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Al-Beltagi M. Pre-autism: What a paediatrician should know about early diagnosis of autism. World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:273-294. [PMID: 38178935 PMCID: PMC10762597 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i5.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed in the first three years of a child's life. A range of symptoms characterizes it and can be diagnosed at any age, including adolescence and adulthood. However, early diagnosis is crucial for effective management, prognosis, and care. Unfortunately, there are no established fetal, prenatal, or newborn screening programs for autism, making early detection difficult. This review aims to shed light on the early detection of autism prenatally, natally, and early in life, during a stage we call as "pre-autism" when typical symptoms are not yet apparent. Some fetal, neonatal, and infant biomarkers may predict an increased risk of autism in the coming baby. By developing a biomarker array, we can create an objective diagnostic tool to diagnose and rank the severity of autism for each patient. These biomarkers could be genetic, immunological, hormonal, metabolic, amino acids, acute phase reactants, neonatal brainstem function biophysical activity, behavioral profile, body measurements, or radiological markers. However, every biomarker has its accuracy and limitations. Several factors can make early detection of autism a real challenge. To improve early detection, we need to overcome various challenges, such as raising community awareness of early signs of autism, improving access to diagnostic tools, reducing the stigma attached to the diagnosis of autism, and addressing various culturally sensitive concepts related to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algahrbia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
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2
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Feng P, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Li E. A review of probiotics in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives from the gut–brain axis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1123462. [PMID: 37007501 PMCID: PMC10060862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1123462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large societal impact. Despite existing evidence suggesting a link between ASD pathogenesis and gut–brain axis dysregulation, there is no systematic review of the treatment of probiotics on ASD and its associated gastrointestinal abnormalities based on the gut–brain axis. Therefore, we performed an analysis for ASD based on preclinical and clinical research to give a comprehensive synthesis of published evidence of a potential mechanism for ASD. On the one hand, this review aims to elucidate the link between gastrointestinal abnormalities and ASD. Accordingly, we discuss gut microbiota dysbiosis regarding gut–brain axis dysfunction. On the other hand, this review suggests that probiotic administration to regulate the gut–brain axis might improve gastrointestinal symptoms, restore ASD-related behavioral symptoms, restore gut microbiota composition, reduce inflammation, and restore intestinal barrier function in human and animal models. This review suggests that targeting the microbiota through agents such as probiotics may represent an approach for treating subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengya Feng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Bioengineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Enyao Li,
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3
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McLellan J, Kim DHJ, Bruce M, Ramirez-Celis A, Van de Water J. Maternal Immune Dysregulation and Autism-Understanding the Role of Cytokines, Chemokines and Autoantibodies. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:834910. [PMID: 35722542 PMCID: PMC9201050 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.834910] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is acknowledged as a highly heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder with multiple etiologies. In addition to its high heritability, we have come to recognize a role for maternal immune system dysregulation as a prominent risk factor for the development of ASD in the child. Examples of these risk factors include altered cytokine/chemokine activity and the presence of autoantibodies in mothers that are reactive to proteins in the developing brain. In addition to large clinical studies, the development of pre-clinical models enables the ability to evaluate the cellular and molecular underpinnings of immune-related pathology. For example, the novel animal models of maternal autoantibody-related (MAR) ASD described herein will serve as a preclinical platform for the future testing of targeted therapeutics for one 'type' of ASD. Identification of the cellular targets will advance precision medicine efforts toward tailored therapeutics and prevention. This minireview highlights emerging evidence for the role of maternal immune dysregulation as a potential biomarker, as well as a pathologically relevant mechanism for the development of ASD in offspring. Further, we will discuss the current limitations of these models as well as potential avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna McLellan
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Danielle H J Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Bruce
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexandra Ramirez-Celis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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4
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Bozkurt H, Şimşek Ş, Şahin S. Elevated levels of cortisol, brain-derived neurotropic factor and tissue plasminogen activator in male children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:2078-2084. [PMID: 34291889 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2582] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrated biological effects of cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on human metabolism and central nervous system. Our study investigated the serum levels of tPA along with BDNF and cortisol in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty three male children with ASD ranging in age from 2 to 15 years were selected for the study group and 27 age-matched healthy male children were selected for the control group. The ASD severity was determined by the score on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The mean cortisol levels for the study group and the control group were 79.1 ± 30.2 ng/ml and 60.0 ± 25.1 ng/ml, respectively. The mean BDNF levels for the study group and the control group were 5.9 ± 2.8 ng/ml and 3.7 ± 1.8 ng/ml, respectively. The mean tPA levels for the study group and the control group were 32.9 ± 18.5 ng/ml and 25.5 ± 15.1 ng/ml, respectively. Cortisol, BDNF and tPA levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant effect in terms of age, ABC total and subscale scores on serum cortisol, BDNF and tPA levels in the study group (p > 0.05). It may be suggested that elevations may indicate a role in the pathogenesis of ASD or it may be the case that ASD may alter the levels or pathways of these metabolic factors. LAY SUMMARY: The underlying mechanism or a specific metabolic target relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been identified. Cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have biological effects on neuroplasticity but little is known about the role of cortisol and tPA-BDNF pathway in ASD. In the present study focused on male children with ASD, we have found higher blood levels of cortisol, BDNF and tPA than their healthy peers. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the serum tPA levels along with BDNF and cortisol in ASD. The results suggest that several neurotrophic and other related markers should be born in mind while examining children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Bozkurt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Şeref Şimşek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Serkan Şahin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey
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5
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Liu YK, Gao H, Jin SB, Tu WJ, Chen YJ. Association of neonatal blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with development of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Pediatr 2021; 17:164-170. [PMID: 33650030 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our goal was to evaluate the association between neonatal blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis later in life. METHODS MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until September 16, 2020. Reference lists of all relevant articles also were reviewed. Mean blood BDNF concentrations, standard deviations, sample sizes, and other data needed for calculation of effect sizes were extracted by two independent investigators. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control studies. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. RESULTS Five case-control studies involving 1341 cases and 3395 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of all included studies showed no significant difference in blood BDNF levels between neonates diagnosed with ASD later in life and healthy controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.261; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.052 to 0.573; P = 0.102], with high level of heterogeneity (Q = 64.346; I2 = 93.784; P < 0.001). A subgroup analysis by assay type showed decreased blood BDNF levels in ASDs compared to controls (SMD = - 0.070; 95% CI - 0.114 to - 0.026; P = 0.002), with high level of homogeneity (Q = 0.894; I2 = 0.000; P = 0.827). No evidence of publication bias was observed. CONCLUSIONS Neonates diagnosed with ASD later in life have decreased blood levels of BDNF measured by double-antibody immunoassay. More studies are warranted to facilitate a more robust conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Kun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.56 Nanlishi St, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua St, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Shao-Bin Jin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 West Wenhua St, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Wen-Jun Tu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, No. 238 Baidi St, Tianjin, 300192, China.,Key Lab of Cerebral Microcirculation in Universities of Shandong, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 619 Changcheng St, Taian, 271000, China
| | - Ya-Jun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.56 Nanlishi St, Beijing, 100045, China.
