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Shekhar N, Thakur AK. Evaluation of the protective effect of capric acid on behavioral and biochemical alterations in valproic acid-induced model of autism. Neurochem Int 2024; 177:105767. [PMID: 38750962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105767] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to determine the neuroprotective effect of capric acid on sodium valproate-induced model of autism. METHODS In this study, the effect of CA was observed in animals with single dose of valproic acid (600 mg/kg, i. p.) where the disease condition was confirmed by developmental impairment in pups. Behavioral tests that assess anxiety, depression, stereotypical and repetitive behavior, social interaction, learning and memory, and other confounding variables were performed. Subsequently, oxidative stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and mitochondrial complex activities in the selected brain regions were analyzed. RESULTS Valproic acid successfully produced autism-like symptoms from post-natal day 7 and also demonstrated impairment in social behavior, learning and memory, and anxiety and depression. Valproic acid was found to produce oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. Treatment with capric acid produced a positive effect on the alterations with maximum effects evident at 400 mg/kg, p. o. through amelioration of behavioral as well as biochemical changes. CONCLUSION The current study concluded that capric acid could act as a likely candidate for the treatment and management of autism via significant modulation of neurobehavioral parameters, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhila Shekhar
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110 017, India
| | - Ajit Kumar Thakur
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110 017, India.
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2
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Morel C, Paoli J, Camonin C, Marchal N, Grova N, Schroeder H. Comparison of predictive validity of two autism spectrum disorder rat models: Behavioural investigations. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:39-49. [PMID: 38761921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.05.002] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The valproic acid model has been shown to reproduce ASD-like behaviours observed in patients and is now widely validated for construct, face, and predictivity as ASD model in rat. The literature agrees on using a single exposition to 500 mg/kg of VPA at gestational day 12 to induce ASD phenotype with the intraperitoneal route being the most commonly used. However, some studies validated this model with repeated exposure by using oral route. The way of administration may be of great importance in the induction of the ASD phenotype and a comparison is greatly required. We compared two ASD models, one induced by a unique IP injection of 500 mg/kg of body weight at GD12 and the other one by repeated PO administration of 500 mg/kg of body weight/day between GD11 and GD13. The behavioural phenotypes of the offspring were assessed for the core signs of ASD (impaired social behaviour, stereotypical/repetitive behaviours, sensory/communication deficits) as well as anxiety as comorbidity, at developmental and juvenile stages in both sexes. The VPA IP model induced a more literature-compliant ASD phenotype than the PO one. These results confirmed that the mode of administration as well as the window of VPA exposure are key factors in the ASD-induction phenotype. Interestingly, the effects of VPA administration were similar at the developmental stage between both sexes and then tended to differ later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Morel
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - J Paoli
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - C Camonin
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
| | - N Marchal
- UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - N Grova
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France; Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity-Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, Esch-Sur-Alzette L-4354, Luxembourg.
| | - H Schroeder
- Calbinotox, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Lorraine, Campus Aiguillettes, B.P. 70239, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy 54506, France
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Sandhu A, Rawat K, Gautam V, Bhatia A, Grover S, Saini L, Saha L. Ameliorating effect of pioglitazone on prenatal valproic acid-induced behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 237:173721. [PMID: 38307465 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that mainly arises due to abnormalities in different brain regions, resulting in behavioral deficits. Besides its diverse phenotypical features, ASD is associated with complex and varied etiology, presenting challenges in understanding its precise neuro-pathophysiology. Pioglitazone was reported to have a fundamental role in neuroprotection in various other neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of pioglitazone in the prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-model of ASD in Wistar rats. Pregnant female Wistar rats received VPA on Embryonic day (E.D12.5) to induce autistic-like-behavioral and neurobiological alterations in their offspring. VPA-exposed rats presented core behavioral symptoms of ASD such as deficits in social interaction, poor spatial and learning behavior, increased anxiety, locomotory and repetitive activity, and decreased exploratory activity. Apart from these, VPA exposure also stimulated neurochemical and histopathological neurodegeneration in various brain regions. We administered three different doses of pioglitazone i.e., 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg in rats to assess various parameters. Of all the doses, our study highlighted that 10 mg/kg pioglitazone efficiently attenuated the autistic symptoms along with other neurochemical alterations such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, pioglitazone significantly attenuated the neurodegeneration by restoring the neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Taken together, our study suggests that pioglitazone exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating behavioral abnormalities induced by prenatal VPA exposure in rats. However, further research is needed to fully understand and establish pioglitazone's effectiveness in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education andResearch (PGIMER), 2nd Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Lokesh Saini
