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Amnuaylojaroen T, Parasin N, Saokaew S. Exploring the association between early-life air pollution exposure and autism spectrum disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108582. [PMID: 38556115 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between air pollution and the vulnerability of children to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A thorough examination and analysis of data obtained from a compilation of 14 studies was undertaken, with a particular emphasis on investigating the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxide of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on individuals diagnosed with ASD. The findings demonstrate a moderate association between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ASD, as indicated by a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.13 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) spanning from 0.77 to 1.549. O3 shows a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.82, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.49 to 1.14. NOx shows a moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 75.9%, p = 0.002), suggesting that the impact of NOx on the risk of ASD. There is a statistically significant relationship between exposure to O3 and ASD, although the strength of this relationship is diminished. The findings demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 and the occurrence of ASD. The study found a significant correlation, in relation to PM2.5, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.11 to 1.34. The findings have significant implications for the formulation of programs aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen
- School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change Research Units, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.
| | - Nichapa Parasin
- School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and Integration (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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2
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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3
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Wormwood KL, Charette L, Ryan JP, Darie CC, Woods AG. A Proteomics Investigation of Salivary Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Protein J 2023; 42:607-620. [PMID: 37566278 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1/68 children, with a more recent study suggesting numbers as high as 1/36. According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the etiology of ASD is unknown and diagnosis of this disorder is behavioral. There is currently no biomarker signature for ASD, however, identifying a biomarker signature is crucial as it would aid in diagnosis, identifying treatment targets, monitoring treatments, and identifying the etiology of the disorder. Here we used nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to investigate the saliva from individuals with ASD and matched controls in a 14 vs 14 study. We found numerous proteins to have statistically significant dysregulations, including lactotransferrin, transferrin, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, Ig A L, Ig J chain, mucin 5 AC, and lipocalin 1 isoform X1. These findings are consistent with previous studies by our lab, and others, and point to dysregulations in the immune system, lipid metabolism and/or transport, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which are common and reoccurring topics in ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Wormwood
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Box 5810, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
| | - Laci Charette
- Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Department of Psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA
| | - Jeanne P Ryan
- Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Department of Psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Box 5810, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA.
| | - Alisa G Woods
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Ave, Box 5810, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
- Center for Neurobehavioral Health and Department of Psychology, SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY, USA
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4
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Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Recent Update on Targeting Inflammatory Pathways with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010115. [PMID: 36672623 PMCID: PMC9856079 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous category of developmental psychiatric disorders which is characterized by inadequate social interaction, less communication, and repetitive phenotype behavior. ASD is comorbid with various types of disorders. The reported prevalence is 1% in the United Kingdom, 1.5% in the United States, and ~0.2% in India at present. The natural anti-inflammatory agents on brain development are linked to interaction with many types of inflammatory pathways affected by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables. Inflammatory targeting pathways have already been linked to ASD. However, these routes are diluted, and new strategies are being developed in natural anti-inflammatory medicines to treat ASD. This review summarizes the numerous preclinical and clinical studies having potential protective effects and natural anti-inflammatory agents on the developing brain during pregnancy. Inflammation during pregnancy activates the maternal infection that likely leads to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. The inflammatory pathways have been an effective target for the subject of translational research studies on ASD.
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5
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Esnafoglu E, Subaşı B. Association of low 25-OH-vitamin D levels and peripheral inflammatory markers in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Vitamin D and inflammation in Autism. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114735. [PMID: 35878480 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory mechanisms and Vitamin D are reported to play important roles in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). There are ample evidences that vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed, for the first time, to investigate the 25-OH-vitamin D with inflammation markers in ASD patients. The study included 154 patients with ASD and 98 healthy subjects. 25-OH-Vitamin D levels and simple peripheral inflammatory markers such as Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and, sedimentation were measured in all subjects. K-SADS-PL-DSM 5 were administered to all subjects to evaluate the psychiatric diagnosis. Childhood Autism Rating Scale was used to asses severity of autism. In the patient group, high CRP rate, leukocyte, neutrophil and NLR were significantly high compared to the healthy control group. 25-OH-Vitamin D levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the ASD group. While a significant negative correlation was found between 25-OH-Vitamin D and CRP, NLR, neutrophil counts in ASD patients, a positive correlation was found between lymphocyte counts. Especially in male ASD patients, the relationship between 25-OH-Vitamin D and inflammation markers was more pronounced. Our findings support the association of vitamin D and inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Esnafoglu
- Depatment of Child and Adolescent Pychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu Universtiy, Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Cocuk Psikiyatrisi Poliklinigi, Bucak Mah, Ordu 52200, Turkey.
| | - Burak Subaşı
- Department of Psychiatry, Kayseri City Traning and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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Tamouza R, Volt F, Richard JR, Wu CL, Bouassida J, Boukouaci W, Lansiaux P, Cappelli B, Scigliuolo GM, Rafii H, Kenzey C, Mezouad E, Naamoune S, Chami L, Lejuste F, Farge D, Gluckman E. Possible Effect of the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:809686. [PMID: 35865626 PMCID: PMC9294632 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.809686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions defined by impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The number of reported cases has increased over the past decades, and ASD is now a major public health burden. So far, only treatments to alleviate symptoms are available, with still unmet need for an effective disease treatment to reduce ASD core symptoms. Genetic predisposition alone can only explain a small fraction of the ASD cases. It has been reported that environmental factors interacting with specific inter-individual genetic background may induce immune dysfunctions and contribute to the incidence of ASD. Such dysfunctions can be observed at the central level, with increased microglial cells and activation in ASD brains or in the peripheral blood, as reflected by high circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, abnormal activation of T-cell subsets, presence of auto-antibodies and of dysregulated microbiota profiles. Altogether, the dysfunction of immune processes may result from immunogenetically-determined inefficient immune responses against a given challenge followed by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. In this context, immunomodulatory therapies might offer a valid therapeutic option. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive properties constitute a strong rationale for their use to improve ASD clinical symptoms. In vitro studies and pre-clinical models have shown that MSC can induce synapse formation and enhance synaptic function with consequent improvement of ASD-like symptoms in mice. In addition, two preliminary human trials based on the infusion of cord blood-derived MSC showed the safety and tolerability of the procedure in children with ASD and reported promising clinical improvement of core symptoms. We review herein the immune dysfunctions associated with ASD provided, the rationale for using MSC to treat patients with ASD and summarize the current available studies addressing this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryad Tamouza
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- *Correspondence: Ryad Tamouza,
| | - Fernanda Volt
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Romain Richard
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Ching-Lien Wu
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Jihène Bouassida
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Wahid Boukouaci
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Pauline Lansiaux
- Unité de Médecine Interne (UF 04), CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares D’Ile-de-France MATHEC, AP-HP, Hôpital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Cappelli
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Graziana Maria Scigliuolo
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Hanadi Rafii
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Kenzey
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Esma Mezouad
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Soumia Naamoune
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Leila Chami
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Florian Lejuste
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Dominique Farge
- Unité de Médecine Interne (UF 04), CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares D’Ile-de-France MATHEC, AP-HP, Hôpital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Eliane Gluckman
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
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8
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Potential protein markers in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) revealed by salivary proteomics. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 199:243-251. [PMID: 35016969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The lack of specific pharmacological therapy for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its clinical heterogeneity demand efforts directed toward the identification of biomarkers to aid in diagnosis. Proteomics offers a new perspective for studying the altered proteins associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and we have saliva as an easy-to-collect biological fluid with important biomolecules for investigating biomarkers in various diseases. In this sense, saliva could be used to identify potential biomarkers of ASD. In the current work, saliva samples were collected from children with different degrees of ASD and healthy children and proteomics approaches were applied to generate data on differentially expressed proteins between groups which will serve as a basis for future validation studies as protein markers. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD030065. As results, 132 proteins were present in 80% of the saliva pools of all analyzed groups. Twenty-five proteins were identified as overexpressed in the group of severe and mild/moderate ASD carriers, among which, eight were identified as potential biomarkers for ASD.
