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Ritz NL, Bastiaanssen TFS, Cowan CSM, Smith L, Theune N, Brocka M, Myers EM, Moloney RD, Moloney GM, Shkoporov AN, Draper LA, Hill C, Dinan TG, Slattery DA, Cryan JF. Social fear extinction susceptibility is associated with Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis alterations. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:315-326. [PMID: 38852762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.009] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric condition that severely affects quality of life of individuals and is a significant societal burden. Although many risk factors for social anxiety exist, it is currently unknown how social fear sensitivity manifests biologically. Furthermore, since some individuals are resilient and others are susceptible to social fear, it is important to interrogate the mechanisms underpinning individual response to social fear situations. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been associated with social behaviour, has recently been linked with social anxiety disorder, and may serve as a therapeutic target for modulation. Here, we assess the potential of this axis to be linked with social fear extinction processes in a murine model of social anxiety disorder. To this end, we correlated differential social fear responses with microbiota composition, central gene expression, and immune responses. Our data provide evidence that microbiota variability is strongly correlated with alterations in social fear behaviour. Moreover, we identified altered gene candidates by amygdalar transcriptomics that are linked with social fear sensitivity. These include genes associated with social behaviour (Armcx1, Fam69b, Kcnj9, Maoa, Serinc5, Slc6a17, Spata2, and Syngr1), inflammation and immunity (Cars, Ckmt1, Klf5, Maoa, Map3k12, Pex5, Serinc5, Sidt1, Spata2), and microbe-host interaction (Klf5, Map3k12, Serinc5, Sidt1). Together, these data provide further evidence for a role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in social fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel L Ritz
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Caitlin S M Cowan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Linda Smith
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, T12K8AF, Ireland
| | - Nigel Theune
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Marta Brocka
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Eibhlís M Myers
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Rachel D Moloney
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Gerard M Moloney
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Andrey N Shkoporov
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, T12K8AF, Ireland
| | - Lorraine A Draper
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, T12K8AF, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, T12K8AF, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - David A Slattery
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt 60528, Germany
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Dept. of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland.
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2
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Buonfiglioli A, Kübler R, Missall R, Jong RD, Chan S, Haage V, Wendt S, Lin AJ, Mattei D, Graziani M, Latour B, Gigase F, Nygaard HB, De Jager PL, De Witte LD. A microglia-containing cerebral organoid model to study early life immune challenges. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595814. [PMID: 38826204 PMCID: PMC11142229 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal infections and activation of the maternal immune system have been proposed to contribute to causing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), chronic conditions often linked to brain abnormalities. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and play a key role in neurodevelopment. Disruption of microglial functions can lead to brain abnormalities and increase the risk of developing NDDs. How the maternal as well as the fetal immune system affect human neurodevelopment and contribute to NDDs remains unclear. An important reason for this knowledge gap is the fact that the impact of exposure to prenatal risk factors has been challenging to study in the human context. Here, we characterized a model of cerebral organoids (CO) with integrated microglia (COiMg). These organoids express typical microglial markers and respond to inflammatory stimuli. The presence of microglia influences cerebral organoid development, including cell density and neural differentiation, and regulates the expression of several ciliated mesenchymal cell markers. Moreover, COiMg and organoids without microglia show similar but also distinct responses to inflammatory stimuli. Additionally, IFN-γ induced significant transcriptional and structural changes in the cerebral organoids, that appear to be regulated by the presence of microglia. Specifically, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was found to alter the expression of genes linked to autism. This model provides a valuable tool to study how inflammatory perturbations and microglial presence affect neurodevelopmental processes.