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur 342001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Alhamami HN, Albogami AM, Algahtani MM, Alqinyah M, Alanazi WA, Alasmari F, Alhazzani K, Alanazi AZ, Alassmrry YA, Alhamed AS. The effect of inhibiting hindbrain A2 noradrenergic neurons by 6-Hydroxydopamine on lipopolysaccharide-treated male rats autistic animal model. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101964. [PMID: 38328791 PMCID: PMC10848015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101964] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental illness that often emerges in early childhood. The incidence of ASD has shown a notable rise in recent years. ASD is defined by deficits in social communication, and presence of rigid and repetitive behaviors and interests. The underlying mechanisms of ASD remain elusive. Multiple studies have documented the presence of neuroinflammation and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, specifically, IL-6, TNF, and NF-κB, in various brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus in individuals with ASD. Noradrenergic neurons play a crucial role in brain development and the regulation of motor, behavioral, and memory functions. This study sought to examine the impact of intracerebroventricular (icv.) injection of the neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in the caudal dorsal vagal complex A2 neurons on various neuroinflammatory pathways at the hippocampus and PFC in valproic acid (VPA) autistic animal model. This was done in conjunction with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in animal models with VPA-induced autism. We specifically examined the impact of the caudal fourth ventricle 6-OHDA icv. injection and LPS (i.p.) injection on self-grooming behavior. We measured the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-a, and NF-κB using qRT-PCR, and the protein expression of COX-2, GPX-1, p-AMPK, and AMPK using western blot analysis. The self-grooming activity was considerably higher in the combined treatment group (6-OHDA icv. + LPS i.p.) compared to the control group. A substantial increase observed in the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB genes in the PFC of the treatment group that received icv. Administration of 6-OHDA, compared to the control group. The VPA-autism rats that received the combo treatment exhibited a slight increase in the expression level of NF-κB gene in the hippocampus, compared to the control group. At the PFC, we noticed a substantial drop in the expression of the antioxidant protein GPX-1 in the group that received the combo treatment compared to the control group. Our data investigates a novel aspect that the 6-OHDA-induced inhibition of hindbrain A2 neurons could be influencing the neuroinflammatory pathways in the PFC and hippocampus of autistic animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain N. Alhamami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Albogami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad M. Algahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alqinyah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Z. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasseen A. Alassmrry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S. Alhamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Anshu K, Nair AK, Srinath S, Laxmi TR. Altered Developmental Trajectory in Male and Female Rats in a Prenatal Valproic Acid Exposure Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4390-4411. [PMID: 35976506 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05684-y] [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] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Early motor and sensory developmental delays precede Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and may serve as early indicators of ASD. The literature on sensorimotor development in animal models is sparse, male centered, and has mixed findings. We characterized early development in a prenatal valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD and found sex-specific developmental delays in VPA rats. We created a developmental composite score combining 15 test readouts, yielding a reliable gestalt measure spanning physical, sensory, and motor development, that effectively discriminated between VPA and control groups. Considering the heterogeneity in ASD phenotype, the developmental composite offers a robust metric that can enable comparison across different animal models of ASD and can serve as an outcome measure for early intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Anshu
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53705, WI, USA
| | - Ajay Kumar Nair
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, 53703, WI, USA
| | - Shoba Srinath
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - T Rao Laxmi
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Hosur Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India.
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6
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Sarikahya MH, Cousineau SL, De Felice M, Szkudlarek HJ, Wong KKW, DeVuono MV, Lee K, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Gummerson D, Proud E, Ng THJ, Hudson R, Jung T, Hardy DB, Yeung KKC, Schmid S, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Prenatal THC exposure induces long-term, sex-dependent cognitive dysfunction associated with lipidomic and neuronal pathology in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampal network. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4234-4250. [PMID: 37525013 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
With increasing maternal cannabis use, there is a need to investigate the lasting impact of prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychotropic compound in cannabis, on cognitive/memory function. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which relies on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to function, plays a crucial role in regulating prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal network-dependent behaviors essential for cognition and memory. Using a rodent model of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE), we report that male and female offspring display long-term deficits in various cognitive domains. However, these phenotypes were associated with highly divergent, sex-dependent mechanisms. Electrophysiological recordings revealed hyperactive PFC pyramidal neuron activity in both males and females, but hypoactivity in the ventral hippocampus (vHIPP) in males, and hyperactivity in females. Further, cortical oscillatory activity states of theta, alpha, delta, beta, and gamma bandwidths were strongly sex divergent. Moreover, protein expression analyses at postnatal day (PD)21 and PD120 revealed primarily PD120 disturbances in dopamine D1R/D2 receptors, NMDA receptor 2B, synaptophysin, gephyrin, GAD67, and PPARα selectively in the PFC and vHIPP, in both regions in males, but only the vHIPP in females. Lastly, using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS), we identified region-, age-, and sex-specific deficiencies in specific neural PUFAs, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and related metabolites, in the PFC and hippocampus (ventral/dorsal subiculum, and CA1 regions). This study highlights several novel, long-term and sex-specific consequences of PCE on PFC-hippocampal circuit dysfunction and the potential role of specific PUFA signaling abnormalities underlying these pathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed H Sarikahya
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Samantha L Cousineau
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marta De Felice
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Karen K W Wong
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Marieka V DeVuono
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Dana Gummerson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emma Proud
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tsun Hay Jason Ng
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Roger Hudson
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Tony Jung
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Daniel B Hardy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care,, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Ken K-C Yeung
- Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, St. Josephs Health Care, London, Ontario, N6C 2R5, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada.
