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Chen X, Lin L, Xia H, Zhao S. Autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers: Role of sensory profiles and home environment. Appetite 2024; 199:107406. [PMID: 38735308 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to 1) explore the association between autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers; 2) explore the mediating role of sensory processing patterns on the relation of autistic traits and eating-related behaviors; and 3) examine home nurturing environment as a moderator between autistic traits and eating-related behaviors. We hypothesize that there is a significant association between autistic traits and eating behaviors, which is mediated by sensory processing patterns and moderated by the home nurturing environment. METHOD 509 children aged 3-4 years participated in this cross-sectional research. They were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2) for autistic traits, the Chinese Preschoolers' Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CPEBQ) for eating-related behaviors, the Short Sensory Profile-Second Edition (SSP-2) for sensory processing patterns, and the Children Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) for home nurturing environment. Mediation regression analyses were used to examine the role of sensory processing patterns, while moderation analyses to examine the role of home nurturing environment. RESULTS We observed a positive association between autistic traits and eating behavior problems among typically developed children. Sensory processing patterns significantly mediated the impact of autistic traits on children's eating-related behaviors and home nurturing environment also moderated this relationship. DISCUSSION Our research suggests that Chinese preschoolers with higher autistic traits may face more eating challenges when they possess more heightened sensory processing patterns, while living in supportive home environments helps to improve their eating behaviors. These findings contribute to the understanding of how and to what extent eating problems are influenced by autistic traits, and they offer insight into the alleviation of eating problems from the perspectives of sensory patterns and family nurturing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Chen
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Lifang Lin
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Huiyun Xia
- Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, 56 Yulu Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
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Shao W, Su Y, Liu J, Liu Y, Zhao J, Fan X. Understanding the link between different types of maternal diabetes and the onset of autism spectrum disorders. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2024; 50:101543. [PMID: 38761920 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2024.101543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Although the exact cause of these disorders remains unknown, it is widely accepted that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their onset and progression. Recent studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of maternal diabetes on embryonic neurodevelopment, suggesting that intrauterine hyperglycemia could pose an additional risk to early brain development and contribute to the development of ASD. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on the relationship between various forms of maternal diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and the likelihood of ASD in offspring. The study elucidates the potential mechanisms through which maternal hyperglycemia affects fetal development, involving metabolic hormones, immune dysregulation, heightened oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. The findings of this review offer valuable insights for potential preventive measures and evidence-based interventions targeting ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Shao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yichun Su
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Nutor C, Dunlop A, Sadler O, Brennan PA. Prenatal Cannabis Use and Offspring Autism-Related Behaviors: Examining Maternal Stress as a Moderator in a Black American Cohort. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2355-2367. [PMID: 37097527 PMCID: PMC10127191 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cannabis use and maternal stress have been proposed as risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Black mothers and mothers of lower socioeconomic status (SES) may be especially likely to experience high levels of stress. This study examined the impact of prenatal cannabis use and maternal stress (i.e., prenatal distress, racial discrimination, and lower SES) on child ASD-related behaviors in a sample of 172 Black mother-child pairs. We found that prenatal stress was significantly associated with ASD-related behaviors. Prenatal cannabis use did not predict ASD-related behaviors and did not interact with maternal stress to predict ASD-related behaviors. These findings replicate previous work on prenatal stress-ASD associations and add to the limited literature on prenatal cannabis-ASD associations in Black samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nutor
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - A Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, 1365 E Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - O Sadler
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - P A Brennan
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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de Leeuw AE, Ester WA, Bolhuis K, Hoek HW, Jansen PW. Maternal Migration, Prenatal Stress and Child Autistic Traits: Insights From a Population-Based Cohort Study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:S0890-8567(24)00183-7. [PMID: 38599371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is emerging evidence for an increased prevalence of autism in children of mothers with a migration background. To date, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. We investigated whether prenatal stress exposure mediates the association between maternal migration and child autistic traits, assessing first- and second-generation migrant mothers in the Netherlands and their children. METHOD The study was embedded in the prospective population-based Generation R cohort. Of the 4,727 participants, 1,773 mothers (38%) had a migration background. Prenatal stress was assessed using questionnaires related to stressful life events, family functioning, self-esteem, long-lasting difficulties, symptoms of psychopathology, social support, and perceived discrimination. Autistic