1
|
Arutiunian V, Gomozova M, Minnigulova A, Davydova E, Pereverzeva D, Sorokin A, Tyushkevich S, Mamokhina U, Danilina K, Dragoy O. Structural brain abnormalities and their association with language impairment in school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1172. [PMID: 36670149 PMCID: PMC9860052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28463-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Language impairment is comorbid in most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but its neural basis is poorly understood. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the present study provides the whole-brain comparison of both volume- and surface-based characteristics between groups of children with and without ASD and investigates the relationships between these characteristics in language-related areas and the language abilities of children with ASD measured with standardized tools. A total of 36 school-aged children participated in the study: 18 children with ASD and 18 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls. The results revealed that multiple regions differed between groups of children in gray matter volume, gray matter thickness, gyrification, and cortical complexity (fractal dimension). White matter volume and sulcus depth did not differ between groups of children in any region. Importantly, gray matter thickness and gyrification of language-related areas were related to language functioning in children with ASD. Thus, the results of the present study shed some light on the structural brain abnormalities associated with language impairment in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vardan Arutiunian
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
| | | | | | - Elizaveta Davydova
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia.,Chair of Differential Psychology and Psychophysiology, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya Pereverzeva
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Sorokin
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia.,Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Svetlana Tyushkevich
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Uliana Mamokhina
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kamilla Danilina
- Federal Resource Center for ASD, Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Dragoy
- Center for Language and Brain, HSE University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Crucitti J, Hyde C, Enticott PG, Stokes MA. Are Vermal Lobules VI-VII Smaller in Autism Spectrum Disorder? THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:617-628. [PMID: 32445170 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar volume, in particular vermal lobule areas VI-VII, have been extensively researched in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although findings are often unclear. The aim of the present study is to consolidate all existing cerebellar and age data of individuals with ASD, and compare this data to typically developing (TD) controls. Raw data, or the means and standard deviations of cerebellar volume and age, were obtained from 17 studies (NCerebellum: 421 ASD and 370 TD participants; NVI-VII: 506 ASD and 290 TD participants). Total cerebellar volume, or VI-VII area, was plotted against age and lines of fit of ASD and TD data were compared. Mean differences in cerebellar volume and VI-VII area between participants with ASD and TD participants were then compared via ANCOVA analyses. Findings revealed multiple differences in VI-VII area between participants with ASD and TD participants below 18 years of age. Additionally, cerebellar volume was greater in males with ASD than TD males between 2 and 4 years. In the present study, cerebellar volume and VI-VII area show different rates of change across age for those with autism compared with those without. These morphological differences provide a neurobiological justification to investigate related behavioural correlates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Crucitti
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian Hyde
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Stokes
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brain Magnetic Resonance Findings in 117 Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder under 5 Years Old. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100741. [PMID: 33081247 PMCID: PMC7602717 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the potential benefits of neuroimaging measurements across the first 5 years of life in detecting early comorbid or etiological signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, we analyzed the prevalence of neuroradiologic findings in routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a group of 117 ASD children younger than 5 years old. These data were compared to those reported in typically developing (TD) children. MRI findings in children with ASD were analyzed in relation to their cognitive level, severity of autistic symptoms, and the presence of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities. The MRI was rated abnormal in 55% of children with ASD with a significant prevalence in the high-functioning subgroup compared to TD children. We report significant incidental findings of mega cisterna magna, ventricular anomalies and abnormal white matter signal intensity in ASD without significant associations between these MRI findings and EEG features. Based on these results we discuss the role that brain MRI may play in the diagnostic procedure of ASD.
