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Chaki HB, Faran Y. The Effect of Family Characteristics on the Functioning of a Child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Bedouin Society in Israel. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06255-z. [PMID: 38356022 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06255-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in communication and social-emotional interaction. It is associated with an increase of parental stress and poor family functioning, both of which are harmful for a child's functioning and adaptive behavior. An important source of support to parents are grandparents, especially in traditional populations. One such population is the Bedouin population. The present study tested the association between emotional support from mother and mother-in-law to the adaptive behavior of children with ASD, and whether this relation is serially mediated by family functioning and satisfaction in life as reported by Bedouin mothers of children with ASD. 100 mothers of children with ASD fulfilled a questionnaire about emotional support from their mothers and mother-in-law, family functioning, satisfaction in life and child's adaptive behavior. We found that indeed, family functioning and satisfaction in life serially mediated the relations between emotional support from mother and mother-in-law and child adaptive behavior. These findings indicate that intergenerational solidarity between women can improve not only the functioning of the nuclear family and wife's satisfaction with life, but also, indirectly, the adaptive behavior of a child with ASD. It highlights the importance of women solidarity, especially in traditional society, where women are kept marginal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Binoun Chaki
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben-Tzvi St, Ashkelon, 78211, Israel.
| | - Yifat Faran
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben-Tzvi St, Ashkelon, 78211, Israel
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Robea MA, Ilie OD, Nicoara MN, Solcan G, Romila LE, Ureche D, Ciobica A. Vitamin B 12 Ameliorates Pesticide-Induced Sociability Impairment in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio): A Prospective Controlled Intervention Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:405. [PMID: 38338046 PMCID: PMC10854844 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Constant exposure to a variety of environmental factors has become increasingly problematic. A variety of illnesses are initiated or aided by the presence of certain perturbing factors. In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the environmental component plays an important part in determining the overall picture. Moreover, the lack of therapies to relieve existing symptoms complicates the fight against this condition. As a result, animal models have been used to make biomedical research easier and more suited for disease investigations. The current study used zebrafish as an animal model to mimic a real-life scenario: acute exposure to an increased dose of pesticides, followed by prospective intervention-based therapy with vitamin B12 (vit. B12). It is known that vit. B12 is involved in brain function nerve tissue, and red blood cell formation. Aside from this, the role of vit. B12 in the redox processes is recognized for its help against free radicals. To investigate the effect of vit. B12, fish were divided into four different groups and exposed to a pesticide mixture (600 μg L-1 fipronil + 600 μg L-1 pyriproxyfen) and 0.24 μg L-1 vit. B12 for 14 days. The impact of the compounds was assessed daily with EthoVision XT 11.5 software for behavioral observations, especially for sociability, quantified by the social interaction test. In addition, at the end of the study, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The results showed significant improvements in locomotor activity parameters and a positive influence of the vitamin on sociability. Regarding the state of oxidative stress, high activity was found for SOD and GPx in the case of vit. B12, while fish exposed to the mixture of pesticides and vit. B12 had a lower level of MDA. In conclusion, the study provides new data about the effect of vit. B12 in zebrafish, highlighting the potential use of vitamin supplementation to maintain and support the function of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Andreea Robea
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Dumitru Ilie
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Mircea Nicusor Nicoara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
- Doctoral School of Geosciences, Faculty of Geography and Geology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Solcan
- Internal Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ion Ionescu de la Brad Iasi University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iasi, Romania;
| | | | - Dorel Ureche
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University “Vasile Alecsandri“ of Bacau, Calea Marasesti Street, No. 157, 600115 Bacau, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I, 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54, Independence Street, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch, Teodor Codrescu 2, 700481 Iasi, Romania
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Kereszturi É. Diversity and Classification of Genetic Variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16768. [PMID: 38069091 PMCID: PMC10706722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms that affect the whole personality and all aspects of life. Although there is a high degree of heterogeneity in both its etiology and its characteristic behavioral patterns, the disorder is well-captured along the autistic triad. Currently, ASD status can be confirmed following an assessment of behavioral features, but there is a growing emphasis on conceptualizing autism as a spectrum, which allows for establishing a diagnosis based on the level of support need, free of discrete categories. Since ASD has a high genetic predominance, the number of genetic variations identified in the background of the condition is increasing exponentially as genetic testing methods are rapidly evolving. However, due to the huge amount of data to be analyzed, grouping the different DNA variations is still challenging. Therefore, in the present review, a multidimensional classification scheme was developed to accommodate most of the currently known genetic variants associated with autism. Genetic variations have been grouped according to six criteria (extent, time of onset, information content, frequency, number of genes involved, inheritance pattern), which are themselves not discrete categories, but form a coherent continuum in line with the autism spectrum approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kereszturi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Hernández