traits were measured at age 6 years with the parent-reported Social Responsiveness Scale exclusively. Longitudinal multiple mediation analyses were performed. Analyses were stratified by migration origin (Europe and outside Europe) because of differences in migration characteristics. RESULTS Maternal migration background was associated with more experienced stress and with higher child autistic trait scores (Europe: mean = 0.42, SD = 0.25; outside Europe: mean = 0.50, SD = 0.24) compared to no migration background (Netherlands: mean = 0.38, SD = 0.23; both p < .01). Prenatal stress, especially perceived discrimination and maternal psychopathology, accounted for up to half of the total effect of maternal migration, which remained after adjusting for sociodemographic factors (Bindirect = 0.035, 95% CI = 0.027, 0.043, Btotal = 0.074). CONCLUSION Stress during pregnancy mediated the association between maternal migration status and child autistic traits. Future research should focus on early interventions to assess whether reducing prenatal stress exposure among women with a migration background can result in lower offspring autistic traits. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E de Leeuw
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wietske A Ester
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands; Leiden University Medical Center, Curium, Oegstgeest, the Netherlands; Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz, Parnassia Group, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Koen Bolhuis
- Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans W Hoek
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Erasmus Medical Center - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Wang S, Wang Y, Wan Y, Su P, Tao F, Sun Y. Modifiable factors associated with cognitive performance in Chinese adolescents: a national environment-wide association study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1047-1056. [PMID: 37204501 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence exists about the candidate factors of childhood cognitive performance, but mainly limited to single-exposure studies. We sought to systematically and simultaneously identify and validate a wide range of potential modifiable factors for childhood cognitive performance. We used data from five waves of data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS-2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018). Our analytical sample was restricted to those children aged 2-5 at baseline with valid exposure information. A total of 80 modifiable factors were identified. Childhood cognitive performance was assessed using vocabulary and mathematics test at wave 5. We used an environment-wide association study (EnWAS) to screen all exposure-outcome associations independently and used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) variable selection algorithm to identify factors associated with cognitive performance. Multivariable linear model was then used to evaluate causal relationships between identified factors and cognitive performance. Of the 1305 participants included in the study (mean ± SD, 3.5 ± 1.1 years age at baseline, 45.1% girls). Eight factors were retained in the LASSO regression analysis. Six factors across community characteristics (percentage of poverty in the community; percentage of children in the community), household characteristics (family size), child health and behaviors (mobile internet access), parenting behaviors and cognitive enrichment (parental involvement in child' s education), and parental wellbeing (paternal happiness) domains were significantly associated with childhood cognition. Using a three-stage approach, this study validates several actionable targets for improving childhood cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Section of Child Health, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuhui Wan
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Puyu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Anhui Medical University School of Public Health, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Chung MK, House JS, Akhtari FS, Makris KC, Langston MA, Islam KT, Holmes P, Chadeau-Hyam M, Smirnov AI, Du X, Thessen AE, Cui Y, Zhang K, Manrai AK, Motsinger-Reif A, Patel CJ. Decoding the exposome: data science methodologies and implications in exposome-wide association studies (ExWASs). EXPOSOME 2024; 4:osae001. [PMID: 38344436 PMCID: PMC10857773 DOI: 10.1093/exposome/osae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This paper explores the exposome concept and its role in elucidating the interplay between environmental exposures and human health. We introduce two key concepts critical for exposomics research. Firstly, we discuss the joint impact of genetics and environment on phenotypes, emphasizing the variance attributable to shared and nonshared environmental factors, underscoring the complexity of quantifying the exposome's influence on health outcomes. Secondly, we introduce the importance of advanced data-driven methods in large cohort studies for exposomic measurements. Here, we introduce the exposome-wide association study (ExWAS), an approach designed for systematic discovery of relationships between phenotypes and various exposures, identifying significant associations while controlling for multiple comparisons. We advocate for the standardized use of the term "exposome-wide association study, ExWAS," to facilitate clear communication and literature retrieval in this field. The paper aims to guide future health researchers in understanding and evaluating exposomic studies. Our discussion extends to emerging topics, such as FAIR Data Principles, biobanked healthcare datasets, and the functional exposome, outlining the future directions in exposomic research. This abstract provides a succinct overview of our comprehensive approach to understanding the complex dynamics of the exposome and its significant implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kei Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Environment, Energy and Sustainability, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - John S House
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Farida S Akhtari
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Konstantinos C Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Michael A Langston
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of TN, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Khandaker Talat Islam
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philip Holmes
- Department of Physics, Villanova University, Villanova, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Marc Chadeau-Hyam
