151
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Brusov O, Klyushnik T, Zozulya S, Karpova N, Shilov Y, Nikitina S, Simashkova N. Paired and partial correlations of immune parameters of neuro-immuno-test and coagulation parameters of thrombodynamics test in children with children’s autism. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:68-73. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212209268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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152
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Compare the nutritional status of essential minerals in milk of different cattle and humans: Estimated daily intake for children. J Food Compost Anal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2021.104214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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153
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Rong P, Fu Q, Zhang X, Liu H, Zhao S, Song X, Gao P, Ma R. A bibliometrics analysis and visualization of autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:884600. [PMID: 35923445 PMCID: PMC9339633 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.884600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased rapidly in the last 20 years. Although related research has developed rapidly, little is known about its etiology, diagnostic marker, or drug treatment, which forces researchers to review and summarize its development process and look for the future development direction. METHODS We used bibliometrics to analyze papers of ASD in the Web of Science from 1998 to 2021, to draw the network of authors, institutions, countries, and keywords in the ASD field, and visualize the results. RESULTS A total of 40,597 papers were included with a continually increasing trend. It turns out that the research on ASD is mainly concentrated in universities. The United States has the largest number of ASD studies, followed by England and Canada. The quality of papers related to ASD is generally high, which shows that ASD research has become a hot spot of scientific research. The keywords of ASD etiology and diagnostic markers can be classified into at least 7 aspects. The detection of keywords shows that ASD research is mostly based on its subtypes, takes children as the study population, focuses on neurodevelopmental imaging or genetics, and pays attention to individual differences. And ASD research has changed greatly under the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in the past 2 years. CONCLUSION We consider the future development direction should be based on the improvement of case identification, accurate clinical phenotype, large-scale cohort study, the discovery of ASD etiology and diagnostic markers, drug randomized controlled trials, and telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Rong
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianfang Fu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xilian Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuyi Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxin Song
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Puxing Gao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Ma
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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154
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Harutyunyan AA, Harutyunyan HA, Yenkoyan KB. Novel Probable Glance at Inflammatory Scenario Development in Autistic Pathology. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:788779. [PMID: 35002805 PMCID: PMC8727757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.788779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted-repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is generally associated with chronic inflammatory states, which are linked to immune system dysfunction and/or hyperactivation. The latter might be considered as one of the factors damaging neuronal cells. Several cell types trigger and sustain such neuroinflammation. In this study, we traced different markers of immune system activation on both cellular (immune cell phenotypes) and mediatory levels (production of cytokines) alongside adverse hematology and biochemistry screening in a group of autistic children. In addition, we analyzed the main metabolic pathways potentially involved in ASD development: energy (citric acid cycle components), porphyrin, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Several ASD etiological factors, like heavy metal intoxication, and risk factors-genetic polymorphisms of the relevant neurotransmitters and vitamin D receptors-were also analyzed. Finally, broad linear regression analysis allowed us to elucidate the possible scenario that led to the development of chronic inflammation in ASD patients. Obtained data showed elevated levels of urinary cis-aconitate, isocitrate, alfa-ketoglutarate, and HMG. There were no changes in levels of metabolites of monoamine neurotransmitters, however, the liver-specific tryptophan kinurenine pathway metabolites showed increased levels of quinolinate (QUIN) and picolinate, whereas the level of kynurenate remained unchanged. Abovementioned data demonstrate the infringement in energy metabolism. We found elevated levels of lead in red blood cells, as well as altered porphyrin metabolism, which support the etiological role of heavy metal intoxication in ASD. Lead intoxication, the effect of which is intensified by a mutation of the VDR-Taq and MAO-A, leads to quinolinic acid increase, resulting in energy metabolism depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, our data backing the CD4+CD3+ T-cell dependence of mitochondrial dysfunction development in ASD patients reported in our previous study leads us to the conclusion that redox-immune cross-talk is considered a main functional cell damaging factor in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida A. Harutyunyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hayk A. Harutyunyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin B. Yenkoyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
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155
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Figueiredo CP, Fontes-Dantas FL, da Poian AT, Clarke JR. SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm during pregnancy as a possible risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorder development in post-pandemic infants. Neuropharmacology 2021; 201:108841. [PMID: 34666076 PMCID: PMC8519783 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A strong association between perinatal viral infections and neurodevelopmental disorders has been established. Both the direct contact of the virus with the developing brain and the strong maternal immune response originated by viral infections can impair proper neurodevelopment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the highly-infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently responsible for a large global outbreak and is a major public health issue. While initial studies focused on the viral impact on the respiratory system, increasing evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infects other organs and tissues including the mature brain. While studies continue to determine the neuropathology associated to COVID-19, the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the developing brain remain largely unexplored. The present review discusses evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may have persistent effects on the course of pregnancy and on brain development. Studies have shown that several proinflammatory mediators which are increased in the SARS-CoV-2-associated cytokine storm, are also modified in other viral infections known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this sense, further studies should assess the genuine effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and delivery along with an extended follow-up of the offspring, including neurocognitive, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological examination. It also remains to be determined whether and by which mechanisms SARS-CoV-2 intrauterine and early life infection could lead to an increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ), in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia P Figueiredo
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea T da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Julia R Clarke
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
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156
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Converging purinergic and immune signaling pathways drive IL-6 secretion by Fragile X cortical astrocytes via STAT3. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 361:577745. [PMID: 34695768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The symptoms of Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are driven in part by abnormal glial-mediated function. FXS astrocytes release elevated levels of immune-related factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tenascin C (TNC), and also demonstrate increased purinergic signaling, a pathway linked to signaling factor release. Here, in cortical astrocytes from the Fmr1 knockout (KO) FXS mouse model, purinergic agonism enhanced TNC secretion and STAT3 phosphorylation, two processes linked to elevated IL-6 secretion in FXS, while STAT3 knockdown and TLR4 antagonism normalized Fmr1 KO IL-6 release. We therefore suggest that purinergic signaling and immune regulatory pathways converge to drive FXS cortical pro-inflammatory responses.
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157
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Carter M, Casey S, O’Keeffe GW, Gibson L, Murray DM. Mid-gestation cytokine profiles in mothers of children affected by autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22315. [PMID: 34785716 PMCID: PMC8595633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum disorder is one of the commonest and most important neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children today. With an increasing prevalence and an unclear aetiology, it is imperative we find early markers of autism, which may facilitate early identification and intervention. Alterations of gestational cytokine profiles have been reported in mothers of autistic children. Increasing evidence suggests that the intrauterine environment is an important determinant of autism risk. This study aims to examine the mid-gestational serum cytokine profiles of the mothers of autistic children from a well-characterised birth cohort. A nested sub-cohort within a large mother-child birth cohort were identified based on a confirmed multi-disciplinary diagnosis of autism before the age 10 years and neuro-typical matched controls in a 2:1 ratio. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, GMCSF and TNFα were measured in archived maternal 20-week serum using MesoScale Diagnostics multiplex technology and validation of our IL-17A measurements was performed using an ultrasensitive assay. From a cohort of 2137 children, 25 had confirmed autism before 10 years and stored maternal serum from mid-gestation. We examined the sera of these 25 cases and 50 matched controls. The sex ratio was 4:1 males to females in each group, and the mean age at diagnosis was 5.09 years (SD 2.13). We found that concentrations of IL-4 were significantly altered between groups. The other analytes did not differ significantly using either multiplex or ultra-sensitive assays. In our well-characterised prospective cohort of autistic children, we confirmed mid-gestational alterations in maternal IL-4 concentrations in autism affected pregnancies versus matched controls. These findings add to promising evidence from animal models and retrospective screening programmes and adds to the knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Carter
- The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,National Children's Research Centre, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland. .,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland.
