and memory capacity, and repetitive behavior. Following GM1 injection, striatal neurons grew and apoptosis decreased. GM1 reduced the excessively elevated α-Syn in ASD by encouraging autophagy. The behavior disorder of ASD model rats was exacerbated by autophagy inhibition, which also increased α-Syn levels. By increasing autophagy, GM1 reduced α-Syn levels and, ultimately, improved behavioral abnormalities in ASD model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Yin
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglei Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengju Zhao
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Zhao
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijuan Zheng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengya Feng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuixiang Xu
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liguo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhengzhou Health Vocational College, No. 69 Jingxiang Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China.
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Sener EF, Dana H, Tahtasakal R, Hamurcu Z, Taheri S, Delibasi N, Mehmetbeyoglu E, Sukranli ZY, Dal F, Tufan E, Oflamaz AO, Doganyigit Z, Ozkul Y, Rassoulzadegan M. Heterozygous Cc2d1a mice show sex-dependent changes in the Beclin-1/p62 ratio with impaired prefrontal cortex and hippocampal autophagy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110764. [PMID: 37059290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive behaviors, lack of social interaction and communication. CC2D1A is identified in patients as an autism risk gene. Recently, we suggested that heterozygous Cc2d1a mice exhibit impaired autophagy in the hippocampus. We now report the analysis of autophagy markers (Lc3, Beclin and p62) in different regions hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus and cerebellum, with an overall decrease in autophagy and changes in Beclin-1/p62 ratio in the hippocampus. We observed sex-dependent variations in transcripts and protein expression levels. Moreover, our analyses suggest that alterations in autophagy initiated in Cc2d1a heterozygous parents are variably transmitted to offspring, even when the offspring's genotype is wild type. Aberration in the autophagy mechanism may indirectly contribute to induce synapse alteration in the ASD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Funda Sener
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Halime Dana
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Tahtasakal
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Serpil Taheri
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nesrin Delibasi
- Cappodoccia University, Cappadocia Vocational School Medical Laboratory Techniques Programme, Nevsehir, Turkey; Cardiff University, School of Medicine Department of Hematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Ecmel Mehmetbeyoglu
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Yilmaz Sukranli
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fatma Dal
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Esra Tufan
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Asli Okan Oflamaz
- Bozok University, Medical Faculty Department of Histology and Embryology, 66100 Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Doganyigit
- Bozok University, Medical Faculty Department of Histology and Embryology, 66100 Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozkul
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Genetics, Kayseri, Turkey; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Minoo Rassoulzadegan
- Erciyes University, Medical Faculty Department of Medical Biology, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; Université Cote d'Azur (UCA), INSERM-CNRS, IRCAN, 06107 Nice, France; Erciyes University, Genome and Stem Cell Center (GENKOK), 38039 Kayseri, Turkey.
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11
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Khan S, Naeem A. MTHFR Deficiency in Biological Siblings Diagnosed With Autism and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Report of Two Cases. Cureus 2023; 15:e36294. [PMID: 37073207 PMCID: PMC10106103 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is a critical enzyme that has been associated with several complex psychiatric mental health illnesses. The enzyme can be detected by bloodwork or a cheek swab and, once identified as lacking in individuals, can be treated by over-the-counter supplementation with folate. Due to a provider's limited information and/or the cost to cover the test, the deficiency is not regularly tested for, and, therefore, is missed and not treated. There are very limited studies that demonstrate the benefits of supplements in conjunction with psychotropic medications. This study discusses the case of two biological siblings diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, who presented with this unique deficiency and had improvement of symptoms once starting the supplement with their traditional psychopharmacological treatment.
