51
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Parker N, Cheng W, Hindley GFL, O'Connell KS, Karthikeyan S, Holen B, Shadrin AA, Rahman Z, Karadag N, Bahrami S, Lin A, Steen NE, Ueland T, Aukrust P, Djurovic S, Dale AM, Smeland OB, Frei O, Andreassen OA. Genetic Overlap Between Global Cortical Brain Structure, C-Reactive Protein, and White Blood Cell Counts. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:62-71. [PMID: 37348803 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many brain disorders, a subset of patients jointly exhibit alterations in cortical brain structure and elevated levels of circulating immune markers. This may be driven in part by shared genetic architecture. Therefore, we investigated the phenotypic and genetic associations linking global cortical surface area and thickness with blood immune markers (i.e., white blood cell counts and plasma C-reactive protein levels). METHODS Linear regression was used to assess phenotypic associations in 30,823 UK Biobank participants. Genome-wide and local genetic correlations were assessed using linkage disequilibrium score regression and local analysis of covariance annotation. The number of shared trait-influencing genetic variants was estimated using MiXeR. Shared genetic architecture was assessed using a conjunctional false discovery rate framework, and mapped genes were included in gene-set enrichment analyses. RESULTS Cortical structure and blood immune markers exhibited predominantly inverse phenotypic associations. There were modest genome-wide genetic correlations, the strongest of which were for C-reactive protein levels (rg_surface_area = -0.13, false discovery rate-corrected p = 4.17 × 10-3; rg_thickness = -0.13, false discovery rate-corrected p = 4.00 × 10-2). Meanwhile, local genetic correlations showed a mosaic of positive and negative associations. White blood cells shared on average 46.24% and 38.64% of trait-influencing genetic variants with surface area and thickness, respectively. Additionally, surface area shared 55 unique loci with the blood immune markers while thickness shared 15. Overall, monocyte count exhibited the largest genetic overlap with cortical brain structure. A series of gene enrichment analyses implicated neuronal-, astrocytic-, and schizophrenia-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate shared genetic underpinnings for cortical brain structure and blood immune markers, with implications for neurodevelopment and understanding the etiology of brain-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Parker
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Weiqiu Cheng
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guy F L Hindley
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin S O'Connell
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandeep Karthikeyan
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Børge Holen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexey A Shadrin
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zillur Rahman
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Naz Karadag
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shahram Bahrami
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aihua Lin
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thor Ueland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Centre, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Disease, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders M Dale
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Olav B Smeland
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oleksandr Frei
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Butera A, De Simone R, Potenza RL, Sanchez M, Armida M, Campanile D, Di Carlo N, Trenta F, Boirivant M, Ricceri L. Effects of a gut-selective integrin-targeted therapy in male mice exposed to early immune activation, a model for the study of autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:89-100. [PMID: 37793488 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To clarify the role of gut mucosal immunity in ASD, we evaluated, in the early-life immune activation (EIA) mouse model, the effects of administration of a monoclonal antibody directed against the integrin alpha4 beta7 (α4β7 mAb), blocking the leukocyte homing into the gut mucosa. EIA is a double-hit variant of the maternal immune-activation (MIA) model, including both prenatal (Poly I:C) and postnatal (LPS) immune challenges. In C57BL6/J EIA male adult offspring mice, IL-1β and IL-17A mRNA colonic tissue content increased when compared with controls. Cytofluorimetric analyses of lymphocytes isolated from mesenteric lymph-nodes (MLN) and spleens of EIA mice show increased percentage of total and CD4+α4β7+, unstimulated and stimulated IL-17A+ and stimulated IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in MLN and CD4+α4β7+ unstimulated and stimulated IL-17A+ and stimulated IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in the spleen. Treatment with anti-α4β7 mAb in EIA male mice was associated with colonic tissue IL-1β, and IL-17A mRNA content and percentage of CD4+ IL-17A+ and IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in MLN and spleens comparable to control mice. The anti-α4β7 mAb treatment rescue social novelty deficit showed in the three-chamber test by EIA male mice. Increased levels of IL-6 and IL-1β and decreased CD68 and TGF-β mRNAs were also observed in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of EIA male mice together with a reduction of BDNF mRNA levels in all brain regions examined. Anti-α4β7 mAb treatment restored the expression of BDNF, TGF-β and CD68 in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Improvement of the gut inflammatory status, obtained by a pharmacological agent acting exclusively at gut level, ameliorates some ASD behavioral features and the neuroinflammatory status. Data provide the first preclinical indication for a therapeutic strategy against gut-immune activation in ASD subjects with peripheral increase of gut-derived (α4β7+) lymphocytes expressing IL-17A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Butera
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta De Simone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Sanchez
- Cytometry Unit-Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Campanile
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Di Carlo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Trenta
- Center for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Boirivant
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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53
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Duarte-Campos JF, Vázquez-Moreno CN, Martínez-Marcial M, Chavarría A, Ramírez-Carreto RJ, Velasco Velázquez MA, De La Fuente-Granada M, González-Arenas A. Changes in neuroinflammatory markers and microglial density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the C58/J mouse model of autism. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:154-173. [PMID: 38057955 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of neurodevelopmental conditions with complex origins. Individuals with ASD present various neurobiological abnormalities, including an altered immune response in the central nervous system and other tissues. Animal models like the C58/J inbred mouse strain are used to study biological characteristics of ASD. This strain is considered an idiopathic autism model because of its demonstrated reduced social preference and repetitive behaviours. Notably, C58/J mice exhibit alterations in dendritic arbour complexity, density and dendritic spines maturation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), but inflammatory-related changes have not been explored in these mice. In this study, we investigated proinflammatory markers in the hippocampus and PFC of adult male C58/J mice. We discovered elevated levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the hippocampus, suggesting increased inflammation, alongside a reduction in the anti-inflammatory enzyme arginase 1 (ARG1). Conversely, the PFC displayed reduced levels of TNF-α and MCP-1. Microglial analysis revealed higher levels of transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) and increased microglial density in a region-specific manner of the autistic-like mice, particularly in the PFC and hippocampus. Additionally, an augmented expression of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 was observed in the hippocampus and PFC of C58/J mice. Microglial morphological analysis shows no evident changes in the hippocampus of mice with autistic-like behaviours versus wild-type strain. These region-specific changes can contribute to modulate processes like inflammation or synaptic pruning in the C58/J mouse model of idiopathic autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Duarte-Campos
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Noé Vázquez-Moreno
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Martínez-Marcial
- Unidad de Modelos Biológicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Anahí Chavarría
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ricardo Jair Ramírez-Carreto
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marco A Velasco Velázquez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marisol De La Fuente-Granada
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aliesha González-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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Sreenivas N, Maes M, Padmanabha H, Dharmendra A, Chakkera P, Paul Choudhury S, Abdul F, Mullapudi T, Gowda VK, Berk M, Vijay Sagar Kommu J, Debnath M. Comprehensive immunoprofiling of neurodevelopmental disorders suggests three distinct classes based on increased neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization or IL-1 signaling. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:505-516. [PMID: 37972879 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with commonalities as well as differences in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. Immune dysregulation has surfaced as a major pathway in NDDs. However, it is not known if neurodevelopmental disorders share a common immunopathogenetic mechanism. In this study, we explored the possibility of a shared immune etiology in three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD). A panel of 48 immune pathway-related markers was assayed in 135 children with NDDs, represented by 45 children with ASD, ADHD and IDD in each group, along with 35 typically developing children. The plasma levels of 48 immune markers were analyzed on the Multiplex Suspension Assay platform using Pro Human cytokine 48-plex kits. Based on the cytokine/chemokine/growth factor levels, different immune profiles were computed. The primary characteristics of NDDs are depletion of the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS) (z composite of IL-4, IL-10, sIL-1RA, and sIL-2R), increased interleukin (IL)-1 signaling associated with elevated IL-1α and decreased IL-1-receptor antagonist levels, increased neurogenesis, M1/M2 macrophage polarization and increased IL-4 as well as C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) levels. With a cross-validated sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 94.4%, these aberrations seem specific for NDDs. Many immunological abnormalities are shared by ASD, ADHD and IDD, which are distinguished by minor differences in IL-9, IL-17 and CCL12. In contrast, machine learning reveals that NDD group consists of three immunologically distinct clusters, with enhanced neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization, or IL-1 signaling as the defining features. NDD is characterized by immune abnormalities that have functional implications for neurogenesis, neurotoxicity, and neurodevelopment. Using machine learning, NDD patients could be classified into subgroups with qualitatively distinct immune disorders that may serve as novel drug targets for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhitha Sreenivas
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Center, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea; Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Hansashree Padmanabha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Apoorva Dharmendra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Priyanka Chakkera
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Saptamita Paul Choudhury
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Fazal Abdul
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Thrinath Mullapudi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Vykuntaraju K Gowda
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, India
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Department of Psychiatry, and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John Vijay Sagar Kommu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
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55
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Neubauer J, Kaiser A, Hohmann S. [Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview of Correlations and Potential Implications for Therapeutic Interventions]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER- UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023; 52:151-165. [PMID: 38098430 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview of Correlations and Potential Implications for Therapeutic Interventions Abstract: At the beginning of research on microbiota, researchers focused mainly on the role of microbiota dysbiosis in the development of gastrointestinal diseases. However, over the last years, researchers have also identified correlations with other physical processes and neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism spectrum disorder. These correlations are believed to be at least partly mediated through the brain-gut-microbiome axis. An altered composition of microbiota in patients with autism spectrum disorder was detected compared to healthy controls. Today, the discussion centers around a possible systemic impact of the metabolites of some microbiota or microbiota-induced chronic inflammatory processes on the brain (mediated through the brain-gut-microbiome axis) as an underlying mechanism. Still, the specific underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, so conclusions on therapeutic implications are difficult to determine. Here, we describe some promising approaches to improving autistic behavior through dietary changes, the use of prebiotics and probiotics, stool transplantation from healthy controls, and restricted absorbance of certain metabolites. We need further clinical studies of high quality to fully understand the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Neubauer
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, -psychiotherapie und -psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Anna Kaiser
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, -psychiotherapie und -psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
| | - Sarah Hohmann
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, -psychiotherapie und -psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
- AG Neurophysiologie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland
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56