| | - Sophie Casey
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard W. O’Keeffe
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise Gibson
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
| | - Deirdre M. Murray
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland
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158
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Zhu B, Deng F, Yan S, Huang K, Wu X, Tao X, Wang S, Tao F. Gestational diabetes mellitus, autistic traits and ADHD symptoms in toddlers: Placental inflammatory and oxidative stress cytokines do not play an intermediary role. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105435. [PMID: 34649104 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risks of autistic traits and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among offspring and whether placental inflammatory and oxidative stress cytokines play an intermediary role. METHODS Based on a prospective cohort study from China, namely, the Ma'anshan Birth Cohort study (MABC), 3260 mother-child pairs were included. Autistic traits and ADHD symptoms among children were assessed at 18 months and 36 months, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of fourteen placental cytokines were determined using PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between GDM and the risks of autistic traits or ADHD symptoms. Mediation analysis was used to assess the potential mediation effects of certain placental inflammatory factors. RESULTS Of the 3260 children, 419 (12.85%) were exposed to GDM. The prevalence rates of autistic traits and ADHD symptoms were 13.86% and 6.4%, respectively. A 48.6% increased risk of autistic traits was observed among offspring born to mothers with GDM [odds ratio (OR) = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.11-2.00)], while no significant association was found in terms of ADHD symptoms. There were significant positive associations between GDM and IL-10 expression and between HIF1-α and CRP mRNA expression and a significant negative association between GDM and CD206 mRNA expression. The expression of MCP-1 mRNA was negatively associated with the risk of autistic traits [adjusted OR = 0.73 (95%CI: 0.73-0.55)]. The levels of TNF-α were positively associated with the risk of ADHD symptoms [OR = 2.11 (95%CI: 1.39-3.21)], while GRP78 was inversely associated with it [OR = 0.64 (95%CI: 0.44-0.94)]. However, none of the 14 placental cytokines was involved as a key mediator. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that GDM may act as a risk factor for autistic traits in offspring, while the biological mechanisms may not involve the 14 placental cytokines studied. No significant association between GDM and ADHD symptoms was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fen Deng
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health Care Center, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xingyong Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University; No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Kefir ameliorates specific microbiota-gut-brain axis impairments in a mouse model relevant to autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:119-134. [PMID: 34252569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most severe developmental disorders, affecting on average 1 in 150 children worldwide. There is a great need for more effective strategies to improve quality of life in ASD subjects. The gut microbiome has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in ASD. A novel modulator of the gut microbiome, the traditionally fermented milk drink kefir, has recently been shown to modulate the microbiota and decrease repetitive behaviour, one of the hallmarks of ASD, in mice. As such, we hypothesized that kefir could ameliorate behavioural deficits in a mouse model relevant to ASD; the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse strain. To this end, adult mice were administered either kefir (UK4) or a milk control for three weeks as treatment lead-in, after which they were assessed for their behavioural phenotype using a battery of tests. In addition, we assessed systemic immunity by flow cytometry and the gut microbiome using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We found that indeed kefir decreased repetitive behaviour in this mouse model. Furthermore, kefir prolonged stress-induced increases in corticosterone 60 min post-stress, which was accompanied by an ameliorated innate immune response as measured by LY6Chi monocyte levels. In addition, kefir increased the levels of anti-inflammatory Treg cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Kefir also increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium A2, which correlated with reduced repetitive behaviour and increased Treg cells in MLNs. Functionally, kefir modulated various predicted gut microbial pathways, including the gut-brain module S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) synthesis, as well as L-valine biosynthesis and pyruvate fermentation to isobutanol, which all correlated with repetitive behaviour. Taken together our data show that kefir modulates peripheral immunoregulation, can ameliorate specific ASD behavioural dysfunctions and modulates selective aspects of the composition and function of the gut microbiome, indicating that kefir supplementation might prove a viable strategy in improving quality of life in ASD subjects.
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160
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Fernández de Cossío L, Lacabanne C, Bordeleau M, Castino G, Kyriakakis P, Tremblay MÈ. Lipopolysaccharide-induced maternal immune activation modulates microglial CX3CR1 protein expression and morphological phenotype in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus, resulting in cognitive inflexibility during late adolescence. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:440-454. [PMID: 34343619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation during pregnancy can disturb brain development and lead to disorders in the progeny, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. However, the mechanism by which a prenatal, short-lived increase of cytokines results in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes remains largely unknown. Microglia-the brain's resident immune-cells-stand as fundamental cellular mediators, being highly sensitive and responsive to immune signals, which also play key roles during normal development. The fractalkine signaling axis is a neuron-microglia communication mechanism used to regulate neurogenesis and network formation. Previously, we showed hippocampal reduction of fractalkine receptor (Cx3cr1) mRNA at postnatal day (P) 15 in male offspring exposed to maternal immune activation induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during late gestation, which was concomitant to an increased dendritic spine density in the dentate gyrus, a neurogenic niche. The current study sought to evaluate the origin and impact of this reduced hippocampal Cx3cr1 mRNA expression on microglia and cognition. We found that microglial total cell number and density are not affected in the dorsal hippocampus and dentate gyrus, respectively, but that the microglial CX3CR1 protein is decreased in the hippocampus of LPS-male offspring at P15. Further characterization of microglial morphology in the dentate gyrus identified a more ameboid phenotype in LPS-exposed offspring, predominantly in males, at P15. We thus explored maternal plasma and fetal brain cytokines to understand the mechanism behind microglial priming, showing a robust immune activation in the mother at 2 and 4 hrs after LPS administration, while only IL-10 tended towards upregulation at 2 hrs after LPS in fetal brains. To evaluate the functional long-term consequences, we assessed learning and cognitive flexibility behavior during late adolescence, finding that LPS affects only the latter with a male predominance on perseveration. A CX3CR1 gene variant in humans that results in disrupted fractalkine signaling has been recently associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. We show that an acute immune insult during late gestation can alter fractalkine signaling by reducing the microglial CX3CR1 protein expression, highlighting neuron-microglial fractalkine signaling as a relevant target underlying the outcomes of environmental risk factors on neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Fernández de Cossío
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Chloé Lacabanne
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Bordeleau
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Garance Castino
- Department of Biology, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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161
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Bairwa SC, Shaw CA, Kuo M, Yoo J, Tomljenovic L, Eidi H. Cytokines profile in neonatal and adult wild-type mice post-injection of U. S. pediatric vaccination schedule. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 15:100267. [PMID: 34589773 PMCID: PMC8474652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A recent study from our laboratory demonstrated a number of neurobehavioral abnormalities in mice colony injected with a mouse-weight equivalent dose of all vaccines that are administered to infants in their first 18 months of life according to the U. S. pediatric vaccination schedule. Cytokines have been studied extensively as blood immune and inflammatory biomarkers, and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the importance of cytokines in early neurodevelopment, we aimed to investigate the potential post-administration effects of the U. S. pediatric vaccines on circulatory cytokines in a mouse model. In the current study, cytokines have been assayed at early and late time points in mice vaccinated early in postnatal life and compared with placebo controls. Materials and methods Newborn mouse pups were divided into three groups: i) vaccine (V1), ii) vaccine × 3 (V3) and iii) placebo control. V1 group was injected with mouse weight-equivalent of the current U. S. pediatric vaccine schedule. V3 group was injected with same vaccines but at triple the dose and the placebo control was injected with saline. Pups were also divided according to the sampling age into two main groups: acute- and chronic-phase group. Blood samples were collected at postnatal day (PND) 23, two days following vaccine schedule for the acute-phase group or at 67 weeks post-vaccination for the chronic-phase groups. Fifteen cytokines were analyzed: GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF-A. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test or unpaired Student's t-test was performed where applicable. Results IL-5 levels in plasma were significantly elevated in the V1 and V3 group compared with the control only in the acute-phase group. The elevation of IL-5 levels in the two vaccine groups were significant irrespective of whether the sexes were combined or analyzed separately. Other cytokines (VEGF-A, TNF-α, IL-10, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-13) were also impacted, although to a lesser extent and in a sex-dependent manner. In the acute-phase group, females showed a significant increase in IL-10 and MCP-1 levels and a decrease in VEGF-A levels in both V1 and V3 group compared to controls. In the acute-phase, a significant increase in MCP-1 levels in V3 group and CM-CSF levels in V1 and V3 group and decrease in TNF-α levels in V1 group were observed in treated males as compared with controls. In chronic-phase females, levels of VEGF-A in V1 and V3 group, TNF-α in V3 group, and IL-13 in V1 group were significantly decreased in contrast with controls. In chronic-phase males, TNF-α levels were significantly increased in V1 group and IL-6 levels decreased in V3 group in comparison to controls. The changes in levels of most tested cytokines were altered between the early and the late postnatal assays. Conclusions IL-5 levels significantly increased in the acute-phase of the treatment in the plasma of both sexes that were subjected to V1 and V3 injections. These increases had diminished by the second test assayed at week 67. These results suggest that a profound, albeit transient, effect on cytokine levels may be induced by the whole vaccine administration supporting our recently published observations regarding the behavioral abnormalities in the same mice. These observations support the view that the administration of whole pediatric vaccines in a neonatal period may impact at least short-term CNS functions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Bairwa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C A Shaw
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Program in Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L Tomljenovic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H Eidi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV) - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), Fougères, France
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162
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Strekalova T, Svirin E, Veniaminova E, Kopeikina E, Veremeyko T, Yung AWY, Proshin A, Walitza S, Anthony DC, Lim LW, Lesch KP, Ponomarev ED. ASD-like behaviors, a dysregulated inflammatory response and decreased expression of PLP1 characterize mice deficient for sialyltransferase ST3GAL5. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100306. [PMID: 34589798 PMCID: PMC8474501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which are abundant in brain, are known to modulate ion channels and cell-to-cell communication. Deficiencies can result in aberrant myelination and altered immune responses, which can give rise to neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. However, to date, little mechanistic data is available on how ganglioside deficiencies contribute to the behavioural disorders. In humans, the loss of lactosylceramide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase (ST3Gal5) leads to a severe neuropathology, but in ST3Gal5 knock-out (St3gal5−/−) mice the absence of GM3 and associated a-, b- and c-series gangliosides is partially compensated by 0-series gangliosides and there is no overt behavioural phenotype. Here, we sought to examine the behavioural and molecular consequences of GM3 loss more closely. Mutants of both sexes exhibited impaired conditioned taste aversion in an inhibitory learning task and anxiety-like behaviours in the open field, moderate motor deficits, abnormal social interactions, excessive grooming and rearing behaviours. Taken together, the aberrant behaviours are suggestive of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like syndrome. Molecular analysis showed decreased gene and protein expression of proteolipid protein-1 (Plp1) and over expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which has been associated with ASD-like syndromes. The inflammatory and behavioural responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also altered in the St3gal5−/− mice compared to wild-type, which is indicative of the importance of GM3 gangliosides in regulating immune responses. Together, the St3gal5−/− mice display ASD-like behavioural features, altered response to systemic inflammation, signs of hypomyelination and neuroinflammation, which suggests that deficiency in a- and b-series gangliosides could contribute to the development of an ASD-like pathology in humans. St3gal5−/− mice exhibit aberrant social, motor and cognitive behavior that is reminiscent of ASD-like syndrome. Interleukin1β is upregulated in the brain and spleen of St3gal5−/− of both sexes. Mutants display reduced gene and protein expression of the myelin protein Plp1. LPS induces sex-dependent abnormalities in the inflammatory response and social behavior in the St3gal5−/− mice. St3gal5−/− mice can be used to study the behavioural consequence of a- and b-series ganglioside deficiency
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Svirin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Veniaminova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Kopeikina
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tatyana Veremeyko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Amanda W Y Yung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Andrey Proshin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Kunmin Institute of Zoology, Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunmin-Hong Kong, China
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163
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Impact of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Composition of Gut Microbiota in Healthy and Autism Spectrum Disorder Children. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14195488. [PMID: 34639886 PMCID: PMC8509275 DOI: 10.3390/ma14195488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seriously affects children’s health, while the gut microbiome has been widely hypothesized to be involved in the regulation of ASD behavior. This study investigated and compared the number, diversity, and population structure of gut microbiota between healthy and ASD children and their susceptibility to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) based on the measurement of live cell number, living/dead bacterial staining test, flow cytometry observation and bacterial community analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The result of this present study revealed that ASD children not only significantly reduced the live cell number and the community diversity of gut bacteria, but also changed the gut bacterial community composition compared to the healthy children. In addition, this result revealed that ZnONPs significantly reduced the number of live bacterial cells in the gut of healthy children, but not in that of ASD children. In contrast, ZnONPs generally increased the gut bacterial community diversity in both ASD and healthy children, while a greater increase was found in ASD children than that of healthy children. Furthermore, this study successfully isolated and identified some representative nanoparticle-resistant bacteria based on the color, shape, and edge of colony as well as the 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The community of nanoparticle-resistant bacteria differed in between healthy and ASD children. Indeed, the representative strains 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4 from healthy children were identified as Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli with sequence similarity of 97.86%, 99.86%, 99.03% and 99.65%, respectively, while the representative strains 8-1, 8-2 and 8-3 from ASD children were identified as Bacillus cereus, with sequence similarities of 99.58%, 99.72% and 99.72%, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrated that ZnONPs caused a change in number, diversity, and species composition of gut bacteria, but differed in healthy and ASD children.