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12
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Engelhart K, Pfitzner I, Obeid R. An exploratory study on the effect of choline and folate deficiency on levels of vascularization proteins and transcription factors in first trimester trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1114-1120. [PMID: 36642422 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15555] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We studied the effect of choline and folate deficiencies on levels of predetermined placental proteins during early development. METHODS We incubated HTR-8/SVneo cells under choline and folate deficiency conditions and measured levels of some placental proteins using ELISA methods. RESULTS Concentrations of LRP2 protein in cell lysates were higher in cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media compared to the control media (mean [SD] = 2.95 [1.30] vs. 1.65 [0.27] ng/mg protein, p = 0.004). The levels of LRP2 protein in lysates of cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media were significantly higher than the concentrations in lysates of cells incubated in choline deficient but folate sufficient media (1.96 [0.28] ng/mg protein) or those incubated in choline sufficient but folate deficient media (1.77 [0.24] ng/mg protein) (p < 0.05 for both). The cellular levels of CDX2 protein were significantly higher in cells incubated in choline and folate deficient media compared to the control media (1.78 [0.60] vs. 0.99 [0.42] pg/mg protein, p = 0.002); and compared to CDX2 levels in cells incubated in choline deficient but folate sufficient media (0.87 [0.13] pg/mg protein, p < 0.001) or in choline sufficient but folate deficient media (0.96 [0.16] pg/mg protein, p < 0.001). The levels of sFLT-1 and IGF1 in culture media and that of EOMES in HTR-8/SVneo cell lysates remained unchanged under all deficiency conditions. DISCUSSION LRP2 and CDX2 are likely to be molecular targets for early choline and folate deficiencies in human trophoblast cells. The results should be confirmed in animal models and in other models of placental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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13
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Morozova MV, Borisova MA, Snytnikova OA, Achasova KM, Litvinova EA, Tsentalovich YP, Kozhevnikova EN. Colitis-associated intestinal microbiota regulates brain glycine and host behavior in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16345. [PMID: 36175462 PMCID: PMC9522854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19219-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with complex etiology and no strategies for complete cure. IBD are often complicated by mental disorders like anxiety and depression, indicating substantial shifts in the microbiota gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms connecting IBD to mental diseases are still under debate. Here we use Muc2 knockout mouse model of chronic colitis to uncouple the effects of the intestinal microbiota on host behavior from chronic inflammation in the gut. Muc2 knockout male mice exhibit high exploratory activity, reduced anxiety-related behaviors, impaired sensorimotor gating, and altered social preference towards males and females. Microbial transfer to wild-type mice via littermate co-housing shows that colitis-associated microbiota rather than inflammation per se defines behavioral features in Muc2 colitis model. Metagenomic profiling and combination of antibiotic treatments revealed that bacterial species Akkermansia muciniphila is associated with the behavioral phenotype in mutants, and that its intestinal abundance correlates with social preference towards males. Metabolomic analysis together with pharmacological inhibition of Gly and NMDA receptors helped us to determine that brain glycine is responsible for the behavioral phenotype in Muc2 mice. Blood and brain metabolic profiles suggest that microbiota-dependent changes in choline metabolism might be involved in regulation of central glycine neurotransmission. Taken together, our data demonstrates that colitis-associated microbiota controls anxiety, sensorimotor gating and social behavior via metabolic regulation of the brain glycinergic system, providing new venues to combat neurological complications of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryana V Morozova
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russian Federation
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Mariya A Borisova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Olga A Snytnikova
- International Tomography Center SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Kseniya M Achasova
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russian Federation
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina A Litvinova
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russian Federation
- Center of Technological Excellence, Novosibirsk State Technical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | | | - Elena N Kozhevnikova
- Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russian Federation.