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Veselinović A, Petrović S, Žikić V, Subotić M, Jakovljević V, Jeremić N, Vučić V. Neuroinflammation in Autism and Supplementation Based on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57090893. [PMID: 34577816 PMCID: PMC8464922 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The maternal status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulates microglial activity and neuroinflammatory pathways during a child's brain development. In children with ASD, the metabolism of PUFA is thought to be deficient or abnormal, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidative stress and an imbalance in the formation and action of neurotransmitters. In addition, nutritional deficits in omega-3 PUFA may affect gut microbiota and contribute to ASD by the gut-brain axis. The aim of this study was to review the possible role of neuroinflammation in ASD development and the effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ASD. Due to a wide heterogeneity across RCTs, no definitive conclusion about omega-3 PUFA effects in ASD can be drawn. Supplementation with PUFA could be considered as one of the aspects in regulating the biological status of the organism and could provide added value to standard medical and psychological interventions for reducing behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Centre”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.Ž.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-3208-552; Fax: +381-11-2624-168
| | - Snježana Petrović
- Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.P.); (V.V.)
| | - Vladica Žikić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Centre”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.Ž.); (M.S.)
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miško Subotić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Centre”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (V.Ž.); (M.S.)
| | - Vladimir Jakovljević
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
- Department of Human Pathology, 1st Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nevena Jeremić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Vesna Vučić
- Group for Nutritional Biochemistry and Dietology, Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (S.P.); (V.V.)
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10
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Song W, Tian X, Liu Y, Wang Y, Ma J, Wang C, Yan G. A proteomic analysis of urine biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder. J Proteomics 2021; 242:104259. [PMID: 33957315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early-onset social-communication challenges, restricted and repetitive behaviors, or unusual sensory-motor behaviors. A lack of specific biomarkers hinders the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease in many children. This study analyzes and validates potential urinary biomarkers using mass spectrometry proteomics. Global proteomics profiles of urine from 19 ASD patients and 19 healthy control subjects were compared to identify significantly changed proteins. These proteins were validated with targeted proteomics using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) in an independent validation set consisting of samples from 40 ASD patients and 38 healthy controls. A total of 34 significantly changed proteins were found in the discovery set, among which seven proteins were identified as potential biomarkers for ASD through PRM assays in the validation set. Of these seven proteins, immunoglobulin kappa variable 4-1, immunoglobulin kappa variable 3-20, and immunoglobulin lambda variable 1-51 were up-regulated, while ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha, 10 kDa heat shock protein, apolipoprotein C-III, and arylsulfatase F were down-regulated. Six of these seven proteins support previous findings that ASD is accompanied by altered immune response and lipid metabolism, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. This study lays the groundwork for additional research using biomarkers to clinically diagnose ASD. The proteomics and PRM raw data of this study have been deposited under the accession number IPX0002592000 at iProX. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identified 34 proteins in urine of ASD patients that were significantly changed from the urinary proteins of healthy subjects using LC-MS/MS-based proteomics in a discovery set. Seven of these proteins were validated by PRM analysis in an independent validation set. This report represents the first description of combined label-free quantitative proteomics and PRM analysis of targeted proteins for discovery of ASD urinary biomarkers. The results will be helpful for early diagnosis and can provide additional insight into the molecular mechanisms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jishui Zhang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Tian
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chengbin Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Guangtao Yan
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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11
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Upadhyay J, Patra J, Tiwari N, Salankar N, Ansari MN, Ahmad W. Dysregulation of Multiple Signaling Neurodevelopmental Pathways during Embryogenesis: A Possible Cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2021; 10:958. [PMID: 33924211 PMCID: PMC8074600 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the autistic brain and the involvement of genetic, non-genetic, and numerous signaling pathways in the etiology and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, as is evident from various studies. Apart from multiple developmental disorders of the brain, autistic subjects show a few characteristics like impairment in social communications related to repetitive, restricted, or stereotypical behavior, which suggests alterations in neuronal circuits caused by defects in various signaling pathways during embryogenesis. Most of the research studies on ASD subjects and genetic models revealed the involvement of mutated genes with alterations of numerous signaling pathways like Wnt, hedgehog, and Retinoic Acid (RA). Despite significant improvement in understanding the pathogenesis and etiology of ASD, there is an increasing awareness related to it as well as a need for more in-depth research because no effective therapy has been developed to address ASD symptoms. Therefore, identifying better therapeutic interventions like "novel drugs for ASD" and biomarkers for early detection and disease condition determination are required. This review article investigated various etiological factors as well as the signaling mechanisms and their alterations to understand ASD pathophysiology. It summarizes the mechanism of signaling pathways, their significance, and implications for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Upadhyay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; (J.U.); (J.P.)
| | - Jeevan Patra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; (J.U.); (J.P.)
| | - Nidhi Tiwari
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi 110054, India;
| | - Nilima Salankar
- School of Computer Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Mohd Nazam Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia;
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12
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Li B, Peng X, Li H, Chen F, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Le K. The performance of the alarmin HMGB1 in pediatric diseases: From lab to clinic. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 9:8-30. [PMID: 33140586 PMCID: PMC7860603 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ubiquitously expressed nonhistone nuclear protein high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) has different functions related to posttranslational modifications and cellular localization. In the nucleus, HMGB1 modulates gene transcription, replication and DNA repair as well as determines chromosomal architecture. When the post-transcriptional modified HMGB1 is released into the extracellular space, it triggers several physiological and pathological responses and initiates innate immunity through interacting with its reciprocal receptors (i.e., TLR4/2 and RAGE). The effect of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory activation on different systems has received increasing attention. HMGB1 is now considered to be an alarmin and participates in multiple inflammation-related diseases. In addition, HMGB1 also affects the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, most studies involving HMGB1 have been focused on adults or mature animals. Due to differences in disease characteristics between children and adults, it is necessary to clarify the role of HMGB1 in pediatric diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS Through systematic database retrieval, this review aimed to first elaborate the characteristics of HMGB1 under physiological and pathological conditions and then discuss the clinical significance of HMGB1 in the pediatric diseases according to different systems. CONCLUSIONS HMGB1 plays an important role in a variety of pediatric diseases and may be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for new strategies for the prevention and treatment of pediatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Urology Surgery, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxia Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, and Rehabilitation Centre, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, Yuzhong, China
| | - Yingqian Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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13
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Baspinar B, Yardimci H. Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Can It Be Effective in Solving Behavioural and Gastrointestinal Problems? Eurasian J Med 2020; 52:292-297. [PMID: 33209084 PMCID: PMC7651765 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2020.19230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions combined with repetitive and restricted patterns of behaviors. Bidirectional changes in brain-gut microbiota are known to be responsible for the pathophysiology of many brain-related disorders, such as autism, as well as well-known gastrointestinal diseases, including gut disorders. Imbalance in the composition of gut microbiota is frequently observed in individuals with ASD. It is therefore believed that this imbalance is significant in the frequent occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The integrity of the intestinal barrier and the blood-brain barrier [BBB] in individuals with ASD is affected. Incompletely digested peptides, toxins, and proinflammatory cytokines cross the BBB by entering the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system. As a result of the accumulation of these elements, brain function is adversely affected. It is hypothesized that incompletely digested peptides acting as opioid agonists reduce pain sensitivity and increase the severity of autism-specific behaviors. However, it is not known exactly how opioid peptides trigger ASD symptoms after they reach the brain. Diet therapies, especially elimination diets, are considered to be an alternative treatment to prevent this condition. Gluten-free casein-free [GFCF] diet is an elimination diet that involves the removal of certain proteins from the normal diet, such as gluten and casein. However, studies that demonstrate the beneficial effects of the GFCF diet on ASD patients and explain its mechanism is limited, which supports the opioid theory. This review aims to investigate the gastrointestinal and behavioral problems that are frequently observed in ASD, the possible action mechanisms of GFCF diets, and the efficacy of these elimination diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Baspinar