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164
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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165
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Popow C, Ohmann S, Plener P. Practitioner's review: medication for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid conditions. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2021; 35:113-134. [PMID: 34160787 PMCID: PMC8429404 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-021-00395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Alleviating the multiple problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its comorbid conditions presents major challenges for the affected children, parents, and therapists. Because of a complex psychopathology, structured therapy and parent training are not always sufficient, especially for those patients with intellectual disability (ID) and multiple comorbidities. Moreover, structured therapy is not available for a large number of patients, and pharmacological support is often needed, especially in those children with additional attention deficit/hyperactivity and oppositional defiant, conduct, and sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Popow
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Ohmann
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Plener
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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166
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Krueger ES, Lloyd TS, Tessem JS. The Accumulation and Molecular Effects of Trimethylamine N-Oxide on Metabolic Tissues: It's Not All Bad. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082873. [PMID: 34445033 PMCID: PMC8400152 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since elevated serum levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were first associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), TMAO research among chronic diseases has grown exponentially. We now know that serum TMAO accumulation begins with dietary choline metabolism across the microbiome-liver-kidney axis, which is typically dysregulated during pathogenesis. While CVD research links TMAO to atherosclerotic mechanisms in vascular tissue, its molecular effects on metabolic tissues are unclear. Here we report the current standing of TMAO research in metabolic disease contexts across relevant tissues including the liver, kidney, brain, adipose, and muscle. Since poor blood glucose management is a hallmark of metabolic diseases, we also explore the variable TMAO effects on insulin resistance and insulin production. Among metabolic tissues, hepatic TMAO research is the most common, whereas its effects on other tissues including the insulin producing pancreatic β-cells are largely unexplored. Studies on diseases including obesity, diabetes, liver diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cognitive diseases reveal that TMAO effects are unique under pathologic conditions compared to healthy controls. We conclude that molecular TMAO effects are highly context-dependent and call for further research to clarify the deleterious and beneficial molecular effects observed in metabolic disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Krueger
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (E.S.K.); (T.S.L.)
| | - Trevor S. Lloyd
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (E.S.K.); (T.S.L.)
- Medical Education Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffery S. Tessem
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (E.S.K.); (T.S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-801-422-9082
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167
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Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: Exercise as a "pharmacological" tool. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:63-74. [PMID: 34310976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of ASD is around 1%. Although the pathogenesis of ASD is not entirely understood, it is recognized that a combination of genetic, epigenetics, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction can play an essential role in its development. It has been suggested that autism results from the central nervous system derangements due to low-grade chronic inflammatory reactions associated with the immune system activation. ASD individuals have increased microglial activation, density, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the several brain regions. Autism has no available pharmacological treatments, however there are pedagogical and psychotherapeutic therapies, and pharmacological treatment, that help to control behavioral symptoms. Recent data indicate that exercise intervention programs may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Exercise can also modify inflammatory profiles that will ameliorate associated metabolic disorders. This review highlights the involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on managing ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities.
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168
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Stanton JE, Malijauskaite S, McGourty K, Grabrucker AM. The Metallome as a Link Between the "Omes" in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:695873. [PMID: 34290588 PMCID: PMC8289253 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.695873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal dyshomeostasis plays a significant role in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and many more. Like studies investigating the proteome, transcriptome, epigenome, microbiome, etc., for years, metallomics studies have focused on data from their domain, i.e., trace metal composition, only. Still, few have considered the links between other "omes," which may together result in an individual's specific pathologies. In particular, ASD have been reported to have multitudes of possible causal effects. Metallomics data focusing on metal deficiencies and dyshomeostasis can be linked to functions of metalloenzymes, metal transporters, and transcription factors, thus affecting the proteome and transcriptome. Furthermore, recent studies in ASD have emphasized the gut-brain axis, with alterations in the microbiome being linked to changes in the metabolome and inflammatory processes. However, the microbiome and other "omes" are heavily influenced by the metallome. Thus, here, we will summarize the known implications of a changed metallome for other "omes" in the body in the context of "omics" studies in ASD. We will highlight possible connections and propose a model that may explain the so far independently reported pathologies in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle E Stanton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sigita Malijauskaite
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran McGourty
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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169
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Breach MR, Dye CN, Joshi A, Platko S, Gilfarb RA, Krug AR, Franceschelli DV, Galan A, Dodson CM, Lenz KM. Maternal allergic inflammation in rats impacts the offspring perinatal neuroimmune milieu and the development of social play, locomotor behavior, and cognitive flexibility. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:269-286. [PMID: 33798637 PMCID: PMC8187275 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal systemic inflammation increases risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia in offspring. Notably, these disorders are male-biased. Studies have implicated immune system dysfunction in the etiology of these disorders, and rodent models of maternal immune activation provide useful tools to examine mechanisms of sex-dependent effects on brain development, immunity, and behavior. Here, we employed an allergen-induced model of maternal inflammation in rats to characterize levels of mast cells and microglia in the perinatal period in male and female offspring, as well as social, emotional, and cognitive behaviors throughout the lifespan. Adult female rats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), bred, and challenged intranasally on gestational day 15 of pregnancy with OVA or saline. Allergic inflammation upregulated microglia in the fetal brain, increased mast cell number in the hippocampus on the day of birth, and conferred region-, time- and sex- specific changes in microglia measures. Additionally, offspring of OVA-exposed mothers subsequently exhibited abnormal social behavior, hyperlocomotion, and reduced cognitive flexibility. These data demonstrate the long-term effects of maternal allergic challenge on offspring development and provide a basis for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders linked to maternal systemic inflammation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela R. Breach
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Courtney N. Dye
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Aarohi Joshi
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven Platko
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rachel A. Gilfarb
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Annemarie R. Krug
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Anabel Galan
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claire M. Dodson
- Department of Psychology, 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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170
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Bugarski-Kirola D, Marcus RN. Comorbidities and behavioral issues. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 48:45-46. [PMID: 33814218 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.03.010] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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171
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Ahadullah, Yau SY, Lu HX, Lee TMC, Guo H, Chan CCH. PM 2.5 as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder: Its possible link to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and changes in gene expression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:534-548. [PMID: 34216652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral deficits including impairments in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Because the etiology of ASD is still largely unknown, there is no cure for ASD thus far. Although it has been established that genetic components play a vital role in ASD development, the influence of epigenetic regulation induced by environmental factors could also contribute to ASD susceptibility. Accumulated evidence has suggested that exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in polluted air could affect neurodevelopment, thus possibly leading to ASD. Particles with a size of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or less have been shown to have negative effects on human health, and could be linked to ASD symptoms in children. This review summarizes evidence from clinical and animal studies to demonstrate the possible linkage between PM2.5 exposure and the incidence of ASD in children. An attempt was made to explore the possible mechanisms of this linkage, including changes of gene expression, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahadullah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Hao-Xian Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chetwyn C H Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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172
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Wong OWH, Lam AMW, Lai KYC, Ma SL, Hung SF, Chan S, Wong S, Leung PWL. An elevated anxiety level among prepubertal autistic boys with non-treatment-seeking functional gastrointestinal disorders: A case-control study. Autism Res 2021; 14:2131-2142. [PMID: 34114351 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism commonly suffer from comorbid functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and anxiety. The raised prevalence of both conditions in autism suggests complex reciprocal relationships, which are seldom explored in non-treatment-seeking FGID. The relationships between subtypes of FGID and anxiety are also unclear. This study recruited boys with autism and age-matched typically developing (TD) boys, aged 4-11 years, who were not actively seeking help for gastrointestinal problems. Their parents completed the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaires for Pediatric FGID. Four groups of children with and without autism/FGID were identified and compared on their anxiety level using the Spence children's anxiety scale. In 69 boys with autism and 69 age-matched TD boys, FGID were identified in 22 and 16 boys, respectively. ANCOVA demonstrated a significant interaction effect of autism and FGID on anxiety (F[1, 129] = 5.43, p = 0.021), while conditional logistic regression identified an interaction effect of autism and anxiety on the odds of FGID (OR 1.038, 95% CI 1.002-1.075, p = 0.038). Explorative post hoc analysis showed higher anxiety in functional nausea and vomiting disorder (p = 0.033) and functional abdominal pain disorder (p = 0.029) among boys with autism than TD boys with the same respective subtypes of FGID. In summary, among prepubertal boys with autism, the presence of FGID that are non-treatment-seeking in nature, has a significantly stronger association with higher levels of anxiety than TD boys. The strength of association may be more prominent in subtypes of FGID. Possible pathomechanisms including the underlying microbiota spectra and inflammatory paths should be explored in future studies. LAY SUMMARY: Anxiety and gastrointestinal problems are common symptoms in autism. Given that gut health could be linked to emotions, their association in young boys with autism was studied. The presence of nausea vomiting, or abdominal pain were associated with raised anxiety among boys with autism, yet this was not observed in typically developing boys. This suggests that anxiety among autistic children could be partly explained by the presence of FGID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar W H Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Angela M W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kelly Y C Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Suk Ling Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Se Fong Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sandra Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sunny Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Patrick W L Leung
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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173
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Chanwuyi Lifestyle Medicine Program Alleviates Immunological Deviation and Improves Behaviors in Autism. NEUROSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci2020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the association between deviated inflammatory chemokines, the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and our previous findings of the Chanwuyi Lifestyle Medicine Program regarding improved cognitive and behavioral problems in ASD, the present study aims to explore if this intervention can alter pro-inflammatory chemokines concentration. Thirty-two boys with ASD were assigned to the experimental group receiving the Chanwuyi Lifestyle Medicine Program for 7 months or the control group without a change in their lifestyle. The experimental group, but not the control group, demonstrated significantly reduced CCL2 and CXCL8, a trend of reduction in CCL5, and elevation of CXCL9. The experimental group also demonstrated significantly reduced social communication problems, repetitive/stereotypic behaviors, and hyperactive behaviors. The present findings support the potential efficacy and applicability of the Chanwuyi Lifestyle Medicine Program for reducing both behavioral problems and immunological dysfunction in ASD. Further studies are warranted to verify its treatment effect and its association with brain functions.