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
- Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
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14
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Jennings L, Basiri R. Amino Acids, B Vitamins, and Choline May Independently and Collaboratively Influence the Incidence and Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142896. [PMID: 35889852 PMCID: PMC9318435 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder of variable severity, characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. In 2018, the incidence of ASD was 2.4 times higher than estimated in 2000. Behavior and brain development abnormalities are present in the complex disorder of ASD. Nutritional status plays a key role in the incidence and severity of the core symptoms of ASD. The aim of this study was to review the available peer-reviewed studies that evaluated the relationship between amino acids, choline, B vitamins, and ASD incidence and/or severity of symptoms. Through examining plasma profiles, urine samples, and dietary intake, researchers found that low choline, abnormal amino acid, and low B vitamin levels were present in children with ASD compared to those without ASD. The evidence supports the need for future research that implements simultaneous supplementation of all essential nutrients in individuals with ASD and among prenatal mothers. Future evidence could lead to scientific breakthroughs, ultimately reducing the rates of ASD incidence and severity of symptoms by applying nutritional interventions in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Jennings
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
| | - Raedeh Basiri
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA;
- Institute for Biohealth Innovation, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Ephraim E, Brockman JA, Jewell DE. A Diet Supplemented with Polyphenols, Prebiotics and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Modulates the Intestinal Microbiota and Improves the Profile of Metabolites Linked with Anxiety in Dogs. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070976. [PMID: 36101356 PMCID: PMC9312346 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary This study used a nutrition-based approach to examine the effects of foods supplemented with fish oil and a polyphenol blend (citrus pulp, carrot, and spinach) with or without added tomato pomace on anxiety-related biomarkers in dogs. First, all dogs consumed the same initial food, then either the control or test (with tomato pomace) foods, then the washout food, then switched over to the test or control foods, each for 30-day periods. Many more changes in plasma and fecal metabolites were observed when comparing the washout food with the control or test foods than when the control and test foods were compared. Plasma levels of several metabolites that were previously associated with anxiety disorders, including 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, were decreased with the control or test foods compared with the washout food. In addition, bacterial genera that are decreased in the feces of those with anxiety-like disorders were increased following the consumption of the control or test foods. Overall, these data indicate that foods supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and selected fiber and polyphenol sources lead to beneficial changes in anxiety-related metabolites and gut bacteria. Abstract A nutrition-based approach was utilized to examine the effects of fish oil and a polyphenol blend (with or without tomato pomace) on the fecal microbiota and plasma/fecal metabolomes. Forty dogs, aged 5–14 years, were fed a washout food, then randomized to consume a control (fish oil and polyphenol blend without tomato pomace) or test (fish oil and polyphenol blend with tomato pomace) food, then the washout food, and crossed over to consume the test or control food; each for 30 days. Several metabolites differed when comparing consumption of the washout with either the control or test foods, but few changed significantly between the test and control foods. Plasma levels of 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS), a metabolite associated with anxiety disorders, demonstrated the largest decrease between the washout food and the control/test foods. Plasma 4-EPS levels were also significantly lower after dogs ate the test food compared with the control food. Other plasma metabolites linked with anxiety disorders were decreased following consumption of the control/test foods. Significant increases in Blautia, Parabacteroides, and Odoribacter in the fecal microbiota correlated with decreases in 4-EPS when dogs ate the control/test foods. These data indicate that foods supplemented with polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can modulate the gut microbiota to improve the profile of anxiety-linked metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden Ephraim
- Pet Nutrition Center, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Topeka, KS 66617, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Dennis E. Jewell
- Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA;
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16
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Tian J, Gao X, Yang L. Repetitive Restricted Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Mechanism to Development of Therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:780407. [PMID: 35310097 PMCID: PMC8924045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.780407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive restricted behaviors (RRBs). It is usually detected in early childhood. RRBs are behavioral patterns characterized by repetition, inflexibility, invariance, inappropriateness, and frequent lack of obvious function or specific purpose. To date, the classification of RRBs is contentious. Understanding the potential mechanisms of RRBs in children with ASD, such as neural connectivity disorders and abnormal immune functions, will contribute to finding new therapeutic targets. Although behavioral intervention remains the most effective and safe strategy for RRBs treatment, some promising drugs and new treatment options (e.g., supplementary and cell therapy) have shown positive effects on RRBs in recent studies. In this review, we summarize the latest advances of RRBs from mechanistic to therapeutic approaches and propose potential future directions in research on RRBs.