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulya Yardimci
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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14
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Allen L, Leon-Attia O, Shaham M, Shefer S, Gabis LV. Autism risk linked to prematurity is more accentuated in girls. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236994. [PMID: 32854110 PMCID: PMC7452728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prematurity has been identified as a risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and birth-week has not been strongly evidenced. We evaluated the correlation between the degree of prematurity and the incidence of autism in a cohort of 871 children born prematurely and followed from birth. The cohort was reduced to 416 premature infants born between 2011-2017 who were followed for 2-14 years, and analyzed according to birth week (degree of prematurity), and according to gender. RESULTS 43 children (10.3%) received a definite diagnosis of ASD. There was a significant correlation between birth week and the risk of ASD, with 22.6% of children diagnosed with ASD when born at 25 weeks, versus 6% of ASD diagnoses at 31 weeks of prematurity. For children born after 32 weeks, the incidence decreased to 8-12.5%. A strong link was found between earlier birth week and increased autism risk; the risk remained elevated during near-term prematurity in boys. A correlation between early birth week and an elevated risk for ASD was seen in all children, but accentuated in females, gradually decreasing as birth week progresses; in males the risk for ASD remains elevated for any birth week. CONCLUSION A statistically significant increase in rates of autism was found with each additional week of prematurity. Females drove this direct risk related to degree of prematurity, while males had an elevated risk throughout prematurity weeks, even at near-term. We recommend including ASD screening in follow up of infants born prematurely, at all levels of prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leora Allen
- Weinberg Child Development Center at Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Arrow Project, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Odelia Leon-Attia
- Weinberg Child Development Center at Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Meirav Shaham
- Weinberg Child Development Center at Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Shahar Shefer
- Weinberg Child Development Center at Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Lidia V. Gabis
- Weinberg Child Development Center at Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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15
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Patel S, Dale RC, Rose D, Heath B, Nordahl CW, Rogers S, Guastella AJ, Ashwood P. Maternal immune conditions are increased in males with autism spectrum disorders and are associated with behavioural and emotional but not cognitive co-morbidity. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:286. [PMID: 32796821 PMCID: PMC7429839 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and animal research shows that maternal immune activation increases the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring. Emerging evidence suggests that maternal immune conditions may play a role in the phenotypic expression of neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with ASD and this may be moderated by offspring sex. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal immune conditions were associated with increased severity of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with ASD. Maternal immune conditions were examined as predictors of ASD severity, behavioural and emotional well-being, and cognitive functioning in a cohort of 363 children with ASD (n = 363; 252 males, 111 females; median age 3.07 [interquartile range 2.64-3.36 years]). We also explored whether these outcomes varied between male and female children. Results showed that maternal asthma was the most common immune condition reported in mothers of children with ASD. A history of maternal immune conditions (p = 0.009) was more common in male children with ASD, compared to female children. Maternal immune conditions were associated with increased behavioural and emotional problems in male and female children. By contrast, maternal immune conditions were not associated with decreased cognitive function. The findings demonstrate that MIA may influence the expression of symptoms in children with ASD and outcomes may vary between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrujna Patel
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XAutism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - Russell C. Dale
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XKids Neuroscience Centre, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW Australia
| | - Destanie Rose
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Brianna Heath
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Psychiatry and MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Christine W. Nordahl
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Psychiatry and MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Sally Rogers
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Psychiatry and MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Adam J. Guastella
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XAutism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW Australia
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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16
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Gómez-Budia M, Konttinen H, Saveleva L, Korhonen P, Jalava PI, Kanninen KM, Malm T. Glial smog: Interplay between air pollution and astrocyte-microglia interactions. Neurochem Int 2020; 136:104715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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The role of host molecules in communication with the resident and pathogenic microbiota: A review. MEDICINE IN MICROECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmic.2020.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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18
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Song L, Luo X, Jiang Q, Chen Z, Zhou L, Wang D, Chen A. Vitamin D Supplementation is Beneficial for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 18:203-213. [PMID: 32329301 PMCID: PMC7242097 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.2.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to explore whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for symptom improvement in children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed database, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sino-Med, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure mainly up to September 2019. Using a fixed effects model, we calculated the standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, we analyzed baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and outcome scores including the Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores after vitamin D supplementation. Results There was no significant difference in baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among 203 children included from three studies in the meta-analysis. After vitamin D supplementation, the outcome scores in the experimental group were dramatically elevated compared with those in the control group (p = 0.03). Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation improves the typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, as indicated by reduced Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores; thus, it is beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyao Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Nursing Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou
| | - Lifang Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Pediatric, Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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19
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Differential regulation of Nrf2 is linked to elevated inflammation and nitrative stress in monocytes of children with autism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104554. [PMID: 31884317 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a very complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social and communication skills. Innate immune cells like monocytes are believed to play a cardinal role in neuroimmune inflammation and nitrative stress. On the other hand, Nrf2, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor plays a significant role in protecting the immune cells against inflammation and oxidants. However, its role in monocytes of ASD children and typically developing control (TDC) children has not been elucidated in relation with inflammation and nitrative stress. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate Nrf2 expression/activity along with parameters of inflammation (NFkB, IL-6, IL-1β) and nitrative stress (iNOS, nitrotyrosine) in monocytes of ASD/TDC children. Further, sulforaphane (SFN) was utilized as an Nrf2 activator to assess its effect on above said inflammatory and nitrative stress parameters. Our study shows that monocytes of ASD subjects have decreased Nrf2 expression/activity along with increased inflammation and nitrative stress. Further, monocytes from ASD have deficiency in induction of Nrf2 activity upon stimulation with LPS. However, activation of Nrf2 in vitro by SFN reverses LPS-induced effects on inflammation in monocytes by reduction in NFkB signaling. Further, treatment with SFN also reverses LPS-induced effects on nitrative stress (iNOS, nitrotyrosine) in monocytes of ASD subjects. This study propounds the idea that SFN protects against nitrative stress and inflammation by downregulating oxidative stress and inflammation through blockade of NFkB signaling in autistic children. This may be the reason behind reported ameliorative effects of SFN in ASD subjects.