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Shariatpanahi M, Sojoudi Z, Khodagholi F, Rahmati H, Jameie SB, Eftekharzadeh M, Karizmeh MS, Shabani M, Zamani E. Effect of sex differences and time of oxytocin administration on treatment of rat model of autism spectrum disorder: Focused on necroptosis markers. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:552-570. [PMID: 37503701 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. A variety of molecular and cellular abnormalities leads to behavioral deficits in autism. Nevertheless, its etiology and treatment strategy are not completely understood. Oxytocin has recently shown improvements in social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the necroptosis pathway for the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin in the valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder model. The autism spectrum disorder was induced by valproic acid on gestational day 12.5 (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Offspring received intranasal oxytocin (1 μg/μL) on the 21st and 40th days after birth. The offspring behaviors were scrutinized by self-grooming, marble-burying, three-chamber, and Morris water maze tests. Western blot was performed on the hippocampus and amygdala tissues to investigate the expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers. The valproic acid group demonstrated more anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers, and less social interaction and spatial memory compared with the control group. Oxytocin considerably improved social interactions, preference for social novelty, and memory. The elevated expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers in valproic acid-induced autistic rats were alleviated after treatment with oxytocin. We also highlighted the importance of age and gender in autism spectrum disorder interventions. Our findings suggested that oxytocin administration was as an effective treatment in two areas of repetitive/stereotyped behaviors, social interactions/cognitive function. Notably, early administration of oxytocin resulted in better therapeutic responses in autism-like behaviors. The molecular tests introduce oxytocin as a potential candidate for reducing the expression of necroptosis mediators in the brain. This reinforced our hypothesis that the necroptosis pathway takes part in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Shariatpanahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sojoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hiva Rahmati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyed Behnamedin Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Eftekharzadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center (NRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Soleimani Karizmeh
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shabani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Zamani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
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8
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Pavăl D. The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:1-42. [PMID: 37993174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD". In the meantime, numerous studies yielded empirical evidence for this model. 4 years later, we provided a second version encompassing a refined and reconceptualized framework that accounted for these novel findings. In this chapter, we will review the evidence backing the previous versions of our model and add the most recent developments to the picture. Along these lines, we intend to lay out a comprehensive analysis of the supporting evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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9
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Barzegari A, Mahdirejei HA, Hanani M, Esmaeili MH, Salari AA. Adolescent swimming exercise following maternal valproic acid treatment improves cognition and reduces stress-related symptoms in offspring mice: Role of sex and brain cytokines. Physiol Behav 2023; 269:114264. [PMID: 37295664 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114264] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) treatment during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder, cognitive deficits, and stress-related disorders in children. No effective therapeutic strategies are currently approved to treat or manage core symptoms of autism. Active lifestyles and physical activity are closely associated with health and quality of life during childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate whether swimming exercise during adolescence can prevent the development of cognitive dysfunction and stress-related disorders in prenatally VPA-exposed mice offspring. Pregnant mice received VPA, afterwards, offspring were subjected to swimming exercise. We assessed neurobehavioral performances and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-(IL)6, tumor-necrosis-factor-(TNF)α, interferon-(IFN)γ, and IL-17A) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of offspring. Prenatal VPA treatment increased anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior and decreased social behavior in male and female offspring. Prenatal VPA exposure also increased behavioral despair and reduced working and recognition memory in male offspring. Although prenatal VPA increased hippocampal IL-6 and IFN-γ, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in males, it only increased hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in female offspring. Adolescent exercise made VPA-treated male and female offspring resistant to anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior in adulthood, whereas it only made VPA-exposed male offspring resistant to behavioral despair, social and cognitive deficits in adulthood. Exercise reduced hippocampal IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in VPA-treated male offspring, whereas it reduced hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in VPA-treated female offspring. This study suggests that adolescent exercise may prevents the development of stress-related symptoms, cognitive deficits, and neuroinflammation in prenatally VPA-exposed offspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Barzegari
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Hanani
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | | | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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10