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174
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Increased Serum Concentrations of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060478. [PMID: 34198762 PMCID: PMC8228126 DOI: 10.3390/children8060478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been suggested to be involved in the immune dysfunction and inflammation reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aimed to assess HMGB1 serum concentrations (SCs) in high-functioning ASD children compared to typically developing (TD) controls and to explore their associations with the autism spectrum quotient (AQ), the empathy quotient (EQ), and the systemizing quotient (SQ). The study involved 42 ASD children and 38 TD children, all-male, aged between 6.1 and 13.3 years old. HMGB1 SCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Groups were comparable regarding age, general IQ, birth weight, and maternal age at birth. ASD children showed significantly higher HMGB1 SCs compared to TD children (1.25 ± 0.84 ng/mL versus 1.13 ± 0.79 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.039). The Spearman’s rho revealed that HMGB1 SCs were positively correlated with the AQ attention to detail subscale (rs = 0.46, p = 0.045) and with the SQ total score (rs = 0.42, p = 0.04) in the ASD group. These results show that HMGB1 serum concentrations are altered in ASD children, and suggest that inflammatory processes mediated by HMGB1 may be associated with specific cognitive features observed in ASD.
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175
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Abdul F, Sreenivas N, Kommu JVS, Banerjee M, Berk M, Maes M, Leboyer M, Debnath M. Disruption of circadian rhythm and risk of autism spectrum disorder: role of immune-inflammatory, oxidative stress, metabolic and neurotransmitter pathways. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:93-109. [PMID: 34047147 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms in most living organisms are regulated by light and synchronized to an endogenous biological clock. The circadian clock machinery is also critically involved in regulating and fine-tuning neurodevelopmental processes. Circadian disruption during embryonic development can impair crucial phases of neurodevelopment. This can contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. Increasing evidence from studies showing abnormalities in sleep and melatonin as well as genetic and epigenetic changes in the core elements of the circadian pathway indicate a pivotal role of circadian disruption in ASD. However, the underlying mechanistic basis through which the circadian pathways influence the risk and progression of ASD are yet to be fully discerned. Well-recognized mechanistic pathways in ASD include altered immune-inflammatory, nitro oxidative stress, neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, and metabolic pathways. Notably, all these pathways are under the control of the circadian clock. It is thus likely that a disrupted circadian clock will affect the functioning of these pathways. Herein, we highlight the possible mechanisms through which aberrations in the circadian clock might affect immune-inflammatory, nitro-oxidative, metabolic pathways, and neurotransmission, thereby driving the neurobiological sequelae leading to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Abdul
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - Nikhitha Sreenivas
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - John Vijay Sagar Kommu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, Karnataka, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud Post, Poojappura, Trivandrum, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Michael Berk
- School of Medicine, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.,Orygen, The Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Department of Psychiatry, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- School of Medicine, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, bul. "Vasil Aprilov" 15A, 4002 Tsetar, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Université Paris Est Creteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires "H. Mondor", DMU IMPACT, INSERM, IMRB, Translational Neuropsychiatry, Fondation FondaMental, 8, rue du Général Sarrail, 94010, Creteil, France
| | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560029, Karnataka, India
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176
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Zimmerman AW, Singh K, Connors SL, Liu H, Panjwani AA, Lee LC, Diggins E, Foley A, Melnyk S, Singh IN, James SJ, Frye RE, Fahey JW. Randomized controlled trial of sulforaphane and metabolite discovery in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Autism 2021; 12:38. [PMID: 34034808 PMCID: PMC8146218 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sulforaphane (SF), an isothiocyanate in broccoli, has potential benefits relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through its effects on several metabolic and immunologic pathways. Previous clinical trials of oral SF demonstrated positive clinical effects on behavior in young men and changes in urinary metabolomics in children with ASD.
Methods We conducted a 15-week randomized parallel double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial with 15-week open-label treatment and 6-week no-treatment extensions in 57 children, ages 3–12 years, with ASD over 36 weeks. Twenty-eight were assigned SF and 29 received placebo (PL). Clinical effects, safety and tolerability of SF were measured as were biomarkers to elucidate mechanisms of action of SF in ASD. Results Data from 22 children taking SF and 23 on PL were analyzed. Treatment effects on the primary outcome measure, the Ohio Autism Clinical Impressions Scale (OACIS), in the general level of autism were not significant between SF and PL groups at 7 and 15 weeks. The effect sizes on the OACIS were non-statistically significant but positive, suggesting a possible trend toward greater improvement in those on treatment with SF (Cohen’s d 0.21; 95% CI − 0.46, 0.88 and 0.10; 95% CI − 0.52, 0.72, respectively). Both groups improved in all subscales when on SF during the open-label phase. Caregiver ratings on secondary outcome measures improved significantly on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at 15 weeks (Cohen’s d − 0.96; 95% CI − 1.73, − 0.15), but not on the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2). Ratings on the ABC and SRS-2 improved with a non-randomized analysis of the length of exposure to SF, compared to the pre-treatment baseline (p < 0.001). There were significant changes with SF compared to PL in biomarkers of glutathione redox status, mitochondrial respiration, inflammatory markers and heat shock proteins. Clinical laboratory studies confirmed product safety. SF was very well tolerated and side effects of treatment, none serious, included rare insomnia, irritability and intolerance of the taste and smell. Limitations The sample size was limited to 45 children with ASD and we did not impute missing data. We were unable to document significant changes in clinical assessments during clinical visits in those taking SF compared to PL. The clinical results were confounded by placebo effects during the open-label phase. Conclusions SF led to small yet non-statistically significant changes in the total and all subscale scores of the primary outcome measure, while for secondary outcome measures, caregivers’ assessments of children taking SF showed statistically significant improvements compared to those taking PL on the ABC but not the SRS-2. Clinical effects of SF were less notable in children compared to our previous trial of a SF-rich preparation in young men with ASD. Several of the effects of SF on biomarkers correlated to clinical improvements. SF was very well tolerated and safe and effective based on our secondary clinical measures. Trial registration: This study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02561481) on September 28, 2015. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00447-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Zimmerman
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | - Kanwaljit Singh
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Susan L Connors
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and The Cullman Chemoprotection Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Anita A Panjwani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and iMIND Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, 703 3rd St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Li-Ching Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Eileen Diggins
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Ann Foley
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Stepan Melnyk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Indrapal N Singh
- Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 475 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - S Jill James
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Barrow Neurologic Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 475 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jed W Fahey
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and The Cullman Chemoprotection Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and iMIND Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
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Teskey G, Anagnostou E, Mankad D, Smile S, Roberts W, Brian J, Bowdish DME, Foster JA. Intestinal permeability correlates with behavioural severity in very young children with ASD: A preliminary study. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 357:577607. [PMID: 34044209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic inflammation is known to alter behaviour, and since it has been reported that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have higher levels of circulating cytokines, it has been hypothesized that systemic inflammation may exacerbate behaviours characteristic of ASD. The acute phase proteins α-2-macroglobulin, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, serum amyloid P, serum amyloid A, ferritin and tissue plasminogen activator, as well as markers of intestinal permeability (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lipopolysaccharide) were quantitated in the plasma of very young children with ASD. Behaviour severity was measured using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS). An increase in circulating I-FABP correlated with more severe deficits in communication, communication + social interaction as well as maladaptive behaviour. The acute phase protein haptoglobin was associated with more severe social interaction and communication + social interaction. In summary, I-FABP, a marker of intestinal epithelial damage, was associated with more severe behavioural phenotypes in very young children with ASD. In addition, the acute phase protein, haptoglobin, was associated with behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Teskey
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deepali Mankad
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada
| | - Sharon Smile
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Sick Kids, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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178