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De Simone R, Ajmone-Cat MA, Tartaglione AM, Calamandrei G, Minghetti L. Maternal suboptimal selenium intake and low-level lead exposure affect offspring's microglial immune profile and its reactivity to a subsequent inflammatory hit. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21448. [PMID: 38052845 PMCID: PMC10698039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Micronutrients such as selenium (Se) are essentials since prenatal life to support brain and cognitive development. Se deficiency, which affects up to 1 billion people worldwide, can interact with common adverse environmental challenges including (Pb), exacerbating their toxic effects. Exploiting our recently validated rat model of maternal Se restriction and developmental low Pb exposure, our aims were to investigate: (i) the early consequences of suboptimal Se intake and low-Pb exposure on neuroinflammation in neonates' whole brains; (ii) the potential priming effect of suboptimal Se and low-Pb exposure on offspring's glial reactivity to a further inflammatory hit. To these aims female rats were fed with suboptimal (0.04 mg/kg; Subopt) and optimal (0.15 mg/kg; Opt) Se dietary levels throughout pregnancy and lactation and exposed or not to environmentally relevant Pb dose in drinking water (12.5 µg/mL) since 4 weeks pre-mating. We found an overall higher basal expression of inflammatory markers in neonatal brains, as well as in purified microglia and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, from the Subopt Se offspring. Subopt/Pb cultures were highly activated than Subopt cultures and showed a higher susceptibility to the inflammatory challenge lipopolysaccharide than cultures from the Opt groups. We demonstrate that even a mild Se deficiency and low-Pb exposure during brain development can influence the neuroinflammatory tone of microglia, exacerbate the toxic effects of Pb and prime microglial reactivity to subsequent inflammatory stimuli. These neuroinflammatory changes may be responsible, at least in part, for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R De Simone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - M A Ajmone-Cat
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Tartaglione
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Calamandrei
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Minghetti
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
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57
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Akintunde ME, Lin YP, Krakowiak P, Pessah IN, Hertz-Picciotto I, Puschner B, Ashwood P, Van de Water J. Ex vivo exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) selectively affects the immune response in autistic children. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100697. [PMID: 38020477 PMCID: PMC10654005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Children on the autism spectrum have been shown to have immune dysregulation that often correlates with behavioral deficits. The role of the post-natal environment in this dysregulation is an area of active investigation. We examined the association between plasma levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and immune cell function in age-matched autistic children and non-autistic controls. Plasma from children on the autism spectrum (n = 38) and typically developing controls (TD; n = 60) were analyzed for 14 major PBDE congeners. Cytokine/chemokine production was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants with and without ex vivo BDE-49 exposure. Total plasma concentration (∑PBDE14) and individual congener levels were also correlated with T cell function. ∑PBDE14 did not differ between diagnostic groups but correlated with reduced immune function in children on the autism spectrum. In autistic children, IL-2 and IFN-γ production was reduced in association with several individual BDE congeners, especially BDE-49 (p = 0.001). Furthermore, when PBMCs were exposed ex vivo to BDE-49, cells from autistic children produced elevated levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1α and MCP-1 (p < 0.05). Therefore, despite similar plasma levels of PBDE, these data suggest that PBMC function was differentially impacted in the context of several PBDE congeners in autistic children relative to TD children where increased body burden of PBDE significantly correlated with a suppressed immune response in autistic children but not TD controls. Further, acute ex vivo exposure of PBMCs to BDE-49 stimulates an elevated cytokine response in AU cases versus a depressed response in TD controls. These data suggest that exposure to the toxicant BDE-49 differentially impacts immune cell function in autistic children relative to TD children providing evidence for an underlying association between susceptibility to PBDE exposure and immune anomalies in children on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjannie Eloi Akintunde
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Yan-ping Lin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paula Krakowiak
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Isaac N. Pessah
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Birgit Puschner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
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58
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Arenella M, Fanelli G, Kiemeney LA, McAlonan G, Murphy DG, Bralten J. Genetic relationship between the immune system and autism. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100698. [PMID: 38020478 PMCID: PMC10663755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and complex neurodevelopmental condition. The pathophysiology of ASD is poorly defined; however, it includes a strong genetic component and there is increasing evidence to support a role of immune dysregulation. Nonetheless, it is unclear which immune phenotypes link to ASD through genetics. Hence, we investigated the genetic correlation between ASD and diverse classes of immune conditions and markers; and if these immune-related genetic factors link to specific autistic-like traits in the population. We estimated global and local genetic correlations between ASD (n = 55,420) and 11 immune phenotypes (n = 14,256-755,406) using genome-wide association study summary statistics. Subsequently, polygenic scores (PGS) for these immune phenotypes were calculated in a population-based sample (n = 2487) and associated to five autistic-like traits (i.e., attention to detail, childhood behaviour, imagination, rigidity, social skills), and a total autistic-like traits score. Sex-stratified PGS analyses were also performed. At the genome-wide level, ASD was positively correlated with allergic diseases (ALG), and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (FDR-p = 0.01-0.02). At the local genetic level, ASD was correlated with RA, C-reactive protein, and granulocytes and lymphocyte counts (p = 5.8 × 10-6-0.002). In the general population sample, increased genetic liability for SLE, RA, ALG, and lymphocyte levels, captured by PGS, was associated with the total autistic score and with rigidity and childhood behaviour (FDR-p = 0.03). In conclusion, we demonstrated a genetic relationship between ASD and immunity that depends on the type of immune phenotype considered; some increase likelihood whereas others may potentially help build resilience. Also, this relationship may be restricted to specific genetic loci and link to specific autistic dimensions (e.g., rigidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Arenella
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lambertus A. Kiemeney
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Maudsley and South London NHS Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Declan G. Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Maudsley and South London NHS Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Renu K, Myakala H, Chakraborty R, Bhattacharya S, Abuwani A, Lokhandwala M, Vellingiri B, Gopalakrishnan AV. Molecular mechanisms of alcohol's effects on the human body: A review and update. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23502. [PMID: 37578200 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes although it has some beneficial effects on moderate dosages, the most severe of which being alcohol-induced hepatitis. The number of people dying from this liver illness has been shown to climb steadily over time, and its prevalence has been increasing. Researchers have found that alcohol consumption primarily affects the brain, leading to a wide range of neurological and psychological diseases. High-alcohol-consumption addicts not only experienced seizures, but also ataxia, aggression, social anxiety, and variceal hemorrhage that ultimately resulted in death, ascites, and schizophrenia. Drugs treating this liver condition are limited and can cause serious side effects like depression. Serine-threonine kinases, cAMP protein kinases, protein kinase C, ERK, RACK 1, Homer 2, and more have all been observed to have their signaling pathways disrupted by alcohol, and alcohol has also been linked to epigenetic changes. In addition, alcohol consumption induces dysbiosis by changing the composition of the microbiome found in the gastrointestinal tract. Although more studies are needed, those that have been done suggest that probiotics aid in keeping the various microbiota concentrations stable. It has been argued that reducing one's alcohol intake may seem less harmful because excessive drinking is a lifestyle disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaviyarasi Renu
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Haritha Myakala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rituraj Chakraborty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sharmishtha Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asmita Abuwani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mariyam Lokhandwala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Department of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Karadogan ZN, Tanir Y, Karayagmurlu A, Kucukgergin C, Coskun M. Higher Levels of Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in Young Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Unaffected Siblings and Healthy Controls. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 21:749-757. [PMID: 37859448 PMCID: PMC10591161 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective : Despite being highly genetic, the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has not yet been clarified. Recent research has focused on the role of neuroinflammation and immune system dysfunction in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. Galectin-1 and galactin-3 are considered among the biomarkers of neuroinflammation and there has been recent reports on the potential role of galectins in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there has been no study examining the relationship between ASD and galectin levels. Methods : Current study aimed to investigate galectin-1 and galectin-3 serum levels in young subjects with ASD comparing with their unaffected siblings and healthy controls. Results : We found significantly higher levels of galectin-1 in case group compared to both unaffected siblings and healthy controls, and higher levels of galectin-3 in case group compared to healthy controls. However, there was no significant association between galectin-1 and galectin-3 levels with the severity of ASD. Conclusion : Findings of our study may support neuroinflammation hypothesis in the etiology of ASD and the potential role of galectin-1 and galectin-3 as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasar Tanir
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Karayagmurlu
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Canan Kucukgergin
- Departments of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Coskun
- Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Osman A, Mervosh NL, Strat AN, Euston TJ, Zipursky G, Pollak RM, Meckel KR, Tyler SR, Chan KL, Buxbaum Grice A, Drapeau E, Litichevskiy L, Gill J, Zeldin SM, Thaiss CA, Buxbaum JD, Breen MS, Kiraly DD. Acetate supplementation rescues social deficits and alters transcriptional regulation in prefrontal cortex of Shank3 deficient mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:311-324. [PMID: 37657643 PMCID: PMC10955506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves genetic and environmental factors. Mounting evidence demonstrates a role for the gut microbiome in ASD, with signaling via short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) as one mechanism. Here, we utilize mice carrying deletion to exons 4-22 of Shank3 (Shank3KO) to model gene by microbiome interactions in ASD. We identify SCFA acetate as a mediator of gut-brain interactions and show acetate supplementation reverses social deficits concomitant with alterations to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) transcriptional regulation independent of microbiome status. METHODS Shank3KO and wild-type (Wt) littermates were divided into control, Antibiotic (Abx), Acetate and Abx + Acetate groups upon weaning. After six weeks, animals underwent behavioral testing. Molecular analysis including 16S and metagenomic sequencing, metabolomic and transcriptional profiling were conducted. Additionally, targeted serum metabolomic data from Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMS) patients (who are heterozygous for the Shank3 gene) were leveraged to assess levels of SCFA's relative to ASD clinical measures. RESULTS Shank3KO mice were found to display social deficits, dysregulated gut microbiome and decreased cecal levels of acetate - effects exacerbated by Abx treatment. RNA-sequencing of mPFC showed unique gene expression signature induced by microbiome depletion in the Shank3KO mice. Oral treatment with acetate reverses social deficits and results in marked changes in gene expression enriched for synaptic signaling, pathways among others, even in Abx treated mice. Clinical data showed sex specific correlations between levels of acetate and hyperactivity scores. CONCLUSION These results suggest a key role for the gut microbiome and the neuroactive metabolite acetate in regulating ASD-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Osman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Nicholas L Mervosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ana N Strat
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Tanner J Euston
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Gillian Zipursky
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Rebecca M Pollak
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Katherine R Meckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Scott R Tyler
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Kenny L Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ariela Buxbaum Grice
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Lev Litichevskiy
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jasleen Gill
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sharon M Zeldin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Christoph A Thaiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute of Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Michael S Breen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Drew D Kiraly
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States.