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Atia AA, Ashour RH, Zaki MM, Rahman KM, Ramadan NM. The comparative effectiveness of metformin and risperidone in a rat model of valproic acid-induced autism, Potential role for enhanced autophagy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1313-1332. [PMID: 37133558 PMCID: PMC10172247 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06371-1] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Risperidone is the first antipsychotic to be approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The potential efficacy of metformin in preventing and/or controlling ASD behavioral deficits was also recently reported. Suppression of hippocampus autophagy was suggested as a potential pathologic mechanism in ASD. OBJECTIVES Is metformin's ability to improve ASD clinical phenotype driven by its autophagy-enhancing properties? And does hippocampus autophagy enhancement underlie risperidone's efficacy as well? Both questions are yet to be answered. METHODS The effectiveness of metformin on alleviation of ASD-like behavioral deficits in adolescent rats exposed prenatally to valproic acid (VPA) was compared to that of risperidone. The potential modulatory effects of risperidone on hippocampal autophagic activity were also assessed and compared to those of metformin. RESULTS Male offspring exposed to VPA during gestation exhibited marked anxiety, social impairment and aggravation of stereotyped grooming; such deficits were efficiently rescued by postnatal risperidone or metformin therapy. This autistic phenotype was associated with suppressed hippocampal autophagy; as evidenced by reduced gene/dendritic protein expression of LC3B (microtubule-associated proteins 1 light chain 3B) and increased somatic P62 (Sequestosome 1) protein aggregates. Interestingly, compared to risperidone, the effectiveness of metformin in controlling ASD symptoms and improving hippocampal neuronal survival was well correlated to its ability to markedly induce pyramidal neuronal LC3B expression while lowering P62 accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Our work highlights, for the first time, positive modulation of hippocampus autophagy as potential mechanism underlying improvements in autistic behaviors, observed with metformin, as well as risperidone, therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Aa Atia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Rehab H Ashour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Marwa Maf Zaki
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Karawan Ma Rahman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt
| | - Nehal M Ramadan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhoria Street, Mansoura, Al-Dakahlia, 35516, Egypt.
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11
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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12
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Wang J, Cao Y, Hou W, Bi D, Yin F, Gao Y, Huang D, Li Y, Cao Z, Yan Y, Zhao J, Kong D, Lv X, Huang L, Zhong H, Wu C, Chen Q, Yang R, Wei Q, Qin H. Fecal microbiota transplantation improves VPA-induced ASD mice by modulating the serotonergic and glutamatergic synapse signaling pathways. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:17. [PMID: 36670104 PMCID: PMC9859809 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex behavioral disorder diagnosed by social interaction difficulties, restricted verbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a safe and efficient strategy to adjust gut microbiota dysbiosis and improve ASD-related behavioral symptoms, but its regulatory mechanism is unknown. The impact of the microbiota and its functions on ASD development is urgently being investigated to develop new therapeutic strategies for ASD. We reconstituted the gut microbiota of a valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism mouse model through FMT and found that ASD is in part driven by specific gut dysbiosis and metabolite changes that are involved in the signaling of serotonergic synapse and glutamatergic synapse pathways, which might be associated with behavioral changes. Further analysis of the microbiota showed a profound decrease in the genera Bacteroides and Odoribacter, both of which likely contributed to the regulation of serotonergic and glutamatergic synapse metabolism in mice. The engraftment of Turicibacter and Alistipes was also positively correlated with the improvement in behavior after FMT. Our results suggested that successful transfer of the gut microbiota from healthy donors to ASD mice was sufficient to improve ASD-related behaviors. Modulation of gut dysbiosis by FMT could be an effective approach to improve ASD-related behaviors in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Wang
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Hou
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Dexi Bi
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Yin
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Yaohui Gao
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Dengfeng Huang
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Li
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Cao
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Yinmei Yan
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhao
- Shanghai Majorbio Bio-pharm Technology Co.,Ltd, 201210 Shanghai, China
| | - Dewu Kong
- Shanghai Majorbio Bio-pharm Technology Co.,Ltd, 201210 Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Lv
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Linsheng Huang
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyi Chen
- grid.412538.90000 0004 0527 0050Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072 Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qing Wei
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huanlong Qin
- Intestinal Microenvironment Treatment Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, 200072, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Li Q, Shi Y, Li X, Yang Y, Zhang X, Xu L, Ma Z, Wang J, Fan L, Wu L. Proteomic-Based Approach Reveals the Involvement of Apolipoprotein A-I in Related Phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the BTBR Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315290. [PMID: 36499620 PMCID: PMC9737945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Abnormal lipid metabolism has been suggested to contribute to its pathogenesis. Further exploration of its underlying biochemical mechanisms is needed. In a search for reliable biomarkers for the pathophysiology of ASD, hippocampal tissues from the ASD model BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice and C57BL/6J mice were analyzed, using four-dimensional (4D) label-free proteomic analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Differentially expressed proteins were significantly enriched in lipid metabolic pathways. Among them, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is a hub protein and its expression was significantly higher in the BTBR mice. The investigation of protein levels (using Western blotting) also confirmed this observation. Furthermore, expressions of SphK2 and S1P in the ApoA-I pathway both increased. Using the SphK inhibitor (SKI-II), ASD core phenotype and phenotype-related protein levels of P-CREB, P-CaMKII, and GAD1 were improved, as shown via behavioral and molecular biology experiments. Moreover, by using SKI-II, we found proteins related to the development and function of neuron synapses, including ERK, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, CDK5 and KCNQ2 in BTBR mice, whose levels were restored to protein levels comparable to those in the controls. Elucidating the possible mechanism of ApoA-I in ASD-associated phenotypes will provide new ideas for studies on the etiology of ASD.