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6
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Liu SH, Shi XJ, Fan FC, Cheng Y. Peripheral blood neurotrophic factor levels in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15. [PMID: 33420109 PMCID: PMC7794512 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal regulation of neurotrophic factors is involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, clinical data on neurotrophic factor levels in children with ASD were inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of peripheral blood neurotrophic factors levels in children with ASD, and quantitatively summarized the clinical data of peripheral blood neurotrophic factors in ASD children and healthy controls. A systematic search of PubMed and Web of Science identified 31 studies with 2627 ASD children and 4418 healthy controls to be included in the meta-analysis. The results of random effect meta-analysis showed that the peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Hedges’ g = 0.302; 95% CI = 0.014 to 0.591; P = 0.040) , nerve growth factor (Hedges’ g = 0.395; 95% CI = 0.104 to 0.686; P = 0.008) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Hedges’ g = 0.097; 95% CI = 0.018 to 0.175; P = 0.016) in children with ASD were significantly higher than that of healthy controls, whereas blood neurotrophin-3 (Hedges’ g = − 0.795; 95% CI = − 1.723 to 0.134; P = 0.093) and neurotrophin-4 (Hedges’ g = 0.182; 95% CI = − 0.285 to 0.650; P = 0.445) levels did not show significant differences between cases and controls. Taken together, these results clarified circulating neurotrophic factor profile in children with ASD, strengthening clinical evidence of neurotrophic factor aberrations in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Han Liu
- Center On Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, 27 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Zhongguancun South St, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Shi
- Center On Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, 27 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Zhongguancun South St, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Fang-Cheng Fan
- Center On Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, 27 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Zhongguancun South St, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center On Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, 27 South Zhongguancun Avenue, Zhongguancun South St, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
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7
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Zhu Y, Mordaunt CE, Durbin-Johnson BP, Caudill MA, Malysheva OV, Miller JW, Green R, James SJ, Melnyk SB, Fallin MD, Hertz-Picciotto I, Schmidt RJ, LaSalle JM. Expression Changes in Epigenetic Gene Pathways Associated With One-Carbon Nutritional Metabolites in Maternal Blood From Pregnancies Resulting in Autism and Non-Typical Neurodevelopment. Autism Res 2020; 14:11-28. [PMID: 33159718 PMCID: PMC7894157 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal period is a critical window for the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The relationship between prenatal nutrients and gestational gene expression in mothers of children later diagnosed with ASD or non-typical development (Non-TD) is poorly understood. Maternal blood collected prospectively during pregnancy provides insights into the effects of nutrition, particularly one-carbon metabolites, on gene pathways and neurodevelopment. Genome-wide transcriptomes were measured with microarrays in 300 maternal blood samples in Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs. Sixteen different one-carbon metabolites, including folic acid, betaine, 5'-methyltretrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF), and dimethylglycine (DMG) were measured. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to compare gene expression between children later diagnosed as typical development (TD), Non-TD and ASD, and to one-carbon metabolites. Using differential gene expression analysis, six transcripts (TGR-AS1, SQSTM1, HLA-C, and RFESD) were associated with child outcomes (ASD, Non-TD, and TD) with genome-wide significance. Genes nominally differentially expressed between ASD and TD significantly overlapped with seven high confidence ASD genes. WGCNA identified co-expressed gene modules significantly correlated with 5-MeTHF, folic acid, DMG, and betaine. A module enriched in DNA methylation functions showed a suggestive protective association with folic acid/5-MeTHF concentrations and ASD risk. Maternal plasma betaine and DMG concentrations were associated with a block of co-expressed genes enriched for adaptive immune, histone modification, and RNA processing functions. These results suggest that the prenatal maternal blood transcriptome is a sensitive indicator of gestational one-carbon metabolite status and changes relevant to children's later neurodevelopmental outcomes. LAY SUMMARY: Pregnancy is a time when maternal nutrition could interact with genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder. Blood samples collected during pregnancy from mothers who had a prior child with autism were examined for gene expression and nutrient metabolites, then compared to the diagnosis of the child at age three. Expression differences in gene pathways related to the immune system and gene regulation were observed for pregnancies of children with autism and non-typical neurodevelopment and were associated with maternal nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, and Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Charles E Mordaunt
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, and Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Olga V Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Joshua W Miller
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - S Jill James
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Stepan B Melnyk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, and Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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8
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Chen Z, Lan W, Yang G, Li Y, Ji X, Chen L, Zhou Y, Li S. Exercise Intervention in Treatment of Neuropsychological Diseases: A Review. Front Psychol 2020; 11:569206. [PMID: 33192853 PMCID: PMC7642996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.569206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Faced with a constant inundation of information and increasing pressures brought by the continuous development of modern civilization, people are increasingly faced with mental health challenges that are only now being actively researched. Mental illness is caused by brain dysfunction due to internal and external pathogenic factors that destroy the integrity of the human brain and alter its function. Regular participation in physical exercise can stimulate the cerebral cortex and simultaneously increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients, helping to preserve or restore normal functioning of the nervous system. In conjunction with other systems of the body, the nervous system constitutes the neuro-humoral regulation system responsible for maintaining the stable state of the human body. This paper is a systematic review of studies investigating the effects of exercise intervention on several common neuropsychological diseases, including depression, anxiety disorder, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, we discuss possible physiological mechanisms underlying exercise-induced benefits and study limitations that must be addressed by future research. In many cases, drug therapy is ineffective and brings unwanted side effects. Based on the literature, we conclude that exercise intervention plays a positive role and that certain standards must be established in the field to make physical activity consistently effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichao Chen
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wencen Lan
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guifen Yang
- College of Applied Technology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Institute of Sport Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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9
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Barbosa AG, Pratesi R, Paz GSC, Dos Santos MAAL, Uenishi RH, Nakano EY, Gandolfi L, Pratesi CB. Assessment of BDNF serum levels as a diagnostic marker in children with autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17348. [PMID: 33060610 PMCID: PMC7566481 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the last decades that cannot be exclusively attributed to better diagnosis and an increase in the communication of new cases. Patients with ASD often show dysregulation of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity, notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The objective of the present study was to analyze BDNF serum concentration levels in children with classic forms autism and a healthy control group to determine if there is a correlation between ASD and BDNF serum levels. Forty-nine children with severe classic form of autism, and 37 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Blood samples, from both patients and controls, were collected and BNDF levels from both groups were analyzed. The average BDNF serum concentration level was statistically higher for children with ASD (P < 0.000) compared to the control group. There is little doubt that BDNF plays a role in the pathophysiology of ASD development and evolution, but its brain levels may fluctuate depending on several known and unknown factors. The critical question is not if BDNF levels can be considered a prognostic or diagnostic marker of ASD, but to determine its role in the onset and progression of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Garcia Barbosa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Riccardo Pratesi
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Geysa Stefanne Cutrim Paz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Alves Leite Dos Santos
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Rosa Harumi Uenishi
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Y Nakano
- Department of Statistics, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lenora Gandolfi
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Claudia B Pratesi
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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10