Collapse
|
4
|
Yankowitz LD, Herrington JD, Yerys BE, Pereira JA, Pandey J, Schultz RT. Evidence against the "normalization" prediction of the early brain overgrowth hypothesis of autism. Mol Autism 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 32552879 PMCID: PMC7301552 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequently cited Early Overgrowth Hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) postulates that there is overgrowth of the brain in the first 2 years of life, which is followed by a period of arrested growth leading to normalized brain volume in late childhood and beyond. While there is consistent evidence for early brain overgrowth, there is mixed evidence for normalization of brain volume by middle childhood. The outcome of this debate is important to understanding the etiology and neurodevelopmental trajectories of ASD. METHODS Brain volume was examined in two very large single-site samples of children, adolescents, and adults. The primary sample comprised 456 6-25-year-olds (ASD n = 240, typically developing controls (TDC) n = 216), including a large number of females (n = 102) and spanning a wide IQ range (47-158). The replication sample included 175 males. High-resolution T1-weighted anatomical MRI images were examined for group differences in total brain, cerebellar, ventricular, gray, and white matter volumes. RESULTS The ASD group had significantly larger total brain, cerebellar, gray matter, white matter, and lateral ventricular volumes in both samples, indicating that brain volume remains enlarged through young adulthood, rather than normalizing. There were no significant age or sex interactions with diagnosis in these measures. However, a significant diagnosis-by-IQ interaction was detected in the larger sample, such that increased brain volume was related to higher IQ in the TDCs, but not in the ASD group. Regions-of-significance analysis indicated that total brain volume was larger in ASD than TDC for individuals with IQ less than 115, providing a potential explanation for prior inconsistent brain size results. No relationships were found between brain volume and measures of autism symptom severity within the ASD group. LIMITATIONS Our cross-sectional sample may not reflect individual changes over time in brain volume and cannot quantify potential changes in volume prior to age 6. CONCLUSIONS These findings challenge the "normalization" prediction of the brain overgrowth hypothesis by demonstrating that brain enlargement persists across childhood into early adulthood. The findings raise questions about the clinical implications of brain enlargement, since we find that it neither confers cognitive benefits nor predicts increased symptom severity in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Yankowitz
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 425 S. University Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - John D Herrington
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19105, USA
| | - Benjamin E Yerys
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19105, USA
| | - Joseph A Pereira
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19105, USA
| | - Robert T Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19105, USA
- Department of Pediatrics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mejias R, Chiu SL, Han M, Rose R, Gil-Infante A, Zhao Y, Huganir RL, Wang T. Purkinje cell-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice show increased repetitive self-grooming and enhanced mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104602. [PMID: 31476380 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) loss is a consistent pathological finding in autism. However, neural mechanisms of PC-dysfunction in autism remain poorly characterized. Glutamate receptor interacting proteins 1/2 (Grip1/2) regulate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking and synaptic strength. To evaluate role of PC-AMPAR signaling in autism, we produced PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice by crossing Grip2 conventional and Grip1 conditional KO with L7-Cre driver mice. PCs in the mutant mice showed normal morphology and number, and a lack of Grip1/2 expression. Rodent behavioral testing identified normal ambulation, anxiety, social interaction, and an increase in repetitive self-grooming. Electrophysiology studies revealed normal mEPSCs but an impaired mGluR-LTD at the Parallel Fiber-PC synapses. Immunoblots showed increased expression of mGluR5 and Arc, and enhanced phosphorylation of P38 and AKT in cerebellum of PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice. Results indicate that loss of Grip1/2 in PCs contributes to increased repetitive self-grooming, a core autism behavior in mice. Results support a role of AMPAR trafficking defects in PCs and disturbances of mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum in the pathogenesis of repetitive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mejias
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Shu-Ling Chiu
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mei Han
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ana Gil-Infante
- Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Yifan Zhao