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14
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Zhou B, Yan X, Yang L, Zheng X, Chen Y, Liu Y, Ren Y, Peng J, Zhang Y, Huang J, Tang L, Wen M. Effects of arginine vasopressin on the transcriptome of prefrontal cortex in autistic rat model. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5493-5505. [PMID: 36239083 PMCID: PMC9639040 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have also demonstrated that AVP can significantly improve social interaction disorders and stereotypical behaviours in rats with VPA‐induced autism model. To further explore the mechanisms of action of AVP, we compared the PFC transcriptome changes before and after AVP treatment in VPA‐induced autism rat model. The autism model was induced by intraperitoneally injected with VPA at embryonic day 12.5 and randomly assigned to two groups: the VPA‐induced autism model group and the AVP treatment group. The AVP treatment group were treated with intranasal AVP at postnatal day 21 and for 3 weeks. The gene expression levels and function changes on the prefrontal cortex were measured by RNA‐seq and bioinformatics analysis at PND42 and the mRNA expression levels of synaptic and myelin development related genes were validated by qPCR. Our results confirmed that AVP could significantly improve synaptic and axon dysplasia and promote oligodendrocyte development in the prefrontal cortex in VPA‐induced autism models by regulating multiple signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Xuehui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoli Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- College of Basic Medical, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yibu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yibing Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiayu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Lei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.,College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
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15
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Elesawy RO, El-Deeb OS, Eltokhy AK, Arakeep HM, Ali DA, Elkholy SS, Kabel AM. Postnatal baicalin ameliorates behavioral and neurochemical alterations in valproic acid-induced rodent model of autism: The possible implication of sirtuin-1/mitofusin-2/ Bcl-2 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112960. [PMID: 35447549 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112960] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by pervasive impairments in social communication along with repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. Although its distinctive etiology isn`t completely understood, genetic and environmental risk factors were incriminated. Being a flavonoid of high biomedical value, baicalin was recently verified as an emerging medicinal herb with numerous pharmacological activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasible effects of baicalin on valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism regarding its potential mitochondrial modulatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. The present study was performed using a rodent model of autism by exposing rat fetuses to VPA on the 12.5th day of gestation. Ten male Wistar rats that were born from control pregnant females were considered as group I (control group). Twenty male Wistar rats that were born from prenatal VPA- treated females were further divided into two groups: Group II (VPA- induced ASD) and group III (VPA + Baicalin). Postnatal baicalin promoted postnatal growth and maturation. In addition, it improved motor development and ameliorated repetitive behavior as well as social deficits in prenatally exposed VPA rats. Moreover, baicalin enhanced neuronal mitochondrial functions as evidenced by elevation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level and promotion of mitofusin-2 expression. Furthermore, baicalin elevated sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) level in VPA rats' brain tissues and restored the antioxidant defense mechanisms. Besides, it abrogated the neuronal histopathological changes in the brain tissues. Based on the data herein, baicalin may provide a promising pre-clinical therapeutic line in ASD as a mitochondrial function modulator, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha O Elesawy
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Omnia S El-Deeb
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amira K Eltokhy
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Heba M Arakeep
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina A Ali
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Sanad S Elkholy
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Shaikh, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Kabel
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
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16
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Effects of Treadmill Exercise on Social Behavior in Rats Exposed to Thimerosal with Respect to the Hippocampal Level of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1345-1357. [PMID: 35597884 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02027-5] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THIM) kills brain neurons via induction of apoptosis and necrosis and induces the pathological features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in rats. THIM also affects the function of glutamatergic receptors. On the other hand, exercise induces both improvement and impairment effects on memory, depending on intensity, type, and duration. Treadmill exercise can also alter the expression of glutamatergic receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of THIM and three protocols of treadmill exercise on social interaction memory and hippocampal expression of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B in rats. THIM was injected intramuscularly at the dose of 300 µg/kg. The three-chamber apparatus was used to evaluate social interaction memory, and western blotting was used to assess protein expression. The results showed that THIM impaired social memory. Exercise 1 impaired social affiliation in controls. Social memory was impaired in all exercise groups of controls. Exercise 1 + 2 impaired social affiliation in THIM rats. Social memory was impaired in all groups of THIM rats. Exercises 2 and 1 + 2 decreased the expression of GluN1, and exercise 1 increased the expression of GluN2A and GluN2B in controls. THIM increased the expression of GluN2B, while exercise 1 reversed this effect. All exercise protocols increased the expression of GluN2A, and exercises 2 and 1 + 2 increased the expression of GluN1 in THIM rats. In conclusion, both THIM and exercise impaired social memory. Of note, the results did not show a separate and influential role for glutamatergic subunits in modulating memory processes following THIM injection or exercise.