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Traglia M, Windham GC, Pearl M, Poon V, Eyles D, Jones KL, Lyall K, Kharrazi M, Croen LA, Weiss LA. Genetic Contributions to Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D Levels. Genetics 2020; 214:1091-1102. [PMID: 32047095 PMCID: PMC7153928 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is essential for several physiological functions and biological processes. Increasing levels of maternal vitamin D are required throughout pregnancy as a unique source of vitamin D for the fetus, and consequently maternal vitamin D deficiency may result in several adverse outcomes in newborns. However, the genetic regulation of vitamin D in pregnancy and at birth is not yet well understood. We performed genome-wide association studies of maternal midgestational serum-derived and neonatal blood-spot-derived total 25-hydroxyvitamin D from a case-control study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We identified one fetal locus (rs4588) significantly associated with neonatal vitamin D levels in the GC gene, encoding the binding protein for the transport and function of vitamin D. We also found suggestive cross-associated loci for neonatal and maternal vitamin D near immune genes, such as CXCL6-IL8 and ACKR1 We found no interactions with ASD. However, when including a set of cases with intellectual disability but not ASD (N = 179), we observed a suggestive interaction between decreased levels of neonatal vitamin D and a specific maternal genotype near the PKN2 gene. Our results suggest that genetic variation influences total vitamin D levels during pregnancy and at birth via proteins in the vitamin D pathway, but also potentially via distinct mechanisms involving loci with known roles in immune function that might be involved in vitamin D pathophysiology in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Traglia
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Gayle C Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, Richmond, California 94804
| | - Michelle Pearl
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, Richmond, California 94804
| | - Victor Poon
- Sequoia Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Karen L Jones
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 191044
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, Richmond, California 94804
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California 94612
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143
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11
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Ansel A, Posen Y, Ellis R, Deutsch L, Zisman PD, Gesundheit B. Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Meta-analysis. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2019; 10:RMMJ.10375. [PMID: 31675302 PMCID: PMC6824829 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the reported accuracy and sensitivity of the various modalities used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in efforts to help focus further biomarker research on the most promising methods for early diagnosis. METHODS The Medline scientific literature database was searched to identify publications assessing potential clinical ASD biomarkers. Reports were categorized by the modality used to assess the putative markers, including protein, genetic, metabolic, or objective imaging methods. The reported sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and overall agreement were summarized and analyzed to determine weighted averages for each diagnostic modality. Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 test. RESULTS Of the 71 papers included in this analysis, each belonging to one of five modalities, protein-based followed by metabolite-based markers provided the highest diagnostic accuracy, each with a pooled overall agreement of 83.3% and respective weighted area under the curve (AUC) of 89.5% and 88.3%. Sensitivity provided by protein markers was highest (85.5%), while metabolic (85.9%) and protein markers (84.7%) had the highest specificity. Other modalities showed degrees of sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreements in the range of 73%-80%. CONCLUSIONS Each modality provided for diagnostic accuracy and specificity similar or slightly higher than those reported for the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) instrument. Further studies are required to identify the most predictive markers within each modality and to evaluate biological pathways or clustering with possible etiological relevance. Analyses will also be necessary to determine the potential of these novel biomarkers in diagnosing pediatric patients, thereby enabling early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yehudit Posen
- Cell-El Therapeutics Ltd, Jerusalem, Israel
- PSW Ltd, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ronald Ellis
- Cell-El Therapeutics Ltd, Jerusalem, Israel
- Biotech & Biopharma Consulting, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lisa Deutsch
- Biostats Statistical Consulting Ltd, Modiin, Israel
| | | | - Benjamin Gesundheit
- Cell-El Therapeutics Ltd, Jerusalem, Israel
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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12
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Skogstrand K, Hagen CM, Borbye-Lorenzen N, Christiansen M, Bybjerg-Grauholm J, Bækvad-Hansen M, Werge T, Børglum A, Mors O, Nordentoft M, Mortensen PB, Hougaard DM. Reduced neonatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor is associated with autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:252. [PMID: 31591381 PMCID: PMC6779749 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders have for the majority of cases an unknown etiology, but several studies indicate that neurodevelopmental changes happen in utero or early after birth. We performed a nested case-control study of the relation between blood levels of neuro-developmental (S100B, BDNF, and VEGF-A) and inflammatory (MCP-1, TARC, IL-8, IL-18, CRP, and IgA) biomarkers in newborns, and later development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD, N = 751), attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD, N = 801), schizophrenia (N = 1969), affective (N = 641) or bipolar disorders (N = 641). Samples and controls were obtained as part of the iPSYCH Danish Case-Cohort Study using dried blood spot samples collected between 1981 and 2004, and stored frozen at the Danish National Biobank. In newborns lower blood level of BDNF was significantly associated with increased odds (OR 1.15) of developing ASD (p = 0.001). This difference could not be explained by genetic variation in the BDNF coding gene region. A tendency of decreased levels of all the neurotrophic markers and increased levels of all inflammatory markers was noted. The low newborn blood levels of BDNF in children developing ASD is an important finding, suggesting that lower BDNF levels in newborns contributes to the etiology of ASD and indicates new directions for further research. It may also help identifying a long-sought marker for high-ASD risk in, e.g., younger siblings of ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Skogstrand
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christian Munch Hagen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nis Borbye-Lorenzen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Christiansen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Bybjerg-Grauholm
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Bækvad-Hansen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Werge
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Børglum
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and iSEQ, Centre for Integrative Sequencing, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Mors
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital-Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Merethe Nordentoft
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Preben Bo Mortensen
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and iSEQ, Centre for Integrative Sequencing, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Michael Hougaard
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Heuer LS, Croen LA, Jones KL, Yoshida CK, Hansen RL, Yolken R, Zerbo O, DeLorenze G, Kharrazi M, Ashwood P, Van de Water J. An Exploratory Examination of Neonatal Cytokines and Chemokines as Predictors of Autism Risk: The Early Markers for Autism Study. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:255-264. [PMID: 31279535 PMCID: PMC6677631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of an early biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would improve the determination of risk, leading to earlier diagnosis and, potentially, earlier intervention and improved outcomes. METHODS Data were generated from the Early Markers for Autism study, a population-based case-control study of prenatal and neonatal biomarkers of ASD. Newborn bloodspots of children with ASD (n = 370), children with developmental delay (n = 140), and general population (GP) controls (n = 378) were analyzed for 42 different immune markers using a Luminex multiplex platform. Comparisons of immune marker concentrations between groups were examined using logistic regression and partial least squares discriminant analysis. RESULTS Children with ASD had significantly increased neonatal levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 compared with GP controls. An increase in IL-8 was especially significant in the ASD group with early onset compared with the GP group, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.97 (95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.83; p = .00014). In addition, children with ASD had significantly elevated levels of eotaxin-1, interferon-γ, and IL-12p70 relative to children with developmental delay. We observed no significant differences in levels of immune markers between the developmental delay and GP groups. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of some inflammatory markers in newborn bloodspots indicated a higher degree of immune activation at birth in children who were subsequently diagnosed with ASD. The data from this exploratory study suggest that with further expansion, the development of neonatal bloodspot testing for cytokine/chemokine levels might lead to the identification of biomarkers that provide an accurate assessment of ASD risk at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Heuer
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Karen L Jones
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cathleen K Yoshida
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Robin L Hansen
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ousseny Zerbo
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Gerald DeLorenze
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California
| | - Paul Ashwood
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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14
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Sex-Dependent Effects of Perinatal Inflammation on the Brain: Implication for Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092270. [PMID: 31071949 PMCID: PMC6539135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals born preterm have higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. These conditions are often sexually dimorphic and with different developmental trajectories. The etiology is likely multifactorial, however, infections both during pregnancy and in childhood have emerged as important risk factors. The association between sex- and age-dependent vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders has been suggested to relate to immune activation in the brain, including complex interactions between sex hormones, brain transcriptome, activation of glia cells, and cytokine production. Here, we will review sex-dependent effects on brain development, including glia cells, both under normal physiological conditions and following perinatal inflammation. Emphasis will be given to sex-dependent effects on brain regions which play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders and inflammatory reactions that may underlie early-life programming of neurobehavioral disturbances later in life.
