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Pivovarciova A, Hnilicova S, Ostatnikova D, Mace FC. Bio-behavioral model of aggression in autism spectrum disorders-pilot study. Bratisl Lek Listy 2016; 116:702-6. [PMID: 26924148 DOI: 10.4149/bll_2015_137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a high rate of irritability and aggressive symptoms which have significant impact on their lives, families and society. The etiology of aggression in humans is likely complex and includes both biological and behavioral causes. Biological approaches have focused on hormones and neurotransmitters that are hypothesized to contribute to the etiology and clinical manifestation of aggressive behavior in humans. Testosterone is a male sex hormone and some studies suggest that it can play a role in the complex etiology of aggressive behavior. Two specific subtypes of aggression have been identified: explosive and non-explosive. Explosive aggression is accompanied by a raged affect and is usually more dangerous and not immediately responsive to behavioral treatment. We propose that individuals with ASD and explosive aggression will have higher androgen activity and higher arousal than neurotypical children and children with ASD without explosive aggression. We employed a unique method for aggression assessment- functional behavioral analysis- to obtain objective and quantitative measures of aggression and arousal signs. In our pilot study, we proposed to determine bio-behavioral model of explosive aggression in children with ASD which will predict which children will be most responsive to antiandrogen therapy and behavioral therapy (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 31).
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Husarova VM, Lakatosova S, Pivovarciova A, Babinska K, Bakos J, Durdiakova J, Kubranska A, Ondrejka I, Ostatnikova D. Plasma Oxytocin in Children with Autism and Its Correlations with Behavioral Parameters in Children and Parents. Psychiatry Investig 2016; 13:174-83. [PMID: 27081377 PMCID: PMC4823192 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2016.13.2.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxytocin (OT) has been implicated to play an important role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. We aimed to find out the differences in plasma OT levels between children with autism and healthy children, the associations of OT levels with particular autism symptoms and the associations of particular parental autistic traits with their ASD children OT levels. METHODS We included 19 boys with autism and 44 healthy age-matched boys. OT levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Children with autism were scored by Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), adjusted research version. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Systemizing Quotient (SQ) and Empathizing Quotient were completed by parents of children with autism. RESULTS Children with autism had significantly lower plasma OT levels than controls. OT levels positively correlated with ADI Reciprocal Interaction and Communication scores. AQ and SQ of fathers positively correlated with children plasma OT level. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis of OT deficiency in autism. The "paradoxical" associations of OT levels and social skills in children with autism indicate disturbances at various levels of OT system. We first reported associations of OT levels in children with autism and behavioral measures in fathers indicating that OT abnormalities stay between parental autistic traits and autism symptoms in their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Marcincakova Husarova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Martin University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Lakatosova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anna Pivovarciova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Babinska
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Durdiakova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Aneta Kubranska
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Igor Ondrejka
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Martin University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatnikova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Pivovarciova A, Durdiakova J, Babinska K, Kubranska A, Vokalova L, Minarik G, Celec P, Murin M, Ostatnikova D. Testosterone and Androgen Receptor Sensitivity in Relation to Hyperactivity Symptoms in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149657. [PMID: 26910733 PMCID: PMC4765851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and hyperactivity symptoms exhibit an incidence that is male-biased. Thus androgen activity can be considered a plausible biological risk factor for these disorders. However, there is insufficient information about the association between increased androgen activity and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD. METHODS In the present study, the relationship between parameters of androgenicity (plasmatic testosterone levels and androgen receptor sensitivity) and hyperactivity in 60 boys (age 3-15) with ASD is investigated. Given well documented differences in parent and trained examiners ratings of symptom severity, we employed a standardized parent`s questionnaire (Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form) as well as a direct examiner`s rating (Autism diagnostic observation schedule) for assessment of hyperactivity symptoms. RESULTS Although it was found there was no significant association between actual plasmatic testosterone levels and hyperactivity symptoms, the number of CAG triplets was significantly negatively correlated with hyperactivity symptoms (R2 = 0.118, p = 0.007) in the sample, indicating increased androgen receptor sensitivity in association with hyperactivity symptoms. Direct trained examiner´s assessment appeared to be a relevant method for evaluating of behavioral problems in the investigation of biological underpinnings of these problems in our study. CONCLUSIONS A potential ASD subtype characterized by increased rates of hyperactivity symptoms might have distinct etiopathogenesis and require a specific behavioral and pharmacological approach. We propose an increase of androgen receptor sensitivity as a biomarker for a specific ASD subtype accompanied with hyperactivity symptoms. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for practice and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pivovarciova