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17
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PPARα Signaling: A Candidate Target in Psychiatric Disorder Management. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050723. [PMID: 35625650 PMCID: PMC9138493 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors (PPARs) regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, control inflammatory processes, and modulate several brain functions. Three PPAR isoforms have been identified, PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ, which are expressed in different tissues and cell types. Hereinafter, we focus on PPARα involvement in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, which is underscored by PPARα localization in neuronal circuits involved in emotion modulation and stress response, and its role in neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation. A multiplicity of downstream pathways modulated by PPARα activation, including glutamatergic neurotransmission, upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurosteroidogenic effects, encompass mechanisms underlying behavioral regulation. Modulation of dopamine neuronal firing in the ventral tegmental area likely contributes to PPARα effects in depression, anhedonia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on robust preclinical evidence and the initial results of clinical studies, future clinical trials should assess the efficacy of PPARα agonists in the treatment of mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and ASD.
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18
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Liu Z, Wang J, Xu Q, Wu Z, You L, Hong Q, Zhu J, Chi X. Vitamin A supplementation ameliorates prenatal valproic acid-induced autism-like behaviors in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 91:155-165. [PMID: 35594946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Prenatal exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is reported to induce ASD in human and ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Unfortunately, the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear. METHODS Pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA on E12.5 to construct the ASD rat model in offspring. The different expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA profiles in the hippocampus were determined by RNA sequencing to investigate potential mechanisms of VPA-induced ASD. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were performed to predict the function of dysregulated lncRNAs. Co-expression network and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis were conducted to validate the potential regulatory lncRNA-mRNA network. RESULTS VPA increased the total distance, time spent in the central zone and self-grooming (open field test) in rats. Meanwhile, VPA induced social impairment (three-chamber sociability test) and repetitive behaviors (marble burying test). A total of 238 lncRNAs and 354 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the VPA group. In addition, the dysregulated lncRNAs were involved in neural function and developmental processes of ASD. 5 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were differently expressed and included in the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network. RT-PCR confirmed the upregulation of 4 lncRNAs and 6 mRNAs, and identified a potential regulatory network of NONRATT021475.2 (lncRNA) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Moreover, VPA decreased the serum vitamin A (VA) levels in offspring rats on postnatal day (PND) 21 and 49. Importantly, VA supplementation significantly restored VPA-induced autism-related behaviors and upregulation of NONRATT021475.2 and Dhh in the hippocampus of ASD rats. CONCLUSION This study not only contributed to understand the importance of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the progression of ASD, but also identified VA as a potential therapy for the condition. DATA AVAILABILITY The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author with reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Liu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Qu Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Wu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Lianghui You
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Qin Hong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China.
| | - Xia Chi
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfei Alley, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, PR China; Institute of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210008, PR China.