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20
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Alsanea S, Al-Hosaini KA, Mahmood HM, Alzahrani MZ, Attia SM. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling by tyrphostin AG126 downregulates the IL-21/IL-21R and JAK/STAT pathway in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Neurotoxicology 2019; 77:1-11. [PMID: 31811869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders that are associated with deficits in social interaction and communication. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG126 represents a promising therapeutic agent for several neuroinflammatory disorders. There are currently no treatments available that can improve ASD and we previously showed that AG126 treatment exerts beneficial effects on BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model for autism that shows the core features of ASD; however, the immunological mechanisms and molecular targets associated with this effect were previously unclear. This study was undertaken to delineate the neuroprotective effect of AG126 on BTBR mice. Here, using this mouse model, we investigated the effects of AG126 administration on IL-21R, IL-21, IL-22, TNF-α, NOS2, STAT3, IL-27, and Foxp3 production by CD8+ T cells in the spleen by flow cytometry. We further explored the mRNA and protein expression of IL-21, IL-22, IL-1β, TNF-α, NOS2, JAK1, STAT3, IL-27, and Foxp3 in brain tissue by RT-PCR, and western blotting. We found that BTBR mice treated with AG126 exhibited significant decreases in IL-21R-, IL-21-, IL-22-, TNF-α-, NOS2-, STAT3-producing, and increases in IL-27- and Foxp3-producing, CD8+ T cells. Our results further demonstrated that AG126 treatment effectively decreased IL-21, IL-22, IL-1β, TNF-α, NOS2, JAK1, and STAT3, and increased IL-27 and Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression in brain tissues. Our findings suggest that AG126 elicits a neuroprotective response through downregulation of the IL-21/IL-21R and JAK/STAT pathway in BTBR mice, which could represent a promising novel therapeutic target for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled A Al-Hosaini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz M Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Z Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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21
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d'Angelo M, Castelli V, Catanesi M, Antonosante A, Dominguez-Benot R, Ippoliti R, Benedetti E, Cimini A. PPARγ and Cognitive Performance. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205068. [PMID: 31614739 PMCID: PMC6834178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent findings have led to the discovery of many signaling pathways that link nuclear receptors with human conditions, including mental decline and neurodegenerative diseases. PPARγ agonists have been indicated as neuroprotective agents, supporting synaptic plasticity and neurite outgrowth. For these reasons, many PPARγ ligands have been proposed for the improvement of cognitive performance in different pathological conditions. In this review, the research on this issue is extensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariano Catanesi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Reyes Dominguez-Benot
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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22
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Siu MT, Butcher DT, Turinsky AL, Cytrynbaum C, Stavropoulos DJ, Walker S, Caluseriu O, Carter M, Lou Y, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Szatmari P, Anagnostou E, Scherer SW, Choufani S, Brudno M, Weksberg R. Functional DNA methylation signatures for autism spectrum disorder genomic risk loci: 16p11.2 deletions and CHD8 variants. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:103. [PMID: 31311581 PMCID: PMC6636171 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0684-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and etiologically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Although many genetic causes have been identified (> 200 ASD-risk genes), no single gene variant accounts for > 1% of all ASD cases. A role for epigenetic mechanisms in ASD etiology is supported by the fact that many ASD-risk genes function as epigenetic regulators and evidence that epigenetic dysregulation can interrupt normal brain development. Gene-specific DNAm profiles have been shown to assist in the interpretation of variants of unknown significance. Therefore, we investigated the epigenome in patients with ASD or two of the most common genomic variants conferring increased risk for ASD. Genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) was assessed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 and MethylationEPIC arrays in blood from individuals with ASD of heterogeneous, undefined etiology (n = 52), and individuals with 16p11.2 deletions (16p11.2del, n = 9) or pathogenic variants in the chromatin modifier CHD8 (CHD8+/−, n = 7). Results DNAm patterns did not clearly distinguish heterogeneous ASD cases from controls. However, the homogeneous genetically-defined 16p11.2del and CHD8+/− subgroups each exhibited unique DNAm signatures that distinguished 16p11.2del or CHD8+/− individuals from each other and from heterogeneous ASD and control groups with high sensitivity and specificity. These signatures also classified additional 16p11.2del (n = 9) and CHD8 (n = 13) variants as pathogenic or benign. Our findings that DNAm alterations in each signature target unique genes in relevant biological pathways including neural development support their functional relevance. Furthermore, genes identified in our CHD8+/− DNAm signature in blood overlapped differentially expressed genes in CHD8+/− human-induced pluripotent cell-derived neurons and cerebral organoids from independent studies. Conclusions DNAm signatures can provide clinical utility complementary to next-generation sequencing in the interpretation of variants of unknown significance. Our study constitutes a novel approach for ASD risk-associated molecular classification that elucidates the vital cross-talk between genetics and epigenetics in the etiology of ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0684-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Siu
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D T Butcher
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A L Turinsky
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Cytrynbaum
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D J Stavropoulos
- Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Walker
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - O Caluseriu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Carter
- Department of Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Y Lou
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - P Szatmari
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S W Scherer
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Choufani
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Brudno
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Computational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Weksberg
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Nuclear Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) as Therapeutic Targets of Resveratrol for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081878. [PMID: 30995737 PMCID: PMC6515064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by defective social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behavior with a complex, multifactorial etiology. Despite an increasing worldwide prevalence of ASD, there is currently no pharmacological cure to treat core symptoms of ASD. Clinical evidence and molecular data support the role of impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in ASD. The recognition of defects in energy metabolism in ASD may be important for better understanding ASD and developing therapeutic intervention. The nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α, δ, and γ are ligand-activated receptors with distinct physiological functions in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as inflammatory response. PPAR activation allows a coordinated up-regulation of numerous FAO enzymes, resulting in significant PPAR-driven increases in mitochondrial FAO flux. Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic compound which exhibits metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, pointing to possible applications in ASD therapeutics. In this study, we review the evidence for the existing links between ASD and impaired mitochondrial FAO and review the potential implications for regulation of mitochondrial FAO in ASD by PPAR activators, including RSV.
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24
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Kaufman JA, Wright JM, Rice G, Connolly N, Bowers K, Anixt J. Ambient ozone and fine particulate matter exposures and autism spectrum disorder in metropolitan Cincinnati, Ohio. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:218-227. [PMID: 30684889 PMCID: PMC7232936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies report fairly consistent associations between various air pollution metrics and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with some elevated risks reported for different prenatal and postnatal periods. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between ASD and ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone concentrations during the prenatal period through the second year of life in a case-control study. METHODS ASD cases (n = 428) diagnosed at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center were frequency matched (15:1) to 6420 controls from Ohio birth records. We assigned daily PM2.5 and ozone estimates for 2005-2012 from US EPA's Fused Air Quality Surface Using Downscaling model to each participant for each day based on the mother's census tract of residence at birth. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) using logistic regression across continuous and categorical exposure window averages (trimesters, first and second postnatal years, and cumulative measure), adjusting for maternal- and birth-related confounders, both air pollutants, and multiple temporal exposure windows. RESULTS We detected elevated aORs for PM2.5 during the 2nd trimester, 1st year of life, and a cumulative period from pregnancy through the 2nd year (aOR ranges across categories: 1.41-1.44, 1.54-1.84, and 1.41-1.52 respectively), and for ozone in the 2nd year of life (aOR range across categories: 1.29-1.42). Per each change in IQR, we observed elevated aORs for ozone in the 3rd trimester, 1st and 2nd years of life, and the cumulative period (aOR range: 1.19-1.27) and for PM2.5 in the 2nd trimester, 1st year of life, and the cumulative period (aOR range: 1.11-1.17). DISCUSSION We saw limited evidence of linear exposure-response relationships for ASD with increasing air pollution, but the elevated aORs detected for PM2.5 in upper exposure categories and per IQR unit increases were similar in magnitude to those reported in previous studies, especially for postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Kaufman
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, hosted by National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, 26W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - J Michael Wright
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, 26W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Glenn Rice
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, 26W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | | | - Katherine Bowers
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
| | - Julia Anixt
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
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25
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Al-Ayadhi LY, Attia SM. Elevated IL-16 expression is associated with development of immune dysfunction in children with autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:831-838. [PMID: 30456538 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in communication skills and social behaviors. Several studies have suggested that neuroimmune dysfunction plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of ASD; however, its exact etiology is unknown. Interleukin-16 (IL-16), a chemoattractant, is associated with various inflammatory processes. However, its role in children with ASD is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-16 expression is associated with immune dysfunction in children with ASD. We examined IL-16 expression in CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CCR3+, and CXCR7+ cells in typically developing (TD) controls and children with ASD using flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We also investigated the expression of IL-1β+IL-16+, IL-6+IL-16+, and TNF-α+IL-16+ in TD controls and children with ASD. We further explored IL-16 mRNA and protein expression using RT-PCR and western blotting. CD4+IL-16+, CD8+IL-16+, CD14+IL-16+, CCR3+IL-16+, and CXCR7+IL-16+ cells increased significantly in children with ASD compared with TD controls. We also showed that expression of IL-1β+IL-16+, IL-6+IL-16+, and TNF-α+IL-16+ was elevated in children with ASD compared with TD controls. Moreover, IL-16 mRNA and protein expression was significantly induced in children with ASD compared with TD controls. These results suggest that IL-16 expression could play an essential role in immune alteration in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 2457, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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26
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Ahmad SF, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Bakheet SA, Alshammari MA, Attia SM. Protection by tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin AG126, through the suppression of IL-17A, RORγt, and T-bet signaling, in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Brain Res Bull 2018; 142:328-337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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27
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Social impairments in autism spectrum disorder are related to maternal immune history profile. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1794-1797. [PMID: 28993711 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation has been highlighted as a factor that might increase the risk and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Preclinical animal evidence shows that immune activation in mothers during pregnancy causes ASD-like behavioural traits in offspring. To this point, there has been no investigation of whether immune system activation in human mothers during pregnancy is associated with more severe symptoms in children with ASD. In this study, data from an existing ASD cohort (N=220) were analysed to investigate whether immune conditions in the mother were associated with greater severity of autism-related symptoms. Results showed that children whose mothers reported a history of immune activation (allergies and asthma) had significantly higher scores on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS; P=0.016), suggesting more severe social impairment symptoms in these children. This increasing severity of social impairment symptoms was further shown on the SRS cognition (P=0.007) and mannerisms (P=0.002) subscales. While immune history was associated with an increase in the severity of social impairment symptoms, history of autoimmune conditions in the mother did not have any effect in this cohort. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show an association between immune activation history in the mother and increased ASD symptom severity in children with ASD. These findings support the idea of an immune system-mediated subtype in ASD, where the immune history of the mother may be an important factor.
