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Maternal and early postnatal immune activation produce sex-specific effects on autism-like behaviors and neuroimmune function in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16928. [PMID: 31729416 PMCID: PMC6858355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests a role for inflammation in neuropsychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental syndrome with higher prevalence in males than females. Here we examined the effects of early-life immune system activation (EIA)—comprising regimens of prenatal, early postnatal, or combined (“two-hit”) immune activation—on the core behavioral features of ASD (decreased social interaction, increased repetitive behavior, and aberrant communication) in C57BL/6J mice. We treated timed-pregnant mice with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) on gestational day 12.5 to produce maternal immune activation (MIA). Some offspring also received lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on postnatal day 9 to produce postnatal immune activation (PIA). EIA produced disruptions in social behavior and increases in repetitive behaviors that were larger in males than in females. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were altered in both sexes. Molecular studies revealed that EIA also produced prominent sex-specific changes in inflammation-related gene expression in the brain. Whereas both sexes showed increases in pro-inflammatory factors, as reflected by levels of mRNA and protein, expression of anti-inflammatory factors was decreased in males but increased in females. Our findings demonstrate that EIA can produce sex-specific behavioral effects and immune responses in the brain, and identify molecular processes that may contribute to resilience in females.
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Kordulewska NK, Kostyra E, Piskorz-Ogórek K, Moszyńska M, Cieślińska A, Fiedorowicz E, Jarmołowska B. Serum cytokine levels in children with spectrum autism disorder: Differences in pro- and anti-inflammatory balance. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 337:577066. [PMID: 31629288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a developmental and neurological disorder that affects all aspects of social communication, with limited and stereotypical interest, and atypical responses to sensory stimuli. Diagnosis of ASD is currently phenotype based with no reliable laboratory test available to assist clinicians. Researches have shown that individuals with autism often exhibit dysfunction of cytokines. METHODS A total of 42 patients with ASD and 20 matched controls participants were recruited for the study. Diagnosis was conducted by medical specialists and based on the International Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders - ICD-10, DSM-5 and CARS sore. Whole blood samples were collected and serum IL's and chemokin levels were made using ELISA kits. RESULTS Results demonstrated that in comparison to the controls, the individuals with autism showed significantly higher concentration of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-13. We also demonstrated significant correlations between the levels of cytokines which implies the presence of an interactive network between them. The results of ROC analysis indicated the 4-factors (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-13) could be potential biomarkers in diagnosis of ASD. CONCLUSIONS In this study, serum levels of cytokine differed among children with ASD. However, the findings of this support the possibility of using an appropriate selection of serum cytokine for the diagnosis ASD and emphasize the need to standardize quantitative methods for serum analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Karolina Kordulewska
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kostyra
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | | | - Małgorzata Moszyńska
- Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Therapy of Autism at the Regional Children's Hospital in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 18 A Street, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Cieślińska
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Fiedorowicz
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Beata Jarmołowska
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 1A Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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53
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The role of maternal immune activation in altering the neurodevelopmental trajectories of offspring: A translational review of neuroimaging studies with implications for autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 104:141-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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54
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Saghazadeh A, Ataeinia B, Keynejad K, Abdolalizadeh A, Hirbod-Mobarakeh A, Rezaei N. A meta-analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: Effects of age, gender, and latitude. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 115:90-102. [PMID: 31125917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) occur in 1.5% of the general population worldwide. Studies suggest that ASD might have more costs than diabetes and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder by 2025. Dysregulation of the cytokine system is well-documented in ASD. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies providing data on circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in people with ASD compared with control subjects without ASD. METHODS We identified potentially eligible studies by systematically searching electronic databases from inception to February 2018. RESULTS Thirty-eight studies with total of 2487 participants (1393 patients with ASD and 1094 control subjects) were included in the meta-analysis; 13 for interferon (IFN)-γ, 17 for interleukin (IL)-1β, 22 for IL-6, 19 for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, 4 for IL-1α, 6 for IL-2, 4 for IL-7, 8 for IL-8, 14 for IL-12, 3 for IL-15, 12 for IL-17, 3 for IL-18, 3 for IL-2 receptor, 3 for TNF-β, and 3 for IL-23. We found medium increases in levels of plasma IFN-γ (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.53) and serum IL-1β (SMD = 0.56) and small increases in levels of blood IL-1β (SMD = 0.35), serum IL-6 (SMD = 0.30) and serum TNF-α (SMD = 0.31) for patients with ASD. Meta-regression analyses identified latitude as a negative moderator of the effect size (ES) of difference in mean levels of IFN-γ (R2 = 0.26) and TNF-α (R2 = 0.74). Also, difference in the mean age between patients and controls had a negative interaction with the ES of difference in mean levels of IL-1β. In contrast, there was a positive effect of the moderator of difference in the proportion of male subjects between patients and controls on the ES of difference in mean levels of IL-1β. We found no significant alterations in peripheral levels of other pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1α, IL-2, IL-2R, IL-3, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, TBF-β, and TNFRI/II in patients with ASD. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides evidence for higher concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in autistic patents compared with control subjects. Also, meta-regression analyses point to the interaction of latitude, age, and gender with peripheral alterations of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amene Saghazadeh
- aResearch Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; MetaCognition Interest Group (MCIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- aResearch Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; Border of Immune Tolerance Education and Research Network (BITERN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Keynejad
- Border of Immune Tolerance Education and Research Network (BITERN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhussein Abdolalizadeh
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; MS Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Hirbod-Mobarakeh
- aResearch Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Border of Immune Tolerance Education and Research Network (BITERN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Molecular Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- aResearch Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Molecular Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Boston, MA, USA.