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alex I Smirnov
- Department of Chemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Xiuxia Du
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, College of Computing and Informatics, University of NC at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Anne E Thessen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of CO Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yuxia Cui
- Exposure, Response, and Technology Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of NY, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Arjun K Manrai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alison Motsinger-Reif
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chirag J Patel
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Seebeck J, Sznajder KK, Kjerulff KH. The association between prenatal psychosocial factors and autism spectrum disorder in offspring at 3 years: a prospective cohort study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023:10.1007/s00127-023-02538-5. [PMID: 37556019 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02538-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Few studies of risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been prospective in design or investigated the role of psychosocial factors measured during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate associations between prenatal psychosocial factors and risk of ASD in offspring, as part of a multicenter prospective cohort study of more than 2000 mother-child pairs. METHODS Nulliparous women aged 18-35 years, living in Pennsylvania, USA, were interviewed during pregnancy and multiple times postpartum over the course of a 3-year period. There were 2388 mothers who completed the Screen for Social Interaction Toddler Version (SSI-T), a measure of risk of ASD, when their child was 3-years old. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between prenatal psychosocial factors-including total scores on three scales (social-support, stress and depression), trouble paying for basic needs, mental illness diagnosis and use of antidepressants-and risk of ASD in offspring at the age of 3-years, controlling for relevant confounding variables. RESULTS There were 102 children (4.3%) who were scored as at-risk of ASD at 3-years. Prenatal psychosocial factors that were significantly associated with risk of ASD in the adjusted models were lower social-support (p < 0.001); stress (p = 0.003): depression (< 0.001), trouble paying for basic needs (p = 0.012), mental illness diagnosis (p = 0.016), and use of antidepressants (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that maternal experience of adverse psychosocial factors during pregnancy may be important intrauterine exposures related to the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Byrne D, Fisher A, Baker L, Twomey EL, Gorman KM. Yield of brain MRI in children with autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:3603-3609. [PMID: 37227501 PMCID: PMC10460367 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. The American Academy of Paediatrics and American Academy of Neurology do not recommend routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of ASD. The need for a brain MRI should be decided on atypical features in the clinical history and examination. However, many physicians continue to use brain MRI routinely in the assessment process. We performed a retrospective review of indications for requesting brain MRI in our institution over a 5-year period. The aim was to identify the yield of MRI in children with ASD and calculate the prevalence of significant neuroimaging abnormalities in children with ASD and identify clinical indications for neuroimaging. One hundred eighty-one participants were analysed. An abnormal brain MRI was identified in 7.2% (13/181). Abnormal brain MRI was more likely with an abnormal neurological examination (OR 33.1, p = 0.001) or genetic/metabolic abnormality (OR 20, p = 0.02). In contrast, abnormal MRI was not shown to be more likely in children with a variety of other indications such as behavioural issues and developmental delay. Conclusion: Thus, our findings support that MRI should not be a routine investigation in ASD, without additional findings. The decision to arrange brain MRI should be made on a case-by-case basis following careful evaluation of potential risks and benefits. The impact of any findings on the management course of the child should be considered prior to arranging imaging. What is Known: • Incidental brain MRI findings are common in children with and without ASD. • Many children with ASD undergo brain MRI in the absence of neurological comorbidities. What is New: • Brain MRI abnormalities in ASD are more likely with an abnormal neurological examination and genetic or metabolic conditions. • Prevalence of significant brain MRI abnormalities in ASD alone is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Byrne
- Department of Neurodisability, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - A Fisher
- Department of Neurodisability, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - L Baker
- Department of Neurodisability, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - EL Twomey
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - K M Gorman
- Department of Paediatric Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Dong L, Wang Y, Wang X, Luo T, Zhou Q, Zhao G, Li B, Xia L, Xia K, Li J. Interactions of genetic risks for autism and the broad autism phenotypes. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1110080. [PMID: 37102084 PMCID: PMC10123509 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1110080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Common polygenic risk and de novo variants (DNVs) capture a small proportion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) liability, and ASD phenotypic heterogeneity remains difficult to explain. Integrating multiple genetic factors contribute to clarifying the risk and clinical presentation of ASD. Methods In our study, we investigated the individual and combined effects of polygenic risk, damaging DNVs (including those in ASD risk genes), and sex among 2,591 ASD simplex families in the Simons Simplex Collection. We also explored the interactions among these factors, along with the broad autism phenotypes of ASD probands and their unaffected siblings. Finally, we combined the effects of polygenic risk, damaging DNVs in ASD risk genes, and sex to explain the total liability of ASD phenotypic spectrum. Results Our findings revealed that both polygenic risk and damaging DNVs contribute to an increased risk for ASD, with females exhibiting higher genetic burdens than males. ASD probands that carry damaging DNVs in ASD risk genes showed reduced polygenic risk. The effects of polygenic risk and damaging DNVs on autism broad phenotypes were inconsistent; probands with higher polygenic risk exhibited improvement in some behaviors, such as adaptive/cognitive behaviors, while those with damaging DNVs exhibited more severe phenotypes. Siblings with higher polygenic risk and damaging DNVs tended to have higher scores on broader autism phenotypes. Females exhibited more severe cognitive and behavioral problems compared to males among both ASD probands and siblings. The combination of polygenic risk, damaging DNVs in ASD risk genes, and sex explained 1-4% of the total liability of adaptive/cognitive behavior measurements. Conclusion Our study revealed that the risk for ASD and the autism broad phenotypes likely arises from a combination of common polygenic risk, damaging DNVs (including those in ASD risk genes), and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Dong