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15
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Traglia M, Croen LA, Jones KL, Heuer LS, Yolken R, Kharrazi M, DeLorenze GN, Ashwood P, Van de Water J, Weiss LA. Cross-genetic determination of maternal and neonatal immune mediators during pregnancy. Genome Med 2018; 10:67. [PMID: 30134952 PMCID: PMC6106874 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-018-0576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [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: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immune system plays a fundamental role in development during pregnancy and early life. Alterations in circulating maternal and neonatal immune mediators have been associated with pregnancy complications as well as susceptibility to autoimmune and neurodevelopmental conditions in later life. Evidence suggests that the immune system in adults not only responds to environmental stimulation but is also under strong genetic control. METHODS This is the first genetic study of > 700 mother-infant pairs to analyse the circulating levels of 22 maternal mid-gestational serum-derived and 42 neonatal bloodspot-derived immune mediators (cytokines/chemokines) in the context of maternal and fetal genotype. We first estimated the maternal and fetal genome-wide SNP-based heritability (h2g) for each immune molecule and then performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify specific loci contributing to individual immune mediators. Finally, we assessed the relationship between genetic immune determinants and ASD outcome. RESULTS We show maternal and neonatal cytokines/chemokines displaying genetic regulation using independent methodologies. We demonstrate that novel fetal loci for immune function independently affect the physiological levels of maternal immune mediators and vice versa. The cross-associated loci are in distinct genomic regions compared with individual-specific immune mediator loci. Finally, we observed an interaction between increased IL-8 levels at birth, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) status, and a specific maternal genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that maternal and fetal genetic variation influences the immune system during pregnancy and at birth via distinct mechanisms and that a better understanding of immune factor determinants in early development may shed light on risk factors for developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Traglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Divison of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Karen L Jones
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Luke S Heuer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Gerald N DeLorenze
- Divison of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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16
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Francis K, Dougali A, Sideri K, Kroupis C, Vasdekis V, Dima K, Douzenis A. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with ASD and their parents: a 3-year follow-up. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018. [PMID: 29532458 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several lines of evidence point to a probable relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but studies have yielded inconsistent findings on the BDNF serum level in ASD. The study aimed to assess those levels in children with ASD and their families. METHOD BDNF serum levels were measured in 45 ASD children without intellectual disability (ID) and allergies, age 30-42 months and age-matched normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the parents of the ASD subjects were compared to normal controls. BDNF serum levels in the ASD subjects were followed up for 3 years and correlated with adaptive functioning changes. RESULTS BDNF serum levels were measured to be lower in children with ASD and independent of all the major baseline characteristics of the subjects. Having a child with ASD raises the BDNF levels in parents comparing to controls. Prospectively, no correlation between the change of BDNF variables in time and the change of the Vineland scores was found. CONCLUSIONS Our results contradict those from recent published meta-analyses with the age, the presence of ID and allergies being possible contributing factors. The parents' data indeed point to a role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Francis
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Kuwait Centre for Mental Health, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - A Dougali
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - K Sideri
- Allergy Research Center, Attikon General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - C Kroupis
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - V Vasdekis
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economic and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - K Dima
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Douzenis
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, 'Attikon' General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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17
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Ghassabian A, Sundaram R, Chahal N, McLain AC, Bell E, Lawrence DA, Yeung EH. Determinants of neonatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and association with child development. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1499-1511. [PMID: 28462726 PMCID: PMC6201316 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Using a population-based birth cohort in upstate New York (2008-2010), we examined the determinants of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) measured in newborn dried blood spots (n = 2,637). We also examined the association between neonatal BDNF and children's development. The cohort was initially designed to examine the influence of infertility treatment on child development but found no impact. Mothers rated children's development in five domains repeatedly through age 3 years. Socioeconomic and maternal lifestyle determinants of BDNF were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Generalized linear mixed models estimated odds ratios for neonatal BDNF in relation to failing a developmental domain. Smoking and drinking in pregnancy, nulliparity, non-White ethnicity/race, and prepregnancy obesity were associated with lower neonatal BDNF. Neonatal BDNF was not associated with failure for developmental domains; however, there was an interaction between BDNF and preterm birth. In preterm infants, a higher BDNF was associated with lower odds of failing any developmental domains, after adjusting for confounders and infertility treatment. This result was particularly significant for failure in communication. Our findings suggest that BDNF levels in neonates may be impacted by maternal lifestyle characteristics. More specifically, lower neonatal BDNF might be an early marker of aberrant neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
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18
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Lee S, Won J, Park S, Lee SR, Chang KT, Kim JH, Hong Y. Beneficial effect of interventional exercise on autistic Fragile X syndrome. J Phys Ther Sci 2017; 29:760-762. [PMID: 28533625 PMCID: PMC5430288 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.29.760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of the present review is to discuss recent published articles in
the understanding of efficacy of interventional exercise on autistic Fragile X syndrome
(FXS) with special emphasis on its significance in clinical application in patients.
[Methods] This review article was identified scientifically and/or clinically relevant
articles from PubMed that directly/indirectly met the inclusion criteria. [Results]
Mutation of fragile X mental retardation 1 (fmr1) gene on the X
chromosome is related with loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) that
affecting physiological and behavioral abnormalities. Autistic FXS individuals exhibit
disturbed sleep and altered circadian behavior. Although the underlying molecular
mechanisms are not been fully explored, interventional exercise in autistic FXS has been
clinically used for the treatment of physiological and behavioral abnormalities as well as
psychiatric disorder in autistic FXS. [Conclusion] This review describes beneficial
efficacy of interventional exercise and its controversy in patients with autistic FXS.
This review also provides interventional strategies for clinicians and scientists that the
way of neurophysiological approaches according to the level of physical and behavioral
abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghoon Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea.,u-Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Republic of Korea.,Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Won
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea.,u-Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Republic of Korea.,Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Sookyoung Park
- u-Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Republic of Korea.,Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Republic of Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Rae Lee
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Tae Chang
- National Primate Research Center (NPRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggeun Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea.,u-Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Republic of Korea.,Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Republic of Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Republic of Korea
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Independent Maternal and Fetal Genetic Effects on Midgestational Circulating Levels of Environmental Pollutants. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:1287-1299. [PMID: 28235828 PMCID: PMC5386877 DOI: 10.1534/g3.117.039784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to environmental pollutants could affect fetal brain development and increase autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in conjunction with differential genetic susceptibility. Organohalogen congeners measured in maternal midpregnancy blood samples have recently shown significant, but negative associations with offspring ASD outcome. We report the first large-scale maternal and fetal genetic study of the midpregnancy serum levels of a set of 21 organohalogens in a subset of 790 genotyped women and 764 children collected in California by the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) Project. Levels of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) congeners showed high maternal and fetal estimated SNP-based heritability (h2g) accounting for 39–99% of the total variance. Genome-wide association analyses identified significant maternal loci for p,p′-DDE (P = 7.8 × 10−11) in the CYP2B6 gene and for BDE-28 (P = 3.2 × 10−8) near the SH3GL2 gene, both involved in xenobiotic and lipid metabolism. Fetal genetic loci contributed to the levels of BDE-100 (P = 4.6 × 10−8) and PCB187 (P = 2.8 × 10−8), near the potential metabolic genes LOXHD1 and PTPRD, previously implicated in neurodevelopment. Negative associations were observed for BDE-100, BDE153, and the sum of PBDEs with ASD, partly explained by genome-wide additive genetic effects that predicted PBDE levels. Our results support genetic control of midgestational biomarkers for environmental exposures by nonoverlapping maternal and fetal genetic determinants, suggesting that future studies of environmental risk factors should take genetic variation into consideration. The independent influence of fetal genetics supports previous hypotheses that fetal genotypes expressed in placenta can influence maternal physiology and the transplacental transfer of organohalogens.