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55
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Matta SM, Hill-Yardin EL, Crack PJ. The influence of neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:75-90. [PMID: 31029798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours. The clinical presentation of ASD is highly variable and diagnosis is based on the presence of impaired social communication and repetitive and/or restricted behaviours. Although the precise pathophysiologies underlying ASD are unclear, growing evidence supports a role for dysregulated neuroinflammation. The potential involvement of microglia and astrocytes reactive to inflammatory stimuli in ASD has generated much interest due to their varied roles including in mounting an immune response and regulating synaptic function. Increased numbers of reactive microglial and astrocytes in both ASD postmortem tissue and animal models have been reported. Whether dysregulation of glial subtypes exacerbates alterations in neural connectivity in the brain of autistic patients is not well explored. A role for the gut-brain axis involving microbial-immune-neuronal cross talk is also a growing area of neuroinflammation research. Greater understanding of these interactions under patho/physiological conditions and the identification of consistent immune profile abnormalities can potentially lead to more reliable diagnostic measures and treatments in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Matta
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Peter J Crack
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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56
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Anti-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cytokine 2019; 123:154740. [PMID: 31228728 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the search for the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), inflammatory markers have emerged as potential candidates. The present meta-analysis was performed on studies examining circulating concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines in people with ASD compared with control subjects without ASD. METHODS We identified potentially eligible studies by systematically searching electronic databases from inception to February 2018. RESULTS Twenty-five studies with a total of 1754 participants (1022 patients with ASD and 732 control subjects) were included in the mate-analysis; 4 for interferon (IFN)-α, 9 for interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (Ra), 9 for IL-4, 6 for IL-5, 3 for IL-9, 14 for IL-10, 7 for IL-13, and 6 for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. We found a moderate decrease in plasma levels of IL-10 (SMD = -0.59) and a small decrease in serum levels of IL-1Ra (SMD = -0.25) in patients with ASD. On the contrary, serum IL-5 levels were slightly increased (SMD = 0.26) in these patients. We conducted meta-regression analyses to investigate the possible effect of moderatos on the effect size (ES) of difference in mean levels of IL-10. Difference in the mean age between patients and controls showed a negative influence on the ES and was able to explain about 0.4 of total between-study variance. In contrast, latitude exerted a positive effect on the ES and explained a lower proportion (0.1) of total between-study variance. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides evidence for the lower concentration of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-1Ra in autistic patients compared with control subjects. Also, meta-regression analyses point to the interaction of latitude, age, and gender with peripheral alterations of associated anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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57
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Kirsten TB, Casarin RC, Bernardi MM, Felicio LF. Pioglitazone abolishes cognition impairments as well as BDNF and neurotensin disturbances in a rat model of autism. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.041327. [PMID: 31036753 PMCID: PMC6550086 DOI: 10.1242/bio.041327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that exposure of rats to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during gestation induces autistic-like behaviors in juvenile offspring and pioglitazone post treatment corrects social and communication deficits. The first objective of the present study was to evaluate the cognition of the rats, because this is also a behavioral sphere committed in autism. Second, biomarkers related to pioglitazone pathways and autism were studied to try to understand their mechanisms. We used our rat model of autism and pioglitazone was administered daily to these young offspring. T-maze spontaneous alternations tests, plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), beta-endorphin, neurotensin, oxytocin, and substance P were all studied. Exposure of rats to LPS during gestation induced cognitive deficits in the young offspring, elevated BDNF levels and decreased neurotensin levels. Daily postnatal pioglitazone treatment abolished cognition impairments as well as BDNF and neurotensin disturbances. Together with our previous studies, we suggest pioglitazone as a candidate for the treatment of autism, because it improved the responses of the three most typical autistic-like behaviors. BDNF and neurotensin also appeared to be related to the autistic-like behaviors and should be considered for therapeutic purposes. Summary: Exposure of rats to lipopolysaccharide during gestation induced autistic-like behaviors in the juvenile offspring. Daily postnatal pioglitazone treatment abolished cognition impairments as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotensin disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago B Kirsten
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil .,Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Renato C Casarin
- Graduate Program of Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Maria M Bernardi
- Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil.,Graduate Program of Dentistry, Paulista University, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Luciano F Felicio
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
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58
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Bar E, Barak B. Microglia roles in synaptic plasticity and myelination in homeostatic conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders. Glia 2019; 67:2125-2141. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.23637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, and The Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, and The Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- The Sagol School of NeuroscienceTel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
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59
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Salvucci E. The human-microbiome superorganism and its modulation to restore health. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2019; 70:781-795. [DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2019.1580682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Salvucci
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba (ICYTAC-CONICET-UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba
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60
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, Attia SM, Al-Ayadhi LY, Bakheet SA, Al-Harbi NO. Oxidative and inflammatory mediators are upregulated in neutrophils of autistic children: Role of IL-17A receptor signaling. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 90:204-211. [PMID: 30529000 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by repetitive behaviors, impaired social communication and stereotyped interests, and often associated with dysregulations in innate/adaptive immune cells. IL-17A has been linked with abnormal behavioral patterns observed in autistic children and animal models of autism. However, it is yet to be investigated if IL-17A and its receptors are implicated in regulation of oxidative and inflammatory mediators in neutrophils of ASD patients. Therefore, we pursued to identify the effect of IL-17 receptor (IL-17R), and its inflammatory potential in neutrophils from ASD (n = 45) and typically developing control (TDC; n = 40) subjects. IL-17A, its receptor (IL-17R), associated signaling pathways [nuclear transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), IL-6 and oxidative stress parameters such as NADPH oxidase (NOX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitrotyrosine] were determined in the neutrophils from TDC and ASD subjects. Our data show that IL-17A expression, and IL-17R are increased in neutrophils of ASD patients. Further, inflammatory signaling pathways such as such as phospho-NFκB, and ROS generating enzymes, i.e. NOX2/iNOS are increased in neutrophils of ASD patients as compared TDC subjects. Furthermore, activation of IL-17A/IL-17R signaling in neutrophils of ASD subjects leads to upregulation of phospho-NFκB, IL-6 and NOX2/ROS, thus suggesting a compelling role of IL-17A in modulation of inflammation. Our study displays for the first time that IL-17A/IL-17R signaling in neutrophils could play a pivotal role in autism through upregulation of oxidative and inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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61
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Prata J, Machado AS, von Doellinger O, Almeida MI, Barbosa MA, Coelho R, Santos SG. The Contribution of Inflammation to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recent Clinical Evidence. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2011:493-510. [PMID: 31273718 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9554-7_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism comprises a complex and heterogeneous spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, usually termed autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is more prevalent in males than females, and genetic and environmental factors are believed to account in similar percentages to the development of ASD. In recent years, the contribution of inflammation and inflammatory mediators to disease aetiology and perpetuation has been the object of intense research. In this chapter, inflammatory aspects that contribute to ASD are discussed, including abnormal microglia activation and polarization phenotypes, increased systemic levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, and altered patterns of immune cell response to activation stimuli. Also, inflammation in the context of gut microbiome and the impact of inflammation on gender prevalence of ASD are considered. Finally, treatment impact on inflammatory parameters and the potential for use of anti-inflammatory drugs, alone or in combination with antipsychotics, to manage ASD are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Prata
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - A S Machado
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar UniversitÃrio São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - O von Doellinger
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - M I Almeida
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M A Barbosa
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Coelho
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar UniversitÃrio São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - S G Santos
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Arita Y, Jeong Park H, Cantillon A, Verma K, Menon R, Getahun D, Peltier MR. Pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of sulforaphane on placental cytokine production. J Reprod Immunol 2018; 131:44-49. [PMID: 30641297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Placental inflammation increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and possibly neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Previous research suggests it may be possible to modulate the placental immune response to bacteria to favor an anti-inflammatory phenotype with dietary factors. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary supplement with known anti-inflammatory activities, however, its effects on placental cytokine production are unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of SFN on biomarkers of inflammation and neurodevelopment under basal conditions and a setting of mild infection. Placental explant cultures were established and treated with up to 10 μM SFN in the presence and absence of 107 CFU/ml heat-killed E. coli. Concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, sgp130, HO-1 and BDNF in conditioned medium were quantified by immunoassay. SFN increased antioxidant HO-1 expression in the absence, but not the presence, of infection. SFN inhibited IL-1β and IL-10, but tended to promote, TNF-α production by bacteria-stimulated cultures. IL-6 and BDNF were inhibited by SFN irrespective of co-treatment with E.coli. A negative regulator of IL-6 signaling, sgp130, was increased by SFN under basal conditions, but not in E. coli-stimulated cultures. These results suggest that SFN has mixed effects on the placenta inhibiting both pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) but promoting regulators of oxidative stress and inflammation (HO-1 and sgp130) in an infection-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Arita
- Department of Biomedical Research, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Hyeon Jeong Park
- Department of Biomedical Research, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Aisling Cantillon
- Department of Biomedical Research, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Kavita Verma
- Department of Biomedical Research, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UTMB-Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Darios Getahun
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser-Permenante Southern California, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Morgan R Peltier
- Department of Biomedical Research, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY, United States.