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17
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Shekel I, Giladi S, Raykin E, Weiner M, Chalifa-Caspi V, Lederman D, Kofman O, Golan HM. Isolation-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalization in Environmental and Genetic Mice Models of Autism. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:769670. [PMID: 34880723 PMCID: PMC8645772 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.769670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in rodent models suggest that calls emitted by isolated pups serve as an early behavioral manifestation of communication deficits and autistic like behavior. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Mthfr-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference and restricted or repetitive behavior. To extend these studies, we examine how pup communication via ultrasonic vocalizations is altered in these ASD models. We implemented an unsupervised hierarchical clustering method based on the spectral properties of the syllables in order to exploit syllable classification to homogeneous categories while avoiding over-categorization. Comparative exploration of the spectral and temporal aspects of syllables emitted by pups in two ASD models point to the following: (1) Most clusters showed a significant effect of the ASD factor on the start and end frequencies and bandwidth and (2) The highest percent change due to the ASD factor was on the bandwidth and duration. In addition, we found sex differences in the spectral and temporal properties of the calls in both control groups as well as an interaction between sex and the gene/environment factor. Considering the basal differences in the characteristics of syllables emitted by pups of the C57Bl/6 and Balb/c strains used as a background in the two models, we suggest that the above spectral-temporal parameters start frequency, bandwidth, and duration are the most sensitive USV features that may represent developmental changes in ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Shekel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaked Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Eynav Raykin
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - May Weiner
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Vered Chalifa-Caspi
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Dror Lederman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,National Center for Autism Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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18
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Bekdash RA. Early Life Nutrition and Mental Health: The Role of DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093111. [PMID: 34578987 PMCID: PMC8469584 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Does the quality of our diet during early life impact our long-term mental health? Accumulating evidence suggests that nutrition interacts with our genes and that there is a strong association between the quality of diet and mental health throughout life. Environmental influences such as maternal diet during pregnancy or offspring diet have been shown to cause epigenetic changes during critical periods of development, such as chemical modifications of DNA or histones by methylation for the regulation of gene expression. One-carbon metabolism, which consists of the folate and methionine cycles, is influenced by the diet and generates S-Adenosylmethinoine (SAM), the main methyl donor for methylation reactions such as DNA and histone methylation. This review provides current knowledge on how the levels of one-carbon metabolism associated micronutrients such as choline, betaine, folate, methionine and B vitamins that play a role in brain function can impact our well-being and mental health across the lifespan. Micronutrients that act as methyl donors for SAM formation could affect global or gene methylation, altering gene expression and phenotype. Strategies should then be adopted to better understand how these nutrients work and their impact at different stages of development to provide individualized dietary recommendations for better mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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19
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Li CX, Liu YG, Che YP, Ou JL, Ruan WC, Yu YL, Li HF. Association Between MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis in Chinese Han Population. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:598805. [PMID: 33777860 PMCID: PMC7987783 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.598805] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies have examined the influence of MTHFR C677T on autism susceptibility, however, there are no consensus conclusions and specific analyses of a Chinese population. This meta-analysis included a false-positive report probability (FPRP) test to comprehensively evaluate the association of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with autism susceptibility among a Chinese Han population. A large-scale literature retrieval was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Embase, Wan Fang, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to July 31, 2020, with a total of 2,258 cases and 2,073 controls included. The strength of correlation was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MTHFR C677T showed a significant correlation with increased ASD susceptibility under all genetic models (T vs. C, OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.79; TT vs. CC: OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.15; CT vs. CC, OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.51; CT + TT vs. CC: OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.15; TT vs. CT + CC, OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.13). Stratification analysis by region also revealed a consistent association in the Northern Han subgroup, but not in the Southern Han subgroup. Pooled minor allele frequency (MAF) of 30 studies were 45% in Northern Han and 39% in Southern Han. To avoid a possible "false positive report," we further investigated the significant associations observed in the present meta-analysis using the FPRP test, which consolidated the results. In conclusion, MTHFR C677T polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of autism in China, especially in Northern Han. For those mothers and children who are generally susceptible to autism, prenatal folate and vitamin B12 may reduce the risk that children suffer from autism, especially in Northern Han populations. In the future, more well-designed studies with a larger sample size are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Xi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Guang Liu
- Department of Linguistics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Ping Che
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Lin Ou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Cong Ruan
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Lin Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Feng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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