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62
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Alwetaid MY, Almanaa TN, Bakheet SA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Hussein MH, Ahmad SF. Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure Aggravates Neurobehavioral Deficits and Immune Dysfunctions of Th1, Th9, Th17, Th22, and T Regulatory Cell-Related Transcription Factor Signaling in the BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mouse Model of Autism. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1519. [PMID: 38002479 PMCID: PMC10669727 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by impaired communication, reciprocal social interactions, restricted sociability deficits, and stereotyped behavioral patterns. Environmental factors and genetic susceptibility have been implicated in an increased risk of ASD. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a typical contaminant of food and feed that causes severe immune dysfunction in humans and animals. Nevertheless, the impact of ASD on behavioral and immunological responses has not been thoroughly examined. To investigate this phenomenon, we subjected BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice to AFB1 and evaluated their marble-burying and self-grooming behaviors and their sociability. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a notable escalation in marble-burying and self-grooming activities while concurrently leading to a decline in social contacts. In addition, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the impact of AFB1 on the production of Th1 (IFN-γ, STAT1, and T-bet), Th9 (IL-9 and IRF4), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-21, RORγT, and STAT3), Th22 (IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α), and T regulatory (Treg) (IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3) cells in the spleen. This was achieved using RT-PCR and Western blot analyses to assess mRNA and protein expression in brain tissue. The exposure to AFB1 resulted in a significant upregulation of various immune-related factors, including IFN-γ, STAT1, T-bet, IL-9, IRF4, IL-17A, IL-21, RORγ, STAT3, IL-22, AhR, and TNF-α in BTBR mice. Conversely, the production of IL-10, TGF-β1, and FoxP3 by CD4+ T cells was observed to be downregulated. Exposure to AFB1 demonstrated a notable rise in Th1/Th9/Th22/Th17 levels and a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of Treg. The results above underscore the significance of AFB1 exposure in intensifying neurobehavioral and immunological abnormalities in BTBR mice, hence indicating the necessity for a more comprehensive investigation into the contribution of AFB1 to the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Y. Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N. Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A. Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A. Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M. Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H. Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F. Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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63
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El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L. Effects of Walnut and Pumpkin on Selective Neurophenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4564. [PMID: 37960217 PMCID: PMC10647375 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Special diets or nutritional supplements are regularly given to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The increased consumption of particular foods has been demonstrated in numerous trials to lessen autism-related symptoms and comorbidities. A case study on a boy with moderate autism who significantly improved after three years of following a healthy diet consisting of pumpkin and walnuts was examined in this review in connection to a few different neurophenotypes of ASD. We are able to suggest that a diet high in pumpkin and walnuts was useful in improving the clinical presentation of the ASD case evaluated by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered gut microbiota, all of which are etiological variables. Using illustrated figures, a full description of the ways by which a diet high in pumpkin and nuts could assist the included case is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 110281, United Arab Emirates
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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64
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Wang Q, Yang Q, Liu X. The microbiota-gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders. Protein Cell 2023; 14:762-775. [PMID: 37166201 PMCID: PMC10599644 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota has been found to interact with the brain through the microbiota-gut-brain axis, regulating various physiological processes. In recent years, the impacts of the gut microbiota on neurodevelopment through this axis have been increasingly appreciated. The gut microbiota is commonly considered to regulate neurodevelopment through three pathways, the immune pathway, the neuronal pathway, and the endocrine/systemic pathway, with overlaps and crosstalks in between. Accumulating studies have identified the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Rett Syndrome. Numerous researchers have examined the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms influenced by the gut microbiota in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advancements in research pertaining to the microbiota-gut-brain axis in NDDs. Furthermore, we analyzed both the current state of research progress and discuss future perspectives in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology-Microbiology Division, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qianyue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology-Microbiology Division, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xingyin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and offspring Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Pathogen Biology-Microbiology Division, Key Laboratory of Pathogen of Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Microbiota Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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65
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Narzisi A, Halladay A, Masi G, Novarino G, Lord C. Tempering expectations: considerations on the current state of stem cells therapy for autism treatment. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1287879. [PMID: 37854442 PMCID: PMC10579796 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1287879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Narzisi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Gabriele Masi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Catherine Lord
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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66
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Carpita B, Massoni L, Battaglini S, Palego L, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell'Osso L. IL-6, homocysteine, and autism spectrum phenotypes: an investigation among adults with autism spectrum disorder and their first-degree relatives. CNS Spectr 2023; 28:620-628. [PMID: 36690583 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852923000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of recognizing different kinds of autism spectrum presentations among adults, including subthreshold forms and the broad autism phenotype (BAP), has been increasingly highlighted in recent studies. Meanwhile, the possible involvement of immune system deregulation and altered methylation/trans-sulfuration processes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is gaining growing attention, but studies in this field are mainly focused on children. In this framework, the aim of this study was to compare plasmatic concentrations of IL-6 and homocysteine (HCY) among adults with ASD, their first-degree relatives, and healthy controls (CTLs), investigating also possible correlations with specific autism symptoms. METHODS Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and HCY were measured in a group of adult subjects with ASD, their first-degree relatives (BAP group), and healthy controls (CTL). All participants were also evaluated with psychometric instruments. RESULTS IL-6 and HCY concentrations were significantly higher in the ASD group than in CTLs, while BAP subjects reported intermediate results. Significant correlations were reported between biochemical parameters and psychometric scales, particularly for the dimension of ruminative thinking. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis of a key involvement of HCY-related metabolism and immune system alteration in autism spectrum pathophysiology. HCY and IL-6 seem to show different associations with specific autism dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ivan M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Napier M, Reynolds K, Scott AL. Glial-mediated dysregulation of neurodevelopment in Fragile X Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:187-215. [PMID: 37993178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are highly involved in a multitude of developmental processes that are known to be dysregulated in Fragile X Syndrome. Here, we examine these processes individually and review the roles astrocytes play in contributing to the pathology of this syndrome. As a growing area of interest in the field, new and exciting insight is continually emerging. Understanding these glial-mediated roles is imperative for elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms at play, not only in Fragile X Syndrome, but also other ASD-related disorders. Understanding these roles will be central to the future development of effective, clinically-relevant treatments of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Napier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - K Reynolds
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, United States
| | - A L Scott
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
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Al-Ayadhi L, Abualnaja A, AlZarroug A, Alharbi T, Alhowikan AM, Halepoto DM, Al-Mazidi S. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Protein 8 (ADAM 8) in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to Neuroinflammation. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1771-1780. [PMID: 37601825 PMCID: PMC10438429 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s408554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Converging lines of evidence confirmed neuroinflammation's role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiological pathway. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) play major roles in inflammatory and allergic processes in various diseases. Aim This study aimed to investigate ADAM8 plasma levels in autistic children compared to healthy controls. Also, to discover the association between ADAM8, disease severity, and neuroinflammation in ASD. Methodology This case-control study included children with ASD (n=40) and aged-matched healthy controls (n=40). The plasma levels of the ADAM 8 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The assessment of ASD severity and social and sensory behaviors were categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Correlations among ADAM8 plasma levels and ASD severity scores [Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Short Sensory Profile (SSP)] were obtained by Spearman correlation coefficient (r). Results ASD children (n=40), including severe autism (n=21) and mild-to-moderate autism (n=19), showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower plasma levels of ADAM8 [4683 (2885-5229); 4663 (4060-5000); 4632 (2885-5229)], respectively, than those of healthy controls [5000 (4047-5000)] [median (IQR) pg/mL]. However, there was no significant difference between the ADAM8 levels of children with severe and mild-to-moderate autism (p = 0.71). Moreover, ADAM8 plasma levels were not significantly correlated with the severity of ASD measured by behavioral scales [CARS (r= -0.11, p=0.55), SRS (r=0.11, p= 0.95), SSP (r=-0.23, p=0.23)]. Conclusion The low ADAM8 plasma levels in children with ASD possibly indicated that ADAM8 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD but not in the severity of the disease. These results should be interpreted with caution until additional studies are carried out with larger populations to decide whether the reduction in plasma ADAM8 levels is a mere consequence of ASD or if it plays a pathogenic role in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Abualnaja
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah AlZarroug
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman M Alhowikan
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dost M Halepoto
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Al-Mazidi
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
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Lee CYQ, Balasuriya GK, Herath M, Franks AE, Hill-Yardin EL. Impaired cecal motility and secretion alongside expansion of gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the Nlgn3 R451C mouse model of autism. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12687. [PMID: 37542090 PMCID: PMC10403596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; autism) commonly present with gastrointestinal (GI) illness in addition to core diagnostic behavioural traits. The appendix, or cecum in mice, is important for GI homeostasis via its function as a key site for fermentation and a microbial reservoir. Even so, the role of the appendix and cecum in autism-associated GI symptoms remains uninvestigated. Here, we studied mice with an autism-associated missense mutation in the post-synaptic protein neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3R451C), which impacts brain and enteric neuronal activity. We assessed for changes in cecal motility using a tri-cannulation video-imaging approach in ex vivo preparations from wild-type and Nlgn3R451C mice. We investigated cecal permeability and neurally-evoked secretion in wild-type and Nlgn3R451C tissues using an Ussing chamber set-up. The number of cecal patches in fresh tissue samples were assessed and key immune populations including gut macrophages and dendritic cells were visualised using immunofluorescence. Nlgn3R451C mice displayed accelerated cecal motor complexes and reduced cecal weight in comparison to wildtype littermates. Nlgn3R451C mice also demonstrated reduced neurally-evoked cecal secretion in response to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP), but permeability was unchanged. We observed an increase in the number of cecal patches in Nlgn3R451C mice, however the cellular morphologies of key immune populations studied were not significantly altered. We show that the R451C nervous system mutation leads to cecal dysmotility, impaired secretion, and neuro-immune alterations. Together, these results suggest that the R451C mutation disrupts the gut-brain axis with GI dysfunction in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalystha Yie Qin Lee