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63
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Wang R, Tan J, Guo J, Zheng Y, Han Q, So KF, Yu J, Zhang L. Aberrant Development and Synaptic Transmission of Cerebellar Cortex in a VPA Induced Mouse Autism Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:500. [PMID: 30622458 PMCID: PMC6308145 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autistic spectral disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disease that affects multiple brain regions. Both clinical and animal studies have revealed the possible involvement of the cerebellum in ASD pathology. In this study, we generated a rodent ASD model through a single prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) into pregnant mice, followed by cerebellar morphological and functional studies of the offspring. Behavioral studies showed that VPA exposure led to retardation of critical motor reflexes in juveniles and impaired learning in a tone-conditioned complex motor task in adults. These behavioral phenotypes were associated with premature migration and excess apoptosis of the granular cell (GC) precursor in the cerebellar cortex during the early postnatal period, and the decreased cell density and impaired dendritic arborization of the Purkinje neurons. On acute cerebellar slices, suppressed synaptic transmission of the Purkinje cells were reported in the VPA-treated mice. In summary, converging evidence from anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral abnormalities in the VPA-treated mice suggest cerebellar pathology in ASD and indicate the potential values of motor dysfunction in the early diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruanna Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Tan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junxiu Guo
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhan Zheng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Han
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiandong Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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64
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Azhari A, Azizan F, Esposito G. A systematic review of gut-immune-brain mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 61:752-771. [PMID: 30523646 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, the etiological origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remain elusive. Recently, the mechanisms of ASD have encompassed emerging theories involving the gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems. While each of these perspectives presents its own set of supporting evidence, the field requires an integration of these modular concepts and an overarching view of how these subsystems intersect. In this systematic review, we have synthesized relevant evidences from the existing literature, evaluating them in an interdependent manner and in doing so, outlining their possible connections. Specifically, we first discussed gastrointestinal and immuno-inflammation pathways in-depth, exploring the relationships between microbial composition, bacterial metabolites, gut mucosa, and immune system constituents. Accounting for temporal differences in the mechanisms involved in neurodevelopment, prenatal and postnatal phases were further elucidated, where the former focused on maternal immune activation (MIA) and fetal development, while the latter addressed the role of immune dysregulation in contributing to atypical neurodevelopment. As autism remains, foremost, a neurodevelopmental disorder, this review presents an integration of disparate modules into a "Gut-Immune-Brain" paradigm. Existing gaps in the literature have been highlighted, and possible avenues for future research with an integrated physiological perspective underlying ASD have also been suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiqah Azhari
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Farouq Azizan
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, Italy
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65
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Hughes HK, Mills Ko E, Rose D, Ashwood P. Immune Dysfunction and Autoimmunity as Pathological Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:405. [PMID: 30483058 PMCID: PMC6242891 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of heterogeneous neurological disorders that are highly variable and are clinically characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, and stereotypical behaviors. Prevalence has risen from 1 in 10,000 in 1972 to 1 in 59 children in the United States in 2014. This rise in prevalence could be due in part to better diagnoses and awareness, however, these together cannot solely account for such a significant rise. While causative connections have not been proven in the majority of cases, many current studies focus on the combined effects of genetics and environment. Strikingly, a distinct picture of immune dysfunction has emerged and been supported by many independent studies over the past decade. Many players in the immune-ASD puzzle may be mechanistically contributing to pathogenesis of these disorders, including skewed cytokine responses, differences in total numbers and frequencies of immune cells and their subsets, neuroinflammation, and adaptive and innate immune dysfunction, as well as altered levels of immunoglobulin and the presence of autoantibodies which have been found in a substantial number of individuals with ASD. This review summarizes the latest research linking ASD, autoimmunity and immune dysfunction, and discusses evidence of a potential autoimmune component of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K. Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Emily Mills Ko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Destanie Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
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66
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Sweis IE, Cressey BC. Potential role of the common food additive manufactured citric acid in eliciting significant inflammatory reactions contributing to serious disease states: A series of four case reports. Toxicol Rep 2018; 5:808-812. [PMID: 30128297 PMCID: PMC6097542 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Citric acid naturally exists in fruits and vegetables. However, it is not the naturally occurring citric acid, but the manufactured citric acid (MCA) that is used extensively as a food and beverage additive. Approximately 99% of the world's production of MCA is carried out using the fungus Aspergillus niger since 1919. Aspergilus niger is a known allergen. The FDA placed MCA under the category of GRAS without any research to substantiate this claim. In 2016, 2.3 million tons of MCA were produced, predominantly in China, and approximately 70% is used as a food or beverage additive. There have been no scientific studies performed to evaluate the safety of MCA when ingested in substantial amounts and with chronic exposure. We present four case reports of patients with a history of significant and repetitive inflammatory reactions including respiratory symptoms, joint pain, irritable bowel symptoms, muscular pain and enervation following ingestion of foods, beverages or vitamins containing MCA. We believe that ingestion of the MCA may lead to a harmful inflammatory cascade which manifests differently in different individuals based on their genetic predisposition and susceptibility, and that the use of MCA as an additive in consumable products warrants further studies to document its safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana E. Sweis
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
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67
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Gładysz D, Krzywdzińska A, Hozyasz KK. Immune Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder-Could They Hold Promise for Causative Treatment? Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6387-6435. [PMID: 29307081 PMCID: PMC6061181 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in language and communication development, social behavior, and the occurrence of stereotypic patterns of behavior and interests. Despite substantial speculation about causes of ASD, its exact etiology remains unknown. Recent studies highlight a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits. Various immune anomalies, including humoral and cellular immunity along with abnormalities at the molecular level, have been reported. There is evidence of altered immune function both in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood. Several studies hypothesize a role for neuroinflammation in ASD and are supported by brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, as well as evidence of microglial activation. It has been shown that immune abnormalities occur in a substantial number of individuals with ASD. Identifying subgroups with immune system dysregulation and linking specific cellular immunophenotypes to different symptoms would be key to defining a group of patients with immune abnormalities as a major etiology underlying behavioral symptoms. These determinations would provide the opportunity to investigate causative treatments for a defined patient group that may specifically benefit from such an approach. This review summarizes recent insights into immune system dysfunction in individuals with ASD and discusses the potential implications for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Gładysz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Kamil K Hozyasz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
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68
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Francis K, Dougali A, Sideri K, Kroupis C, Vasdekis V, Dima K, Douzenis A. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD and their parents: a 3-year follow-up. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018. [PMID: 29532458 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several lines of evidence point to a probable relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but studies have yielded inconsistent findings on the BDNF serum level in ASD. The study aimed to assess those levels in children with ASD and their families. METHOD BDNF serum levels were measured in 45 ASD children without intellectual disability (ID) and allergies, age 30-42 months and age-matched normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the parents of the ASD subjects were compared to normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the ASD subjects were followed up for 3 years and correlated with adaptive functioning changes. RESULTS BDNF serum levels were measured to be lower in children with ASD and independent of all the major baseline characteristics of the subjects. Having a child with ASD raises the BDNF levels in parents comparing to controls. Prospectively, no correlation between the change of BDNF variables in time and the change of the Vineland scores was found. CONCLUSIONS Our results contradict those from recent published meta-analyses with the age, the presence of ID and allergies being possible contributing factors. The parents' data indeed point to a role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Francis
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Kuwait Centre for Mental Health, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - A Dougali
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - K Sideri
- Allergy Research Center, Attikon General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - C Kroupis
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V Vasdekis
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economic and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - K Dima
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Douzenis
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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69
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Driscoll DJO', Felice VD, Kenny LC, Boylan GB, O'Keeffe GW. Mild prenatal hypoxia-ischemia leads to social deficits and central and peripheral inflammation in exposed offspring. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 69:418-427. [PMID: 29355822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) resulting from intrauterine or perinatal hypoxic-ischemia (HI) is a leading cause of long-term neonatal neurodisability. While most studies of long-term outcome have focused on moderate and severe HIE in term infants, recent work has shown that those with mild HIE may have subtle neurological impairments. However, the impact of mild HI on pre-term infants is much less clear given that pre-term birth is itself a risk factor for neurodisability. Here we show that mild HI insult alters behaviour, inflammation and the corticosterone stress response in a rat model of pre-term HIE. Mild HI exposure led to social deficits in exposed offspring at postnatal day 30, without impairments in the novel object recognition test nor in the open field test. This was also accompanied by elevations in circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone indicating an exaggerated stress response. There were also elevations in il-1β and il-6 but not tnf-α mRNA and protein in the brain and blood samples. In summary we find that a mild HI exposure leads to social deficits, central and peripheral inflammation, and an abnormal corticosterone response which are three core features of autism spectrum disorder. This shows that mild HI exposure may be a risk factor for an abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome in pre-term offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J O ' Driscoll
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Valeria D Felice
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise C Kenny
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Geraldine B Boylan
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and Cork Neuroscience Centre, UCC, Cork, Ireland.