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Nezgovorova V, Ferretti CJ, Taylor BP, Shanahan E, Uzunova G, Hong K, Devinsky O, Hollander E. Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:194-201. [PMID: 33689997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are limited in efficacy and are often associated with substantial side effects. These medications typically ameliorate problem behaviors associated with ASD, but do not target core symptom domains. As a result, there is a significant amount of research underway for development of novel experimental therapeutics. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived lipid neuromodulators, which, in combination with their receptors and associated metabolic enzymes, constitute the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Cannabinoid signaling may be involved in the social impairment and repetitive behaviors observed in those with ASD. In this review, we discuss a possible role of the EC system in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance and immune dysregulation in ASD. Novel treatments for the core symptom domains of ASD are needed and phytocannabinoids could be useful experimental therapeutics for core symptoms and associated domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nezgovorova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - C J Ferretti
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - B P Taylor
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - E Shanahan
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - G Uzunova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - K Hong
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - O Devinsky
- New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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Baranova J, Dragunas G, Botellho MCS, Ayub ALP, Bueno-Alves R, Alencar RR, Papaiz DD, Sogayar MC, Ulrich H, Correa RG. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signaling Pathways and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:619-649. [PMID: 32468442 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Baranova
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dragunas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mayara C S Botellho
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa P Ayub
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Bueno-Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca R Alencar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Debora D Papaiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100 (Edifício NUCEL), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Correa
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Al-Ayadhi LY, Alghamdi FA, Altamimi LA, Alsughayer LY, Alhowikan AM, Halepoto DM. The possible link between Fetuin-A Protein and Neuro-inflammation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pak J Med Sci 2021; 37:1166-1171. [PMID: 34290802 PMCID: PMC8281191 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.4.4032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the blood plasma levels of Fetuin-A protein in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and healthy controls that could offer novel diagnostic biomarkers of disease development in ASD. Another objective was to investigate the severity of autistic children by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Methods This case control study was carried out at Autism Research and Treatment (ART) Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2019 to February 2020. Plasma concentration of Fetuin-A was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in ASD subjects (n=46) and normal controls (n=44). Correlation among Fetuin-A levels, CARS and SSP was established by Spearman's correlation coefficient (r). Results Overall, autistic children had significantly (p= 0.0.02) lower Fetuin-A concentration [50.76 (22.2-68.5) ng/ml] than those of healthy controls [53.7 (35.6-99.7) ng/ml] [median (interquartile range)]. Children with mild to moderate autism (n=24, 52%) also showed significantly lower Fetuin-A levels [50.0 (30.0-68.2) ng/ml], (p =0.02} than healthy controls [53.7 (35.6-99.7) ng/ml] [median (IQR)]. However, there was no significant change (p = 0.71) observed between the Fetuin-A levels of children with severe autism [51.8 (22.2-68.5)] ng/ml, mild to moderate autism [50 (30-68.2)] ng/ml [median (IQR)] and healthy controls (p=0.12). Also no significant correlations between Fetuin-A, CARS and SSP were observed (CARS, r= 0.024, p=0.88; SSP, r= -0.003, p=0.98). Conclusion Overall the low Fetuin-A plasma values in ASD subjects, most likely show that Fetuin-A could be associated in the physiology of autism. Further studies with larger patient and control cohorts will be necessary to determine whether Fetuin-A can be used as a biomarker for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Yousif Al-Ayadhi
- Laila Yousif Al-Ayadhi, PhD. Autism Research and Treatment center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine. King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Ali Alghamdi
- Farah Ali Alghamdi, MBBS. Faculty of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Al Falah, Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamees Abdula Altamimi
- Lamees Abdula Altamimi, MBBS. College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luluh Yousef Alsughayer
- Luluh Yousef Alsughayer, MBBS College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Mohammed Alhowikan
- Abdulrahman Mohammad Alhowikan, PhD. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dost Muhammad Halepoto
- Dost Muhammad Halepoto, PhD. Autism Research and Treatment Center (99), Department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Maternal Immune Activation Promotes Autism-Like Phenotype in Infected Mice Offspring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094513. [PMID: 33922864 PMCID: PMC8122996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The maternal system’s exposure to pathogens during pregnancy influences fetal brain development causing a persistent inflammation characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in offspring. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a global pathogen that causes tuberculosis, a pandemic responsible for health and economic burdens. Although it is known that maternal infections increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not known whether Mtb infection is sufficient to induce ASD associated behaviors, immune dysregulation and altered expression of synaptic regulatory genes. The current study infected pregnant Balb/c mice with Mtb H37Rv and valproic acid (VPA) individually and in combination. Plasma cytokine profiles were measured in offspring using the Bio-plex Th17 pro mouse cytokine panel. Mtb infection increased plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-1β were reduced when compared with saline. Mtb-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) offspring displayed increased grooming behavior. The study also revealed dysregulation in gene expression of synaptic molecules in the cerebellum. MIA rescued the VPA-induced effects on self-grooming and social interaction behaviors. Our finding therefore highlights a potential role of Mtb as a MIA agent that can potentially contribute to ASD.
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182
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Ansari S, AdibSaber F, Elmieh A, Gholamrezaei S. The effect of water-based intervention on sleep habits and two sleep-related cytokines in children with autism. Sleep Med 2021; 82:78-83. [PMID: 33906043 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown that children with autism have sleep disturbances and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aquatic exercise on sleep habits and two certain sleep-related cytokines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHODS Forty boys with ASD (aged 6-14) were recruited and randomly assigned to an aquatic exercise (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Participants in aquatic exercise group performed water-based activities for 10 weeks/2 sessions per week/60 min, while control group didn't get any intervention. The serum levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and sleep quality were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS Results revealed that aquatic exercise may improve sleep quality and reduce the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in children with ASD compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, it is recommended that physicians and educators should provide a safe and effective exercise environment for ASD children to alleviate sleep issues and inflammatory biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soleyman Ansari
- Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh AdibSaber
- Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Alireza Elmieh
- Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Shahram Gholamrezaei
- Department of Physical Education, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
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183
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Bhuiyan P, Chen Y, Karim M, Dong H, Qian Y. Bidirectional communication between mast cells and the gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases: Avenues for therapeutic intervention. Brain Res Bull 2021; 172:61-78. [PMID: 33892083 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the global incidence of neurodegenerative diseases has been steadily increasing, especially in adults, there are no effective therapeutic interventions. Neurodegeneration is a heterogeneous group of disorders that is characterized by the activation of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) (e.g., mast cells and microglia) and subsequent neuroinflammation. Mast cells are found in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and play a role in "tuning" neuroimmune responses. The complex bidirectional communication between mast cells and gut microbiota coordinates various dynamic neuro-cellular responses, which propagates neuronal impulses from the gastrointestinal tract into the CNS. Numerous inflammatory mediators from degranulated mast cells alter intestinal gut permeability and disrupt blood-brain barrier, which results in the promotion of neuroinflammatory processes leading to neurological disorders, thereby offsetting the balance in immune-surveillance. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that gut-microbiota exert a pivotal role in inflammatory signaling through the activation of immune and inflammatory cells. Communication between inflammatory cytokines and neurocircuits via the gut-brain axis (GBA) affects behavioral responses, activates mast cells and microglia that causes neuroinflammation, which is associated with neurological diseases. In this comprehensive review, we focus on what is currently known about mast cells and the gut-brain axis relationship, and how this relationship is connected to neurodegenerative diseases. We hope that further elucidating the bidirectional communication between mast cells and the GBA will not only stimulate future research on neurodegenerative diseases but will also identify new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piplu Bhuiyan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, PR China
| | - Yinan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, PR China
| | - Mazharul Karim
- College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Science, 309 East 2nd Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Hongquan Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, PR China.
| | - Yanning Qian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, PR China.