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3
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Camacho-Morales A, Cárdenas-Tueme M. Prenatal Programming of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Signaling in Autism Susceptibility. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03940-z. [PMID: 38277116 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03940-z] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that involves functional and structural defects in selective central nervous system (CNS) regions, harming the individual capability to process and respond to external stimuli, including impaired verbal and non-verbal communications. Etiological causes of ASD have not been fully clarified; however, prenatal activation of the innate immune system by external stimuli might infiltrate peripheral immune cells into the fetal CNS and activate cytokine secretion by microglia and astrocytes. For instance, genomic and postmortem histological analysis has identified proinflammatory gene signatures, microglia-related expressed genes, and neuroinflammatory markers in the brain during ASD diagnosis. Active neuroinflammation might also occur during the developmental stage, promoting the establishment of a defective brain connectome and increasing susceptibility to ASD after birth. While still under investigation, we tested the hypothesis whether the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) signaling is prenatally programmed to favor peripheral immune cell infiltration and activate microglia into the fetal CNS, setting susceptibility to autism-like behavior. In this review, we will comprehensively provide the current understanding of the prenatal activation of MCP-1 signaling by external stimuli during the developmental stage as a new selective node to promote neuroinflammation, brain structural alterations, and behavioral defects associated to ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Camacho-Morales
- College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
- Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Neurometabolism Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
| | - Marcela Cárdenas-Tueme
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud and The Institute for Obesity Research, 64710, Monterrey, Mexico
- Nutrition Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
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4
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Arenella M, Fanelli G, Kiemeney LA, McAlonan G, Murphy DG, Bralten J. Genetic relationship between the immune system and autism. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100698. [PMID: 38020478 PMCID: PMC10663755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and complex neurodevelopmental condition. The pathophysiology of ASD is poorly defined; however, it includes a strong genetic component and there is increasing evidence to support a role of immune dysregulation. Nonetheless, it is unclear which immune phenotypes link to ASD through genetics. Hence, we investigated the genetic correlation between ASD and diverse classes of immune conditions and markers; and if these immune-related genetic factors link to specific autistic-like traits in the population. We estimated global and local genetic correlations between ASD (n = 55,420) and 11 immune phenotypes (n = 14,256-755,406) using genome-wide association study summary statistics. Subsequently, polygenic scores (PGS) for these immune phenotypes were calculated in a population-based sample (n = 2487) and associated to five autistic-like traits (i.e., attention to detail, childhood behaviour, imagination, rigidity, social skills), and a total autistic-like traits score. Sex-stratified PGS analyses were also performed. At the genome-wide level, ASD was positively correlated with allergic diseases (ALG), and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (FDR-p = 0.01-0.02). At the local genetic level, ASD was correlated with RA, C-reactive protein, and granulocytes and lymphocyte counts (p = 5.8 × 10-6-0.002). In the general population sample, increased genetic liability for SLE, RA, ALG, and lymphocyte levels, captured by PGS, was associated with the total autistic score and with rigidity and childhood behaviour (FDR-p = 0.03). In conclusion, we demonstrated a genetic relationship between ASD and immunity that depends on the type of immune phenotype considered; some increase likelihood whereas others may potentially help build resilience. Also, this relationship may be restricted to specific genetic loci and link to specific autistic dimensions (e.g., rigidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Arenella
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lambertus A. Kiemeney
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Maudsley and South London NHS Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Declan G. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Maudsley and South London NHS Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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5
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Arenella M, Matuleviciute R, Tamouza R, Leboyer M, McAlonan G, Bralten J, Murphy D. Immunogenetics of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic literature review. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:488-499. [PMID: 37717669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and, partly, accounted by genetic factors. Nonetheless, the genetic underpinnings of ASD are poorly defined. The presence of immune dysregulations in autistic individuals, and their families, supports a role of the immune system and its genetic regulators. Albeit immune responses belong either to the innate or adaptive arms, the overall immune system genetics is broad, and encompasses a multitude of functionally heterogenous pathways which may have different influences on ASD. Hence, to gain insights on the immunogenetic underpinnings of ASD, we conducted a systematic literature review of previous immune genetic and transcription studies in ASD. We defined a list of immune genes relevant to ASD and explored their neuro-immune function. Our review confirms the presence of immunogenetic variability in ASD, accounted by inherited variations of innate and adaptive immune system genes and genetic expression changes in the blood and post-mortem brain of autistic individuals. Besides their immune function, the identified genes control neurodevelopment processes (neuronal and synaptic plasticity) and are highly expressed in pre/peri-natal periods. Hence, our synthesis bolsters the hypothesis that perturbation in immune genes may contribute to ASD by derailing the typical trajectory of neurodevelopment. Our review also helped identifying some of the limitations of prior immunogenetic research in ASD. Thus, alongside clarifying the neurodevelopment role of immune genes, we outline key considerations for future work into the aetiology of ASD and possible novel intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Arenella
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rugile Matuleviciute
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- University Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry Lab, AP-HP, Department of Addiction and Psychiatry (DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT), France; Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- University Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry Lab, AP-HP, Department of Addiction and Psychiatry (DMU IMPACT, FHU ADAPT), France; Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Declan Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Meng F, Xuan B. Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:2213-2223. [PMID: 37342828 PMCID: PMC10278863 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s411599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) was an appropriate assessment tool that included all the principal dimensions related to autism defined in DSM-5 for the general population. However, its validity and reliability in the general Chinese population still need to be examined. Purpose We revised the inventory and estimated the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the CATI among 2232 general undergraduates. Methods The Chinese version of the CATI (CATI-C) was administered to 2259 undergraduates using the online Questionnaires Star electronic system. Internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across gender were calculated. In order to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cut-off score of the CATI-C, an analysis using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was performed. Results The CATI-C includes 35 items of two factors and six dimensions. CFA demonstrated that the fit index of the structure of the scale was good (Satorra-Bentler chi-square/degrees of freedom [S-Bχ2 /df] = 2.406, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMR] = 0.038, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.037, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.929, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.917). The convergent validity examined based on the Autism Spectrum Quotient total score was satisfactory (r = 0.54). The internal consistency reliability of social factor, non-social factor, and total scores were 0.87, 0.85, and 0.90. The test-retest reliability was 0.80. A cut-off score of 115 provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for the CATI-C (sensitivity = 0.926, specificity = 0.781, and Youden's index = 0.707). Conclusion The CATI-C has satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring autistic traits. It showed a good model fit for social and non-social second-order bifactors and measurement invariance across gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Meng
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Xuan
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Bagcioglu E, Solmaz V, Erbas O, Özkul B, Çakar B, Uyanikgil Y, Söğüt İ. Modafinil Improves Autism-like Behavior in Rats by Reducing Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:9-23. [PMID: 37043086 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10061-2] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the ameliorating effect of Modafinil on neuroinflammation, behavioral, and histopathological alterations in rats induced by propionic acid (PPA). Thirty male Wistar rats were used in the study, divided into 3 groups of ten subjects. One group served as a control, the subjects in the other two were given 250 mg/kg/day of PPA by intraperitoneal injection over the course of 5 days to induce autism. The experimental design was as follows: Group 1: Normal control (orally-fed control, n = 10); Group 2 (PPA + saline, n = 10): PPA and 1 ml/kg/day % 0.9 NaCl saline via oral gavage; Group 3 (PPA + Modafinil, n = 10) PPA and 30 mg/kg/day Modafinil (Modiodal tablets 100 mg, Cephalon) via oral gavage. All of the groups were investigated for behavioral, biochemical, and histological abnormality. Autism-like behaviors were reduced significantly in the rats treated with PPA. TNF-α, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), IL-17, IL-2, and NF-KB levels as well as MDA levels and lactate were significantly higher in those treated with PPA compared to the control group. Using immunohistochemical methods, the number of neurons and GFAP immunoreactivity was significantly altered in PPA-treated rats compared to the control. Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), we found that lactate levels were significantly higher in the PPA-treated rats, while creatinine levels were significantly decreased. In the rats administered with Modafinil, behavior, neuroinflammation, and histopathological changes brought about by PPA were significantly reversed. Our results demonstrate the potential role of Modafinil in ameliorating PPA-induced neuroinflammation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Bagcioglu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Volkan Solmaz
- Department of Neurophysiology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Bilim University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahattin Özkul