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, 223, Bundoora West Campus, 225-245 Clements Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | | | - Madushani Herath
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley E Franks
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, 223, Bundoora West Campus, 225-245 Clements Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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70
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Ferencova N, Visnovcova Z, Ondrejka I, Hrtanek I, Bujnakova I, Kovacova V, Macejova A, Tonhajzerova I. Peripheral Inflammatory Markers in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at Adolescent Age. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11710. [PMID: 37511467 PMCID: PMC10380731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with immune dysregulation. We aimed to estimate the pro- and anti-inflammatory activity/balance in ASD and ADHD patients at a little-studied adolescent age with respect to sex. We evaluated 20 ASD patients (5 girls, average age: 12.4 ± 1.9 y), 20 ADHD patients (5 girls, average age: 13.4 ± 1.8 y), and 20 age- and gender-matched controls (average age: 13.2 ± 1.9 y). The evaluated parameters included (1) white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume, and derived ratios, as well as (2) cytokines-interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and derived profiles and ratios. ASD adolescents showed higher levels of WBC, monocytes, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, macrophages (M)1 profile, and anti-inflammatory profile than the controls, with ASD males showing higher monocytes, IL-6 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory profile, and a lower T-helper (Th)1/Th2+T-regulatory cell ratio than control males. The ADHD adolescents showed higher levels of PDW, IL-1β and IL-6, TNF-α, M1 profile, proinflammatory profile, and pro-/anti-inflammatory ratio than the controls, with ADHD females showing a higher TNF-α and pro-/anti-inflammatory ratio than the control females and ADHD males showing higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6, TNF-α, and M1 profile than the control males. Immune dysregulation appeared to be different for both neurodevelopmental disorders in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Ferencova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Visnovcova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Igor Ondrejka
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Igor Hrtanek
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Bujnakova
- Society to Help People with Autism (SPOSA-Turiec), 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Macejova
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Ingrid Tonhajzerova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
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Pavlov D, Gorlova A, Haque A, Cavalcante C, Svirin E, Burova A, Grigorieva E, Sheveleva E, Malin D, Efimochkina S, Proshin A, Umriukhin A, Morozov S, Strekalova T. Maternal Chronic Ultrasound Stress Provokes Immune Activation and Behavioral Deficits in the Offspring: A Mouse Model of Neurodevelopmental Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11712. [PMID: 37511470 PMCID: PMC10380915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders stemming from maternal immune activation can significantly affect a child's life. A major limitation in pre-clinical studies is the scarcity of valid animal models that accurately mimic these challenges. Among the available models, administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to pregnant females is a widely used paradigm. Previous studies have reported that a model of 'emotional stress', involving chronic exposure of rodents to ultrasonic frequencies, induces neuroinflammation, aberrant neuroplasticity, and behavioral deficits. In this study, we explored whether this model is a suitable paradigm for maternal stress and promotes neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the offspring of stressed females. Pregnant dams were exposed to ultrasound stress for 21 days. A separate group was injected with LPS on embryonic days E11.5 and E12.5 to mimic prenatal infection. The behavior of the dams and their female offspring was assessed using the sucrose test, open field test, and elevated plus maze. Additionally, the three-chamber sociability test and Barnes maze were used in the offspring groups. ELISA and qPCR were used to examine pro-inflammatory changes in the blood and hippocampus of adult females. Ultrasound-exposed adult females developed a depressive-like syndrome, hippocampal overexpression of GSK-3β, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, RANTES, and TNFα. The female offspring also displayed depressive-like behavior, as well as cognitive deficits. These abnormalities were comparable to the behavioral changes induced by LPS. The ultrasound stress model can be a promising animal paradigm of neurodevelopmental pathology associated with prenatal 'emotional stress'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Pavlov
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Gorlova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Abrar Haque
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carlos Cavalcante
- Department of Human Health and Science, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Evgeniy Svirin
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa Burova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Grigorieva
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Sheveleva
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Malin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofia Efimochkina
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Proshin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksei Umriukhin
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Morozov
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315 Moscow, Russia
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Rodriguez LA, Tran MN, Garcia-Flores R, Pattie EA, Divecha HR, Kim SH, Shin JH, Lee YK, Montoya C, Jaffe AE, Collado-Torres L, Page SC, Martinowich K. TrkB-dependent regulation of molecular signaling across septal cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.29.547069. [PMID: 37425939 PMCID: PMC10327212 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.547069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS), a GABAergic structure located in the basal forebrain, is implicated in social behavior, learning and memory. We previously demonstrated that expression of tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB) in LS neurons is required for social novelty recognition. To better understand molecular mechanisms by which TrkB signaling controls behavior, we locally knocked down TrkB in LS and used bulk RNA-sequencing to identify changes in gene expression downstream of TrkB. TrkB knockdown induces upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune responses, and downregulation of genes associated with synaptic signaling and plasticity. Next, we generated one of the first atlases of molecular profiles for LS cell types using single nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq). We identified markers for the septum broadly, and the LS specifically, as well as for all neuronal cell types. We then investigated whether the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by TrkB knockdown map to specific LS cell types. Enrichment testing identified that downregulated DEGs are broadly expressed across neuronal clusters. Enrichment analyses of these DEGs demonstrated that downregulated genes are uniquely expressed in the LS, and associated with either synaptic plasticity or neurodevelopmental disorders. Upregulated genes are enriched in LS microglia, associated with immune response and inflammation, and linked to both neurodegenerative disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, many of these genes are implicated in regulating social behaviors. In summary, the findings implicate TrkB signaling in the LS as a critical regulator of gene networks associated with psychiatric disorders that display social deficits, including schizophrenia and autism, and with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel A. Rodriguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Matthew Nguyen Tran
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Renee Garcia-Flores
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Pattie
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Heena R. Divecha
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sun Hong Kim
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Yong Kyu Lee
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Carly Montoya
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Andrew E. Jaffe
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Leonardo Collado-Torres
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stephanie C. Page
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Keri Martinowich
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- The Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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McCanlies EC, Gu JK, Kashon M, Yucesoy B, Ma CC, Sanderson WT, Kim K, Ludeña-Rodriguez YJ, Hertz-Picciotto I. Parental occupational exposure to solvents and autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory look at gene-environment interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115769. [PMID: 37004853 PMCID: PMC10273405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin C McCanlies
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Ja Kook Gu
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Michael Kashon
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Berran Yucesoy
- Former Affiliate of Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Claudia C Ma
- Former Affiliate of Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | | | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Zhang L, Xu Y, Sun S, Liang C, Li W, Li H, Zhang X, Pang D, Li M, Li H, Lang Y, Liu J, Jiang S, Shi X, Li B, Yang Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Song C, Duan G, Leavenworth JW, Wang X, Zhu C. Integrative analysis of γδT cells and dietary factors reveals predictive values for autism spectrum disorder in children. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:76-89. [PMID: 37011865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a range of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by a variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Immunological abnormalities have been considered to play important roles in the pathogenesis of ASD, but it is still unknown which abnormalities are more prominent. METHODS A total of 105 children with ASD and 105 age and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children were recruited. An eating and mealtime behavior questionnaire, dietary habits, and the Bristol Stool Scale were investigated. The immune cell profiles in peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α) in plasma were examined by Luminex assay. The obtained results were further validated using an external validation cohort including 82 children with ASD and 51 TD children. RESULTS Compared to TD children, children with ASD had significant eating and mealtime behavioral changes and gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by increased food fussiness and emotional eating, decreased fruit and vegetable consumption, and increased stool astriction. The proportion of γδT cells was significantly higher in children with ASD than TD children (β: 0.156; 95% CI: 0.888 ∼ 2.135, p < 0.001) even after adjusting for gender, eating and mealtime behaviors, and dietary habits. In addition, the increased γδT cells were evident in all age groups (age < 48 months: β: 0.288; 95% CI: 0.420 ∼ 4.899, p = 0.020; age ≥ 48 months: β: 0.458; 95% CI: 0.694 ∼ 9.352, p = 0.024), as well as in boys (β: 0.174; 95% CI: 0.834 ∼ 2.625, p < 0.001) but not in girls. These findings were also confirmed by an external validation cohort. Furthermore, IL-17, but not IFN-γ, secretion by the circulating γδT cells was increased in ASD children. Machine learning revealed that the area under the curve in nomogram plots for increased γδT cells combined with eating behavior/dietary factors was 0.905, which held true in both boys and girls and in all the age groups of ASD children. The decision curves showed that children can receive significantly higher diagnostic benefit within the threshold probability range from 0 to 1.0 in the nomogram model. CONCLUSIONS Children with ASD present with divergent eating and mealtime behaviors and dietary habits as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. In peripheral blood, γδT cells but not αβT cells are associated with ASD. The increased γδT cells combined with eating and mealtime behavior/dietary factors have a high value for assisting in the diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shuang Sun
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Cailing Liang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Dizhou Pang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Mengyue Li
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yongbin Lang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jiatian Liu
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shuqin Jiang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiaoyi Shi
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yazhe Wang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Chunlan Song
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Guiqin Duan
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Science, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Clinical Research Center for Child Neurological Disorders, Institute of Neuroscience and The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg 40530, Sweden.
