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Soumier A, Lio G, Demily C. Current and future applications of light-sheet imaging for identifying molecular and developmental processes in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02487-8. [PMID: 38443634 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is identified by a set of neurodevelopmental divergences that typically affect the social communication domain. ASD is also characterized by heterogeneous cognitive impairments and is associated with cooccurring physical and medical conditions. As behaviors emerge as the brain matures, it is particularly essential to identify any gaps in neurodevelopmental trajectories during early perinatal life. Here, we introduce the potential of light-sheet imaging for studying developmental biology and cross-scale interactions among genetic, cellular, molecular and macroscale levels of circuitry and connectivity. We first report the core principles of light-sheet imaging and the recent progress in studying brain development in preclinical animal models and human organoids. We also present studies using light-sheet imaging to understand the development and function of other organs, such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract. We also provide information on the potential of light-sheet imaging in preclinical drug development. Finally, we speculate on the translational benefits of light-sheet imaging for studying individual brain-body interactions in advancing ASD research and creating personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Soumier
- Le Vinatier Hospital Center, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France.
- iMIND, Center of Excellence for Autism, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France.
- Institute of Cognitive Science Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France.
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne cedex, France.
| | - Guillaume Lio
- Le Vinatier Hospital Center, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
- iMIND, Center of Excellence for Autism, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
- Institute of Cognitive Science Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
| | - Caroline Demily
- Le Vinatier Hospital Center, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
- iMIND, Center of Excellence for Autism, 95 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
- Institute of Cognitive Science Marc Jeannerod, CNRS, UMR 5229, 67 boulevard Pinel, 69675, Bron cedex, France
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne cedex, France
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2
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Veronese S, Zoccante L, Smania N, Sbarbati A. Stretch marks: a visible expression of connective's involvement in autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1155854. [PMID: 37448494 PMCID: PMC10338011 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1155854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the pediatric population, skin manifestations are generally attributable to the concomitance of allergic forms or to accidental, self-inflicted or abusive lesions. However, clinical evidence has highlighted the presence of an increasing number of abdominal stretch marks, probably caused by the increase in the number of obesity cases in the pediatric population, in general, and therefore also among children with ASD. Stretch marks are often attributed to obesity, as they have an incidence of more than 50% in obese individuals. In the first part of this article we hypothesized that in addition to obesity there are other factors, such as a structural alteration on the skin in people with ASD, which can contribute/aggravate the phenomenon of stretch marks. Despite the high frequency with which stretch marks are found in children with ASD, this aspect has never been studied, the structure of the skin of children with ASD is not known. Furthermore, it is not known whether this structure is different from that of subjects without ASD. In the second part of the article, we hypothesized the mechanisms of the negative impact of simple abdominal stretch marks on the symptomatic picture of children with ASD. The presence of stretch marks, altered tactile perception, altered sensitivity to clothing fabrics can be a combination that influences development and determines negative consequences in the neurological picture of a child with ASD, as it is already known that the altered sensory perception in children with ASD contributes to the deterioration of social behavior. Furthermore, the presence of stretch marks may play a role in the postural and motor defects of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Veronese
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Leonardo Zoccante
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Smania
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Sbarbati
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine, and Movement Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Myers AK, Talbot CF, Del Rosso LA, Maness AC, Simmons SMV, Garner JP, Capitanio JP, Parker KJ. Assessment of medical morbidities in a rhesus monkey model of naturally occurring low sociality. Autism Res 2021; 14:1332-1346. [PMID: 33847078 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a variety of medical morbidities at significantly higher rates than the general population. Using an established monkey model of naturally occurring low sociality, we investigated whether low-social monkeys show an increased burden of medical morbidities compared to their high-social counterparts. We systematically reviewed the medical records of N = 152 (n = 73 low-social; n = 79 high-social) rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to assess the number of traumatic injury, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory events, as well as the presence of rare medical conditions. Subjects' nonsocial scores, determined by the frequency they were observed in a nonsocial state (i.e., alone), and macaque Social Responsiveness Scale-Revised (mSRS-R) scores were also used to test whether individual differences in social functioning were related to medical morbidity burden. Medical morbidity type significantly differed by group, such that low-social monkeys incurred higher rates of traumatic injury compared to high-social monkeys. Nonsocial scores and mSRS-R scores also significantly and positively predicted traumatic injury rates, indicating that monkeys with the greatest social impairment were most impacted on this health measure. These findings from low-social monkeys are consistent with well-documented evidence that people with ASD incur a greater number of traumatic injuries and receive more peer bullying than their neurotypical peers, and add to growing evidence for the face validity of this primate model. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism exhibit multiple medical problems at higher rates than the general population. We conducted a comprehensive medical record review of monkeys that naturally exhibit differences in sociality and found that low-social monkeys are more susceptible to traumatic injuries than high-social monkeys. These results are consistent with reports that people with autism also incur greater traumatic injury and peer bullying and add to growing evidence for the validity of this monkey model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam K Myers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Catherine F Talbot
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Laura A Del Rosso
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alyssa C Maness
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sierra M V Simmons