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70
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Chen JJ, Wang T, An CD, Jiang CY, Zhao J, Li S. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a mediator of inflammation-associated neurogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2018; 27:793-811. [PMID: 27508959 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In early- or late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), inflammation, which is triggered by pathologic conditions, influences the progression of neurodegeneration. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a crucial mediator of neurogenesis, because it exhibits a remarkable activity-dependent regulation of expression, which suggests that it may link inflammation to neurogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that acute and chronic inflammation in AD differentially modulates neurotrophin functions, which are related to the roles of inflammation in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Recent studies also indicate novel mechanisms of BDNF-mediated neuroprotection, including the modulation of autophagy. Numerous research studies have demonstrated reverse parallel alterations between proinflammatory cytokines and BDNF during neurodegeneration; thus, we hypothesize that one mechanism that underlies the negative impact of chronic inflammation on neurogenesis is the reduction of BDNF production and function by proinflammatory cytokines.
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71
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Engineer CT, Hays SA, Kilgard MP. Vagus nerve stimulation as a potential adjuvant to behavioral therapy for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:20. [PMID: 28690686 PMCID: PMC5496407 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9203-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders undergo expensive, time-consuming behavioral interventions that often yield only modest improvements. The development of adjunctive interventions that can increase the benefit of rehabilitation therapies is essential in order to improve the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Main text Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an FDA approved therapy that is safe and effective in reducing seizure frequency and duration in individuals with epilepsy. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders often exhibit decreased vagal tone, and studies indicate that VNS can be used to overcome an insufficient vagal response. Multiple studies have also documented significant improvements in quality of life after VNS therapy in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, recent findings indicate that VNS significantly enhances the benefits of rehabilitative training in animal models and patients, leading to greater recovery in a variety of neurological diseases. Here, we review these findings and provide a discussion of how VNS paired with rehabilitation may yield benefits in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. Conclusions VNS paired with behavioral therapy may represent a potential new approach to enhance rehabilitation that could significantly improve the outcomes of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal T Engineer
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA.,Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road BSB11, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
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72
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Rose DR, Careaga M, Van de Water J, McAllister K, Bauman MD, Ashwood P. Long-term altered immune responses following fetal priming in a non-human primate model of maternal immune activation. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 63:60-70. [PMID: 27876552 PMCID: PMC5432383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection during pregnancy can lead to activation of the maternal immune system and has been associated with an increased risk of having an offspring later diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or schizophrenia (SZ). Most maternal immune activation (MIA) studies to date have been in rodents and usually involve the use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C). However, since NDD are based on behavioral changes, a model of MIA in non-human primates could potentially provide data that helps illuminate complex behavioral and immune outputs in human NDD. In this study twenty-one pregnant rhesus macaques were either given three injections over 72 hours of poly I:C-LC, a double stranded RNA analog (viral mimic), or saline as a control. Injections were given near the end of the first trimester or near the end of the second trimester to determine if there were differences in immune output due to the timing of MIA.An additional three non-treated animals were used as controls. The offspring were followed until 4 years of age, with blood collected at the end of their first (year 1) and fourth (year 4) years to assess dynamic cellular immune function. Induced responses from peripheral immune cells were measured using multiplex assays.At one year of age, MIA exposed offspring displayed elevated production of innate inflammatory cytokines including: interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α at baseline and following stimulation. At four years of age, the MIA exposed offspring continued to display elevated IL-1β, and there was also a pattern of an increased production of T-cell helper type (TH)-2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13. Throughout this time period, the offspring of MIA treated dams exhibited altered behavioral phenotypes including increased stereotyped behaviors. During the first two years, stereotyped behaviors were associated with innate cytokine production. Self-directed behaviors were associated with TH2 cytokine production at year 4. Data from this study suggests long-term behavioral and immune activation was present in offspring following MIA. This novel non-human primate model of MIA may provide a relevant clinically translational model to help further elucidate the role between immune dysfunction and complex behavioral outputs following MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destanie R. Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, CA, USA,MIND Institute, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, CA, USA,MIND Institute, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kim McAllister
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA,Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA,California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis; CA, USA; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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73
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Prenatal lipopolysaccharide induces hypothalamic dopaminergic hypoactivity and autistic-like behaviors: Repetitive self-grooming and stereotypies. Behav Brain Res 2017; 331:25-29. [PMID: 28526515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations by our group have shown that prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which mimics infection by gram-negative bacteria, induces social, cognitive, and communication deficits. For a complete screening of autistic-like behaviors, the objective of this study was to evaluate if our rat model also induces restricted and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Thus, we studied the self-grooming microstructure. We also studied the neurochemistry of hypothalamus and frontal cortex, which are brain areas related to autism to better understand central mechanisms involved in our model. Prenatal LPS exposure on gestational day 9.5 increased the head washing episodes (frequency and time), as well as the total self-grooming. However, body grooming, paw/leg licking, tail/genital grooming, and circling behavior/tail chasing did not vary significantly among the groups. Moreover, prenatal LPS induced dopaminergic hypoactivity (HVA metabolite and turnover) in the hypothalamus. Therefore, our rat model induced restricted and repetitive stereotyped behaviors and the other main symptoms of autism experimentally studied in rodent models and also found in patients. The hypothalamic dopaminergic impairments seem to be associated with the autistic-like behaviors.