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75
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Gevezova M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Plaimas K, Suratanee A, Maes M. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - Gene, molecular and pathway signatures linking systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transsynaptic signalling, and neurodevelopment. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100646. [PMID: 37334258 PMCID: PMC10275703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and the vast genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data available, there are still controversies regarding the pathways and molecular signatures underlying the neurodevelopmental disorders leading to ASD. Purpose To delineate these underpinning signatures, we examined the two largest gene expression meta-analysis datasets obtained from the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 1355 ASD patients and 1110 controls. Methods We performed network, enrichment, and annotation analyses using the differentially expressed genes, transcripts, and proteins identified in ASD patients. Results Transcription factor network analyses in up- and down-regulated genes in brain tissue and PBMCs in ASD showed eight main transcription factors, namely: BCL3, CEBPB, IRF1, IRF8, KAT2A, NELFE, RELA, and TRIM28. The upregulated gene networks in PBMCs of ASD patients are strongly associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways, including interferon-α signaling, and cellular responses to DNA repair. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated CNS gene networks indicate involvement of immune-inflammatory pathways, cytokine production, Toll-Like Receptor signalling, with a major involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Analyses of the downregulated CNS genes suggest electron transport chain dysfunctions at multiple levels. Network topological analyses revealed that the consequent aberrations in axonogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and regulation of transsynaptic signalling affect neurodevelopment with subsequent impairments in social behaviours and neurocognition. The results suggest a defense response against viral infection. Conclusions Peripheral activation of immune-inflammatory pathways, most likely induced by viral infections, may result in CNS neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormalities in transsynaptic transmission, and brain neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Woods R, Lorusso J, Fletcher J, ElTaher H, McEwan F, Harris I, Kowash H, D'Souza SW, Harte M, Hager R, Glazier JD. Maternal immune activation and role of placenta in the prenatal programming of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220064. [PMID: 37332846 PMCID: PMC10273029 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy, leading to maternal immune activation (mIA) and cytokine release, increases the offspring risk of developing a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including schizophrenia. Animal models have provided evidence to support these mechanistic links, with placental inflammatory responses and dysregulation of placental function implicated. This leads to changes in fetal brain cytokine balance and altered epigenetic regulation of key neurodevelopmental pathways. The prenatal timing of such mIA-evoked changes, and the accompanying fetal developmental responses to an altered in utero environment, will determine the scope of the impacts on neurodevelopmental processes. Such dysregulation can impart enduring neuropathological changes, which manifest subsequently in the postnatal period as altered neurodevelopmental behaviours in the offspring. Hence, elucidation of the functional changes that occur at the molecular level in the placenta is vital in improving our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of NDDs. This has notable relevance to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where inflammatory responses in the placenta to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and NDDs in early childhood have been reported. This review presents an integrated overview of these collective topics and describes the possible contribution of prenatal programming through placental effects as an underlying mechanism that links to NDD risk, underpinned by altered epigenetic regulation of neurodevelopmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Woods
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jarred M. Lorusso
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jennifer Fletcher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Heidi ElTaher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Francesca McEwan
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Isabella Harris
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Hager M. Kowash
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Stephen W. D'Souza
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Michael Harte
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jocelyn D. Glazier
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
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Sotgiu MA, Lo Jacono A, Barisano G, Saderi L, Cavassa V, Montella A, Crivelli P, Carta A, Sotgiu S. Brain perivascular spaces and autism: clinical and pathogenic implications from an innovative volumetric MRI study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1205489. [PMID: 37425010 PMCID: PMC10328421 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1205489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our single-center case-control study aimed to evaluate the unclear glymphatic system alteration in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through an innovative neuroimaging tool which allows to segment and quantify perivascular spaces in the white matter (WM-PVS) with filtering of non-structured noise and increase of the contrast-ratio between perivascular spaces and the surrounding parenchyma. Methods Briefly, files of 65 ASD and 71 control patients were studied. We considered: ASD type, diagnosis and severity level and comorbidities (i.e., intellectual disability, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, sleep disturbances). We also examined diagnoses other than ASD and their associated comorbidities in the control group. Results When males and females with ASD are included together, WM-PVS grade and WM-PVS volume do not significantly differ between the ASD group and the control group overall. We found, instead, that WM-PVS volume is significantly associated with male sex: males had higher WM-PVS volume compared to females (p = 0.01). WM-PVS dilation is also non-significantly associated with ASD severity and younger age (< 4 years). In ASD patients, higher WM-PVS volume was related with insomnia whereas no relation was found with epilepsy or IQ. Discussion We concluded that WM-PVS dilation can be a neuroimaging feature of male ASD patients, particularly the youngest and most severe ones, which may rely on male-specific risk factors acting early during neurodevelopment, such as a transient excess of extra-axial CSF volume. Our findings can corroborate the well-known strong male epidemiological preponderance of autism worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Lo Jacono
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Barisano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Laura Saderi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Vanna Cavassa
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Crivelli
- Radiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Hameed RA, Ahmed EK, Mahmoud AA, Atef AA. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) selective agonist G1 attenuates the neurobehavioral, molecular and biochemical alterations induced in a valproic acid rat model of autism. Life Sci 2023:121860. [PMID: 37331505 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising prevalence in boys rather than girls. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation by its agonist G1 showed a neuroprotective effect, similar to estradiol. The present study aimed to examine the potential of the selective GPER agonist G1 therapy on the behavioral, histopathological, biochemical, and molecular alterations induced in a valproic acid (VPA)-rat model of autism. MAIN METHODS VPA (500 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to female Wistar rats (on gestational day 12.5) to induce the VPA-rat model of autism. The male offspring were intraperitoneally administered with G1 (10 and 20 μg/kg) for 21 days. After the treatment process, rats performed behavioral assessments. Then, sera and hippocampi were collected for biochemical and histopathological examinations and gene expression analysis. KEY FINDINGS GPER agonist G1 attenuated behavioral deficits, including hyperactivity, declined spatial memory and social preferences, anxiety, and repetitive behavior in VPA rats. G1 improved neurotransmission and reduced oxidative stress and histological alteration in the hippocampus. G1 reduced serum free T levels and interleukin-1β and up-regulated GPER, RORα, and aromatase gene expression levels in the hippocampus. SIGNIFICANCE The present study suggests that activation of GPER by its selective agonist G1 altered the derangements induced in a VPA-rat model of autism. G1 normalized free T levels via up-regulation of hippocampal RORα and aromatase gene expression. G1 provoked estradiol neuroprotective functions via up-regulation of hippocampal GPER expression. The G1 treatment and GPER activation provide a promising therapeutic approach to counteract the autistic-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab Abdel Hameed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad K Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A Mahmoud
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Azza A Atef
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Kamalmaz N, Ben Bacha A, Alonazi M, Albasher G, Khayyat AIA, El-Ansary A. Unveiling sex-based differences in developing propionic acid-induced features in mice as a rodent model of ASD. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15488. [PMID: 37334116 PMCID: PMC10274690 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Males are more likely to develop autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder than females are, although the mechanisms underlying male vulnerability are not fully understood. Therefore, studying the role of autism etiologies considering sex differences in the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism would build greater understanding of how females are protected from autism spectrum disorder, which may be used as a treatment strategy for males with autism. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota impairment as etiological mechanisms for many neurological diseases, with specific reference to autism. Method Forty albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each with two control and two treated groups of both sexes received only phosphate-buffered saline or a neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 days, respectively. Biochemical markers of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity were measured in mouse brain homogenates, whereas the presence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in mouse stool samples. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior, cognitive ability, and physical-neural coordination of the animals were examined. Results Collectively, selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut bacteria were impaired concomitantly with altered behavior in PPA-induced rodent model, with males being more susceptible than females. Conclusion This study explains the role of sex in the higher vulnerability of males to develop autistic biochemical and behavioral features compared with females. Female sex hormones and the higher detoxification capacity and higher glycolytic flux in females serve as neuroprotective contributors in a rodent model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreen Kamalmaz
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abir Ben Bacha
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alonazi
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gadah Albasher
- Zoology Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Ishaq A. Khayyat
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Research Laboratory, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil A, Anjan Sawale R, Claude Vanwalleghem G. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00142-3. [PMID: 37301234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Rajlakshmi Anjan Sawale
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gilles Claude Vanwalleghem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Bagcioglu E, Solmaz V, Erbas O, Özkul B, Çakar B, Uyanikgil Y, Söğüt İ. Modafinil Improves Autism-like Behavior in Rats by Reducing Neuroinflammation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:9-23. [PMID: 37043086 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the ameliorating effect of Modafinil on neuroinflammation, behavioral, and histopathological alterations in rats induced by propionic acid (PPA). Thirty male Wistar rats were used in the study, divided into 3 groups of ten subjects. One group served as a control, the subjects in the other two were given 250 mg/kg/day of PPA by intraperitoneal injection over the course of 5 days to induce autism. The experimental design was as follows: Group 1: Normal control (orally-fed control, n = 10); Group 2 (PPA + saline, n = 10): PPA and 1 ml/kg/day % 0.9 NaCl saline via oral gavage; Group 3 (PPA + Modafinil, n = 10) PPA and 30 mg/kg/day Modafinil (Modiodal tablets 100 mg, Cephalon) via oral gavage. All of the groups were investigated for behavioral, biochemical, and histological abnormality. Autism-like behaviors were reduced significantly in the rats treated with PPA. TNF-α, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), IL-17, IL-2, and NF-KB levels as well as MDA levels and lactate were significantly higher in those treated with PPA compared to the control group. Using immunohistochemical methods, the number of neurons and GFAP immunoreactivity was significantly altered in PPA-treated rats compared to the control. Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), we found that lactate levels were significantly higher in the PPA-treated rats, while creatinine levels were significantly decreased. In the rats administered with Modafinil, behavior, neuroinflammation, and histopathological changes brought about by PPA were significantly reversed. Our results demonstrate the potential role of Modafinil in ameliorating PPA-induced neuroinflammation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Bagcioglu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Volkan Solmaz