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28
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Blood-brain barrier regulation in psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Lett 2018; 726:133664. [PMID: 29966749 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic interface between the peripheral blood supply and the cerebral parenchyma, controlling the transport of material to and from the brain. Tight junctions between the endothelial cells of the cerebral microvasculature limit the passage of large, negatively charged molecules via paracellular diffusion whereas transcellular transportation across the endothelial cell is controlled by a number of mechanisms including transporter proteins, endocytosis, and diffusion. Here, we review the evidence that perturbation of these processes may underlie the development of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and affective disorders. Increased permeability of the BBB appears to be a common factor in these disorders, leading to increased infiltration of peripheral material into the brain culminating in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. However, although there is no common mechanism underpinning BBB dysfunction even within each particular disorder, the tight junction protein claudin-5 may be a clinically relevant target given that both clinical and pre-clinical research has linked it to schizophrenia, ASD, and depression. Additionally, we discuss the clinical significance of the BBB in diagnosis (genetic markers, dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging, and blood biomarkers) and in treatment (drug delivery).
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29
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Bennabi M, Gaman A, Delorme R, Boukouaci W, Manier C, Scheid I, Si Mohammed N, Bengoufa D, Charron D, Krishnamoorthy R, Leboyer M, Tamouza R. HLA-class II haplotypes and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7639. [PMID: 29769579 PMCID: PMC5955937 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25974-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections and autoimmunity are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with both strongly influenced by the genetic regulation of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. The relationship between ASD and the HLA genetic diversity requires further investigation. Using a case control design, the distribution of HLA class II-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles, genotypes and haplotypes were investigated in ASD patients, versus healthy controls (HC). ASD patients meeting DSM-IV TR criteria and HC (474 and 350 respectively) were genotyped at medium resolution using a Luminex-based SSO technology. Comparisons of genotypes, allele frequencies associated with a haplotype analysis were performed. Results indicate: (i) the HLA-DRB1 *11-DQB1*07 haplotype was more prevalent in ASD patients, versus HC (Pc = 0.001), partially replicating previous data and possibly linking to gastro-intestinal (GI)-related pro-inflammatory processes, given that this haplotype associates with pediatric celiac disorders; (ii) the HLA-DRB1 *17-DQB1*02 haplotype was higher in HC, versus ASD patients (Pc = 0.002), indicating that this is a protective haplotype. Using the Autism Diagnostic Interview to assess clinical dimensions, higher scores on social (Pc = 0.006) and non-verbal functioning (Pc = 0.004) associated with the DRB1 *11 DQB1*07 haplotype. Our results support HLA involvement in ASD, with possible relevance to GI and gut-brain axis dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Bennabi
- INSERM, U1160, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Alexandru Gaman
- INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.,DHU Protect, AP-HP, Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France.,Département de génétique humaine et fonctions cognitives, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Isabelle Scheid
- INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | | | - Djaouida Bengoufa
- Laboratoire Jean Dausset and LabEx Transplantex, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Charron
- INSERM, U1160, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France.,Laboratoire Jean Dausset and LabEx Transplantex, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Rajagopal Krishnamoorthy
- INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.,DHU PePSY, AP-HP, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Faculté de médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- INSERM, U1160, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France. .,INSERM, U955, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France. .,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France. .,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France. .,Laboratoire Jean Dausset and LabEx Transplantex, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France. .,DHU PePSY, AP-HP, Pôle de Psychiatrie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
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30
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Skaper SD, Facci L, Zusso M, Giusti P. An Inflammation-Centric View of Neurological Disease: Beyond the Neuron. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:72. [PMID: 29618972 PMCID: PMC5871676 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological response fundamental to how the body deals with injury and infection to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury and effect repair. Unlike a normally beneficial acute inflammatory response, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and ultimately its destruction, and often results from an inappropriate immune response. Inflammation in the nervous system (“neuroinflammation”), especially when prolonged, can be particularly injurious. While inflammation per se may not cause disease, it contributes importantly to disease pathogenesis across both the peripheral (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia) and central [e.g., Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, ischemia and traumatic brain injury, depression, and autism spectrum disorder] nervous systems. The existence of extensive lines of communication between the nervous system and immune system represents a fundamental principle underlying neuroinflammation. Immune cell-derived inflammatory molecules are critical for regulation of host responses to inflammation. Although these mediators can originate from various non-neuronal cells, important sources in the above neuropathologies appear to be microglia and mast cells, together with astrocytes and possibly also oligodendrocytes. Understanding neuroinflammation also requires an appreciation that non-neuronal cell—cell interactions, between both glia and mast cells and glia themselves, are an integral part of the inflammation process. Within this context the mast cell occupies a key niche in orchestrating the inflammatory process, from initiation to prolongation. This review will describe the current state of knowledge concerning the biology of neuroinflammation, emphasizing mast cell-glia and glia-glia interactions, then conclude with a consideration of how a cell's endogenous mechanisms might be leveraged to provide a therapeutic strategy to target neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Skaper
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Facci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Morena Zusso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Giusti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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31
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Saad K, Abdel-Rahman AA, Elserogy YM, Al-Atram AA, El-Houfey AA, Othman HAK, Bjørklund G, Jia F, Urbina MA, Abo-Elela MGM, Ahmad FA, Abd El-Baseer KA, Ahmed AE, Abdel-Salam AM. Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:20-29. [PMID: 27868194 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a frequent developmental disorder characterized by pervasive deficits in social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities. It has been previously reported that there is vitamin D deficiency in autistic children; however, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in ASD children. METHODS This study is a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial (RCT) that was conducted on 109 children with ASD (85 boys and 24 girls; aged 3-10 years). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the core symptoms of autism in children. ASD patients were randomized to receive vitamin D3 or placebo for 4 months. The serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH)D) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. The autism severity and social maturity of the children were assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER UMIN-CTR Study Design: trial number: UMIN000020281. RESULTS Supplementation of vitamin D was well tolerated by the ASD children. The daily doses used in the therapy group was 300 IU vitamin D3/kg/day, not to exceed 5,000 IU/day. The autism symptoms of the children improved significantly, following 4-month vitamin D3 supplementation, but not in the placebo group. This study demonstrates the efficacy and tolerability of high doses of vitamin D3 in children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first double-blinded RCT proving the efficacy of vitamin D3 in ASD patients. Depending on the parameters measured in the study, oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve signs and symptoms of ASD and could be recommended for children with ASD. At this stage, this study is a single RCT with a small number of patients, and a great deal of additional wide-scale studies are needed to critically validate the efficacy of vitamin D in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Saad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Elserogy
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman A Al-Atram
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Almajmaah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A El-Houfey
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Feiyong Jia
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mauricio A Urbina
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | | | - Khaled A Abd El-Baseer
- Department of Pediatrics, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Ahmed
- Department of Pediatrics, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M Abdel-Salam
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Alazhar University, Assiut, Egypt
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32
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Li K, Li L, Cui B, Gai Z, Li Q, Wang S, Yan J, Lin B, Tian L, Liu H, Liu X, Xi Z. Early Postnatal Exposure to Airborne Fine Particulate Matter Induces Autism-like Phenotypes in Male Rats. Toxicol Sci 2017; 162:189-199. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Department of Toxicology
- Department of Stress Medicine
| | | | - Bo Cui
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihui Gai
- Department of Occupational Hygiene, Institute of Health and Environmental Medicine, Tianjin, China
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33
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Morris G, Puri BK, Frye RE. The putative role of environmental aluminium in the development of chronic neuropathology in adults and children. How strong is the evidence and what could be the mechanisms involved? Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1335-1355. [PMID: 28752219 PMCID: PMC5596046 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0077-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The conceptualisation of autistic spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease has undergone something of a paradigm shift in recent years and rather than being viewed as single illnesses with a unitary pathogenesis and pathophysiology they are increasingly considered to be heterogeneous syndromes with a complex multifactorial aetiopathogenesis, involving a highly complex and diverse combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. One such environmental factor implicated as a potential cause in both syndromes is aluminium, as an element or as part of a salt, received, for example, in oral form or as an adjuvant. Such administration has the potential to induce pathology via several routes such as provoking dysfunction and/or activation of glial cells which play an indispensable role in the regulation of central nervous system homeostasis and neurodevelopment. Other routes include the generation of oxidative stress, depletion of reduced glutathione, direct and indirect reductions in mitochondrial performance and integrity, and increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines in both the brain and peripherally. The mechanisms whereby environmental aluminium could contribute to the development of the highly specific pattern of neuropathology seen in Alzheimer's disease are described. Also detailed are several mechanisms whereby significant quantities of aluminium introduced via immunisation could produce chronic neuropathology in genetically susceptible children. Accordingly, it is recommended that the use of aluminium salts in immunisations should be discontinued and that adults should take steps to minimise their exposure to environmental aluminium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Tir Na Nog, Bryn Road seaside 87, Llanelli, Wales, SA15 2LW, UK
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England, W12 0HS, UK.