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Bahi A. Hippocampal BDNF overexpression or microR124a silencing reduces anxiety- and autism-like behaviors in rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 326:281-290. [PMID: 28284951 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA124a (miR124a) has emerged recently as a key player for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and cocaine addiction. Although we have previously reported that miR124a and its target the brain-derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) play an important role in autism-like behaviors, the molecular and behavioral dysfunctions remain unknown. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of sustained decreases in miR124a and increases of BDNF in the dentate gyrus (DG) on neonatal isolation-induced anxiety-and autism like behaviors in rats. Here we report that lentiviral-mediated silencing of miR124a in the adult DG attenuated neonatal isolation-induced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open-field (OF) tests. Also, miR124a silencing decreased autism-like phenotype in the marble burying test (MBT), self-grooming (SG), and social interaction tests. Pearson's correlations demonstrated that high levels of BDNF, a direct target of miR124a, were negatively correlated with miR124a expression. Interestingly, viral-mediated BDNF overexpression in the DG also reversed the neonatal isolation-induced anxiety-and autism like phenotypes. Collectively, these findings suggest that miR124a, through its target BDNF, may influence neonatal isolation-induced anxiety-and autism like behaviors. In conclusion, these results do support the hypothesis that miR124a in discrete hippocampal areas contributes to anxiety- and autism-like behaviors and may be involved in the neuroadaptations underlying the development of autism spectrum disorders as a persistent and lasting condition, and therefore provide a clearer mechanistic framework for understanding the physiopathology of such psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- Department of Anatomy, Tawam Medical Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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21
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1018-1029. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-3024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31241. [PMID: 27506602 PMCID: PMC4979025 DOI: 10.1038/srep31241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates neuronal survival and growth and promotes synaptic plasticity. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the relationship between peripheral BDNF levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the findings are inconsistent. We undertook the first systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with healthy controls. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published before February 2016. Fourteen studies involving 2,707 participants and 1,131 incident cases were included. The meta-analysis provided evidence of higher peripheral BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.18–1.08; P = 0.006]. Subgroup analyses revealed higher BDNF levels in ASD compared with controls for both serum [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.11–1.04; P = 0.02] and plasma [SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = 0.92–1.61; P < 0.001]. Studies of childhood yielded similar cumulative effect size [SMD = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.31–1.26; P = 0.001], while this was not true for the studies of adulthood [SMD = 0.04, 95% CI = −1.72–1.80; P = 0.97]. This meta-analysis suggests that peripheral BDNF levels are a potential biomarker of ASD.
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Armeanu R, Mokkonen M, Crespi B. Meta-Analysis of BDNF Levels in Autism. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:949-954. [PMID: 27501933 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) centrally mediates growth, differentiation and survival of neurons, and the synaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. Recent meta-analyses have reported significantly lower peripheral BDNF among individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, compared with controls. To evaluate the role of BDNF in autism, and to compare autism to psychotic-affective disorders with regard to BDNF, we conducted a meta-analysis of BDNF levels in autism. Inclusion criteria were met by 15 studies, which included 1242 participants. The meta-analysis estimated a significant summary effect size of 0.33 (95 % CI 0.21-0.45, P < 0.001), suggesting higher BDNF in autism than in controls. The studies showed notable heterogeneity, but no evidence of publication biases. Higher peripheral BDNF in autism is concordant with several neurological and psychological theories on the causes and symptoms of this condition, and it contrasts notably with the lower levels of BDNF found in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Armeanu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Mikael Mokkonen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Finding novel distinctions between the sAPPα-mediated anabolic biochemical pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome plasma and brain tissue. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26052. [PMID: 27212113 PMCID: PMC4876513 DOI: 10.1038/srep26052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are developmental disorders. No validated blood-based biomarkers exist for either, which impedes bench-to-bedside approaches. Amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and metabolites are usually associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). APP cleavage by α-secretase produces potentially neurotrophic secreted APPα (sAPPα) and the P3 peptide fragment. β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) cleavage produces secreted APPβ (sAPPβ) and intact Aβ. Excess Aβ is potentially neurotoxic and can lead to atrophy of brain regions such as amygdala in AD. By contrast, amygdala is enlarged in ASD but not FXS. We previously reported elevated levels of sAPPα in ASD and FXS vs. controls. We now report elevated plasma Aβ and total APP levels in FXS compared to both ASD and typically developing controls, and elevated levels of sAPPα in ASD and FXS vs. controls. By contrast, plasma and brain sAPPβ and Aβ were lower in ASD vs. controls but elevated in FXS plasma vs. controls. We also detected age-dependent increase in an α-secretase in ASD brains. We report a novel mechanistic difference in APP pathways between ASD (processing) and FXS (expression) leading to distinct APP metabolite profiles in these two disorders. These novel, distinctive biochemical differences between ASD and FXS pave the way for blood-based biomarkers for ASD and FXS.
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Young AMH, Chakrabarti B, Roberts D, Lai MC, Suckling J, Baron-Cohen S. From molecules to neural morphology: understanding neuroinflammation in autism spectrum condition. Mol Autism 2016; 7:9. [PMID: 26793298 PMCID: PMC4719563 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence points toward a critical role for early (prenatal) atypical neurodevelopmental processes in the aetiology of autism spectrum condition (ASC). One such process that could impact early neural development is inflammation. We review the evidence for atypical expression of molecular markers in the amniotic fluid, serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and the brain parenchyma that suggest a role for inflammation in the emergence of ASC. This is complemented with a number of neuroimaging and neuropathological studies describing microglial activation. Implications for treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M H Young
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, UK ; School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, UK ; Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - David Roberts
- School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, UK ; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - John Suckling
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK ; Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18B Trumpington Road, Cambridge, UK ; CLASS Clinic, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Reducing neurodevelopmental disorders and disability through research and interventions. Nature 2015; 527:S155-60. [PMID: 26580321 DOI: 10.1038/nature16029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We define neurodevelopment as the dynamic inter-relationship between genetic, brain, cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes across the developmental lifespan. Significant and persistent disruption to this dynamic process through environmental and genetic risk can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and disability. Research designed to ameliorate neurodevelopmental disorders in low- and middle-income countries, as well as globally, will benefit enormously from the ongoing advances in understanding their genetic and epigenetic causes, as modified by environment and culture. We provide examples of advances in the prevention and treatment of, and the rehabilitation of those with, neurodevelopment disorders in low- and middle-income countries, along with opportunities for further strategic research initiatives. Our examples are not the only possibilities for strategic research, but they illustrate problems that, when solved, could have a considerable impact in low-resource settings. In each instance, research in low- and middle-income countries led to innovations in identification, surveillance and treatment of a neurodevelopmental disorder. These innovations have also been integrated with genotypic mapping of neurodevelopmental disorders, forming important preventative and rehabilitative interventions with the potential for high impact. These advances will ultimately allow us to understand how epigenetic influences shape neurodevelopmental risk and resilience over time and across populations. Clearly, the most strategic areas of research opportunity involve cross-disciplinary integration at the intersection between the environment, brain or behaviour neurodevelopment, and genetic and epigenetic science. At these junctions a robust integrative cross-disciplinary scientific approach is catalysing the creation of technologies and interventions for old problems. Such approaches will enable us to achieve and sustain the United Nations moral and legal mandate for child health and full development as a basic global human right.
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Lee M, Won J, Lee S, Hong Y, Kim JH, Hong Y. Benefits of Physical Exercise for Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome in Humans. J Lifestyle Med 2015; 5:35-8. [PMID: 26770889 PMCID: PMC4711957 DOI: 10.15280/jlm.2015.5.2.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common known genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder, and is also linked to other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this review article is to examine a variety of recent studies on the correlation between physical exercise and autistic behavior in individuals with fragile X syndrome. Additionally, we discuss promising approaches for further investigation of the benefits of physical exercise for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. A systematic search of the PubMed digital library database for pertinent articles published from 1995 to 2011 was conducted. Individuals with ASD who experience exercise tend to exhibit improvement in physical function. In addition, exercise promotes neurotrophic factors and boosts the growth of new brain cells. The collected review articles describe how physical exercise has particular effects on stereotypic behavior and cognition among ASD patients. Finally, physical exercise may benefit patients with autism spectrum disorder through the improvement of muscular strength for increased physical capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyung Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Ubiquitous Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Won
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Ubiquitous Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Seonghoon Lee
- Ubiquitous Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Yunkyung Hong
- Ubiquitous Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Yonggeun Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Ubiquitous Healthcare & Anti-aging Research Center (u-HARC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Biohealth Products Research Center (BPRC), Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; Department of Physical Therapy, College of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
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Yau VM, Lutsky M, Yoshida CK, Lasley B, Kharrazi M, Windham G, Gee N, Croen LA. Prenatal and neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:719-30. [PMID: 25178989 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are critical for normal brain development. This study examined autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels measured in mid-pregnancy maternal serum and infant blood after birth. Three groups of children born in Orange County, CA in 2000-2001 were identified: ASD (n = 78), developmental delay (n = 45), and general population controls (GP) (n = 149). Samples were retrieved from prenatal and newborn screening specimen archives. Adjusted logistic regression models showed inverse associations between ASD and log transformed TSH levels in maternal serum samples (ASD vs. GP: OR [95 % CI] 0.33 [0.12-0.91], Early Onset ASD vs. GP: 0.31 [0.10-0.98]). Results for thyroid levels in newborn blood samples were similar though not significant (ASD vs. GP: 0.61 [0.18-2.04]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Yau
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
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Neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with gray and white matter changes and their cellular basis: A comparison between Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and dyslexia. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 46:132-43. [PMID: 26456538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many psychiatric diseases, such as major depression and schizophrenia, are accompanied by patterns of gray matter and white matter changes in the cortex that may be due to structural pathologies of synapses and their dendrites in the gray matter on the one hand and to pathologies in myelinating oligodendrocytes on the other. Here the possibility has been briefly examined that such a generalization might also hold for Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Evidence is presented that gray matter changes that accompany ASD may in fact reflect changes in synapses and subsequently of their dendrites, whereas those in the white matter reflect changes in myelination due to pathologies of oligodendrocytes. It is proposed that such structural pathologies during development provide a coherent biological model not only for the onset and course of ASD but also provide the basis for development and systematic evaluation of new treatment strategies.