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yeh E, Dao DQ, Wu ZY, Kandalam SM, Camacho FM, Tom C, Zhang W, Krencik R, Rauen KA, Ullian EM, Weiss LA. Patient-derived iPSCs show premature neural differentiation and neuron type-specific phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopment. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1687-1698. [PMID: 29158583 PMCID: PMC5962360 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ras/MAPK pathway signaling is a major participant in neurodevelopment, and evidence suggests that BRAF, a key Ras signal mediator, influences human behavior. We studied the role of the mutation BRAFQ257R, the most common cause of cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC), in an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived model of human neurodevelopment. In iPSC-derived neuronal cultures from CFC subjects, we observed decreased p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 compared to controls, as well as a depleted neural progenitor pool and rapid neuronal maturation. Pharmacological PI3K/AKT pathway manipulation recapitulated cellular phenotypes in control cells and attenuated them in CFC cells. CFC cultures displayed altered cellular subtype ratios and increased intrinsic excitability. Moreover, in CFC cells, Ras/MAPK pathway activation and morphological abnormalities exhibited cell subtype-specific differences. Our results highlight the importance of exploring specific cellular subtypes and of using iPSC models to reveal relevant human-specific neurodevelopmental events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Yeh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Q Dao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Z Y Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S M Kandalam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - F M Camacho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - C Tom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R Krencik
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Traut N, Beggiato A, Bourgeron T, Delorme R, Rondi-Reig L, Paradis AL, Toro R. Cerebellar Volume in Autism: Literature Meta-analysis and Analysis of the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange Cohort. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:579-588. [PMID: 29146048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroanatomical bases of autism spectrum disorder remain largely unknown. Among the most widely discussed candidate endophenotypes, differences in cerebellar volume have been often reported as statistically significant. METHODS We aimed at objectifying this possible alteration by performing a systematic meta-analysis of the literature and an analysis of the ABIDE (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) cohort. Our meta-analysis sought to determine a combined effect size of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis on different measures of the cerebellar anatomy as well as the effect of possible factors of variability across studies. We then analyzed the cerebellar volume of 328 patients and 353 control subjects from the ABIDE project. RESULTS The meta-analysis of the literature suggested a weak but significant association between autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and increased cerebellar volume (p = .049, uncorrected), but the analysis of ABIDE did not show any relationship. The studies meta-analyzed were generally underpowered; however, the number of statistically significant findings was larger than expected. CONCLUSIONS Although we could not provide a conclusive explanation for this excess of significant findings, our analyses would suggest publication bias as a possible reason. Finally, age, sex, and IQ were important sources of cerebellar volume variability, although independent of autism diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Traut
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France; Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Unité Mixte de Recherche 3571, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Anita Beggiato
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, L'Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Unité Mixte de Recherche 3571, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Foundation Fondamentale, Créteil, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, L'Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Laure Rondi-Reig
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Lise Paradis
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Genes, Synapses and Cognition, Unité Mixte de Recherche 3571, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bernhardt BC, Di Martino A, Valk SL, Wallace GL. Neuroimaging-Based Phenotyping of the Autism Spectrum. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 30:341-355. [PMID: 26946501 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroimaging have offered a rich array of structural and functional markers to probe the organization of regional and large-scale brain networks. The current chapter provides a brief introduction into these techniques and overviews their contribution to the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition associated with atypical social cognition, language function, and repetitive behaviors/interests. While it is generally recognized that ASD relates to structural and functional network anomalies, the extent and overall pattern of reported findings have been rather heterogeneous. Indeed, while several attempts have been made to label the main neuroimaging phenotype of ASD (e.g., 'early brain overgrowth hypothesis', 'amygdala theory', 'disconnectivity hypothesis'), none of these frameworks has been without controversy. Methodological sources of inconsistent results may include differences in subject inclusion criteria, variability in image processing, and analysis methodology. However, inconsistencies may also relate to high heterogeneity across the autism spectrum itself. It, therefore, remains to be investigated whether a consistent imaging phenotype that adequately describes the entire autism spectrum can, in fact, be established. On the other hand, as previous findings clearly emphasize the value of neuroimaging in identifying atypical brain morphology, function, and connectivity, they ultimately support its high potential to identify biologically and clinically relevant endophenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris C Bernhardt
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Adriana Di Martino
- Autism Research Program at the NYU Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gregory L Wallace