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Jangjoo M, Goodman SJ, Choufani S, Trost B, Scherer SW, Kelley E, Ayub M, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Crosbie J, Schachar R, Anagnostou E, Grunebaum E, Weksberg R. An Epigenetically Distinct Subset of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Resulting From Differences in Blood Cell Composition. Front Neurol 2021; 12:612817. [PMID: 33935932 PMCID: PMC8085304 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.612817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that often involves impaired cognition, communication difficulties and restrictive, repetitive behaviors. ASD is extremely heterogeneous both clinically and etiologically, which represents one of the greatest challenges in studying the molecular underpinnings of ASD. While hundreds of ASD-associated genes have been identified that confer varying degrees of risk, no single gene variant accounts for >1% of ASD cases. Notably, a large number of ASD-risk genes function as epigenetic regulators, indicating potential epigenetic dysregulation in ASD. As such, we compared genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) in the blood of children with ASD (n = 265) to samples from age- and sex-matched, neurotypical controls (n = 122) using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 arrays. Results: While DNAm patterns did not distinctly separate ASD cases from controls, our analysis identified an epigenetically unique subset of ASD cases (n = 32); these individuals exhibited significant differential methylation from both controls than the remaining ASD cases. The CpG sites at which this subset was differentially methylated mapped to known ASD risk genes that encode proteins of the nervous and immune systems. Moreover, the observed DNAm differences were attributable to altered blood cell composition, i.e., lower granulocyte proportion and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in the ASD subset, as compared to the remaining ASD cases and controls. This ASD subset did not differ from the rest of the ASD cases in the frequency or type of high-risk genomic variants. Conclusion: Within our ASD cohort, we identified a subset of individuals that exhibit differential methylation from both controls and the remaining ASD group tightly associated with shifts in immune cell type proportions. This is an important feature that should be assessed in all epigenetic studies of blood cells in ASD. This finding also builds on past reports of changes in the immune systems of children with ASD, supporting the potential role of altered immunological mechanisms in the complex pathophysiology of ASD. The discovery of significant molecular and immunological features in subgroups of individuals with ASD may allow clinicians to better stratify patients, facilitating personalized interventions and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jangjoo
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah J. Goodman
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W. Scherer
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ayub
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Russell Schachar
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eyal Grunebaum
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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185
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da Silveira Cruz-Machado S, Guissoni Campos LM, Fadini CC, Anderson G, Markus RP, Pinato L. Disrupted nocturnal melatonin in autism: Association with tumor necrosis factor and sleep disturbances. J Pineal Res 2021; 70:e12715. [PMID: 33421193 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances, abnormal melatonin secretion, and increased inflammation are aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology. The present study evaluated the daily urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion profile and the salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 20 controls and 20 ASD participants, as well as correlating these measures with sleep disturbances. Although 60% of ASD participants showed a significant night-time rise in aMT6s excretion, this rise was significantly attenuated, compared to controls (P < .05). The remaining 40% of ASD individuals showed no significant increase in nocturnal aMT6s. ASD individuals showed higher nocturnal levels of saliva TNF, but not IL-6. Dysfunction in the initiation and maintenance of sleep, as indicated by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, correlated with night-time aMT6s excretion (r = -.28, P < .05). Dysfunction in sleep breathing was inversely correlated with aMT6s (r = -.31, P < .05) and positively associated with TNF level (r = .42, P < .01). Overall such data indicate immune-pineal axis activation, with elevated TNF but not IL-6 levels associated with disrupted pineal melatonin release and sleep dysfunction in ASD. It is proposed that circadian dysregulation in ASD is intimately linked to heightened immune-inflammatory activity. Such two-way interactions of the immune-pineal axis may underpin many aspects of ASD pathophysiology, including sleep disturbances, as well as cognitive and behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanseray da Silveira Cruz-Machado
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cintia Cristina Fadini
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia, Brazil
| | | | - Regina P Markus
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pinato
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia, Brazil
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186
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Shuid AN, Jayusman PA, Shuid N, Ismail J, Kamal Nor N, Mohamed IN. Association between Viral Infections and Risk of Autistic Disorder: An Overview. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2817. [PMID: 33802042 PMCID: PMC7999368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents with severe communication problems, impairment of social interactions, and stereotypic behaviours. Emerging studies indicate possible associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative and neurobehavioural conditions including autism. Viral infection during critical periods of early in utero neurodevelopment may lead to increased risk of autism in the offspring. This review is aimed at highlighting the association between viral infections, including viruses similar to COVID-19, and the aetiology of autism. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, and Google Scholar database. Relevant search terms included "rubella and autism", "cytomegalovirus and autism", "influenza virus and autism", "Zika virus and autism", "COVID-19 and autism". Based on the search terms, a total of 141 articles were obtained and studies on infants or children with congenital or perinatal viral infection and autistic behaviour were evaluated. The possible mechanisms by which viral infections could lead to autism include direct teratogenic effects and indirect effects of inflammation or maternal immune activation on the developing brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that the ensuing immune response from these viral infections could lead to disruption of the development of brain regions and structures. Hence, long-term follow up is necessary for infants whose mothers report an inflammatory event due to viral infection at any time during pregnancy to monitor for signs of autism. Research into the role of viral infection in the development of ASD may be one avenue of improving ASD outcomes in the future. Early screening and diagnosis to detect, and maybe even prevent ASD are essential to reduce the burden of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Naqib Shuid
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas 13200, Malaysia;
| | - Putri Ayu Jayusman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Nazrun Shuid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sg Buloh 47000, Malaysia
| | - Juriza Ismail
- Autism Research Group, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.I.); (N.K.N.)
| | - Norazlin Kamal Nor
- Autism Research Group, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.I.); (N.K.N.)
| | - Isa Naina Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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187
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Sünnetçi E, Durankuş F, Albayrak Y, Erdoğan MA, Atasoy Ö, Erbaş O. Effects of the Prenatal Administration of Tetanus Toxoid on the Sociability and Explorative Behaviors of Rat Offspring: A Preliminary Study. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 19:84-92. [PMID: 33508791 PMCID: PMC7851460 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.1.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severely disabling psychiatric disease characterized by impairments in communication and social skills. Although efforts have been made to explore the etiology of ASD, its pathophysiology remains unclear. This issue is rendered more challenging by confounding data about the effects of vaccination on disease etiology. In this study, therefore, we investigated the neurodevelopmental effects of maternal tetanus toxoid administration on rat offspring. We hypothesized that the vaccine affects the sociability and preference for social novelty of rat offspring as well as the production of immunological and neurotrophic factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), neuron growth factor (NGF), and oxytocin. METHODS The study involved 12 female and 4 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats (238 ± 10 g), which were assigned to two groups. Group 1 (control group) was given 0.5 ml of normal saline (0.9% NaCl) on the 10th day of pregnancy, whereas Group 2 (experimental group) was administered 0.5 ml of tetanus vaccine (tetanus toxoid, 40 IU). RESULTS Maternal tetanus toxoid administration exerted beneficial effects on the sociability and explorative behaviors of the rats. The brain tissue levels of TNF-α, NGF, NRG-1, and oxytocin were higher in the experimental group than those among the controls. All these significant differences were found in both the male and female rats. CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate the advantages of tetanus toxoid administration in relation to the sociability and explorative behaviors of rat offspring. The results showed that the vaccine also influences NRG-1, neuregulin, and oxytocin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Sünnetçi
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Training and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferit Durankuş
- Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yakup Albayrak
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Department of Physiology, Katip Çelebi University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Özüm Atasoy
- Department of Radiation Oncolgy, Kartal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Department of Physiology, Demiroğlu Bilim University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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188
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Hewitson L, Mathews JA, Devlin M, Schutte C, Lee J, German DC. Blood biomarker discovery for autism spectrum disorder: A proteomic analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246581. [PMID: 33626076 PMCID: PMC7904196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Given the lack of specific pharmacological therapy for ASD and the clinical heterogeneity of the disorder, current biomarker research efforts are geared mainly toward identifying markers for determining ASD risk or for assisting with a diagnosis. A wide range of putative biological markers for ASD is currently being investigated. Proteomic analyses indicate that the levels of many proteins in plasma/serum are altered in ASD, suggesting that a panel of proteins may provide a blood biomarker for ASD. Serum samples from 76 boys with ASD and 78 typically developing (TD) boys, 18 months-8 years of age, were analyzed to identify possible early biological markers for ASD. Proteomic analysis of serum was performed using SomaLogic’s SOMAScanTM assay 1.3K platform. A total of 1,125 proteins were analyzed. There were 86 downregulated proteins and 52 upregulated proteins in ASD (FDR < 0.05). Combining three different algorithms, we found a panel of 9 proteins that identified ASD with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.8599±0.0640, with specificity and sensitivity of 0.8217±0.1178 and 0.835±0.1176, respectively. All 9 proteins were significantly different in ASD compared with TD boys, and were significantly correlated with ASD severity as measured by ADOS total scores. Using machine learning methods, a panel of serum proteins was identified that may be useful as a blood biomarker for ASD in boys. Further verification of the protein biomarker panel with independent test sets is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hewitson
- The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A Mathews
- Departments of Mathematical Sciences and Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Program, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Morgan Devlin
- The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Claire Schutte
- The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Jeon Lee
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Dwight C German
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
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5-Aminoisoquinolinone, a PARP-1 Inhibitor, Ameliorates Immune Abnormalities through Upregulation of Anti-Inflammatory and Downregulation of Inflammatory Parameters in T Cells of BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020249. [PMID: 33671196 PMCID: PMC7922312 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a range of neurodevelopmental disorders involving impairments in communication and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and reciprocal social interaction. 5-Aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ), a PARP-1 inhibitor, has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the influence of 5-AIQ-treatment in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice as an autism model and used flow cytometry to assess the effect of 5-AIQ on FOXP3, Helios, GATA3, IL-9, IL-10 and IL-17A production by CXCR6+ and CD4+ T cells in the spleen. We also confirmed the effect of 5-AIQ treatment on expression of FOXP3, Helios, GATA3, IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-9 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Our results demonstrated that 5-AIQ-treated BTBR mice had significantly increased numbers of CXCR6+FOXP3+, CXCR6+IL-10+, and CXCR6+Helios+ cells and decreased numbers of CD4+GATA3+, CD4+IL-9+, and CD4+IL-17A+ cells as compared with those in untreated BTBR mice. Our results further demonstrated that treatment with 5-AIQ in BTBR mice increased expression for FOXP3, IL-10, and Helios, and decreased expression for GATA3, IL-17A, and IL-9 mRNA. Our findings support the hypotheses that 5-AIQ has promising novel therapeutic effects on neuroimmune dysfunction in autism and is associated with modulation of Treg and Th17 cells.