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74
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Perets N, Segal-Gavish H, Gothelf Y, Barzilay R, Barhum Y, Abramov N, Hertz S, Morozov D, London M, Offen D. Long term beneficial effect of neurotrophic factors-secreting mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Behav Brain Res 2017; 331:254-260. [PMID: 28392323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by severe impairment in social communication skills and restricted, repetitive behaviors. We have previously shown that a single transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into the cerebral lateral ventricles of BTBR autistic-like mice resulted in an improvement across all diagnostic criteria of ASD. We suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein which supports the survival and regeneration of neurons secreted by MSC, largely contributed to the beneficial behavioral effect. In this study, we investigated the behavioral effects of transplanted MSC induced to secrete higher amounts of neurotrophic factors (NurOwn®), on various ASD-related behavioral domains using the BTBR mouse model of ASD. We demonstrate that NurOwn® transplantation had significant advantages over MSC transplantation in terms of improving communication skills, one and six months following treatment, as compared to sham-treated BTBR mice. Furthermore, NurOwn® transplantation resulted in reduced stereotypic behavior for as long as six months post treatment, compared to the one month improvement observed in the MSC treated mice. Notably, NurOwn® treatment resulted in improved cognitive flexibility, an improvement that was not observed by MSC treatment. Both MSC and NurOwn® transplantation induced an improvement in social behavior that lasted for six months. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that a single transplantation of MSC or NurOwn® have long-lasting benefits, while NurOwn® may be superior to MSC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisim Perets
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Hadar Segal-Gavish
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Yael Gothelf
- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Kiryat Aryeh, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Ran Barzilay
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, 69978, Israel; Research Unit at Geha Mental Health Center, Petach-Tikva, Israel
| | - Yael Barhum
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Natalie Abramov
- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Kiryat Aryeh, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Stav Hertz
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Darya Morozov
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michael London
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniel Offen
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel- Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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Voltas N, Arija V, Hernández-Martínez C, Jiménez-Feijoo R, Ferré N, Canals J. Are there early inflammatory biomarkers that affect neurodevelopment in infancy? J Neuroimmunol 2017; 305:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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76
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Masi A, Glozier N, Dale R, Guastella AJ. The Immune System, Cytokines, and Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Bull 2017; 33:194-204. [PMID: 28238116 PMCID: PMC5360854 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-017-0103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition characterized by variable impairments in communication and social interaction as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Heterogeneity of presentation is a hallmark. Investigations of immune system problems in ASD, including aberrations in cytokine profiles and signaling, have been increasing in recent times and are the subject of ongoing interest. With the aim of establishing whether cytokines have utility as potential biomarkers that may define a subgroup of ASD, or function as an objective measure of response to treatment, this review summarizes the role of the immune system, discusses the relationship between the immune system, the brain, and behavior, and presents previously-identified immune system abnormalities in ASD, specifically addressing the role of cytokines in these aberrations. The roles and identification of biomarkers are also addressed, particularly with respect to cytokine profiles in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Masi
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Nicholas Glozier
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
| | - Russell Dale
- Childrens Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2145, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia.
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1018-1029. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-3024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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78
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Guloksuz SA, Abali O, Aktas Cetin E, Bilgic Gazioglu S, Deniz G, Yildirim A, Kawikova I, Guloksuz S, Leckman JF. Elevated plasma concentrations of S100 calcium-binding protein B and tumor necrosis factor alpha in children with autism spectrum disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:195-200. [PMID: 28099628 PMCID: PMC7111377 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2015-1843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate plasma concentrations of S100B (a calcium-binding protein derived primarily from the glia) and inflammatory cytokines in children with autism and the relationship between S100B and cytokine concentrations. Methods: Plasma levels of S100B, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured in 40 unmedicated children with autism and 35 normally developing healthy children. The severity of autism was assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Results: Concentrations of both S100B and TNF-α were higher in children with autism before and after adjusting for a priori-selected confounders (age, sex, and body mass index). S100B concentrations were higher in children with severe autism compared to children with mild-moderate autism. However, this association remained as a trend after adjusting for confounders. S100B concentrations correlated positively with TNF-α concentrations. Conclusion: Our findings showing an increase in peripheral concentrations of S100B and TNF-α provide limited support to the hypothesis about the roles of altered immune function and S100B in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies of larger numbers of well-characterized individuals with ASD are needed to clarify the potential role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Osman Abali
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Aktas Cetin
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine (DETAE), Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Bilgic Gazioglu
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine (DETAE), Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine (DETAE), Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ivana Kawikova
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sinan Guloksuz
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - James F Leckman
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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79
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Pardo CA, Farmer CA, Thurm A, Shebl FM, Ilieva J, Kalra S, Swedo S. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid immune mediators in children with autistic disorder: a longitudinal study. Mol Autism 2017; 8:1. [PMID: 28070266 PMCID: PMC5217649 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causes of autism likely involve genetic and environmental factors that influence neurobiological changes and the neurological and behavioral features of the disorder. Immune factors and inflammation are hypothesized pathogenic influences, but have not been examined longitudinally. METHODS In a cohort of 104 participants with autism, we performed an assessment of immune mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, or growth factors in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (n = 67) to determine potential influences of such mediators in autism. RESULTS As compared with 54 typically developing controls, we found no evidence of differences in the blood profile of immune mediators supportive of active systemic inflammation mechanisms in participants with autism. Some modulators of immune function (e.g., EGF and soluble CD40 ligand) were increased in the autism group; however, no evidence of group differences in traditional markers of active inflammation (e.g., IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β) were observed in the serum. Further, within-subject stability (measured by estimated intraclass correlations) of most analytes was low, indicating that a single measurement is not a reliable prospective indicator of concentration for most analytes. Additionally, in participants with autism, there was little correspondence between the blood and CSF profiles of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, suggesting that peripheral markers may not optimally reflect the immune status of the central nervous system. Although the relatively high fraction of intrathecal production of selected chemokines involved in monocyte/microglia function may suggest a possible relationship with the homeostatic role of microglia, control data are needed for further interpretation of its relevance in autism. CONCLUSIONS These longitudinal observations fail to provide support for the hypothesized role of disturbances in the expression of circulating cytokines and chemokines as an indicator of systemic inflammation in autism. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00298246.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Pardo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 627 Pathology Bld., 6000 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - Cristan A Farmer
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Fatma M Shebl
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Jorjetta Ilieva
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 627 Pathology Bld., 6000 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287 USA
| | - Simran Kalra
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Susan Swedo
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD USA
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Donfrancesco R, Nativio P, Borrelli E, Giua E, Andriola E, Villa MP, DI Trani M. Serum cytokines in pediatric neuropsychiatric syndromes: focus on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2016; 73:398-404. [PMID: 28006890 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.16.04642-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation may represent a common underlying mechanism in a wide range of diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Cytokine involvement has been investigated in some studies on patients with childhood neuropsychiatric diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether cytokines are involved in ADHD to provide a rationale for immune-based therapeutic strategies in this disorder. METHODS Sixty children were studied: 34 consecutive drug-naïve children with ADHD (30 males and 4 females; mean age of 10.10 years, SD=2.43 age) and 26 healthy control children (22 males and 4 females; mean age of 10.70 years, SD=1.81). All cytokines but IL-2 (IL4-IL6-IL10- IL17-TNFA and IFNG) were studied by ELISAs; IL-2 was instead studied by means of paired anti-cytokine Abs and cytokine standards obtained from PharMingen. RESULTS Data reveal higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels in ADHD patients than in the control group (P=0.03). No differences emerged between the two groups for the other cytokines. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Nativio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Giua
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria P Villa
- NESMOS Department, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela DI Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy -
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81
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Makinodan M, Iwata K, Ikawa D, Yamashita Y, Yamamuro K, Toritsuka M, Kimoto S, Okumura K, Yamauchi T, Yoshino H, Tsujii M, Sugiyama T, Tsuchiya K, Mori N, Matsuzaki H, Kishimoto T. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlates with early childhood social interaction in autism spectrum disorder. Neurochem Int 2016; 104:1-5. [PMID: 28007470 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, poor communication skills, and repetitive/restrictive behaviors. Elevated blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. On the other hand, early childhood adverse experience also increases blood levels of these cytokines. Since social experience of children with autism spectrum disorder is generally unlike to typically developing children, we hypothesized that social interaction during childhood contribute to pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. We compared revised Autism Diagnostic Interview scores and expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with autism spectrum disorder (n = 30). The score of domain A on the revised Autism Diagnostic Interview, indicating social interaction impairment in early childhood, was negatively correlated with tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells but not interleukin-1β or -6. Consistently, tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression was markedly low in subjects with autism spectrum disorder compared to typically developing children who presumably experienced the regular levels of social interaction. These findings suggest that the low blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA in subjects with autism spectrum disorder might be due to impaired social interaction in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan.