- Department of Neurophysiology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Bilim University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahattin Özkul
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Çakar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yigit Uyanikgil
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Söğüt
- Department of Biochemistry, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Perdikaris P, Dermon CR. Altered GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid signaling is accompanied by neuroinflammatory response in a zebrafish model of social withdrawal behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1120993. [PMID: 37284463 PMCID: PMC10239971 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1120993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deficits in social communication are in the core of clinical symptoms characterizing many neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. The occurrence of anxiety-related behavior, a common co-morbid condition in individuals with impairments in social domain, suggests the presence of overlapping neurobiological mechanisms between these two pathologies. Dysregulated excitation/inhibition balance and excessive neuroinflammation, in specific neural circuits, are proposed as common etiological mechanisms implicated in both pathologies. Methods and Results In the present study we evaluated changes in glutamatergic/GABAergic neurotransmission as well as the presence of neuroinflammation within the regions of the Social Decision-Making Network (SDMN) using a zebrafish model of NMDA receptor hypofunction, following sub-chronic MK-801 administration. MK-801-treated zebrafish are characterized by impaired social communication together with increased anxiety levels. At the molecular level, the behavioral phenotype was accompanied by increased mGluR5 and GAD67 but decreased PSD-95 protein expression levels in telencephalon and midbrain. In parallel, MK-801-treated zebrafish exhibited altered endocannabinoid signaling as indicated by the upregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in the telencephalon. Interestingly, glutamatergic dysfunction was positively correlated with social withdrawal behavior whereas defective GABAergic and endocannabinoid activity were positively associated with anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, neuronal and astrocytic IL-1β expression was increased in regions of the SDMN, supporting the role of neuroinflammatory responses in the manifestation of MK-801 behavioral phenotype. Colocalization of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) underlies the possible influence of noradrenergic neurotransmission to increased IL-1β expression in comorbidity between social deficits and elevated anxiety comorbidity. Discussion Overall, our results indicate the contribution of altered excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission as well as excessive neuroinflammatory responses in the manifestation of social deficits and anxiety-like behavior of MK-801-treated fish, identifying possible novel targets for amelioration of these symptoms.
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Kaminski VDL, Michita RT, Ellwanger JH, Veit TD, Schuch JB, Riesgo RDS, Roman T, Chies JAB. Exploring potential impacts of pregnancy-related maternal immune activation and extracellular vesicles on immune alterations observed in autism spectrum disorder. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15593. [PMID: 37305482 PMCID: PMC10256833 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders usually observed in early life, with impacts on behavioral and social skills. Incidence of ASD has been dramatically increasing worldwide, possibly due to increase in awareness/diagnosis as well as to genetic and environmental triggers. Currently, it is estimated that ∼1% of the world population presents ASD symptoms. In addition to its genetic background, environmental and immune-related factors also influence the ASD etiology. In this context, maternal immune activation (MIA) has recently been suggested as a component potentially involved in ASD development. In addition, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant at the maternal-fetal interface and are actively involved in the immunoregulation required for a healthy pregnancy. Considering that alterations in concentration and content of EVs have also been associated with ASD, this article raises a debate about the potential roles of EVs in the processes surrounding MIA. This represents the major differential of the present review compared to other ASD studies. To support the suggested correlations and hypotheses, findings regarding the roles of EVs during pregnancy and potential influences on ASD are discussed, along with a review and update concerning the participation of infections, cytokine unbalances, overweight and obesity, maternal anti-fetal brain antibodies, maternal fever, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor type and microbiota unbalances in MIA and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia - ICT, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Tomoya Michita
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular Humana, Universidade Luterana do Brasil - ULBRA, Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiago Degani Veit
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Bohrer Schuch
- Centro de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psiquiatria e Ciências do Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rudimar dos Santos Riesgo
- Child Neurology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Roman
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Aldossari AA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Ayadhi LY, Alanazi MM, Shahid M, Alwetaid MY, Hussein MH, Ahmad SF. Upregulation of Inflammatory Mediators in Peripheral Blood CD40 + Cells in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087475. [PMID: 37108638 PMCID: PMC10138695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and severe neurodevelopmental disorder in early childhood, defined as social and communication deficits and repetitive and stereotypic behaviours. The aetiology is unknown in most cases. However, several studies have identified immune dysregulation as potentially promoting ASD. Among the numerous immunological findings in ASD, reports of increased pro-inflammatory markers remain the most consistently observed. C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) activation is pro-inflammatory in several neurological disorders. Previous evidence has implied that the expression of chemokine receptors, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factors play a pivotal role in several neuroinflammatory disorders. There have also been reports on the association between increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and ASD. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible involvement of CCR1, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factor expression in CD40+ cells in ASD compared to typically developing controls (TDC). Flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the levels of CCR1-, IFN-γ-, T-box transcription factor (T-bet-), IL-17A-, retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt-), IL-22- and TNF-α-expressing CD40 cells in PBMCs in children with ASD and the TDC group. We further examined the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCR1 using real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Our results revealed that children with ASD had significantly increased numbers of CD40+CCR1+, CD40+IFN-γ+, CD40+T-bet+, CD40+IL-17A+, CD40+RORγt+, CD4+IL-22+, and CD40+TNF-α+ cells compared with the TDC group. Furthermore, children with ASD had higher CCR1 mRNA and protein expression levels than those in the TDC group. These results indicate that CCR1, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factors expressed in CD40 cells play vital roles in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah A Aldossari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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85
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Sullivan M, Fernandez-Aranda F, Camacho-Barcia L, Harkin A, Macrì S, Mora-Maltas B, Jiménez-Murcia S, O'Leary A, Ottomana AM, Presta M, Slattery D, Scholtz S, Glennon JC. Insulin and Disorders of Behavioural Flexibility. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105169. [PMID: 37059405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural inflexibility is a symptom of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease, encompassing the maintenance of a behaviour even when no longer appropriate. Recent evidence suggests that insulin signalling has roles apart from its regulation of peripheral metabolism and mediates behaviourally-relevant central nervous system (CNS) functions including behavioural flexibility. Indeed, insulin resistance is reported to generate anxious, perseverative phenotypes in animal models, with the Type 2 diabetes medication metformin proving to be beneficial for disorders including Alzheimer's Disease. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies of Type 2 diabetes patients have highlighted aberrant connectivity in regions governing salience detection, attention, inhibition and memory. As currently available therapeutic strategies feature high rates of resistance, there is an urgent need to better understand the complex aetiology of behaviour and develop improved therapeutics. In this review, we explore the circuitry underlying behavioural flexibility, changes in Type 2 diabetes, the role of insulin in CNS outcomes and mechanisms of insulin involvement across disorders of behavioural inflexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairéad Sullivan
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Camacho-Barcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew Harkin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Macrì
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aet O'Leary
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Angela Maria Ottomana
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; Neuroscience Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Presta
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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86
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Feng P, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Li E. A review of probiotics in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives from the gut–brain axis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1123462. [PMID: 37007501 PMCID: PMC10060862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1123462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large societal impact. Despite existing evidence suggesting a link between ASD pathogenesis and gut–brain axis dysregulation, there is no systematic review of the treatment of probiotics on ASD and its associated gastrointestinal abnormalities based on the gut–brain axis. Therefore, we performed an analysis for ASD based on preclinical and clinical research to give a comprehensive synthesis of published evidence of a potential mechanism for ASD. On the one hand, this review aims to elucidate the link between gastrointestinal abnormalities and ASD. Accordingly, we discuss gut microbiota dysbiosis regarding gut–brain axis dysfunction. On the other hand, this review suggests that probiotic administration to regulate the gut–brain axis might improve gastrointestinal symptoms, restore ASD-related behavioral symptoms, restore gut microbiota composition, reduce inflammation, and restore intestinal barrier function in human and animal models. This review suggests that targeting the microbiota through agents such as probiotics may represent an approach for treating subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengya Feng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Bioengineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Enyao Li,
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87
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Damiani F, Cornuti S, Tognini P. The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109491. [PMID: 36924923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of brain circuits to reorganize and change the properties of the network, resulting in alterations in brain function and behavior. It is traditionally believed that neuroplasticity is influenced by external stimuli, learning, and experience. Intriguingly, there is new evidence suggesting that endogenous signals from the body's periphery may play a role. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms living in harmony with their host, may be able to influence plasticity through its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with critical periods of neurodevelopment, during which neural circuits are highly plastic and potentially vulnerable. As such, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition) during early life may contribute to the disruption of normal developmental trajectories, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review aims to examine the ways in which the gut microbiota can affect neuroplasticity. It will also discuss recent research linking gastrointestinal issues and bacterial dysbiosis to various neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential impact on neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cornuti