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sacco R, Gabriele S, Persico AM. Head circumference and brain size in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2015; 234:239-51. [PMID: 26456415 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Macrocephaly and brain overgrowth have been associated with autism spectrum disorder. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an overall estimate of effect size and statistical significance for both head circumference and total brain volume in autism. Our literature search strategy identified 261 and 391 records, respectively; 27 studies defining percentages of macrocephalic patients and 44 structural brain imaging studies providing total brain volumes for patients and controls were included in our meta-analyses. Head circumference was significantly larger in autistic compared to control individuals, with 822/5225 (15.7%) autistic individuals displaying macrocephaly. Structural brain imaging studies measuring brain volume estimated effect size. The effect size is higher in low functioning autistics compared to high functioning and ASD individuals. Brain overgrowth was recorded in 142/1558 (9.1%) autistic patients. Finally, we found a significant interaction between age and total brain volume, resulting in larger head circumference and brain size during early childhood. Our results provide conclusive effect sizes and prevalence rates for macrocephaly and brain overgrowth in autism, confirm the variation of abnormal brain growth with age, and support the inclusion of this endophenotype in multi-biomarker diagnostic panels for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sacco
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gabriele
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio M Persico
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy; Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vonk R, van der Schot AC, van Baal GCM, van Oel CJ, Nolen WA, Kahn RS. Dermatoglyphics in relation to brain volumes in twins concordant and discordant for bipolar disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1885-95. [PMID: 25451699 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Palmar and finger dermatoglyphics are formed between the 10th and the 17th weeks of gestation and their morphology can be influenced by genetic or environmental factors, interfering with normal intrauterine development. As both the skin and the brain develop from the same embryonal ectoderm, dermatoglyphic alterations may be informative for early abnormal neurodevelopmental processes in the brain. We investigated whether dermatoglyphic alterations are related to structural brain abnormalities in bipolar disorder and to what extent they are of a genetic and of an environmental origin. Dermatoglyphics and volumetric data from structural MRI were obtained in 53 twin pairs concordant or discordant for bipolar disorder and 51 healthy matched control twin pairs. Structural equation modeling was used. Bipolar disorder was significantly positively associated with palmar a-b ridge count (ABRC), indicating higher ABRC in bipolar patients (rph=.17 (CI .04-.30)). Common genes appear to be involved because the genetic correlation with ABRC was significant (rph-A=.21 (CI .05-.36). Irrespective of disease, ABRC showed a genetically mediated association with brain volume, indicated by a significant genetic correlation rph-A of respectively -.36 (CI -.52 to -.22) for total brain, -.34 (CI -.51 to -.16) total cortical volume, -.27 (CI -.43 to -.08) cortical gray matter and -.23 (CI -.41 to -.04) cortical white matter. In conclusion, a genetically determined abnormal development of the foetal ectoderm between the 10th and 15th week of gestation appears related to smaller brain volumes in (subjects at risk for) bipolar disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Vonk
- Reinier van Arkel Groep, PO Box 70058, 5201 DZ, ׳s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
| | | | - G C M van Baal
- Julius Centrum voor Gezondheidswetenschappen en Eerstelijns Geneeskunde, Afdeling, Biostatistiek, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C J van Oel
- Department of Real Estate & Housing, Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - W A Nolen
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Haar S, Berman S, Behrmann M, Dinstein I. Anatomical Abnormalities in Autism? Cereb Cortex 2014; 26:1440-52. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
12
|
de Bruin EA, Lemmens PHHHM, Hulshoff Pol HE, Verbaten MN, Kenemans JL. Relationship between carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and mean corpuscular volume levels and alcohol-related brain volume decreases in male drinkers. Hum Psychopharmacol 2012; 27:559-65. [PMID: 23027680 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between mean corpuscular volume (MCV), carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels and gray and white brain matter in male drinkers to find out which if any of these biomarkers of alcohol consumption is indicative for alcohol-related differences in brain volume. METHOD Plasma levels of CDT, GGT, and MCV and magnetic resonance imaging-determined brain gray and white matter volumes were assessed in 55 male drinkers. Current alcohol intake and lifetime alcohol intake were determined by self-report measures. The relationship between MCV, CDT, and GGT and brain volumes was explored using multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS There was a significant negative relationship between plasma GGT and MCV levels and gray matter volumes. Middle-aged male drinkers with highly elevated GGT and MCV levels (twice the standard deviation above the mean) have 4-12% less parietal and occipital gray matter than males with average GGT and MCV levels. There was no association between CDT levels and brain gray or white matter. CONCLUSIONS Elevated GGT and MCV levels may be indicative of alcohol-related gray-matter decline in male drinkers. The link with GGT may reflect that elevated GGT levels are a sign of increased oxidative stress. The link with MCV levels may reflect a decreased oxygen transport to the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline A de Bruin