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Çakar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yigit Uyanikgil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Söğüt
- Department of Biochemistry, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Bruce MR, Couch ACM, Grant S, McLellan J, Ku K, Chang C, Bachman A, Matson M, Berman RF, Maddock RJ, Rowland D, Kim E, Ponzini MD, Harvey D, Taylor SL, Vernon AC, Bauman MD, Van de Water J. Altered behavior, brain structure, and neurometabolites in a rat model of autism-specific maternal autoantibody exposure. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2136-2147. [PMID: 36973347 PMCID: PMC10575787 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02020-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune dysregulation is a prenatal risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Importantly, a clinically relevant connection exists between inflammation and metabolic stress that can result in aberrant cytokine signaling and autoimmunity. In this study we examined the potential for maternal autoantibodies (aAbs) to disrupt metabolic signaling and induce neuroanatomical changes in the brains of exposed offspring. To accomplish this, we developed a model of maternal aAb exposure in rats based on the clinical phenomenon of maternal autoantibody-related ASD (MAR-ASD). Following confirmation of aAb production in rat dams and antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) transfer to offspring, we assessed offspring behavior and brain structure longitudinally. MAR-ASD rat offspring displayed a reduction in pup ultrasonic vocalizations and a pronounced deficit in social play behavior when allowed to freely interact with a novel partner. Additionally, longitudinal in vivo structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) at postnatal day 30 (PND30) and PND70, conducted in a separate cohort of animals, revealed sex-specific differences in total and regional brain volume. Treatment-specific effects by region appeared to converge on midbrain and cerebellar structures in MAR-ASD offspring. Simultaneously, in vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) data were collected to examine brain metabolite levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. Results showed that MAR-ASD offspring displayed decreased levels of choline-containing compounds and glutathione, accompanied by increased taurine compared to control animals. Overall, we found that rats exposed to MAR-ASD aAbs present with alterations in behavior, brain structure, and neurometabolites; reminiscent of findings observed in clinical ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Bruce
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Amalie C M Couch
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simone Grant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janna McLellan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Ku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christina Chang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Angelica Bachman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Matson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert F Berman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Richard J Maddock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Rowland
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew D Ponzini
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle Harvey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sandra L Taylor
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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9
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Erbescu A, Papuc SM, Budisteanu M, Arghir A, Neagu M. Re-emerging concepts of immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1006612. [PMID: 36339838 PMCID: PMC9626859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, and by restricted interests and stereotyped, repetitive behavior patterns. ASD has a strong genetic component and a complex architecture characterized by the interplay of rare and common genetic variants. Recently, increasing evidence suggest a significant contribution of immune system dysregulation in ASD. The present paper reviews the latest updates regarding the altered immune landscape of this complex disorder highlighting areas with potential for biomarkers discovery as well as personalization of therapeutic approaches. Cross-talk between the central nervous system and immune system has long been envisaged and recent evidence brings insights into the pathways connecting the brain to the immune system. Disturbance of cytokine levels plays an important role in the establishment of a neuroinflammatory milieu in ASD. Several other immune molecules involved in antigen presentation and inflammatory cellular phenotypes are also at play in ASD. Maternal immune activation, the presence of brain-reactive antibodies and autoimmunity are other potential prenatal and postnatal contributors to ASD pathophysiology. The molecular players involved in oxidative-stress response and mitochondrial system function, are discussed as contributors to the pro-inflammatory pattern. The gastrointestinal inflammation pathways proposed to play a role in ASD are also discussed. Moreover, the body of evidence regarding some of the genetic factors linked to the immune system dysregulation is reviewed and discussed. Last, but not least, the epigenetic traits and their interactions with the immune system are reviewed as an expanding field in ASD research. Understanding the immune-mediated pathways that influence brain development and function, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis, may lead to the identification of robust diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for ASD individuals. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches could be developed, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Erbescu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Arghir
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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