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190
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Dysregulation of Ki-67 Expression in T Cells of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020116. [PMID: 33562037 PMCID: PMC7915849 DOI: 10.3390/children8020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral abnormalities such as impairments in social function and deficits in communication. The etiology of autism is unknown in most cases, but many studies have pointed towards the immune system as a causative agent in autism. Specific studies implicated lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, cytokines, and specific transcription factors in the development of ASD. The protein Ki-67 is n expressed in the proliferating cells and is used as a tool in several disorders. Ki-67 plays a crucial role in many neurological diseases. However, Ki-67 role in ASD is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the possible role of Ki-67 expression in autistic children. We compared Ki-67 production in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CXCR4+, CXCR7+, CD45R+, HLA-DR+, GATA3+, Helios+, and FOXP3+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in autistic children to typically developing (TD) controls using immunofluorescence staining. We also determined Ki-67 mRNA levels in PBMCs using RT–PCR. The results revealed that autistic children had significantly increased numbers of CD3+Ki-67+, CD4+Ki-67+, CD8+Ki-67+, CXCR4+Ki-67+, CXCR7+Ki-67+, CD45R+Ki-67+, HLA-DR+Ki-67+, CXCR4+GATA3+, GATA3+Ki-67+ cells and decreased Helios+Ki-67+ and FOXP3+Ki-67+ cells compared with TD controls. In addition, the autistic children showed upregulation of Ki-67 mRNA levels compared with TD controls. Further studies need to be carried out to assess the exact role of Ki-67 and its therapeutic potential in ASD.
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191
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Autism spectrum disorder and severe social impairment associated with elevated plasma interleukin-8. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:591-597. [PMID: 32330928 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-0910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an unclear etiology and pathophysiology. Previous studies have indicated that the dysregulation of cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD and that the levels of cytokines may serve as potential biomarkers of this disorder. METHODS The current study employed a family triad-based case-control design to study the levels of plasma cytokines in families with ASD (n = 45 triads) and controls (n = 38 triads) with a Human Cytokine Twenty-Five-Plex Kit. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was used to measure social impairment of ASD children. RESULTS After controlling for the levels of parental cytokines, we identified that interferon-α (IFN-α), interleukin-7 (IL-7), IL-8, IFN-γ-inducible protein-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β were associated with ASD, and IL-8 was the only cytokine also associated with the levels of both parental cytokines in the offspring-parents regression analysis and three subdomains of SRS (social awareness, cognition, and motivations) in the children with ASD. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the log-transformed IL-8 level discriminated children with autism from controls with an area under the curve of 0.858 (95% confidence interval: 0.777-0.939). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that IL-8 is a potential biomarker for ASD and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. IMPACT The study suggests that IL-8 is a promising biomarker for ASD and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Only a very few studies have reported the parental cytokine levels. The significant strength of this article is that we applied the family triad-based approach to explore cytokine levels in families with autism and controls. There are no objective biomarkers, making the accurate diagnosis, prognostic prediction and effective treatment difficult, and our study provides promising results.
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Panisi C, Guerini FR, Abruzzo PM, Balzola F, Biava PM, Bolotta A, Brunero M, Burgio E, Chiara A, Clerici M, Croce L, Ferreri C, Giovannini N, Ghezzo A, Grossi E, Keller R, Manzotti A, Marini M, Migliore L, Moderato L, Moscone D, Mussap M, Parmeggiani A, Pasin V, Perotti M, Piras C, Saresella M, Stoccoro A, Toso T, Vacca RA, Vagni D, Vendemmia S, Villa L, Politi P, Fanos V. Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Womb to Adulthood: Suggestions for a Paradigm Shift. J Pers Med 2021; 11:70. [PMID: 33504019 PMCID: PMC7912683 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide spectrum of unique needs and strengths of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a challenge for the worldwide healthcare system. With the plethora of information from research, a common thread is required to conceptualize an exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm. The epidemiological and clinical findings in ASD cannot be explained by the traditional linear genetic model, hence the need to move towards a more fluid conception, integrating genetics, environment, and epigenetics as a whole. The embryo-fetal period and the first two years of life (the so-called 'First 1000 Days') are the crucial time window for neurodevelopment. In particular, the interplay and the vicious loop between immune activation, gut dysbiosis, and mitochondrial impairment/oxidative stress significantly affects neurodevelopment during pregnancy and undermines the health of ASD people throughout life. Consequently, the most effective intervention in ASD is expected by primary prevention aimed at pregnancy and at early control of the main effector molecular pathways. We will reason here on a comprehensive and exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm in ASD, viewed not just as a theoretical issue, but as a tool to provide suggestions for effective preventive strategies and personalized, dynamic (from womb to adulthood), systemic, and interdisciplinary healthcare approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panisi
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Federico Balzola
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Pier Mario Biava
- Scientific Institute of Research and Care Multimedica, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Bolotta
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Marco Brunero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- ECERI—European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Square de Meeus 38-40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Alberto Chiara
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile ASST, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Croce
- Centro Domino per l’Autismo, Universita’ Cattolica Brescia, 20139 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carla Ferreri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Niccolò Giovannini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa Santa Maria Foundation, 22038 Tavernerio, Italy;
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre DSM ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Andrea Manzotti
- RAISE Lab, Foundation COME Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Marina Marini
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lucio Moderato
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
| | - Davide Moscone
- Associazione Spazio Asperger ONLUS, Centro Clinico CuoreMenteLab, 00141 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Mussap
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS ISNB, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina Pasin
- Milan Institute for health Care and Advanced Learning, 20124 Milano, Italy;
| | | | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Marina Saresella
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Tiziana Toso
- Unione Italiana Lotta alla Distrofia Muscolare UILDM, 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | | | - Laura Villa
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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193
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Tan C, Frewer V, Cox G, Williams K, Ure A. Prevalence and Age of Onset of Regression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analytical Update. Autism Res 2021; 14:582-598. [PMID: 33491292 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review published in 2013 reported 32% of children on the autism spectrum experience skill loss, known as autistic regression. However, the frequency varied depending on definition and measures used to capture skills. Retrospective parent report and prospective observation indicate loss of language and/or social skills, with motor skills typically unaffected. Our aim was to update the prevalence and age of onset of autistic regression through a meta-analysis of the literature to understand if there have been changes to the reported onset and prevalence since 2010. A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library databases and included studies published from 2010 onward. Risk of bias assessment was performed on included studies. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and age of onset of autistic regression. Ninety-seven studies were included in the systematic review, of which 75 studies involving 33,014 participants had sufficient data for meta-analytic syntheses. The pooled proportion of autistic regression was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27-32%) but heterogeneity was high (I2 = 96.91) and did not reduce with sensitivity or subgroup analyses based on study design or clinical differences, respectively. Prevalence varied according to risk of bias (low: 27%) and definition of regression (language: 20%, language/social: 40%, mixed: 30%, and unspecified: 27%). Weighted average age of onset was 19.8 months. Findings from this meta-analysis highlight the importance of developing a standardized definition of autistic regression, and tools to measure this at multiple time points during early childhood development. LAY SUMMARY: About a third of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience loss of skills, which is also known as autistic regression. This paper provides an update of the rate of autistic regression in children and the age when they first experience loss of skills, based on current studies. The findings from this review contribute to our understanding of the onset patterns of autistic regression. Unfortunately, studies are not sufficiently similar, making it difficult to provide clear answers on the exact timing or type of regression seen in different children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Tan
- Department of Paediatrics and Melbourne School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Veronica Frewer
- Department of Paediatrics and Melbourne School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Neurodisability & Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina Cox
- Neurodisability & Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics & Education Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics and Melbourne School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Neurodisability & Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics & Education Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexandra Ure
- Department of Paediatrics and Melbourne School of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Neurodisability & Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics & Education Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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194
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Segawa K, Blumenthal Y, Yamawaki Y, Ohtsuki G. A Destruction Model of the Vascular and Lymphatic Systems in the Emergence of Psychiatric Symptoms. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:34. [PMID: 33419067 PMCID: PMC7825436 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is important for antigen presentation and immune surveillance. The lymphatic system in the brain was originally introduced by Giovanni Mascagni in 1787, while the rediscovery of it by Jonathan Kipnis and Kari Kustaa Alitalo now opens the door for a new interpretation of neurological diseases and therapeutic applications. The glymphatic system for the exchanges of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) is associated with the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is involved in the maintenance of immune privilege and homeostasis in the brain. Recent notions from studies of postmortem brains and clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases, infection, and cerebral hemorrhage, implied that the breakdown of those barrier systems and infiltration of activated immune cells disrupt the function of both neurons and glia in the parenchyma (e.g., modulation of neurophysiological properties and maturation of myelination), which causes the abnormality in the functional connectivity of the entire brain network. Due to the vulnerability, such dysfunction may occur in developing brains as well as in senile or neurodegenerative diseases and may raise the risk of emergence of psychosis symptoms. Here, we introduce this hypothesis with a series of studies and cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Segawa
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan; (K.S.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yukari Blumenthal
- Urology Department at Cambridge University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - Yuki Yamawaki
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan; (K.S.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Gen Ohtsuki
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8397, Japan; (K.S.); (Y.Y.)