| | - Richard E Frye
- College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
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34
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Siu MT, Weksberg R. Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:63-90. [PMID: 28523541 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), is diagnosed in 1 of every 68 children. ASD is incredibly heterogeneous both clinically and aetiologically. The etiopathogenesis of ASD is known to be complex, including genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. Normal epigenetic marks modifiable by both genetics and environmental exposures can result in epigenetic alterations that disrupt the regulation of gene expression, negatively impacting biological pathways important for brain development. In this chapter we aim to summarize some of the important literature that supports a role for epigenetics in the underlying molecular mechanism of ASD. We provide evidence from work in genetics, from environmental exposures and finally from more recent studies aimed at directly determining ASD-specific epigenetic patterns, focusing mainly on DNA methylation (DNAm). Finally, we briefly discuss some of the implications of current research on potential epigenetic targets for therapeutics and novel avenues for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Siu
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Expression and Differential Responsiveness of Central Nervous System Glial Cell Populations to the Acute Phase Protein Serum Amyloid A. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12158. [PMID: 28939905 PMCID: PMC5610307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute-phase response is a systemic reaction to environmental/inflammatory insults and involves hepatic production of acute-phase proteins, including serum amyloid A (SAA). Extrahepatically, SAA immunoreactivity is found in axonal myelin sheaths of cortex in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), although its cellular origin is unclear. We examined the responses of cultured rat cortical astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to master pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and lipopolysaccaride (LPS). TNF-α time-dependently increased Saa1 (but not Saa3) mRNA expression in purified microglia, enriched astrocytes, and OPCs (as did LPS for microglia and astrocytes). Astrocytes depleted of microglia were markedly less responsive to TNF-α and LPS, even after re-addition of microglia. Microglia and enriched astrocytes showed complementary Saa1 expression profiles following TNF-α or LPS challenge, being higher in microglia with TNF-α and higher in astrocytes with LPS. Recombinant human apo-SAA stimulated production of both inflammatory mediators and its own mRNA in microglia and enriched, but not microglia-depleted astrocytes. Co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin, an established anti-inflammatory/ neuroprotective agent, reduced Saa1 expression in OPCs subjected to TNF-α treatment. These last data, together with past findings suggest that co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin may be a novel approach in the treatment of inflammatory demyelinating disorders like MS.
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Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Childhood Autism. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7090115. [PMID: 28891930 PMCID: PMC5615256 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7090115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous, behaviorally defined disorders whereby currently no biological markers are common to all affected individuals. A deregulated immune response may be contributing to the etiology of ASD. The active metabolite of vitamin D3 has an immunoregulatory role mediated by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in monocyte, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The effects of vitamin D and interaction with the VDR may be influenced by polymorphism in the VDR gene. Methods: Genetic association of four different VDR polymorphisms (Apa-I, Bsm-I, Taq-I, Fok-I) associated with susceptibility to the development of autism in children was investigated. Results: We uniquely found an association between the presence of the T allele at position Taq-I and presence of the a allele at position Apa-I of the VDR gene with decreased ASD incidence. There was also an association between female gender and the presence of the T allele. We found no statistical significant correlation between VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and vitamin D3 concentration in serum of ASD children. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism in two SNP in VDR may be correlated with development of ASD symptoms by influencing functionality of vitamin D3 metabolism, while vitamin D3 levels were not significantly different between ASD and non-ASD children.
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The Putative Role of Environmental Mercury in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subtypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4834-4856. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Verlaet AAJ, Ceulemans B, Verhelst H, Van West D, De Bruyne T, Pieters L, Savelkoul HFJ, Hermans N. Effect of Pycnogenol® on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:145. [PMID: 28351412 PMCID: PMC5370458 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1879-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylphenidate (MPH), the first choice medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is associated with serious adverse effects like arrhythmia. Evidence on the association of ADHD with immune and oxidant-antioxidant imbalances offers potential for antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory nutritional supplements as ADHD therapy. One small randomised trial in ADHD suggests, despite various limitations, therapeutic benefit from Pycnogenol®, a herbal, polyphenol-rich extract. METHODS This phase III trial is a 10-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo and active treatment controlled multicentre trial with three parallel treatment arms to compare the effect of Pycnogenol® to MPH and placebo on the behaviour of 144 paediatric ADHD and attention-deficit disorder (ADD) patients. Evaluations of behaviour (measured by the ADHD-Rating Scale (primary endpoint) and the Social-emotional Questionnaire (SEQ)), immunity (plasma cytokine and antibody levels, white blood cell counts and faecal microbial composition), oxidative stress (erythrocyte glutathione, plasma lipid-soluble vitamins and malondialdehyde and urinary 8-OHdG levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression), serum zinc and neuropeptide Y level, urinary catecholamines and physical complaints (Physical Complaints Questionnaire) will be performed in week 10 and compared to baseline. Acceptability evaluations will be based on adherence, dropouts and reports of adverse events. Dietary habits will be taken into account. DISCUSSION This trial takes into account comorbid behavioural and physical symptoms, as well as a broad range of innovative immune and oxidative biomarkers, expected to provide fundamental knowledge on ADHD aetiology and therapy. Research on microbiota in ADHD is novel. Moreover, the active control arm is rather unseen in research on nutritional supplements, but of great importance, as patients and parents are often concerned with the side effects of MPH. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02700685 . Registered on 18 January 2016. EudraCT 2016-000215-32 . Registered on 4 October 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies A. J. Verlaet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Berten Ceulemans
- Neurology, University Hospital Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Helene Verhelst
- Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van West
- Hospital Networtk Antwerp, Universitary Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tess De Bruyne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Luc Pieters
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Huub F. J. Savelkoul
- Cell Biology and Immunology Group, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Hermans
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Nutrition and Functional Food Science, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Fortunato JJ, da Rosa N, Martins Laurentino AO, Goulart M, Michalak C, Borges LP, da Cruz Cittadin Soares E, Reis PA, de Castro Faria Neto HC, Petronilho F. Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on stereotypical behavior and social interactions in Wistar rats prenatally exposed to lipopolysaccarides. Nutrition 2017; 35:119-127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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40
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Skaper SD, Facci L, Zusso M, Giusti P. Neuroinflammation, Mast Cells, and Glia: Dangerous Liaisons. Neuroscientist 2017; 23:478-498. [PMID: 29283023 DOI: 10.1177/1073858416687249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The perspective of neuroinflammation as an epiphenomenon following neuron damage is being replaced by the awareness of glia and their importance in neural functions and disorders. Systemic inflammation generates signals that communicate with the brain and leads to changes in metabolism and behavior, with microglia assuming a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Identification of potential peripheral-to-central cellular links is thus a critical step in designing effective therapeutics. Mast cells may fulfill such a role. These resident immune cells are found close to and within peripheral nerves and in brain parenchyma/meninges, where they exercise a key role in orchestrating the inflammatory process from initiation through chronic activation. Mast cells and glia engage in crosstalk that contributes to accelerate disease progression; such interactions become exaggerated with aging and increased cell sensitivity to stress. Emerging evidence for oligodendrocytes, independent of myelin and support of axonal integrity, points to their having strong immune functions, innate immune receptor expression, and production/response to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the central nervous system while engaging in crosstalk with microglia and astrocytes. In this review, we summarize the findings related to our understanding of the biology and cellular signaling mechanisms of neuroinflammation, with emphasis on mast cell-glia interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Skaper
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Facci
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Morena Zusso
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Giusti
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
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Serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 25:341-50. [PMID: 26514973 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-015-0786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D may play an important role in the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Vitamin D is regarded as a neuroactive steroid affecting brain development and function. It plays an essential role in myelination, which is important for connectivity in the brain. Studies have shown that decreased vitamin D levels in patients, decreased maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy, and decreased exposure to solar UVB might increase the risk for ASD. In addition, autism symptoms and global functioning may improve after vitamin D supplementation. Here, we sought to aggregate information from previous publications on vitamin D levels and ASD, in order to achieve a higher statistical power and thereby to determine the validity of vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for ASD. For this meta-analysis, 11 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, accounting for a total of 870 ASD patients and 782 healthy controls. Levels of serum 25(OH) D in participants with ASD were significantly lower than controls, suggesting that lower vitamin D level might be a risk factor for ASD.