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Zoccante L, Ciceri ML, Gozzi LA, Gennaro GD, Zerman N. The "Connectivome Theory": A New Model to Understand Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:794516. [PMID: 35250650 PMCID: PMC8892379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.794516] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical approach to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is often limited to considering their neuro-functional aspects. However, recent scientific literature has shown that ASDs also affect many body systems and apparatuses such as the immune system, the sensory-motor system, and the gut-brain axis. The connective tissue, a common thread linking all these structures, may have a pathogenetic role in the multisystem involvement of ASD. Depending on its different anatomical sites, the connective tissue performs functions of connection and support; furthermore, it acts as a barrier between the external and internal environments, regulating the interchange between the two and performing immunological surveillance. The connective tissue shares a close relationship with the central nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and the immune system. Alterations in brain connectivity are common to various developmental disorders, including ASD, and for this reason here we put forward the hypothesis that alterations in the physiological activity of microglia could be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Also, muscle hypotonia is likely to clinically correlate with an altered sensoriality and, in fact, discomfort or early muscle fatigue are often reported in ASDs. Furthermore, patients with ASD often suffer from intestinal dysfunctions, malabsorption and leaky gut syndrome, all phenomena that may be linked to reduced intestinal connectivity. In addition, at the cutaneous and subcutaneous levels, ASDs show a greater predisposition to inflammatory events due to the lack of adequate release of anti-inflammatory mediators. Alveolar-capillary dysfunctions have also been observed in ASD, most frequently interstitial inflammations, immune-mediated forms of allergic asthma, and bronchial hyper-reactivity. Therefore, in autism, altered connectivity can result in phenomena of altered sensitivity to environmental stimuli. The following interpretative model, that we define as the "connectivome theory," considers the alterations in connective elements of common mesodermal origin located in the various organs and apparatuses and entails the evaluation and interpretation of ASDs through also highlighting somatic elements. We believe that this broader approach could be helpful for a more accurate analysis, as it is able to enrich clinical evaluation and define more multidisciplinary and personalized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Zoccante
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Luigi Ciceri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Alberto Gozzi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal-Child Integrated Care Department, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy.,Autism Spectrum Disorders Regional Centre of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Gennaro
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, Integrated University Hospital Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Zerman
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Steenfeldt-Kristensen C, Jones CA, Richards C. The Prevalence of Self-injurious Behaviour in Autism: A Meta-analytic Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3857-3873. [PMID: 32297123 PMCID: PMC7557528 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Self-injurious behaviour is purportedly common in autism, but prevalence rates have not yet been synthesised meta-analytically. In the present study, data from 14,379 participants in thirty-seven papers were analysed to generate a pooled prevalence estimate of self-injury in autism of 42% (confidence intervals 0.38-0.47). Hand-hitting topography was the most common form of self-injury (23%), self-cutting topography the least common (3%). Sub-group analyses revealed no association between study quality, participant intellectual disability or age and overall prevalence rate of self-injury. However, females obtained higher prevalence rates than males (p = .013) and hair pulling and self-scratching were associated with intellectual disability (p = .008 and p = .002, respectively). The results confirm very high rates of self-injury in autism and highlight within group risk-markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Steenfeldt-Kristensen
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Children's Neurodevelopmental Service, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, City of Coventry Health Centre, Paybody Building, 2 Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry, CV1 4FS, UK
| | - Chris A Jones
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Celia T, Freysteinson W, Fredland N, Bowyer P. Battle weary/battle ready: A phenomenological study of parents' lived experiences caring for children with autism and their safety concerns. J Adv Nurs 2019; 76:221-233. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Celia
- Texas Woman's University Denton TX USA
- Sam Houston State University Huntsville TX USA
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Mohammadi F, Rakhshan M, Molazem Z, Zareh N, Gillespie M. Caregivers’ perception of dignity in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. Nurs Ethics 2018; 26:2035-2046. [DOI: 10.1177/0969733018796679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Maintaining dignity is one of patients is one of the main ethical responsibilities of caregivers. However, in many cases, the dignity of patients, especially autistic teenagers is not maintained. The extent to which dignity needs are met for this group within the Iranian care system is difficult to determine as dignity is an abstract concept, and there are few related research studies reported. Objectives: The objective of this study is to find out caregivers perspectives on dignity in teenagers with autistic spectrum disorder. Research design: This study uses a qualitative research design. The data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and field notes developed during the interviews. In order to analyze the data, qualitative conventional content analysis was used. Participants and research context: In all, 16 professional caregivers for autistic teenagers working in public hospitals were recruited based on a targeted sampling method to reach data saturation from February 2016 to July 2017. Findings: The findings of this study were presented in three main themes, “privacy,” “respecting individual identity,” and “comprehensive support,” and 11 categories. Ethical consideration: This study’s protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of medical universities located in Southeast of Iran and the required ethical principles were followed throughout. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the findings of this study from the perspective of caregivers, autistic teenagers need to be cared for and educated in a respectful environment where their privacy is maintained, their individual identities are respected, and they receive comprehensive familial, social, and financial support. These conditions would maintain the dignity of such teenagers and would result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Therefore, it is suggested that a cultural, professional and institutional background in which all components of the autistic teenager’s dignity are protected and emphasized be provided.
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