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jaroslava Durdiakova
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Babinska
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Aneta Kubranska
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Vokalova
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriel Minarik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marianna Murin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Social Communication Disorders Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Ostatnikova
- Academic Research Center for Autism, Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Pivovarciova A, Durdiakova J, Hnilicova S, Filcikova D, Ostatnikova D. Testosterone in relation to behavioral problems in pre-pubertal boys with autism spectrum disorders. Physiol Res 2015; 64:S595-601. [PMID: 26674285 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairment in social communication and presence of stereotyped/restricted behaviors. Children with ASD very often demonstrate co-morbid psychiatric problems, problems known to be affected by testosterone in neurotypical populations. However, there are few reports investigating relationships between testosterone and psychiatric conditions in children with ASD. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasmatic levels of testosterone and behavioral/emotional problems in pre-pubertal boys with ASD. The study sample consisted of 31 pre-pubertal boys (ages 3-10) with ASD. Parents completed the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF) to assess specific behavioral/emotional problems as observed in the previous 2 months. Plasmatic testosterone levels were determined in boys according to standardized procedures. It was found that there were positive correlations between testosterone levels and the conduct problems subscale (p=0.034, rs=0.382) of NCBRF and also between testosterone levels and the hyperactive subscale (p=0.025, rs=0.402) of NCBRF. Findings in this study are in line with research conducted in the neurotypical population. This is the first large study investigating testosterone and emotional/behavioral problems in ASD and warrants further research in this field in order to clarify the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric co-morbidities and improve their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pivovarciova
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Pivovarciova A, Durdiakova J, Hnilicova S, Kubranska A, Vidosovicova M, Kvasnickova G, Babinska K, Ostatnikova D. Problem Behavior and Testosterone in Pre-pubertal Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Eur Psychiatry 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(15)31854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Lakatosova S, Bakos J, Pivovarciova A, Husarova V, Durdiakova J, Bacova Z, Kubranska A, Babinska K, Ostatnikova D. Plasma oxytocin levels are reduced in Slovak autistic boys. BRATISL MED J 2015. [DOI: 10.4149/bll_2015_127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pivovarciova A, Hnilicova S, Ostatnikova D, Mace FC. Testosterone and explosive aggression in autism spectrum disorders. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2014; 35:553-559. [PMID: 25617877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by early-onset difficulties in social communication and unusually restricted, repetitive behavior and interests. Children with ASD have a high rate of irritability and aggressive symptoms which have significant impact on their lives, families and society. The etiology of aggression in humans is likely complex and includes both biological and behavioral causes. Biological approaches have focused on hormones and neurotransmitters that are hypothesized to contribute to the etiology and clinical manifestation of aggressive behavior in humans. Testosterone is a male sex hormone and some studies suggest that it can play a role in the complex etiology of aggressive behavior. Two specific subtypes of aggression have been identified: explosive and non-explosive. Explosive aggression is accompanied by a raged affect and is usually more dangerous and not immediately responsive to behavioral treatment. In our review we would like to provide current findings and discuss potential limitation of research in this area. We propose to determine bio-behavioral model of explosive aggression in children with ASD which will predict which children will be most responsive to potential antiandrogen therapy and behavioral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pivovarciova
- Academic Research Center for Autism (ARCA), Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Hnilicova
- Academic Research Center for Autism (ARCA), Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatnikova
- Academic Research Center for Autism (ARCA), Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - F Charles Mace
- Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, Florida, USA
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Husarova V, Lakatosova S, Pivovarciova A, Bakos J, Durdiakova J, Kubranska A, Ostatnikova D. Brief report: Plasma oxytocin is lower in children with Asperger syndrome and associated with autistic trait attention to detail. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ojpsych.2013.34043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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