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tengfei Luo
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guihu Zhao
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Lu Xia,
| | - Kun Xia
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Kun Xia,
| | - Jinchen Li
- Bioinformatics Center and National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Jinchen Li,
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Alemany S, Blok E, Jansen PR, Muetzel RL, White T. Brain morphology, autistic traits, and polygenic risk for autism: A population-based neuroimaging study. Autism Res 2021; 14:2085-2099. [PMID: 34309210 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with widespread brain alterations. Previous research in our group linked autistic traits with altered gyrification, but without pronounced differences in cortical thickness. Herein, we aim to replicate and extend these findings using a larger and older sample. Additionally, we examined whether (a) brain correlates of autistic traits were associated with polygenic risk scores (PRS) for ASD, and (b) autistic traits are related with brain morphological changes over time in a subset of children with longitudinal data available. The sample included 2400 children from the Generation R cohort. Autistic traits were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at age 6 years. Gyrification, cortical thickness, surface area, and global morphological measures were obtained from high-resolution structural MRI scans at ages 9-to-12 years. We performed multiple linear regression analyses on a vertex-wise level. Corresponding regions of interest were tested for association with PRS. Results showed that autistic traits were related to (a) lower gyrification in the lateral occipital and the superior and inferior parietal lobes, (b) lower cortical thickness in the superior frontal region, and (c) lower surface area in inferior temporal and rostral middle frontal regions. PRS for ASD and longitudinal analyses showed significant associations that did not survive correction for multiple testing. Our findings support stability in the relationship between higher autistic symptoms and lower gyrification and smaller surface areas in school-aged children. These relationships remained when excluding ASD cases, providing neurobiological evidence for the extension of autistic traits into the general population. LAY SUMMARY: We found that school-aged children with higher levels of autistic traits had smaller total brain volume, cerebellum, cortical thickness, and surface area. Further, we also found differences in the folding patterns of the brain (gyrification). Overall, genetic susceptibility for autism spectrum disorders was not related to these brain regions suggesting that other factors could be involved in their origin. These results remained significant when excluding children with a diagnosis of ASD, providing support for the extension of the relationship between autistic traits and brain findings into the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Alemany
- IS Global, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabet Blok
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip R Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Genetics, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Waltereit J, Czieschnek C, Albertowski K, Roessner V, Waltereit R. Family and Developmental History of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Importance of the Clinical Diagnostic Interview for Diagnosis in Adolescents. An Explorative Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:703023. [PMID: 34764892 PMCID: PMC8575716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703023] [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: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be made early in childhood, but also later in adolescence or adulthood. In the latter cases, concerns about an individual's behavior typically lead to consultation of a mental health professional (MHP). As part of the initial clinical examination by the MHP, a clinical diagnostic interview is performed, in order to obtain the patient's history, and may lead to the hypothesis of ASD. We were here interested to study family and developmental history as key parts of the patient's history. The aim of the study was to investigate empirical differences between adolescents with ASD and adolescent control persons in family and developmental history. Method: Clinical diagnostic interview items addressing family and developmental history were adopted from their regular use at several university hospitals and in leading textbooks. Parents of male adolescents with normal intelligence and an ASD diagnosis (n = 67) and parents of male adolescents without psychiatric diagnosis (n = 51) between the age of 12 and 17 years were investigated. Data were operationalized into three categories: 0 = normal behavior, 1 = minor pathological behavior, and 2 = major pathological behavior. Differences were analyzed by multiple t-test of two-way ANOVA. Results: Adolescents with ASD expressed a profile of items significantly differing from control persons. Comparison of significant items with the empirical ASD literature indicated robust accordance. Conclusions: Our findings support the importance and feasibility of the clinical diagnostic interview of family and developmental history for initiation of the diagnostic process of ASD in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Waltereit
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Czieschnek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katja Albertowski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Waltereit
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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