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Makkonen I, Riikonen R, Kuikka JT, Kokki H, Bressler JP, Marshall C, Kaufmann WE. Brain derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin transporter binding as markers of clinical response to fluoxetine therapy in children with autism. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY 2015; 9:1-8. [PMID: 29056860 DOI: 10.3233/jpn-2010-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has shown favorable effects in some children with autism. There are no previous studies evaluating the connection between clinical outcome and markers of clinical response to fluoxetine treatment. We examined serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations and serotonin transporter (SERT) binding in the medial frontal cortex and midbrain, measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning, in a group of 13 autistic children and adolescents (12 males, one female; age 5-16 years), who were treated for six months with fluoxetine at a dose range of 10-40 mg/day. Clinical response was evaluated by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Serum concentrations of BDNF and SERT binding were measured at baseline and two months after termination of fluoxetine treatment. At baseline, before starting fluoxetine treatment, the serum concentration of BDNF had a bimodal distribution in the autism group with either a low concentration (n = 8, mean 1497 pg/mL) or a high concentration (n = 5, mean 14062 pg/mL) with respect to controls (n = 15, mean 9652 pg/mL), and SERT binding was uniformly low in the autistic subjects in medial frontal cortex and midbrain. Fluoxetine treatment led to positive effects in several aspects of communication, socialization and cognitive awareness, with 6 out 13 subjects being particularly good responders. These six also had a significant decrease in BDNF (p = 0.03) and minimal change in SERT binding after therapy. The other 7 subjects showed a trend towards an increase in BDNF and SERT binding. Our results indicate that fluoxetine may improve core autistic symptoms, and that this clinical response is linked to a decrease in serum BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismo Makkonen
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Child Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Raili Riikonen
- Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Child Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Jyrki T Kuikka
- Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, and Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Hannu Kokki
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Joseph P Bressler
- Center for Genetic Disorders of Cognition & Behavior, Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America;
| | - Cathleen Marshall
- Center for Genetic Disorders of Cognition & Behavior, Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America;
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Center for Genetic Disorders of Cognition & Behavior, Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America;
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Hwang SR, Kim CY, Shin KM, Jo JH, Kim HA, Heo Y. Altered expression levels of neurodevelopmental proteins in fetal brains of BTBR T+tf/J mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:516-523. [PMID: 25849768 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.1010466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a brain developmental disorder with characteristics of social interaction defects, language and communication dysfunction, and repetitive behavior. Occurrence of autism is continuously increasing, but the cause of autism is not clearly defined. Genetic linkage or environmental factors were proposed as sources for pathogenesis of autism. BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice were reported as an appropriate animal model for autism investigation because of their similarities in behavioral abnormalities with human autistic subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression levels of proteins involved with brain development at fetal stage of BTBR mice. FVB/NJ mice were used as a control strain because of their social behaviors. Level of fetal brain immunoglobulin (Ig) G deposit was also evaluated. Fetal brains were obtained at d 18 of gestational period. Thirty-one and 27 fetuses were obtained from 3 pregnant BTBR and FVB dams, respectively. The level of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was significantly lower in fetal brains of BTBR than FVB/NJ mice. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and myelin basic protein was significantly more upregulated in BTBR than in FVB/NJ mice. No significant difference was obtained for nerve growth factor between the two strains. Levels of IgG isotypes deposited in fetal brain of BTBR mice were significantly higher than in FVB mice except for IgG1. Overall, these results suggest that prenatal alterations in expression of various fetal brain proteins may be implicated in aberrant behavioral characteristics of BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Ryeon Hwang
- a Department of Occupational Health , College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu , Gyeongsan-si , Republic of Korea
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32
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Yau VM, Green PG, Alaimo CP, Yoshida CK, Lutsky M, Windham GC, Delorenze G, Kharrazi M, Grether JK, Croen LA. Prenatal and neonatal peripheral blood mercury levels and autism spectrum disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:294-303. [PMID: 24981828 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and early-life exposures to mercury have been hypothesized to be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between ASDs and levels of total mercury measured in maternal serum from mid-pregnancy and infant blood shortly after birth. METHODS The study sample was drawn from the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) Study. Three groups of children who were born in Orange County, CA in 2000-2001 were identified: children with ASD (n=84), children with intellectual disability or developmental delay (DD) (n=49), and general population controls (GP) (n=159). Maternal serum specimens and newborn bloodspots were retrieved from the California Department of Public Health prenatal and newborn screening specimen archives. Blood mercury levels were measured in maternal serum samples using mass spectrometer and in infant bloodspots with a 213 nm laser. RESULTS Maternal serum and infant blood mercury levels were significantly correlated among all study groups (all correlations >0.38, p<0.01). Adjusted logistic regression models showed no significant associations between ASD and log transformed mercury levels in maternal serum samples (ASD vs. GP: OR [95% CI]=0.96 [0.49-1.90]; ASD vs. DD: OR [95% CI]=2.56 [0.89-7.39]). Results for mercury levels in newborn blood samples were similar (ASD vs. GP: OR [95% CI]=1.18 [0.71-1.95]; ASD vs. DD: OR [95% CI]=1.96 [0.75-5.14]). CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that levels of total mercury in serum collected from mothers during mid-pregnancy and from newborn bloodspots were not significantly associated with risk of ASD, though additional studies with greater sample size and covariate measurement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M Yau
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Peter G Green
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christopher P Alaimo
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Marta Lutsky
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | | | - Martin Kharrazi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Judith K Grether
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.