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195
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Prednisolone as Adjunctive Treatment to Risperidone in Children With Regressive Type of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Clin Neuropharmacol 2021; 43:39-45. [PMID: 32168067 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of prednisolone as an adjunctive treatment to risperidone, in children with regressive autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS The current 12-week, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial recruited 37 patients with regressive ASD. The participants were allocated to receive either 1 mg/kg per day prednisolone or matched placebo in addition to risperidone. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Edition (ABC-C) scale and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to measure behavioral outcomes at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12 of the study course. The primary outcome was the change in ABC-irritability subscale score, whereas the secondary outcomes were the change in scores of other ABC-C subscales, in CARS score, and in the level of inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS Twenty-six patients completed the 12 weeks of study period. Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated significant effect for time-treatment interaction in the CARS (F (1, 2.23) = 13.22, P < 0.001), as well as 4 subscales of the ABC-C including: irritability (F (1, 2.12) = 3.84, P = 0.026), hyperactivity (F (1, 2.09) = 3.56, P = 0.039), lethargy (F (1, 2.18) = 31.50, P < 0.001), and stereotypy (F (1, 1.89) = 4.04, P = 0.026). However, no significant time-treatment interaction was identified for inappropriate speech subscale (F (1, 2.03) = 1.71, P = 0.191). In addition, inflammatory biomarkers were significantly decreased after 3 months of prednisolone add-on. No significant adverse event was detected during the trial. CONCLUSIONS Prednisolone, as an add-on to risperidone, could remarkably improve core features in children with regressive ASD.
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196
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Şimşek F, Işık Ü, Aktepe E, Kılıç F, Şirin FB, Bozkurt M. Comparison of Serum VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α Levels in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3564-3574. [PMID: 33389301 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04820-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether serum VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α levels differed between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients and healthy controls. A total of 40 children with ASD and 40 healthy controls aged 4-12 years were included. Serum levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and HIF-1α were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Serum IGF-1 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Serum HIF-1α levels were borderline significantly lower in the ASD group. There was no statistically significant difference in serum VEGF levels between the two groups. IGF-1 and HIF-1α may play a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Şimşek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Çünür, East Campus, Isparta, 32260, Turkey
| | - Ümit Işık
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Çünür, East Campus, Isparta, 32260, Turkey.
| | - Evrim Aktepe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Çünür, East Campus, Isparta, 32260, Turkey
| | - Faruk Kılıç
- Department of Psychiatry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Fevziye Burcu Şirin
- Department of Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bozkurt
- Department of Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University Medicine Faculty, Isparta, Turkey
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197
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Puricelli C, Rolla R, Gigliotti L, Boggio E, Beltrami E, Dianzani U, Keller R. The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A State-of-Art Report. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:755171. [PMID: 35185631 PMCID: PMC8850385 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest elicited by the large microbial population colonizing the human gut has ancient origins and has gone through a long evolution during history. However, it is only in the last decades that the introduction of high-throughput technologies has allowed to broaden this research field and to disentangle the numerous implications that gut microbiota has in health and disease. This comprehensive ecosystem, constituted mainly by bacteria but also by fungi, parasites, and viruses, is proven to be involved in several physiological and pathological processes that transcend the intestinal homeostasis and are deeply intertwined with apparently unrelated body systems, such as the immune and the nervous ones. In this regard, a novel speculation is the relationship between the intestinal microbial flora and the pathogenesis of some neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, including the clinical entities defined under the umbrella term of autism spectrum disorders. The bidirectional interplay has led researchers to coin the term gut-brain-immune system axis, subverting the theory of the brain as an immune-privileged site and underscoring the importance of this reciprocal influence already from fetal life and especially during the pre- and post-natal neurodevelopmental process. This revolutionary theory has also unveiled the possibility to modify the gut microbiota as a way to treat and even to prevent different kinds of pathologies. In this sense, some attempts have been made, ranging from probiotic administration to fecal microbiota transplantation, with promising results that need further elaboration. This state-of-art report will describe the main aspects regarding the human gut microbiome and its specific role in the pathogenesis of autism and its related disorders, with a final discussion on the therapeutic and preventive strategies aiming at creating a healthy intestinal microbial environment, as well as their safety and ethical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Puricelli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rolla
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Gigliotti
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Boggio
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beltrami
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Keller
- Mental Health Department, Adult Autism Center, ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
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198
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Chew L, Sun KL, Sun W, Wang Z, Rajadas J, Flores RE, Arnold E, Jo B, Fung LK. Association of serum allopregnanolone with restricted and repetitive behaviors in adult males with autism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 123:105039. [PMID: 33161257 PMCID: PMC8428554 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission systems, as well as with neuroinflammation. Sitting at the crossroads between E/I imbalance and neuroinflammation is a class of endogenous hormones known as neurosteroids. Current literature points to dysregulated steroid metabolism and atypical neurosteroid levels in ASD as early as in utero. However, due to the complexity of neurosteroid metabolomics, including possible sex differences, the impact of neurosteroids on ASD symptomatology remains unclear. In this study, we assessed neurosteroid levels and ASD symptom severity of 21 males with ASD and 20 full-scale-IQ-matched typically developing (TD) males, all aged 18-39. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, concentrations of allopregnanolone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and testosterone were measured in saliva and serum. With the exception of cortisol's, all neurosteroids' concentrations were found to have ASD vs. TD group differences in distribution, where one group was normally distributed and the other non-normally distributed. Serum allopregnanolone levels in males with ASD were found to negatively correlate with clinician-rated measures of restricted and repetitive behavior measures (ADOS-2 RRB and ADI-R RRSB domain scores). Additionally, lower serum allopregnanolone levels were found to predict more negative camouflaging scores, which represent greater differences in self- and clinician-rated symptom severity, of both ASD symptomatology overall and repetitive behaviors in particular. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that in adult males with ASD, decreased serum allopregnanolone levels are associated with more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors and with less insight into the severity of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Chew
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kevin L Sun
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Wenchao Sun
- Biomaterial and Advanced Drug Delivery Lab, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Biomaterial and Advanced Drug Delivery Lab, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Jayakumar Rajadas
- Biomaterial and Advanced Drug Delivery Lab, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Ryan E Flores
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Lawrence K Fung
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, California, USA.
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199
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Zhao H, Zhang H, Liu S, Luo W, Jiang Y, Gao J. Association of Peripheral Blood Levels of Cytokines With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:670200. [PMID: 34276441 PMCID: PMC8283413 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.670200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although increasing evidence suggests an association between alterations in peripheral cytokines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a consensus is lacking. To determine whether abnormal cytokine profiles in peripheral blood were associated with ASD, we performed this systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through the Embase, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases up to 4 June 2020. Clinical studies exploring the aberration of peripheral cytokines of autistic patients and controls were included in our meta-analysis. We pooled extracted data using fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity tests with Comprehensive Meta-analysis software. We converted standardized mean differences to Hedges' g statistic to obtain the effect sizes adjusted for sample size. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, meta-regression, and publication bias tests were also carried out. Results: Sixty-one articles (326 studies) were included to assess the association between 76 cytokines and ASD. We conducted our meta-analysis based on 37 cytokines with 289 studies. Since there were fewer than three studies on any of the other 39 cytokines, we only provided basic information for them. The levels of peripheral IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p70, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), eotaxin-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, IL-7, IL-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-17, and IL-4 were defined as abnormal cytokines in the peripheral blood of ASD patients compared with controls. The other 24 cytokines did not obviously change in ASD patients compared with the controls. Conclusions: The findings of our meta-analysis strengthen the evidence for an abnormal cytokine profile in ASD. These abnormal cytokines may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing City, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing City, Chongqing, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Wulin Luo
- Department of Medical Psychology and Neurology, The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Yongfeng Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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200
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Gong W, Qiao Y, Li B, Zheng X, Xu R, Wang M, Mi X, Li Y. The Alteration of Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:669193. [PMID: 34093280 PMCID: PMC8175640 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with changes in the gut and oral microbiota. Based on the intimate relationship between the oral microbiota and oral mucosal immunity, this study aimed to investigate changes in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) level in ASD and the underlying mechanism for any such changes. Methods: We recruited 36 children diagnosed with ASD and 35 normally developing children and measured their salivary IgA content using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The valproate (VPA) -treated ASD mouse model was established by prenatal exposure to valproate and mouse salivary IgA content was also quantified by ELISA. The submandibular glands of VPA and control mice were isolated and analyzed using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry. ASD-related Streptococci were co-incubated with the human salivary gland (HSG) cell line, and western blotting was used to detect the levels of relevant proteins. Results: We found that salivary IgA content was significantly decreased in patients with ASD and had a significant ASD diagnostic value. The salivary IgA content also decreased in VPA mice and was significantly correlated with autistic-like behaviors among them. The mRNA and protein levels of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (Pigr) were downregulated in the submandibular glands of VPA mice and the Pigr mRNA level was positively correlated with mouse salivary IgA content. HSG cells treated with ASD-related Streptococci had reduced PIGR protein level. Conclusion: Therefore, protective IgA levels were reduced in the saliva of individuals with ASD, which correlated with the bacteria-induced downregulation of Pigr in salivary glands. This study suggests a new direction for ASD diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases in ASD cohorts and provides evidence for the ASD mucosal immunophenotype in the oral cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyi Gong
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Qiao
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bosheng Li
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, School of Medicine, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruihuan Xu
- Clinic Lab, Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, National Center for Children's Health, Xiamen Branch of Children's Hospital of Fudan University (Xiamen Children's Hospital), Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Mi
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongming Li
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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