Fernández IG, Omaña Covarrubias A, Conde Vega J, Rodríguez Ávila J, Díaz Martínez G, Moya Escalera A, López Pontigo L. [Nutritional status and food intake frequency in children with autism spectrum disorder]. NUTR HOSP 2023; 40:347-353. [PMID: 36719005 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04258] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Introduction: children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly present food hyperselectivity, which could lead to malnutrition. Furthermore, they are usually observed with eutrophic development, and a tendency to overweight or obesity, which might occur because of food preferences. Objectives: to evaluate nutritional status based on anthropometric measurements, and to determine the food intake frequency of Mexican children with ASD. Methods: a cross-sectional study that included 31 children of both sexes, from 5 to 10 years of age, with ASD, recruited for convenience at the Hospital del Niño DIF Hidalgo, Mexico. The variables considered were: weight, height, body mass index, muscle mass, fat mass, and frequency of food consumption. Results: the eutrophic nutritional status had a prevalence of 70.9 %, overweight of 12.9 % and obesity of 12.9 %. According to sex, women had significantly lower BMI and fat mass, but higher muscle mass than men. When comparing by diagnosis, there were no statistical differences. The most commonly consumed foods were tomato, carrot, banana, apple, corn tortilla, wheat flour bread, rice, beans, chicken, egg, whole milk, vegetable oil, gelatin and sweetened beverages. They mostly consumed plain water every day. Conclusions: children with ASD have a eutrophic nutritional status in addition to a significant tendency to overweight and obesity, probably related to a high consumption of sweetened beverages and jelly, as well as a low intake of vegetables. This indicates the need for nutritional surveillance to prevent the development of chronic degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Omaña Covarrubias
- Área Académica de Nutrición. Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo
| | | | | | | | - Adrián Moya Escalera
- Área Académica de Medicina. Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo
| | - Lydia López Pontigo
- Área Académica de Gerontología. Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo
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Combined aCGH and Exome Sequencing Analysis Improves Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosis: A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58040522. [PMID: 35454361 PMCID: PMC9030270 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The development and standardization of genome-wide technologies able to carry out high-resolution, genomic analyses in a cost- and time-affordable way is increasing our knowledge regarding the molecular bases of complex diseases like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of heterogeneous diseases with multifactorial origins. Genetic factors seem to be involved, albeit they remain still largely unknown. Here, we report the case of a child with a clinical suspicion of ASD investigated by using such a genomic high-resolution approach. Materials and Methods: Both array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and exome sequencing were carried out on the family trio. aCGH was performed using the 4 × 180 K SurePrint G3 Human CGH Microarray, while the Human All Exon V7 targeted SureSelect XT HS panel was used for exome sequencing. Results: aCGH identified a paternally inherited duplication of chromosome 7 involving the CNTNAP2 gene, while 5 potentially clinically-relevant variants were identified by exome sequencing. Conclusions: Within the identified genomic alterations, the CNTNAP2 gene duplication may be related to the patient’s phenotype. Indeed, this gene has already been associated with brain development and cognitive functions, including language. The paternal origin of the alteration cannot exclude an incomplete penetrance. Moreover, other genomic factors may act as phenotype modifiers combined with CNTNAP2 gene duplication. Thus, the case reported herein strongly reinforces the need to use extensive genomic analyses to shed light on the bases of complex diseases.
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Li YA, Chen ZJ, Li XD, Gu MH, Xia N, Gong C, Zhou ZW, Yasin G, Xie HY, Wei XP, Liu YL, Han XH, Lu M, Xu J, Huang XL. Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: Global burden of disease 2019 and bibliometric analysis of risk factors. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:972809. [PMID: 36545666 PMCID: PMC9760802 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.972809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the geographical pattern and temporal trend of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) epidemiology from 1990 to 2019, and perform a bibliometric analysis of risk factors for ASD. METHODS In this study, ASD epidemiology was estimated with prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 204 countries and territories by sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to quantify ASD temporal trends. Besides, the study performed a bibliometric analysis of ASD risk factors since 1990. Publications published were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and were analyzed using CiteSpace. RESULTS Globally, there were estimated 28.3 million ASD prevalent cases (ASR, 369.4 per 100,000 populations), 603,790 incident cases (ASR, 9.3 per 100,000 populations) and 4.3 million DALYs (ASR, 56.3 per 100,000 populations) in 2019. Increases of autism spectrum disorders were noted in prevalent cases (39.3%), incidence (0.1%), and DALYs (38.7%) from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized rates and EAPC showed stable trend worldwide over time. A total of 3,991 articles were retrieved from Web of Science, of which 3,590 were obtained for analysis after removing duplicate literatures. "Rehabilitation", "Genetics & Heredity", "Nanoscience & Nanotechnology", "Biochemistry & Molecular biology", "Psychology", "Neurosciences", and "Environmental Sciences" were the hotspots and frontier disciplines of ASD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Disease burden and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders remain global public health challenge since 1990 according to the GBD epidemiological estimates and bibliometric analysis. The findings help policy makers formulate public health policies concerning prevention targeted for risk factors, early diagnosis and life-long healthcare service of ASD. Increasing knowledge concerning the public awareness of risk factors is also warranted to address global ASD problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-An Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ze-Jian Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Dan Li
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China