| | - Keiko Iwata
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Japan; Department of Development of Functional Brain Activities, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yasunori Yamashita
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Michihiro Toritsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Sohei Kimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kazuki Okumura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takahira Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yoshino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Tsujii
- Department of Faculty of Sociology, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Tsuchiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Norio Mori
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Japan; Department of Development of Functional Brain Activities, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
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82
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Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31241. [PMID: 27506602 PMCID: PMC4979025 DOI: 10.1038/srep31241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal survival and growth and promotes synaptic plasticity. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the relationship between peripheral BDNF levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the findings are inconsistent. We undertook the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with healthy controls. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before February 2016. Fourteen studies involving 2,707 participants and 1,131 incident cases were included. The meta-analysis provided evidence of higher peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.18–1.08; P = 0.006]. Subgroup analyses revealed higher BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls for both serum [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.11–1.04; P = 0.02] and plasma [SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.92–1.61; P < 0.001]. Studies of childhood yielded similar cumulative effect size [SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.31–1.26; P = 0.001], while this was not true for the studies of adulthood [SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −1.72–1.80; P = 0.97]. This meta-analysis suggests that peripheral BDNF levels are a potential biomarker of ASD.
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83
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Armeanu R, Mokkonen M, Crespi B. Meta-Analysis of BDNF Levels in Autism. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:949-954. [PMID: 27501933 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) centrally mediates growth, differentiation and survival of neurons, and the synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. Recent meta-analyses have reported significantly lower peripheral BDNF among individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, compared with controls. To evaluate the role of BDNF in autism, and to compare autism to psychotic-affective disorders with regard to BDNF, we conducted a meta-analysis of BDNF levels in autism. Inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies, which included 1242 participants. The meta-analysis estimated a significant summary effect size of 0.33 (95 % CI 0.21-0.45, P < 0.001), suggesting higher BDNF in autism than in controls. The studies showed notable heterogeneity, but no evidence of publication biases. Higher peripheral BDNF in autism is concordant with several neurological and psychological theories on the causes and symptoms of this condition, and it contrasts notably with the lower levels of BDNF found in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Armeanu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Mikael Mokkonen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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84
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Lee JH, Espinera AR, Chen D, Choi KE, Caslin AY, Won S, Pecoraro V, Xu GY, Wei L, Yu SP. Neonatal inflammatory pain and systemic inflammatory responses as possible environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder of juvenile rats. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:109. [PMID: 27184741 PMCID: PMC4867541 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects many children and juveniles. The pathogenesis of ASD is not well understood. Environmental factors may play important roles in the development of ASD. We examined a possible relationship of inflammatory pain in neonates and the development of ASD in juveniles. Methods Acute inflammation pain was induced by 5 % formalin (5 μl/day) subcutaneous injection into two hindpaws of postnatal day 3 to 5 (P3–P5) rat pups. Western blot, immunohistochemical, and behavioral examinations were performed at different time points after the insult. Results Formalin injection caused acute and chronic inflammatory responses including transient local edema, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the blood as well as in the brain, and increased microglia in the brain. One day after the pain insult, there was significant cell death in the cortex and hippocampus. Two weeks later, although the hindpaw local reaction subsided, impaired axonal growth and demyelization were seen in the brain of P21 juvenile rats. The number of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and doublecortin (DCX) double-positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of P21 rats was significantly lower than that in controls, indicating reduced neurogenesis. In the P21 rat’s brain of the formalin group, the expression of autism-related gene neurexin 1 (NRXN1), fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1), and oxytocin was significantly downregulated, consistent with the gene alteration in ASD. Juvenile rats in the formalin group showed hyperalgesia, repetitive behaviors, abnormal locomotion, sleep disorder, and distinct deficits in social memory and social activities. These alterations in neuroinflammatory reactions, gene expression, and behaviors were more evident in male than in female rats. Importantly, an anti-inflammation treatment using indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) at the time of formalin injections suppressed inflammatory responses and neuronal cell death and prevented alterations in ASD-related genes and the development of abnormal behaviors. Conclusions These novel observations indicate that severe inflammatory pain in neonates and persistent inflammatory reactions may predispose premature infants to development delays and psychiatric disorders including ASD. The prevention of pain stimuli and prompt treatments of inflammation during development appear vitally important in disrupting possible evolution of ASD syndromes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0575-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hwan Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alyssa R Espinera
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dongdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,The Laboratory of Translational Pain Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ko-Eun Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Asha Yoshiko Caslin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Soonmi Won
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Valentina Pecoraro
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Guang-Yin Xu
- The Laboratory of Translational Pain Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, 30033, USA. .,Emory University School of Medicine, 101 Woodruff Circle, WMB Suite 620, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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85
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Al-Salem HS, Bhat RS, Al-Ayadhi L, El-Ansary A. Therapeutic potency of bee pollen against biochemical autistic features induced through acute and sub-acute neurotoxicity of orally administered propionic acid. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:120. [PMID: 27107819 PMCID: PMC4842259 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background It is now well documented that postnatal exposure to certain chemicals has been reported to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Propionic acid (PA), as a metabolic product of gut microbiotaandas a commonly used food additive, has been reported to mediate the effects of autism. Results from animal studies may help to identify environmental neurotoxic agents and drugs that can ameliorate neurotoxicity and may thereby aid in the treatment of autism. The present study investigated the ameliorative effects of natural bee pollen against acute and sub-acute brain intoxication induced by (PA) in rats. Methods Twenty-four young male Western Albino ratswere enrolled in the present study. They were classified into four equal groups, eachwith6 rats. The control group received only phosphate buffered saline; the oral buffered PA-treated groups (II and III) received a neurotoxic dose of 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 3 dose of 250 mg/kg body weight/day serving asthe acute group and 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 10 equal dose of 75 mg/kg body weight/day as the sub-acute group. The fourth group received 50 mg bee pollen for 30 days after PA-acute intoxication. Results The obtained data showed that the PA-treated groups demonstrated multiple signs of brain toxicity, as indicated by a depletion of serotonin (5HT), dopamine and nor-adrenaline, together withan increase in IFN-γ and caspase 3. Bee pollen was effective in ameliorating the neurotoxic effect of PA. All measured parameters demonstrated minimal alteration in comparison with thecontrol animal than did those of acute and sub-acute PA-treated animals. Conclusions In conclusion, bee pollen demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects while ameliorating the impaired neurochemistry of PA-intoxicated rats.