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Serum Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 37:65-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Zerbo O, Yoshida C, Grether JK, Van de Water J, Ashwood P, Delorenze GN, Hansen RL, Kharrazi M, Croen LA. Neonatal cytokines and chemokines and risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder: the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study: a case-control study. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:113. [PMID: 24951035 PMCID: PMC4080514 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Biologic markers of infection and inflammation have been associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) but prior studies have largely relied on specimens taken after clinical diagnosis. Research on potential biologic markers early in neurodevelopment is required to evaluate possible causal pathways and screening profiles. Objective To investigate levels of cytokines and chemokines in newborn blood specimens as possible early biologic markers for autism. Methods We conducted a population-based case-control study nested within the cohort of infants born from July 2000 to September 2001 to women who participated in the prenatal screening program in Orange County, California, USA. The study population included children ascertained from the California Department of Developmental Services with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, n = 84), or developmental delay but not ASD (DD, n = 49), and general population controls randomly sampled from the birth certificate files and frequency matched to ASD cases on sex, birth month and birth year (GP, n = 159). Cytokine and chemokine concentrations were measured in archived neonatal blood specimens collected for routine newborn screening. Results Cytokines were not detected in the vast majority of newborn samples regardless of case or control status. However, the chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated and the chemokine Regulated upon Activation Normal T-Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) was decreased in ASD cases compared to GP controls. The chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1α) and RANTES were decreased in children with DD compared to GP controls. Conclusion Measurement of immune system function in the first few days of life may aid in the early identification of abnormal neurodevelopment and shed light on the biologic mechanisms underlying normal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ousseny Zerbo
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
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35
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Taurines R, Segura M, Schecklmann M, Albantakis L, Grünblatt E, Walitza S, Jans T, Lyttwin B, Haberhausen M, Theisen FM, Martin B, Briegel W, Thome J, Schwenck C, Romanos M, Gerlach M. Altered peripheral BDNF mRNA expression and BDNF protein concentrations in blood of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:1117-28. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Tsang KM, Croen LA, Torres AR, Kharrazi M, Delorenze GN, Windham GC, Yoshida CK, Zerbo O, Weiss LA. A genome-wide survey of transgenerational genetic effects in autism. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76978. [PMID: 24204716 PMCID: PMC3811986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of parental genotype or parent-offspring genetic interaction are well established in model organisms for a variety of traits. However, these transgenerational genetic models are rarely studied in humans. We have utilized an autism case-control study with 735 mother-child pairs to perform genome-wide screening for maternal genetic effects and maternal-offspring genetic interaction. We used simple models of single locus parent-child interaction and identified suggestive results (P<10−4) that cannot be explained by main effects, but no genome-wide significant signals. Some of these maternal and maternal-child associations were in or adjacent to autism candidate genes including: PCDH9, FOXP1, GABRB3, NRXN1, RELN, MACROD2, FHIT, RORA, CNTN4, CNTNAP2, FAM135B, LAMA1, NFIA, NLGN4X, RAPGEF4, and SDK1. We attempted validation of potential autism association under maternal-specific models using maternal-paternal comparison in family-based GWAS datasets. Our results suggest that further study of parental genetic effects and parent-child interaction in autism is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Tsang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Torres
- Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Genetic Disease Screening Program, California Department of Health Services, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Gerald N. Delorenze
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Gayle C. Windham
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Health Services, Richmond, California, United States of America
| | - Cathleen K. Yoshida
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Ousseny Zerbo
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Lauren A. Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Uzbay T, Goktalay G, Kayir H, Eker SS, Sarandol A, Oral S, Buyukuysal L, Ulusoy G, Kirli S. Increased plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:1054-60. [PMID: 23664672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous substance, synthesized from l-arginine, and it is proposed to be a new neurotransmitter. Preclinical studies indicated that agmatine may have an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was organized to investigate plasma agmatine in patients with schizophrenia and in healthy controls. Eighteen patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy individuals constituted the subjects. Agmatine levels in the plasma were measured using the HPLC method. The S100B protein level, which is a peripheral biomarker for brain damage, was also measured using the ELISA method. While plasma levels of agmatine in patients with schizophrenia were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared to those of healthy individuals (control), there were no significant changes in the levels of S100B protein (p = 0.660). An ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that measuring plasma agmatine levels as a clinical diagnostic test would significantly differentiate between patients with schizophrenia and those in the control group (predictive value: 0.969; p < 0.0001). The predictive value of S100B measurements was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the age of the patient and the severity of the illness, as indicated by the PANSS score, significantly contributed the plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia. These results support the hypothesis that an excess agmatine release is important in the development of schizophrenia. The findings also imply that the plasma agmatine level may be a potential biomarker of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Uzbay
- Uskudar University, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Abdallah MW, Mortensen EL, Greaves-Lord K, Larsen N, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, Grove J. Neonatal levels of neurotrophic factors and risk of autism spectrum disorders. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 128:61-9. [PMID: 23039165 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine levels of 3 neurotrophic factors (NTFs): Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in dried blood spot samples of neonates diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) later in life and frequency-matched controls. METHOD Biologic samples were retrieved from the Danish Newborn Screening Biobank. NTFs for 414 ASD cases and 820 controls were measured using Luminex technology. Associations were analyzed with continuous measures (Tobit regression) as well as dichotomized at the lower and upper 10th percentiles cutoff points derived from the controls' distributions (logistic regression). RESULTS ASD cases were more likely to have BDNF levels falling in the lower 10th percentile (odds ratios [OR], 1.53 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.04-2.24], P-value = 0.03). Similar pattern was seen for TGF-β in females with ASD (OR, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.05-5.33], P-value = 0.04). For NT-4, however, ASD cases diagnosed with ICD-10 only were less likely to have levels in upper 10th percentile compared with controls (OR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.05-0.98], P-value = 0.05). CONCLUSION Results cautiously indicate decreased NTFs levels during neonatal period in ASD. This may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD through impairments of neuroplasticity. Further research is required to confirm our results and to examine the potential therapeutic effects of NTFs in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Abdallah
- Section for Epidemiology, HEALTH, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Onore CE, Nordahl CW, Young GS, Van de Water JA, Rogers SJ, Ashwood P. Levels of soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin are decreased in children with autism spectrum disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 72:1020-5. [PMID: 22717029 PMCID: PMC3496806 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the etiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not clear, there is increasing evidence that dysfunction in the immune system affects many children with ASD. Findings of immune dysfunction in ASD include increases in inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and microglial activity in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as abnormal peripheral immune cell function. METHODS Adhesion molecules, such as platelet endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin, and L-selectin, function to facilitate leukocyte transendothelial migration. We assessed concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules, sPECAM-1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin, and sL-selectin in the plasma of 49 participants with ASD and 31 typically developing controls of the same age, all of whom were enrolled as part of the Autism Phenome Project. Behavioral assessment, the levels of soluble adhesion molecules, and head circumference were compared in the same subjects. RESULTS Levels of sPECAM-1 and sP-selectin were significantly reduced in the ASD group compared to typically developing controls (p < .02). Soluble PECAM-1 levels were negatively associated with repetitive behavior and abnormal brain growth in children with ASD (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS Because adhesion molecules modulate the permeability and signaling at the blood-brain barrier as well as leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system, the current data suggest a role for these molecules in the complex pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity E. Onore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA,M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Gregory S. Young
- M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Judy A. Van de Water
- M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Sally J. Rogers
- M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA,M.I.N.D Institute, University of California, Davis, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Paul Ashwood, Ph.D., The M.I.N.D. Institute, 2825 50 Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, Telephone (916) 703-0405,
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40