| | - Ming-Hui Gu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Nan Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Chen Gong
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Zhao-Wen Zhou
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Gvzalnur Yasin
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Xinjiang Uyghur Medicine, Xinjiang China
| | - Hao-Yu Xie
- Division of Physical Therapy Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Xiu-Pan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Hua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Lin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
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Khan YS, Khan AW, Tahir ME, Hammoudeh S, Shamlawi MA, Alabdulla M. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions on individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers in the Stateof Qatar: A cross-sectional study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 119:104090. [PMID: 34624722 PMCID: PMC8481093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research has established an association between changes to the daily routine of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and increase in maladaptive behaviours. The relationship between maladaptive behaviours in autistic individuals and increase in care burden among their caregivers is also well established. However, no study has yet examined these associations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on autistic individuals and their caregivers. METHODS A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted with the caregivers of 58 autistic individuals across the mental health services at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The extent of care burden was measured using the Care Burden Interview, whereas changes in behaviour in autistic individuals was assessed using the Revised Overt Aggression Scale. RESULTS A total of 58 caregivers participated in the study. Out of these, 24 (41 %) reported a clinically significant increase in their care burden. Among caregivers reporting an increase in care burden, two-third were caring for individuals whose behaviour either remained unchanged or improved during social restrictions. Nine autistic people (15.5 %) were reported to have no aggression prior to the implementation of COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 13 (22.4%) individuals during COVID-19 social restrictions. Minimal, mild and moderate aggression were reported in 27 (46.6 %), 21 (36.2 %), and 1 (1.7 %) patients respectively, before COVID-19 social restrictions compared to 29 (50 %), 15 (25.9), and 1 (1.7 %) during COVID-19 restrictions. Severe aggression was not reported in any patient either before or during COVID-19 social restrictions. CONCLUSION This study showed reduced levels of aggression in autistic individuals but an increase in care burden among their caregivers during the COVID-19 social restrictions highlighting the need of supporting patients and caregivers alike.
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Etiological investigation of genetic cause in autism spectrum disorder. SCIENTIA MEDICA 2021. [DOI: 10.15448/1980-6108.2021.1.39581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS: The aims of this study were to characterize the etiological investigation of genetic cause in the autism spectrum disorder and to determine the factors related to its identification.METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study, with an analytical component, included children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder followed in consultation at a level 2 hospital, between November 2017 and October 2019. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, age at the first consultation, family history, objective examination, cognitive assessment, etiological investigation of genetic cause and etiological diagnosis of genetic cause. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS®v23 program (significance level 0.05).RESULTS: We identified 153 children with autism spectrum disorder, of which 48 underwent a genetic cause investigation: 45 performed microarray analysis (15.6% pathogenic); 42 carried out a molecular study of the Fragile X syndrome (one altered); two performed sequencing of the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene (one altered). The diagnosis of genetic cause was made in 18.8% of the sample. The identification of the etiology of a genetic cause was related to global development delay/ intellectual disability (p = 0.04) and the presence of relevant family history (p = 0.005).CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield of the genetic study was higher in patients with a global development delay /intellectual disability and in patients with relevant family history.
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Wanner NM, Colwell M, Drown C, Faulk C. Subacute cannabidiol alters genome-wide DNA methylation in adult mouse hippocampus. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:890-900. [PMID: 32579259 PMCID: PMC7765463 DOI: 10.1002/em.22396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Use of cannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis (Cannabis sativa), has recently increased as a result of widespread availability of CBD-containing products. CBD is FDA-approved for the treatment of epilepsy and exhibits anxiolytic, antipsychotic, prosocial, and other behavioral effects in animal studies and clinical trials, however, the underlying mechanisms governing these phenotypes are still being elucidated. The epigenome, particularly DNA methylation, is responsive to environmental input and can govern persistent patterns of gene regulation affecting phenotype across the life course. In order to understand the epigenomic activity of cannabidiol exposure in the adult brain, 12-week-old male wild-type a/a Agouti viable yellow (Avy ) mice were exposed to either 20 mg/kg CBD or vehicle daily by oral administration for 14 days. Hippocampal tissue was collected and reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was performed. Analyses revealed 3,323 differentially methylated loci (DMLs) in CBD-exposed animals with a small skew toward global hypomethylation. Genes for cell adhesion and migration, dendritic spine development, and excitatory postsynaptic potential were found to be enriched in a gene ontology term analysis of DML-containing genes, and disease ontology enrichment revealed an overrepresentation of DMLs in gene sets associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and other phenotypes. These results suggest that the epigenome may be a key substrate for CBD's behavioral effects and provides a wealth of gene regulatory information for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Wanner
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
| | | | - Chelsea Drown
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota
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