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86
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Meng WD, Sun SJ, Yang J, Chu RX, Tu W, Liu Q. Elevated Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) but not BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism Is Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1167-1172. [PMID: 26820673 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to illuminate the potential role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We measured the circulating levels of BDNF in serum and BDNF gene (Val66Met) polymorphisms, in which two indicators were then compared between ASD and normal controls. A total of 82 drug-naïve ASD children and 82 age- and gender-matched normal controls were enrolled in the study. Their serum BDNF levels were detected by the ELISA. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism genotyping was conducted as according to the laboratory's standard protocol in laboratory. The ASD severity assessment was mainly determined by the score of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). ELISA assay showed that the mean serum BDNF level of children with ASD was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than that of the control cases (17.75 ± 5.43 vs. 11.49 ± 2.85 ng/ml; t = 9.236). Besides, the serum BDNF levels and CARS scores (P < 0.0001) were positively related. And, the BDNF genotyping results showed that there was no difference between the ASD cases and the control. Among the children with ASD, the mean serum BDNF level of Met/Met group was lower than other groups. According to the ROC curve generated from our clinical data, the optimal cutoff value of serum BDNF levels, an indicator for diagnosis of ASD, was projected to be 12.50 ng/ml. Thus, it yielded a corresponding sensitivity of 81.7 % and the specificity of 66.9 %. Accordingly, area value under the curve was 0.836 (95 % CI, 0.774-0.897); the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 70.1 and 79.1 %, respectively. These results suggested that rather than Val66Met polymorphism, BDNF was more possible to impact the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Dong Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital, No. 67, Dongchang West Road, Liaocheng, 252000, China
| | - Shao-Jun Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital, No. 67, Dongchang West Road, Liaocheng, 252000, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Liaocheng Herbalist Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Rui-Xue Chu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liaocheng People's Hospital, No. 67, Dongchang West Road, Liaocheng, 252000, China
| | - Wenjun Tu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No. 238, Baiti Road, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No. 238, Baiti Road, Tianjin, 300192, China.
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87
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Businaro R, Corsi M, Azzara G, Di Raimo T, Laviola G, Romano E, Ricci L, Maccarrone M, Aronica E, Fuso A, Ricci S. Interleukin-18 modulation in autism spectrum disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:2. [PMID: 26728085 PMCID: PMC4700739 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease which affects 1 in 88 children. Its etiology remains basically unknown, but it is apparent that neuroinflammation is involved in disease development. Great attention has been focused on pro-inflammatory cytokines, and several studies have reported their dysfunction unbalance in serum as well as in the brain. The present work aimed at evaluating putative dysregulation of interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family in the sera of patients with ASD of different grades, compared to healthy controls, as well as in postmortem brain samples obtained from patients with tuberous sclerosis as well as acute inflammatory diseases. Moreover, quantitative analysis of IL-18 was performed in the sera and brain obtained from Reeler mice, an experimental model of autism. METHODS Serum IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. IL-18 was localized by immunohistochemical analysis in brain sections obtained from tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis patients, as well as from gender- and age-matched controls, and in the brain sections of both Reeler and wild-type mice. IL-18 was also quantified by Western blots in homogenates of Reeler and wild-type mice brains. IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) was evaluated in Reeler and wild-type mice plasma as well as in their brains (sections and homogenates). RESULTS IL-18 content decreased in the sera of patients with autism compared to healthy subjects and in Reeler sera compared to wild-type controls. IL-18 was detected within glial cells and neurons in the brain of subjects affected by tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis whereas in healthy subjects, only a weak IL-18 positivity was detected at the level of glial cells. Western blot identified higher amounts of IL-18 in Reeler brain homogenates compared to wild-type littermates. IL-18BP was expressed in higher amounts in Reeler brain compared to the brain of wild-type mice, whereas no significant difference was detected comparing IL-18BP plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS IL-18 is dysregulated in ASD patients. Further studies seemed necessary to clarify the molecular details behind IL-18 increase in the brain and IL-18 decrease in the sera of patients. An increase in the size of the patient cohort seems necessary to ascertain whether decreased IL-18 content in the sera can become a predictive biomarker of ASD and whether its measure, in combination with other markers (e.g., increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), may be included in a diagnostic panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Businaro
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Corsi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Azzara
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Tania Di Raimo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Section of Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Section Behavioural Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Emilia Romano
- Section of Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Section Behavioural Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Lidia Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64-65, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center and Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Fuso
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64-65, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Serafino Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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88
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Risk factors in autism: Thinking outside the brain. J Autoimmun 2015; 67:1-7. [PMID: 26725748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions that have been rising markedly in prevalence for the past 30 years, now thought to affect 1 in 68 in the United States. This has prompted the search for possible explanations, and has even resulted in some controversy regarding the "true" prevalence of autism. ASD are influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and possibly immunological factors that act during critical periods to alter key developmental processes. This can affect multiple systems and manifests as the social and behavioral deficits that define these disorders. The interaction of environmental exposures in the context of an individual's genetic susceptibilities manifests differently in each case, leading to heterogeneous phenotypes and varied comorbid symptoms within the disorder. This has also made it very difficult to elucidate underlying genes and exposure profiles, but progress is being made in this area. Some pharmaceutical drugs, toxicants, and metabolic and nutritional factors have been identified in epidemiological studies as increasing autism risk, especially during the prenatal period. Immunologic risk factors, including maternal infection during pregnancy, autoantibodies to fetal brain proteins, and familial autoimmune disease, have consistently been observed across multiple studies, as have immune abnormalities in individuals with ASD. Mechanistic research using animal models and patient-derived stem cells will help researchers to understand the complex etiology of these neurodevelopmental disorders, which will lead to more effective therapies and preventative strategies. Proposed therapies that need more investigation include special diets, probiotics, immune modulation, oxytocin, and personalized pharmacogenomic targets. The ongoing search for biomarkers and better treatments will result in earlier identification of ASD and provide much needed help and relief for afflicted families.
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89
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Du X, Hill R. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone as a pro-neurotrophic treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurochem Int 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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90
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Increased serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder. Neuroreport 2015; 26:638-41. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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91
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Moieni M, Irwin MR, Jevtic I, Breen EC, Eisenberger NI. Inflammation impairs social cognitive processing: A randomized controlled trial of endotoxin. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 48:132-8. [PMID: 25770082 PMCID: PMC4508216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia) are partially characterized by social cognitive deficits, including impairments in the ability to perceive others' emotional states, which is an aspect of social cognition known as theory of mind (ToM). There is also evidence that inflammation may be implicated in the etiology of these disorders, but experimental data linking inflammation to deficits in social cognition is sparse. Thus, we examined whether exposure to an experimental inflammatory challenge led to changes in ToM. One hundred and fifteen (n=115) healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive either endotoxin, which is an inflammatory challenge, or placebo. Participants completed a social cognition task, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME) test, at baseline and at the peak of the inflammatory response for the endotoxin group. The RME test, a validated measure of ToM, evaluates how accurately participants can identify the emotional state of another person by looking only at their eyes. We found that endotoxin (vs. placebo) led to decreases in performance on the RME test from baseline to the peak of inflammatory response, indicating that acute inflammation can lead to decreases in the ability to accurately and reliably comprehend emotional information from others. Given that deficits in ToM are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including those which may have an inflammatory basis, these results may have implications for understanding the links between inflammation, social cognition, and neuropsychiatric disorders. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01671150.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Moieni
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, United States
| | - Michael R Irwin
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7076, United States
| | - Ivana Jevtic
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, United States
| | - Elizabeth C Breen
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7076, United States
| | - Naomi I Eisenberger
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, United States.