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Heo Y, Zhang Y, Gao D, Miller VM, Lawrence DA. Aberrant immune responses in a mouse with behavioral disorders. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20912. [PMID: 21799730 PMCID: PMC3140472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice have recently been reported to have behaviors that resemble those of autistic individuals, in that this strain has impairments in social interactions and a restricted repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behaviors. Since immune responses, including autoimmune responses, are known to affect behavior, and individuals with autism have aberrant immune activities, we evaluated the immune system of BTBR mice, and compared their immunity and degree of neuroinflammation with that of C57BL/6 (B6) mice, a highly social control strain, and with F1 offspring. Mice were assessed at postnatal day (pnd) 21 and after behavioral analysis at pnd70. BTBR mice had significantly higher amounts of serum IgG and IgE, of IgG anti-brain antibodies (Abs), and of IgG and IgE deposited in the brain, elevated expression of cytokines, especially IL-33 IL-18, and IL-1β in the brain, and an increased proportion of MHC class II-expressing microglia compared to B6 mice. The F1 mice had intermediate levels of Abs and cytokines as well as social activity. The high Ab levels of BTBR mice are in agreement with their increased numbers of CD40(hi)/I-A(hi) B cells and IgG-secreting B cells. Upon immunization with KLH, the BTBR mice produced 2-3 times more anti-KLH Abs than B6 mice. In contrast to humoral immunity, BTBR mice are significantly more susceptible to listeriosis than B6 or BALB/c mice. The Th2-like immune profile of the BTBR mice and their constitutive neuroinflammation suggests that an autoimmune profile is implicated in their aberrant behaviors, as has been suggested for some humans with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Heo
- College of Natural Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Kyongsan-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubin Zhang
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Donghong Gao
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Veronica M. Miller
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - David A. Lawrence
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
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Ray B, Long JM, Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. Increased secreted amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα) in severe autism: proposal of a specific, anabolic pathway and putative biomarker. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20405. [PMID: 21731612 PMCID: PMC3120811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in verbal communication, social interactions, and the presence of repetitive, stereotyped and compulsive behaviors. Excessive early brain growth is found commonly in some patients and may contribute to disease phenotype. Reports of increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other neurotrophic-like factors in autistic neonates suggest that enhanced anabolic activity in CNS mediates this overgrowth effect. We have shown previously that in a subset of patients with severe autism and aggression, plasma levels of the secreted amyloid-β (Aβ) precursor protein-alpha form (sAPPα) were significantly elevated relative to controls and patients with mild-to-moderate autism. Here we further tested the hypothesis that levels of sAPPα and sAPPβ (proteolytic cleavage products of APP by α- and β-secretase, respectively) are deranged in autism and may contribute to an anabolic environment leading to brain overgrowth. We measured plasma levels of sAPPα, sAPPβ, Aβ peptides and BDNF by corresponding ELISA in a well characterized set of subjects. We included for analysis 18 control, 6 mild-to-moderate, and 15 severely autistic patient plasma samples. We have observed that sAPPα levels are increased and BDNF levels decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism as compared to controls. Further, we show that Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and sAPPβ levels are significantly decreased in the plasma of patients with severe autism. These findings do not extend to patients with mild-to-moderate autism, providing a biochemical correlate of phenotypic severity. Taken together, this study provides evidence that sAPPα levels are generally elevated in severe autism and suggests that these patients may have aberrant non-amyloidogenic processing of APP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balmiki Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Justin M. Long
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Deborah K. Sokol
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Abstract
While a distinct minicolumnar phenotype seems to be an underlying factor in a significant portion of cases of autism, great attention is being paid not only to genetics but to epigenetic factors which may lead to development of the conditions. Here we discuss the indivisible role the molecular environment plays in cellular function, particularly the pivotal position which the transcription factor and adhesion molecule, β-catenin, occupies in cellular growth. In addition, the learning environment is not only integral to postnatal plasticity, but the prenatal environment plays a vital role during corticogenesis, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis as well. To illustrate these points in the case of autism, we review important findings in genetics studies (e.g., PTEN, TSC1/2, FMRP, MeCP2, Neurexin-Neuroligin) and known epigenetic factors (e.g., valproic acid, estrogen, immune system, ultrasound) which may predispose towards the minicolumnar and connectivity patterns seen in the conditions, showing how one-gene mutational syndromes and exposure to certain CNS teratogens may ultimately lead to comparable phenotypes. This in turn may shed greater light on how environment and complex genetics combinatorially give rise to a heterogenetic group of conditions such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Williams
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Dudley E, Hässler F, Thome J. Profiling for novel proteomics biomarkers in neurodevelopmental disorders. Expert Rev Proteomics 2011; 8:127-36. [PMID: 21329432 DOI: 10.1586/epr.10.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Protein biomarker discovery from biological fluids, such as serum, has been widely applied to disorders such as cancer and has more recently also been utilized in neuro-psychiatric disorders with relatively clear biological causes, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The application of the associated technologies for the identification of protein biomarker signatures in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is comparatively less well established. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the various protocols available for such analysis, discuss reports in which these techniques have been previously applied in biomarker discovery/validation in neurodevelopmental disorders, and consider the future development of this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Dudley
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are pervasive developmental disorders that frequently involve a triad of deficits in social skills, communication and language. For the underlying neurobiology of these symptoms, disturbances in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity have been discussed. The physiological development, regulation and survival of specific neuronal populations shaping neuronal plasticity require the so-called 'neurotrophic factors' (NTFs). These regulate cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation and integrity, which are also affected in ASD. Therefore, NTFs have gained increasing attention in ASD research. This review provides an overview and explores the key role of NTFs in the aetiology of ASD. We have also included evidence derived from neurochemical investigations, gene association studies and animal models. By focussing on the role of NTFs in ASD, we intend to further elucidate the puzzling aetiology of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Staging perspectives in neurodevelopmental aspects of neuropsychiatry: agents, phases and ages at expression. Neurotox Res 2010; 18:287-305. [PMID: 20237881 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-010-9162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental risk factors have assumed a critical role in prevailing notions concerning the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Staging, diagnostic elements at which phase of disease is determined, provides a means of conceptualizing the degree and extent of factors affecting brain development trajectories, but is concurrently specified through the particular interactions of genes and environment unique to each individual case. For present purposes, staging perspectives in neurodevelopmental aspects of the disease processes are considered from conditions giving rise to neurodevelopmental staging in affective states, adolescence, dopamine disease states, and autism spectrum disorders. Three major aspects influencing the eventual course of individual developmental trajectories appear to possess an essential determinant influence upon outcome: (i) the type of agent that interferes with brain development, whether chemical, immune system activating or absent (anoxia/hypoxia), (ii) the phase of brain development at which the agent exerts disruption, whether prenatal, postnatal, or adolescent, and (iii) the age of expression of structural and functional abnormalities. Clinical staging may be assumed at any or each developmental phase. The present perspective offers both a challenge to bring further order to diagnosis, intervention, and prognosis and a statement regarding the extreme complexities and interwoven intricacies of epigenetic factors, biomarkers, and neurobehavioral entities that aggravate currents notions of the neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Raznahan A, Toro R, Proitsi P, Powell J, Paus T, F Bolton P, Murphy DGM. A functional polymorphism of the brain derived neurotrophic factor gene and cortical anatomy in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2009; 1:215-23. [PMID: 21547716 PMCID: PMC3196317 DOI: 10.1007/s11689-009-9012-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with both (i) post-mortem and neuroimaging evidence of abnormal cortical development, and (ii) altered signalling in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) pathways - which regulate neuroproliferative and neuroplastic processes. In healthy controls genotype at a single nucleotide polymorphism that alters BDNF signalling (Val66met) has been related to regional cortical volume. It is not known however if this influence on brain development is intact in ASD. Therefore we compared the relationship between genotype and cortical anatomy (as measured using in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in 41 people with ASD and 30 healthy controls. We measured cortical volume, and its two sole determinants - cortical thickness and surface area - which reflect differing neurodevelopmental processes. We found “Group-by-Genotype” interactions for cortical volume in medial (caudal anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate) and lateral (rostral middle, lateral orbitofrontal, pars orbitalis and pars triangularis) frontal cortices. Furthermore, within (only) these regions “Group-by-Genotype” interactions were also found for surface area. No effects were found for cortical thickness in any region. Our preliminary findings suggest that people with ASD have differences from controls in the relationship between BDNF val66met genotype and regional (especially frontal) cortical volume and surface area, but not cortical thickness. Therefore alterations in the relationship between BDNF val66met genotype and surface area in ASD may drive the findings for volume. If correct, this suggests ASD is associated with a distorted relationship between BDNF val66met genotype and the determinants of regional cortical surface area – gyrification and/or sulcal positioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Raznahan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry (IOP), Kings College London (KCL), 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK,
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