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Tognini
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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88
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Usui N, Kobayashi H, Shimada S. Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065487. [PMID: 36982559 PMCID: PMC10049423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and hyperesthesia/hypesthesia caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In recent years, inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we discuss the inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of ASD, particularly focusing on maternal immune activation (MIA). MIA is a one of the common environmental risk factors for the onset of ASD during pregnancy. It induces an immune reaction in the pregnant mother’s body, resulting in further inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain. These negative factors cause neurodevelopmental impairments in the developing fetal brain and subsequently cause behavioral symptoms in the offspring. In addition, we also discuss the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in basic studies on animals and clinical studies of ASD. Our review provides the latest findings and new insights into the involvements of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-668-79-3124
| | - Hikaru Kobayashi
- SANKEN (Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Suita 567-0047, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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89
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Alomar HA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Mazroua HA, Hussein MH, Alqarni SA, Ahmad SF. A potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist improves neuroimmune dysregulation through the inhibition of NF-κB and notch inflammatory signaling in the BTBR mouse model of autism. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 377:578069. [PMID: 36931207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism comprises a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Chemokine receptor CXCR2 is expressed on neurons and is upregulated in neurological disorders. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model for autism that shows the core features of ASD. Here, we studied the anti-inflammatory effect of a potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 in the BTBR mice. The CXCR2 antagonist represents a promising therapeutic agent for several neuroinflammatory disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of SB332235 administration on NF-κB-, Notch-1-, Notch-3-, GM-CSF-, MCP-1-, IL-6-, and IL-2- and TGF-β1-expressing CD40+ cells in BTBR and C57BL/6 (C57) mice in the spleen cells by flow cytometry. We further assessed the effect of SB332235 treatment on NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2 mRNA expression levels in the brain tissue by RT-PCR. We also explored the effect of SB332235 administration on NF-κB, GM-CSF, IL-6, and TGF-β1 protein expression levels in the brain tissue by western blotting. The SB332235-treated BTBR mice significantly decreases in CD40 + NF-κB+, CD40 + Notch-1+, CD40 + Notch-3+, CD40 + GM-CSF+, CD40 + MCP-1+, CD40 + IL-6+, and CD40 + IL-2+, and increases in CD40 + TGF-β1+ in the spleen cells. Our results further demonstrated that BTBR mice treated with SB332235 effectively decreased NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2, increasing TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue. In conclusion, these results indicate that SB332235 elicits an anti-inflammatory response by downregulating the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB/Notch inflammatory signaling in BTBR mice. This could represent a promising novel therapeutic target for autism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatun A Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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90
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Jiang P, Zhou L, Du Z, Zhao L, Tang Y, Fei X, Wang L, Li D, Li S, Yang H, Fan X, Liao H. Icariin alleviates autistic-like behavior, hippocampal inflammation and vGlut1 expression in adult BTBR mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114384. [PMID: 36889463 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated, heterogeneous disorder characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Neuroinflammation and synaptic protein dysregulation have been implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Icariin (ICA) has proven to exert neuroprotective function through anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of ICA treatment on autism-like behavioral deficits in BTBR mice and whether these changes were related to modifications in the hippocampal inflammation and the balance of excitatory/inhibitory synapses. ICA supplementation (80 mg/kg, once daily for ten days, i.g.) ameliorated social deficits, repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and short-term memory deficit without affecting locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors of BTBR mice. Furthermore, ICA treatment inhibited neuroinflammation via decreasing microglia number and the soma size in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, as well as the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. In addition, ICA treatment also rescued excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein imbalance by inhibiting the increased vGlut1 level without affecting the vGAT level in the BTBR mouse hippocampus. Collectively, the observed results indicate that ICA treatment alleviates ASD-like features, mitigates disturbed balance of excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein, and inhibits hippocampal inflammation in BTBR mice, and may represent a novel promising drug for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Jiang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lianyu Zhou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Zhulin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Linyang Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yexi Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xinghang Fei
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dabing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Huiling Liao
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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91
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Mancini VO, Brook J, Hernandez C, Strickland D, Christophersen CT, D'Vaz N, Silva D, Prescott S, Callaghan B, Downs J, Finlay-Jones A. Associations between the human immune system and gut microbiome with neurodevelopment in the first 5 years of life: A systematic scoping review. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22360. [PMID: 36811373 PMCID: PMC10107682 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to map the literature assessing associations between maternal or infant immune or gut microbiome biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes within the first 5 years of life. We conducted a PRISMA-ScR compliant review of peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles. Studies reporting gut microbiome or immune system biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes prior to 5 years were eligible. Sixty-nine of 23,495 retrieved studies were included. Of these, 18 reported on the maternal immune system, 40 on the infant immune system, and 13 on the infant gut microbiome. No studies examined the maternal microbiome, and only one study examined biomarkers from both the immune system and the gut microbiome. Additionally, only one study included both maternal and infant biomarkers. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed from 6 days to 5 years. Associations between biomarkers and neurodevelopmental outcomes were largely nonsignificant and small in effect size. While the immune system and gut microbiome are thought to have interactive impacts on the developing brain, there remains a paucity of published studies that report biomarkers from both systems and associations with child development outcomes. Heterogeneity of research designs and methodologies may also contribute to inconsistent findings. Future studies should integrate data across biological systems to generate novel insights into the biological underpinnings of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent O Mancini
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Juliet Brook
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christian Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Deborah Strickland
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Claus T Christophersen
- WA Human Microbiome Collaboration Centre, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nina D'Vaz
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Desiree Silva
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Prescott
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bridget Callaghan
- Brain and Body Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jenny Downs
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Finlay-Jones
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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92
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Bäckström F, Ahl M, Wickham J, Ekdahl CT. Reduced epilepsy development in synapsin 2 knockout mice with autistic behavior following early systemic treatment with interleukin-6 receptor antibody. Epilepsy Res 2023; 191:107114. [PMID: 36870094 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Both ASD and epilepsy have been associated with increased levels of immune factors in the blood, including the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). Mice lacking the synapsin 2 gene (Syn2 KO) exhibit ASD-like behavior and develop epileptic seizures. Their brains display neuroinflammatory changes including elevated IL-6 levels. We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic IL-6 receptor antibody (IL-6R ab) treatment on seizure development and frequency in Syn2 KO mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Weekly systemic (i.p.) injections of IL-6R ab or saline were given to Syn2 KO mice starting either early in life at 1 month of age, before seizure debut or at 3 months of age, directly after seizure debut and continued for 4 or 2 months, respectively. Seizures were provoked by handling the mice three times per week. The neuroinflammatory response and synaptic protein levels in the brain were determined by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and western blots. In an additional group of Syn2 KO mice, with IL-6R ab treatment early in life, ASD-related behavioral tests including social interaction and repetitive self-grooming, as well as cognitive memory and depressive-/anxiety-like tests, and actigraphy measurements of circadian sleep-awake rhythm were analyzed. RESULTS The IL-6R ab treatment reduced seizure development and frequency in Syn2 KO mice when initiated before, but not after, seizure debut. However, early treatment did not reverse the neuroinflammatory response or the imbalance in synaptic protein levels in the brain previously reported in Syn2 KO mice. The treatment did not affect social interaction, performance in memory, depressive-/anxiety-like tests or the sleep-awake rhythm of Syn2 KO mice. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the involvement of IL-6 receptor signaling during epilepsy development in Syn2 KO mice, without significant alterations of the immune reaction in the brain, and independently of cognitive performance, mood and circadian sleep-awake rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Bäckström
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matilda Ahl
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Wickham
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christine T Ekdahl
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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93
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Influence of Immune System Abnormalities Caused by Maternal Immune Activation in the Postnatal Period. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050741. [PMID: 36899877 PMCID: PMC10001371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) indicate that fetal tissues and organs in critical and sensitive periods of development are susceptible to structural and functional changes due to the adverse environment in utero. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is one of the phenomena in DOHaD. Exposure to maternal immune activation is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, psychosis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and human immune disorders. It has been associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines transferred from mother to fetus in the prenatal period. Abnormal immunity induced by MIA includes immune overreaction or immune response failure in offspring. Immune overreaction is a hypersensitivity response of the immune system to pathogens or allergic factor. Immune response failure could not properly fight off various pathogens. The clinical features in offspring depend on the gestation period, inflammatory magnitude, inflammatory type of MIA in the prenatal period, and exposure to prenatal inflammatory stimulation, which might induce epigenetic modifications in the immune system. An analysis of epigenetic modifications caused by adverse intrauterine environments might allow clinicians to predict the onset of diseases and disorders before or after birth.