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92
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in three core behavioral areas. As prevalence rates for ASD continue to rise there is also increasing interest in finding biomarkers associated with ASD. The use of biomarkers could help identify those at risk for ASD or ASD-associated comorbid conditions and help to predict the developmental course of these children. Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, biomarkers may help to identify subpopulations within ASD that share similar traits or profiles. Such work could lead to specialized therapy and help to develop biomarkers whereby the benefits of treatments/therapies for individuals could be monitored over time and through clinical trials. Over the last 10 years, the evidence of immune involvement in ASD has been steadily growing and many investigators have begun to look at possible immune biomarkers, such as immune cytokine profiles, in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destanie Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
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93
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Bryn V, Halvorsen B, Ueland T, Isaksen J, Kolkova K, Ravn K, Skjeldal OH. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in childhood. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2015; 19:411-4. [PMID: 25847750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophic factors are essential regulators of neuronal maturation including synaptic synthesis. Among those, Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been in particular focus in the understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). PURPOSE The aim of our study was to investigate whether BNDF could be used as diagnostic/biological marker for ASD. For this purpose we examined the plasma levels of BDNF and the precursors pro- BDNF in patients with ASD and compared it with non-autistic controls; determined whether there was a correlation between the BDNF and proBDNF levels and clinical severity. We also investigated the coding region of BDNF identify for well-variations which could be associated to ASD. METHODS The 65 ASD patients (51 boys) were enrolled from a recent completed epidemiological survey covering two counties (Oppland and Hedmark) in Norway. The mean age of the total number of children who participated in this study was 11,7 years. 30 non-autistic children were included as controls, 14 boys and 16 girls. The mean age was 11.3 years. Exclusion criteria for control group were individuals suffering from either neurological, endocrine, or immune insuffiency. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Patients with ASD were characterized by moderately but significantly elevated plasma levels of BDNF compared to matched controls. No differences were observed in the proBDNF level between patients and controls. Within the ASD group, children with intellectual disability demonstrated increased BDNF, but not proBDNF levels, while the presence of ADHD had no impact on circulating proBDNF or BDNF. No further associations between plasma proBDNF or BDNF and other clinical demographics were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bryn
- Children's department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, 2809 Lillehammer, Norway.
| | - B Halvorsen
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, K.G.Jebsen Inflammation Research Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo Norway
| | - T Ueland
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, K.G.Jebsen Inflammation Research Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo Norway
| | - J Isaksen
- Department of Habilitation, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - K Kolkova
- Kennedy Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospital, Denmark
| | - K Ravn
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - O H Skjeldal
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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94
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Exploring the Potential Role of Inflammation as an Etiological Process in ASD. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-015-0051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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95
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Prenatal zinc prevents communication impairments and BDNF disturbance in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal lipopolysaccharide exposure. Life Sci 2015; 130:12-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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96
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Loke YJ, Hannan AJ, Craig JM. The Role of Epigenetic Change in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurol 2015; 6:107. [PMID: 26074864 PMCID: PMC4443738 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by problems with social communication, social interaction, and repetitive or restricted behaviors. ASD are comorbid with other disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, Rett syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome. Neither the genetic nor the environmental components have been characterized well enough to aid diagnosis or treatment of non-syndromic ASD. However, genome-wide association studies have amassed evidence suggesting involvement of hundreds of genes and a variety of associated genetic pathways. Recently, investigators have turned to epigenetics, a prime mediator of environmental effects on genomes and phenotype, to characterize changes in ASD that constitute a molecular level on top of DNA sequence. Though in their infancy, such studies have the potential to increase our understanding of the etiology of ASD and may assist in the development of biomarkers for its prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and eventually in its prevention and intervention. This review focuses on the first few epigenome-wide association studies of ASD and discusses future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk Jing Loke
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC , Australia
| | - Anthony John Hannan
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC , Australia
| | - Jeffrey Mark Craig
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC , Australia
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97
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Masi A, Quintana DS, Glozier N, Lloyd AR, Hickie IB, Guastella AJ. Cytokine aberrations in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:440-6. [PMID: 24934179 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of non-diagnostic features in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is unclear. Increasing evidence suggests immune system alterations in ASD may be implicated in the severity of behavioral impairment and other developmental outcomes. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate if there is a characteristic abnormal cytokine profile in ASD compared with healthy controls (HCs). We identified relevant studies following a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Knowledge and Scopus. A meta-analysis was performed on studies comparing plasma and serum concentrations of cytokines in unmedicated participants with ASD and HCs. Results were reported according to PRISMA statement. Seventeen studies with a total sample size of 743 participants with ASD and 592 HC were included in the analysis. Nineteen cytokines were assessed. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta (P<0.001), IL-6 (P=0.03), IL-8 (P=0.04), interferon-gamma (P=0.02), eotaxin (P=0.01) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (P<0.05) were significantly higher in the participants with ASD compared with the HC group, while concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 were significantly lower (P<0.001). There were no significant differences between ASD participants and controls for the other 12 cytokines analyzed. The findings of our meta-analysis identified significantly altered concentrations of cytokines in ASD compared to HCs, strengthening evidence of an abnormal cytokine profile in ASD where inflammatory signals dominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Masi
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - D S Quintana
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - N Glozier
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - A R Lloyd
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - I B Hickie
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - A J Guastella
- Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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98
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Kazim SF, Cardenas-Aguayo MDC, Arif M, Blanchard J, Fayyaz F, Grundke-Iqbal I, Iqbal K. Sera from children with autism induce autistic features which can be rescued with a CNTF small peptide mimetic in rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118627. [PMID: 25769033 PMCID: PMC4359103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized clinically by impairments in social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication skills as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. It has been hypothesized that altered brain environment including an imbalance in neurotrophic support during early development contributes to the pathophysiology of autism. Here we report that sera from children with autism which exhibited abnormal levels of various neurotrophic factors induced cell death and oxidative stress in mouse primary cultured cortical neurons. The effects of sera from autistic children were rescued by pre-treatment with a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small peptide mimetic, Peptide 6 (P6), which was previously shown to exert its neuroprotective effect by modulating CNTF/JAK/STAT pathway and LIF signaling and by enhancing brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Similar neurotoxic effects and neuroinflammation were observed in young Wistar rats injected intracerebroventricularly with autism sera within hours after birth. The autism sera injected rats demonstrated developmental delay and deficits in social communication, interaction, and novelty. Both the neurobiological changes and the behavioral autistic phenotype were ameliorated by P6 treatment. These findings implicate the involvement of neurotrophic imbalance during early brain development in the pathophysiology of autism and a proof of principle of P6 as a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Faraz Kazim
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- Neural and Behavioral Science Graduate Program, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria del Carmen Cardenas-Aguayo
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Arif
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie Blanchard
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Fatima Fayyaz
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Inge Grundke-Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (NYSIBR), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Downstate/NYSIBR Center for Developmental Neuroscience (CDN), Staten Island, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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99
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Derakhshan N. Vagal Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Autism. Ment Illn 2015; 7:5788. [PMID: 26266025 PMCID: PMC4508631 DOI: 10.4081/mi.2015.5788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nima Derakhshan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Iran
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100
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Careaga M, Schwartzer J, Ashwood P. Inflammatory profiles in the BTBR mouse: how relevant are they to autism spectrum disorders? Brain Behav Immun 2015; 43:11-6. [PMID: 24937468 PMCID: PMC4776653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders characterized by core behavioral features including stereotyped interests, repetitive behaviors and impairments in communication and social interaction. In addition, widespread changes in the immune systems of individuals with ASD have been identified, in particular increased evidence of inflammation in the periphery and central nervous system. While the etiology of these disorders remains unclear, it appears that multiple gene and environmental factors are involved. The need for animal models paralleling the behavioral and immunological features of ASD is paramount to better understand the link between immune system dysregulation and behavioral deficits observed in these disorders. As such, the asocial BTBR mouse strain displays both ASD relevant behaviors and persistent immune dysregulation, providing a model system that has and continues to be instructive in understanding the complex nature of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, United States,The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jared Schwartzer
- Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, United States; The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, United States.
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