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19
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Yang D, Tao H, Ge H, Li Z, Hu Y, Meng J. Altered Processing of Social Emotions in Individuals With Autistic Traits. Front Psychol 2022; 13:746192. [PMID: 35310287 PMCID: PMC8931733 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.746192] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Social impairment is a defining phenotypic feature of autism. The present study investigated whether individuals with autistic traits exhibit altered perceptions of social emotions. Two groups of participants (High-AQ and Low-AQ) were recruited based on their scores on the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ). Their behavioral responses and event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by social and non-social stimuli with positive, negative, and neutral emotional valence were compared in two experiments. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to view social-emotional and non-social emotional pictures. In Experiment 2, participants were instructed to listen to social-emotional and non-social emotional audio recordings. More negative emotional reactions and smaller amplitudes of late ERP components (the late positive potential in Experiment 1 and the late negative component in Experiment 2) were found in the High-AQ group than in the Low-AQ group in response to the social-negative stimuli. In addition, amplitudes of these late ERP components in both experiments elicited in response to social-negative stimuli were correlated with the AQ scores of the High-AQ group. These results suggest that individuals with autistic traits have altered emotional processing of social-negative emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Hengheng Tao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongxin Ge
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zuoshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Adiletta A, Pross A, Taricco N, Sgadò P. Embryonic Valproate Exposure Alters Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons Distribution and Septal Dopaminergic Gene Expression in Domestic Chicks. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:804881. [PMID: 35369647 PMCID: PMC8966611 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.804881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the role of the dopaminergic system in the regulation of social behavior is being progressively outlined, and dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To study the role of the dopaminergic (DA) system in an animal model of ASD, we investigated the effects of embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA) on the postnatal development of the mesencephalic DA system in the domestic chick. We found that VPA affected the rostro-caudal distribution of DA neurons, without changing the expression levels of several dopaminergic markers in the mesencephalon. We also investigated a potential consequence of this altered DA neuronal distribution in the septum, a social brain area previously associated to social behavior in several vertebrate species, describing alterations in the expression of genes linked to DA neurotransmission. These findings support the emerging hypothesis of a role of DA dysfunction in ASD pathogenesis. Together with previous studies showing impairments of early social orienting behavior, these data also support the use of the domestic chick model to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms potentially involved in early ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Adiletta
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pross
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Lleida’s Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarre Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Nicolò Taricco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Sgadò,
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21
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Pathophysiological Studies of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission Systems in Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030560. [PMID: 35327362 PMCID: PMC8945169 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. The core syndromes of ASD are deficits in social communication and self-restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Social communication relies on the proper integration of sensory and motor functions, which is tightly interwoven with the limbic function of reward, motivation, and emotion in the brain. Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are key players in the modulation of neuronal activity. Owing to their broad distribution, the monoamine neurotransmitter systems are well suited to modulate social communication by coordinating sensory, motor, and limbic systems in different brain regions. The complex and diverse functions of monoamine neurotransmission thus render themselves as primary targets of pathophysiological investigation of the etiology of ASD. Clinical studies have reported that children with maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) have an increased risk of developing ASD. Extensive animal studies have confirmed that maternal treatments of VPA include ASD-like phenotypes, including impaired social communication and repetitive behavior. Here, given that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, we begin with an overview of the neural development of monoaminergic systems with their neurochemical properties in the brain. We then review and discuss the evidence of human clinical and animal model studies of ASD with a focus on the VPA-induced pathophysiology of monoamine neurotransmitter systems. We also review the potential interactions of microbiota and monoamine neurotransmitter systems in ASD pathophysiology. Widespread and complex changes in monoamine neurotransmitters are detected in the brains of human patients with ASD and validated in animal models. ASD animal models are not only essential to the characterization of pathogenic mechanisms, but also provide a preclinical platform for developing therapeutic approaches to ASD.
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22
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Bódi V, Májer T, Kelemen V, Világi I, Szűcs A, Varró P. Alterations of the Hippocampal Networks in Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Autism Model. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:772792. [PMID: 35185478 PMCID: PMC8854362 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.772792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized among others by impairments in social interactions and repetitive behavior. According to one of the leading hypotheses about its origin, ASD is caused by the imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory circuit activity. ASD-related morphological and functional changes can be observed in several brain regions i.e., in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. It is well-established that prenatal valproic-acid (VPA) exposure of rats on day 12.5 leads to neurodevelopmental alterations with autism-like clinical and behavioral symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate potential changes in the excitability of neuronal networks and individual neurons of the hippocampus elicited by prenatal VPA treatment. As there are marked sex differences in ASD, offspring of both sexes were systematically tested, using two different age groups, to elucidate eventual differences in neurodevelopment after VPA treatment. Excitatory connections and long-term synaptic plasticity as well as intrinsic excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells were examined. Pregnant female Wistar rats received saline or 500 mg/kg VPA i. p. on gestation day 12.5. Brain slices of 6-week-old and 3-month-old offspring were investigated using extra- and intracellular electrophysiological techniques. Field potential- and whole-cell patch clamp recordings were carried out to measure network excitability and single cell activity in the CA1 region hippocampus. Enhanced excitability of hippocampal networks was detected in the 6-week-old VPA-treated male rats; however, this change could not be observed in 3-month-old males. Intrinsic excitability of single neurons, however, was increased in 3-month-old males. In 6-week-old treated females, the most prominent effect of VPA was an increase in voltage sag, to a similar degree to the neurons of the older age group. In 3-month-old females, a network excitability increase could be demonstrated, in a lesser degree than in younger males. It can be concluded, that VPA treatment had diverse effects on hippocampal excitability depending on the sex and the age of the animals. We found that certain alterations manifested in 6-week-old rats were compensated later, on the other hand, other changes persisted until the age of 3 months.