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42
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van Scheppingen J, Iyer AM, Prabowo AS, Mühlebner A, Anink JJ, Scholl T, Feucht M, Jansen FE, Spliet WG, Krsek P, Zamecnik J, Buccoliero AM, Giordano F, Genitori L, Kotulska K, Jozwiak S, Jaworski J, Liszewska E, van Vliet EA, Aronica E. Expression of microRNAs miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers and their regulation in human astrocytes and SEGA-derived cell cultures. Glia 2016; 64:1066-82. [PMID: 27014996 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease presenting with multiple neurological symptoms including epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Abnormal activation of various inflammatory pathways has been observed in astrocytes in brain lesions associated with TSC. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte-mediated inflammatory response. To study the role of inflammation-related microRNAs in TSC, we employed real-time PCR and in situ hybridization to characterize the expression of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in TSC lesions (cortical tubers and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, SEGAs). We observed an increased expression of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in TSC tubers compared with control and perituberal brain tissue. Expression was localized in dysmorphic neurons, giant cells, and reactive astrocytes and positively correlated with IL-1β expression. In addition, cultured human astrocytes and SEGA-derived cell cultures were used to study the regulation of the expression of these miRNAs in response to the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and to evaluate the effects of overexpression or knockdown of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 on inflammatory signaling. IL-1β stimulation of cultured glial cells strongly induced intracellular miR21, miR146a, and miR155 expression, as well as miR146a extracellular release. IL-1β signaling was differentially modulated by overexpression of miR155 or miR146a, which resulted in pro- or anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. This study provides supportive evidence that inflammation-related microRNAs play a role in TSC. In particular, miR146a and miR155 appear to be key players in the regulation of astrocyte-mediated inflammatory response, with miR146a as most interesting anti-inflammatory therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Scheppingen
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A M Iyer
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A S Prabowo
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - J J Anink
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T Scholl
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Feucht
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - F E Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W G Spliet
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - P Krsek
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - J Zamecnik
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - A M Buccoliero
- Pathology Unit, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - F Giordano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - L Genitori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - K Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - S Jozwiak
- Department of Child Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Jaworski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E Liszewska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E A van Vliet
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), the Netherlands
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Sealey LA, Hughes BW, Sriskanda AN, Guest JR, Gibson AD, Johnson-Williams L, Pace DG, Bagasra O. Environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorders. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 88:288-298. [PMID: 26826339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous developmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive/stereotyped patterns of behavior and repetitive movements. Social interaction impairments are the most characteristic deficits in ASD. There is also evidence of impoverished language and empathy, a profound inability to use standard nonverbal behaviors (eye contact, affective expression) to regulate social interactions with others, difficulties in showing empathy, failure to share enjoyment, interests and achievements with others, and a lack of social and emotional reciprocity. In developed countries, it is now reported that 1%-1.5% of children have ASD, and in the US 2015 CDC reports that approximately one in 45 children suffer from ASD. Despite the intense research focus on ASD in the last decade, the underlying etiology remains unknown. Genetic research involving twins and family studies strongly supports a significant contribution of environmental factors in addition to genetic factors in ASD etiology. A comprehensive literature search has implicated several environmental factors associated with the development of ASD. These include pesticides, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, solvents, air pollutants, fragrances, glyphosate and heavy metals, especially aluminum used in vaccines as adjuvant. Importantly, the majority of these toxicants are some of the most common ingredients in cosmetics and herbicides to which almost all of us are regularly exposed to in the form of fragrances, face makeup, cologne, air fresheners, food flavors, detergents, insecticides and herbicides. In this review we describe various scientific data to show the role of environmental factors in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Sealey
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - B W Hughes
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - A N Sriskanda
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - J R Guest
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - A D Gibson
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - L Johnson-Williams
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - D G Pace
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States
| | - O Bagasra
- South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Claflin University, 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC, 29115, United States.
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Businaro R, Corsi M, Azzara G, Di Raimo T, Laviola G, Romano E, Ricci L, Maccarrone M, Aronica E, Fuso A, Ricci S. Interleukin-18 modulation in autism spectrum disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:2. [PMID: 26728085 PMCID: PMC4700739 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease which affects 1 in 88 children. Its etiology remains basically unknown, but it is apparent that neuroinflammation is involved in disease development. Great attention has been focused on pro-inflammatory cytokines, and several studies have reported their dysfunction unbalance in serum as well as in the brain. The present work aimed at evaluating putative dysregulation of interleukin-18 (IL-18), a pro-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family in the sera of patients with ASD of different grades, compared to healthy controls, as well as in postmortem brain samples obtained from patients with tuberous sclerosis as well as acute inflammatory diseases. Moreover, quantitative analysis of IL-18 was performed in the sera and brain obtained from Reeler mice, an experimental model of autism. METHODS Serum IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. IL-18 was localized by immunohistochemical analysis in brain sections obtained from tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis patients, as well as from gender- and age-matched controls, and in the brain sections of both Reeler and wild-type mice. IL-18 was also quantified by Western blots in homogenates of Reeler and wild-type mice brains. IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) was evaluated in Reeler and wild-type mice plasma as well as in their brains (sections and homogenates). RESULTS IL-18 content decreased in the sera of patients with autism compared to healthy subjects and in Reeler sera compared to wild-type controls. IL-18 was detected within glial cells and neurons in the brain of subjects affected by tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis whereas in healthy subjects, only a weak IL-18 positivity was detected at the level of glial cells. Western blot identified higher amounts of IL-18 in Reeler brain homogenates compared to wild-type littermates. IL-18BP was expressed in higher amounts in Reeler brain compared to the brain of wild-type mice, whereas no significant difference was detected comparing IL-18BP plasma levels. CONCLUSIONS IL-18 is dysregulated in ASD patients. Further studies seemed necessary to clarify the molecular details behind IL-18 increase in the brain and IL-18 decrease in the sera of patients. An increase in the size of the patient cohort seems necessary to ascertain whether decreased IL-18 content in the sera can become a predictive biomarker of ASD and whether its measure, in combination with other markers (e.g., increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)), may be included in a diagnostic panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Businaro
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Corsi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Azzara
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Tania Di Raimo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Section of Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Section Behavioural Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Emilia Romano
- Section of Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Section Behavioural Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Lidia Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64-65, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center and Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Andrea Fuso
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64-65, 00143, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Serafino Ricci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Legal Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Gamliel M, Anderson KL, Ebstein RP, Yirmiya N, Mankuta D. Paternal HLA-C and Maternal Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genotypes in the Development of Autism. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:76. [PMID: 27517034 PMCID: PMC4963409 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a family of cell surface proteins found on natural killer cells, which are components of the innate immune system. KIRs recognize MHC class I proteins, mainly HLA-C and are further divided into two groups: short-tailed 2/3DS activating receptors and long-tailed 2/3DL inhibitory receptors. Based on the Barker Hypothesis, the origins of illness can be traced back to embryonic development in the uterus, and since KIR:HLA interaction figures prominently in the maternal-fetal interface, we investigated whether specific KIR:HLA combinations may be found in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) children compared with their healthy parents. This study enrolled 49 ASD children from different Israeli families, and their healthy parents. Among the parents, a higher frequency of HLA-C2 allotypes was found in the fathers, while its corresponding ligand 2DS1 was found in higher percentage in the maternal group. However, such skewing in KIR:HLA frequencies did not appear in the ASD children. Additionally, analysis of "overall activation" indicated higher activation in maternal than in paternal cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moriya Gamliel
- Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Karen L Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Jerusalem , Israel
| | - David Mankuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center , Jerusalem , Israel
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46
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Marinelli C, Di Liddo R, Facci L, Bertalot T, Conconi MT, Zusso M, Skaper SD, Giusti P. Ligand engagement of Toll-like receptors regulates their expression in cortical microglia and astrocytes. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:244. [PMID: 26714634 PMCID: PMC4696218 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation on microglia and astrocytes are key elements in neuroinflammation which accompanies a number of neurological disorders. While TLR activation on glia is well-established to up-regulate pro-inflammatory mediator expression, much less is known about how ligand engagement of one TLR may affect expression of other TLRs on microglia and astrocytes. Methods In the present study, we evaluated the effects of agonists for TLR2 (zymosan), TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), a synthetic analogue of double-stranded RNA) and TLR4 (lipopolysaccaride (LPS)) in influencing expression of their cognate receptor as well as that of the other TLRs in cultures of rat cortical purified microglia (>99.5 %) and nominally microglia-free astrocytes. Elimination of residual microglia (a common contaminant of astrocyte cultures) was achieved by incubation with the lysosomotropic agent l-leucyl-l-leucine methyl ester (L-LME). Results Flow cytometric analysis confirmed the purity (essentially 100 %) of the obtained microglia, and up to 5 % microglia contamination of astrocytes. L-LME treatment effectively removed microglia from the latter (real-time polymerase chain reaction). The three TLR ligands robustly up-regulated gene expression for pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin-1 and interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor) in microglia and enriched, but not purified, astrocytes, confirming cellular functionality. LPS, zymosan and poly(I:C) all down-regulated TLR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) and up-regulated TLR2 mRNA at 6 and 24 h. In spite of their inability to elaborate pro-inflammatory mediator output, the nominally microglia-free astrocytes (>99 % purity) also showed similar behaviours to those of microglia, as well as changes in TLR3 gene expression. LPS interaction with TLR4 activates downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signalling pathways and subsequently causes inflammatory mediator production. The effects of LPS on TLR2 mRNA in both cell populations were antagonized by a nuclear factor-κB inhibitor. Conclusions TLR2 and TLR4 activation in particular, in concert with microglia and astrocytes, comprise key elements in the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. The finding that both homologous (zymosan) and heterologous (LPS, poly(I:C)) TLR ligands are capable of regulating TLR2 gene expression, in particular, may have important implications in understanding the relative contributions of different TLRs in neurological disorders associated with neuroinflammation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-015-0458-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Marinelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Rosa Di Liddo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Laura Facci
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Thomas Bertalot
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Conconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Morena Zusso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Stephen D Skaper
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Pietro Giusti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "E. Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy.
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Developmental neurotoxicity of inhaled ambient ultrafine particle air pollution: Parallels with neuropathological and behavioral features of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurotoxicology 2015; 59:140-154. [PMID: 26721665 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence from both human and animal studies show that brain is a target of air pollution. Multiple epidemiological studies have now linked components of air pollution to diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a linkage with plausibility based on the shared mechanisms of inflammation. Additional plausibility appears to be provided by findings from our studies in mice of exposures from postnatal day (PND) 4-7 and 10-13 (human 3rd trimester equivalent), to concentrated ambient ultrafine (UFP) particles, considered the most reactive component of air pollution, at levels consistent with high traffic areas of major U.S. cities and thus highly relevant to human exposures. These exposures, occurring during a period of marked neuro- and gliogenesis, unexpectedly produced a pattern of developmental neurotoxicity notably similar to multiple hypothesized mechanistic underpinnings of ASD, including its greater impact in males. UFP exposures induced inflammation/microglial activation, reductions in size of the corpus callosum (CC) and associated hypomyelination, aberrant white matter development and/or structural integrity with ventriculomegaly (VM), elevated glutamate and excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, increased amygdala astrocytic activation, and repetitive and impulsive behaviors. Collectively, these findings suggest the human 3rd trimester equivalent as a period of potential vulnerability to neurodevelopmental toxicity to UFP, particularly in males, and point to the possibility that UFP air pollution exposure during periods of rapid neuro- and gliogenesis may be a risk factor not only for ASD, but also for other neurodevelopmental disorders that share features with ASD, such as schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, and periventricular leukomalacia.
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Miyazaki C, Koyama M, Ota E, Swa T, Amiya RM, Mlunde LB, Tachibana Y, Yamamoto-Hanada K, Mori R. Allergies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-015-0059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Babinská K, Bucová M, Ďurmanová V, Lakatošová S, Jánošíková D, Bakoš J, Hlavatá A, Ostatníková D. Increased plasma levels of the high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) are associated with a higher score of gastrointestinal dysfunction in individuals with autism. Physiol Res 2015; 63:S613-8. [PMID: 25669692 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. The etiology of autism is poorly understood, the evidence indicates that inflammation may play a key role. In autism a high prevalence of gastrointestinal disturbances is reported, that are linked to a low-grade chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is an intranuclear protein that can be passively released from necrotic cells or actively secreted under inflammatory conditions as alarmin or late proinflammatory cytokine. The objective of this study was to measure plasma levels of HMGB1 in individuals with autism and to analyze their association with gastrointestinal symptoms. The study involved 31 subjects with low-functioning autistic disorder aged 2-22 years and 16 healthy controls. Plasma HMGB1 levels were significantly higher in individuals with autism than in controls (13.8+/-11.7 ng/ml vs. 7.90+/-4.0 ng/ml, p<0.02). In subjects with plasma HMGB1 levels higher than 11 ng/ml severe forms of GI disorders were more prevalent (83.3 %) than in subjects with lower levels (38.9 %, p<0.04). Results of the study support the involvement of the systemic low-grade inflammation in the pathomechanisms of autism and its possible association with GI symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Babinská
- Institute of Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Medicine, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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50
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Skaper SD, Facci L, Barbierato M, Zusso M, Bruschetta G, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Giusti P. N-Palmitoylethanolamine and Neuroinflammation: a Novel Therapeutic Strategy of Resolution. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 52:1034-42. [PMID: 26055231 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is fundamentally a protective cellular response aimed at removing injurious stimuli and initiating the healing process. However, when prolonged, it can override the bounds of physiological control and becomes destructive. Inflammation is a key element in the pathobiology of chronic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, spinal cord injury, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Glia, key players in such nervous system disorders, are not only capable of expressing a pro-inflammatory phenotype but respond also to inflammatory signals released from cells of immune origin such as mast cells. Chronic inflammatory processes may be counteracted by a program of resolution that includes the production of lipid mediators endowed with the capacity to switch off inflammation. These naturally occurring lipid signaling molecules include the N-acylethanolamines, N-arachidonoylethanolamine (an endocannabinoid), and its congener N-palmitoylethanolamine (palmitoylethanolamide or PEA). PEA may play a role in maintaining cellular homeostasis when faced with external stressors provoking, for example, inflammation. PEA is efficacious in mast cell-mediated models of neurogenic inflammation and neuropathic pain and is neuroprotective in models of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson disease. PEA in micronized/ultramicronized form shows superior oral efficacy in inflammatory pain models when compared to naïve PEA. Intriguingly, while PEA has no antioxidant effects per se, its co-ultramicronization with the flavonoid luteolin is more efficacious than either molecule alone. Inhibiting or modulating the enzymatic breakdown of PEA represents a complementary therapeutic approach to treat neuroinflammation. This review is intended to discuss the role of mast cells and glia in neuroinflammation and strategies to modulate their activation based on leveraging natural mechanisms with the capacity for self-defense against inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Skaper
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo "Egidio Meneghetti" 2, 35131, Padua, Italy,
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