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94
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Baker JA, Bodnar TS, Breit KR, Weinberg J, Thomas JD. Choline Supplementation Alters Hippocampal Cytokine Levels in Adolescence and Adulthood in an Animal Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Cells 2023; 12:546. [PMID: 36831213 PMCID: PMC9953782 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol (ethanol) exposure during pregnancy can adversely affect development, with long-lasting consequences that include neuroimmune, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Alcohol-induced alterations in cytokine levels in the hippocampus may contribute to abnormal cognitive and behavioral outcomes in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Nutritional intervention with the essential nutrient choline can improve hippocampal-dependent behavioral impairments and may also influence neuroimmune function. Thus, we examined the effects of choline supplementation on hippocampal cytokine levels in adolescent and adult rats exposed to alcohol early in development. From postnatal day (PD) 4-9 (third trimester-equivalent), Sprague-Dawley rat pups received ethanol (5.25 g/kg/day) or sham intubations and were treated with choline chloride (100 mg/kg/day) or saline from PD 10-30; hippocampi were collected at PD 35 or PD 60. Age-specific ethanol-induced increases in interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and keratinocyte chemoattractant/human growth-regulated oncogene (KC/GRO) were identified in adulthood, but not adolescence, whereas persistent ethanol-induced increases of interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were present at both ages. Interestingly, choline supplementation reduced age-related changes in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) as well as mitigating the long-lasting increase in IFN-γ in ethanol-exposed adults. Moreover, choline influenced inflammatory tone by modulating ratios of pro- to -anti-inflammatory cytokines. These results suggest that ethanol-induced changes in hippocampal cytokine levels are more evident during adulthood than adolescence, and that choline can mitigate some effects of ethanol exposure on long-lasting inflammatory tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Baker
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Tamara S. Bodnar
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kristen R. Breit
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383, USA
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
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95
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Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254. [PMID: 36494048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation.
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96
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Runge K, Fiebich BL, Kuzior H, Rausch J, Maier SJ, Dersch R, Nickel K, Domschke K, Tebartz van Elst L, Endres D. Altered cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of adult patients with autism spectrum disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 158:134-142. [PMID: 36584491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intensive research, the etiological causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. Immunological mechanisms have recently been studied more frequently in the context of maternal autoantibodies and infections, as well as altered cytokine profiles. For the detection of immunological processes in the central nervous system, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are advantageous due to its proximity to the brain. However, cytokine studies in the CSF of ASD patients are sparse. METHODS CSF was collected from a patient sample of 24 adults (m = 16, f = 8, age: 30.3 ± 11.6 years) with ASD and compared to a previously published mentally healthy control sample of 39 neurological patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay was used to measure multiple cytokines in CSF. RESULTS Significantly decreased interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (p = 0.001) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.041) levels as well as significantly higher interleukin-8 levels (p = 0.041) were detected in patients with ASD compared with the control group. CONCLUSION The main finding of this study is an altered cytokine profile in adult patients with ASD compared to the control group. This may indicate immune dysregulation in a subgroup of adult ASD patients. Further studies in larger cohorts that examine a broader spectrum of chemokines and cytokines in general are needed to detect possible specific immune signatures in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Kuzior
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jördis Rausch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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97
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Dutra ML, Dias P, Freiberger V, Ventura L, Comim CM, Martins DF, Bobinski F. Maternal immune activation induces autism-like behavior and reduces brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the hippocampus and offspring cortex of C57BL/6 mice. Neurosci Lett 2023; 793:136974. [PMID: 36414133 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal factors such as viral or bacterial infections occurring mainly during the first trimesters of pregnancy can increase the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. In an animal model, it is already known that maternal immune activation (MIA) induces autistic-like behavior. However, it is unclear whether this behavior presents itself in young animals. In this preclinical experimental study, we investigated in the offspring of C57BL/6 female mice submitted to MIA with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), typically altered behaviors in ASD, such as social interaction and stereotyped self-grooming movement, as well as the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A) in the hippocampus and cortex, at 28 and 60 days. Adult animals aged 60 days, offspring of females submitted to MIA, showed a decrease in the time of social interaction and an increase in the number of self-cleaning movements. In the hippocampus of the offspring of females submitted to MIA, a decrease in BDNF levels was found at 28 days and 60 days of life, and a decrease in IL-17A levels only at 60 days. The levels of BDNF and IL-17A did not change in the cortex of the offspring of mice submitted to MIA at the evaluated times. Young animals aged 28 days still showed typical behavior, without social deficits and stereotyped movements that characterize ASD, which suggests that at this age it is still not possible to observe the repercussions of MIA in this model. In the neurochemical issues of the hippocampal region, impairment of BDNF levels has already been demonstrated, which may be an important factor for the observation of ASD-like behaviors in adult mice at 60 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Luchini Dutra
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil; Research Group in Neurodevelopment of Childhood and Adolescence, Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, UNISUL, Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paula Dias
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil; Research Group in Neurodevelopment of Childhood and Adolescence, Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, UNISUL, Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Viviane Freiberger
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil; Research Group in Neurodevelopment of Childhood and Adolescence, Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, UNISUL, Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Leticia Ventura
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil; Research Group in Neurodevelopment of Childhood and Adolescence, Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, UNISUL, Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Martinelli Comim
- Research Group in Neurodevelopment of Childhood and Adolescence, Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, UNISUL, Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Daniel Fernandes Martins
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Franciane Bobinski
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Palhoça, 88137-270 Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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98
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Breach MR, Lenz KM. Sex Differences in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Key Role for the Immune System. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 62:165-206. [PMID: 35435643 PMCID: PMC10286778 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are prominent defining features of neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding the sex biases in these disorders can shed light on mechanisms leading to relative risk and resilience for the disorders, as well as more broadly advance our understanding of how sex differences may relate to brain development. The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders is increasing, and the two most common neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit male-biases in prevalence rates and sex differences in symptomology. While the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and their sex differences remain to be fully understood, increasing evidence suggests that the immune system plays a critical role in shaping development. In this chapter we discuss sex differences in prevalence and symptomology of ASD and ADHD, review sexual differentiation and immune regulation of neurodevelopment, and discuss findings from human and rodent studies of immune dysregulation and perinatal immune perturbation as they relate to potential mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. This chapter will give an overview of how understanding sex differences in neuroimmune function in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders could lend insight into their etiologies and better treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela R Breach
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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99
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Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
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100
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Billeci L, Callara AL, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Santocchi E. A randomized controlled trial into the effects of probiotics on electroencephalography in preschoolers with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:117-132. [PMID: 35362336 PMCID: PMC9806478 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221082710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of a probiotic on preschoolers' brain electrical activity with autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a disorder with an increasing prevalence characterized by an enormous individual, family, and social cost. Although the etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, an interaction between genetic and environmental factors is implicated, converging in altered brain synaptogenesis and, therefore, connectivity. Besides deepening the knowledge on the resting brain electrical activity that characterizes this disorder, this study allows analyzing the positive central effects of a 6-month therapy with a probiotic through a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study and the correlations between electroencephalography activity and biochemical and clinical parameters. In subjects treated with probiotics, we observed a decrease of power in frontopolar regions in beta and gamma bands, and increased coherence in the same bands together with a shift in frontal asymmetry, which suggests a modification toward a typical brain activity. Electroencephalography measures were significantly correlated with clinical and biochemical measures. These findings support the importance of further investigations on probiotics' benefits in autism spectrum disorder to better elucidate mechanistic links between probiotics supplementation and changes in brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda
USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Castelnuovo Garfagnana (LU), Italy
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