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23
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Shahrbabaki SV, Jonaidi H, Sheibani V, Bashiri H. Early postnatal handling alters social behavior, learning, and memory of pre- and post-natal VPA-induced rat models of autism in a context-based manner. Physiol Behav 2022; 249:113739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Sato A, Kotajima-Murakami H, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Ikeda K. Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821455. [PMID: 35222122 PMCID: PMC8863673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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A preliminary study on abnormal brain function and autistic behavior in mice caused by dcf1 deletion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 579:29-34. [PMID: 34583192 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.09.056] [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: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism is one of the urgent problems in neuroscience. Early research in our laboratory found that dcf1 gene-deficient mice exhibited autistic behavior. Reviewing the literature, we know that the caudate putamen (CPu) brain region is closely related to the occurrence of autism. In this study, we observed that the electrical signal in the abnormal brain region of adult mice was enhanced by using field potential detection for the corresponding brain region. We then used retrovirus markers to track neurons in the CPu brain region and found that there are neural projections in the hippocampus-CPu brain region. Therefore, we selected DREADDs (Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) to inhibit the abnormal brain region of the mouse and found, through behavioral testing, that this can inhibit the autistic behavior of mice. This research provides new evidence for the understanding of the cause of autism and has accumulated new basis for the treatment of autism. It has theoretical significance and potential application value for the understanding and treatment of autism.
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26
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Thornton AM, Humphrey RM, Kerr DM, Finn DP, Roche M. Increasing Endocannabinoid Tone Alters Anxiety-Like and Stress Coping Behaviour in Female Rats Prenatally Exposed to Valproic Acid. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123720. [PMID: 34207178 PMCID: PMC8233839 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the sex differences evident in the prevalence of autism, there is an increased awareness of the importance of including females in autism research to determine sexual dimorphism and sex-specific treatments. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoid modulators have been proposed as potential novel treatments for autism-related symptoms; however, few studies to date have examined if these pharmacological agents elicit sex-specific effects. The aim of the present study was to use the valproic acid (VPA) model of autism to compare the behavioural responses of male and female rats and examine the effects of increasing endocannabinoid tone on the behavioural responses of VPA-exposed female rats. These data revealed that VPA-exposed male, but not female, rats exhibit reduced social responding in the three-chamber and olfactory habituation/dishabituation (OHD) test during adolescence. In comparison, VPA-exposed female, but not male, adolescent rats exhibited anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT). In VPA-exposed female rats, increasing 2-AG levels augmented anxiety-like behaviour in the EPM and OFT, while increasing AEA levels reduced stress coping behaviour in the swim stress test. These data highlight sexual dimorphic behaviours in the VPA model and indicate that enhancing endocannabinoid levels may exacerbate negative affective behaviour in VPA-exposed females. Thus, considerations should be paid to the possible sex-specific effects of cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M. Thornton
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Rachel M. Humphrey
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniel M. Kerr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - David P. Finn
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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27
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Bass JS, Tuo AH, Ton LT, Jankovic MJ, Kapadia PK, Schirmer C, Krishnan V. On the Digital Psychopharmacology of Valproic Acid in Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:594612. [PMID: 33240040 PMCID: PMC7677503 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.594612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) require daily ingestion for maximal seizure prophylaxis. Adverse psychiatric consequences of AEDs present as: (i) reversible changes in mood, anxiety, anger and/or irritability that often necessitate drug discontinuation, and (ii) autism and/or cognitive/psychomotor delays following fetal exposure. Technical advances in quantifying naturalistic rodent behaviors may provide sensitive preclinical estimates of AED psychiatric tolerability and neuropsychiatric teratogenicity. In this study, we applied instrumented home-cage monitoring to assess how valproic acid (VPA, dissolved in sweetened drinking water) alters home-cage behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice and in the adult offspring of VPA-exposed breeder pairs. Through a pup open field assay, we also examined how prenatal VPA exposure impacts early spontaneous exploratory behavior. At 500-600 mg/kg/d, chronic VPA produced hyperphagia and increased wheel-running without impacting sleep, activity and measures of risk aversion. When applied to breeder pairs of mice throughout gestation, VPA prolonged the latency to viable litters without affecting litter size. Two-weeks old VPA-exposed pups displayed open field hypoactivity without alterations in thigmotaxis. As adults, prenatal VPA-exposed mice displayed active state fragmentation, hypophagia and increased wheel running, together with subtle alterations in home-cage dyadic behavior. Together, these data illustrate how automated home-cage assessments of spontaneous behavior capture an ethologically centered psychopharmacological profile of enterally administered VPA that is aligned with human clinical experience. By characterizing the effects of pangestational VPA exposure, we discover novel murine expressions of pervasive neurodevelopment. Incorporating such rigorous assessments of psychological tolerability may inform the design of future AEDs with improved neuropsychiatric safety profiles, both for patients and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Samuel Bass
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anney H. Tuo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Linh T. Ton
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Miranda J. Jankovic
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paarth K. Kapadia
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Catharina Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vaishnav Krishnan
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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