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ipser JC, Syal S, Bentley J, Adnams CM, Steyn B, Stein DJ. 1H-MRS in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic meta-analysis. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:275-87. [PMID: 22426803 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies comparing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients with healthy controls, with the aim of profiling ASD-associated changes in the metabolites N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and Creatine (Cr). Meta-regression models of NAA and Cr levels were employed, using data from 20 eligible studies (N = 852), to investigate age-dependent differences in both global brain and region-specific metabolite levels, while controlling for measurement method (Cr-ratio versus absolute concentrations). Decreased NAA concentrations that were specific to children were found for whole-brain grey and white matter. In addition, a significant decrease in NAA was evident across age categories in the parietal cortex, the cerebellum, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Higher levels of Cr were observed for ASD adults than children in global grey matter, with specific increases for adults in the temporal lobe and decreased Cr in the occipital lobe in children. No differences were found for either NAA or Cr in the frontal lobes. These data provide some evidence that ASD is characterized by age-dependent fluctuations in metabolite levels across the whole brain and at the level of specific regions thought to underlie ASD-associated behavioural and affective deficits. Differences in Cr as a function of age and brain region suggests caution in the interpretation of Cr-based ratio measures of metabolites. Despite efforts to control for sources of heterogeneity, considerable variability in metabolite levels was observed in frontal and temporal regions, warranting further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Ipser
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
van Haren NEM, Rijsdijk F, Schnack HG, Picchioni MM, Toulopoulou T, Weisbrod M, Sauer H, van Erp TG, Cannon TD, Huttunen MO, Boomsma DI, Hulshoff Pol HE, Murray RM, Kahn RS. The genetic and environmental determinants of the association between brain abnormalities and schizophrenia: the schizophrenia twins and relatives consortium. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 71:915-21. [PMID: 22341827 PMCID: PMC3343260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural brain abnormalities are consistently found in schizophrenia (Sz) and have been associated with the familial risk for the disorder. We aim to define the relative contributions of genetic and nongenetic factors to the association between structural brain abnormalities and Sz in a uniquely powered cohort (Schizophrenia Twins and Relatives consortium). METHODS An international multicenter magnetic resonance imaging collaboration was set up to pool magnetic resonance imaging scans from twin pairs in Utrecht (The Netherlands), Helsinki (Finland), London (United Kingdom), and Jena (Germany). A sample of 684 subjects took part, consisting of monozygotic twins (n = 410, with 51 patients from concordant and 52 from discordant pairs) and dizygotic twins (n = 274, with 39 patients from discordant pairs). The additive genetic, common, and unique environmental contributions to the association between brain volumes and risk for Sz were estimated by structural equation modeling. RESULTS The heritabilities of most brain volumes were significant and ranged between 52% (temporal cortical gray matter) and 76% (cerebrum). Heritability of cerebral gray matter did not reach significance (34%). Significant phenotypic correlations were found between Sz and reduced volumes of the cerebrum (-.22 [-.30/-.14]) and white matter (-.17 [-.25/-.09]) and increased volume of the third ventricle (.18 [.08/.28]). These were predominantly due to overlapping genetic effects (77%, 94%, and 83%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Some of the genes that transmit the risk for Sz also influence cerebral (white matter) volume.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeltje E M van Haren
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Rudolf Magnus Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Modinos G, Mechelli A, Ormel J, Groenewold NA, Aleman A, McGuire PK. Schizotypy and brain structure: a voxel-based morphometry study. Psychol Med 2010; 40:1423-1431. [PMID: 19917146 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291709991875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypy is conceptualized as a subclinical manifestation of the same underlying biological factors that give rise to schizophrenia and other schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Individuals with psychometric schizotypy (PS) experience subthreshold psychotic signs and can be psychometrically identified among the general population. Previous research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown gray-matter volume (GMV) abnormalities in chronic schizophrenia, in subjects with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) and in individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). However, to date, no studies have investigated the neuroanatomical correlates of PS. METHOD Six hundred first- and second-year university students completed the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), a self-report instrument on psychosis proneness measuring attenuated positive psychotic experiences. A total of 38 subjects with high and low PS were identified and subsequently scanned with MRI. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was applied to examine GMV differences between subjects with high and low positive PS. RESULTS Subjects with high positive PS showed larger global volumes compared to subjects with low PS, and larger regional volumes in the medial posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the precuneus. There were no regions where GMV was greater in low than in high positive PS subjects. CONCLUSIONS These regions, the PCC and precuneus, have also been sites of volumetric differences in MRI studies of ARMS subjects and schizophrenia, suggesting that psychotic or psychotic-like experiences may have common neuroanatomical correlates across schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Modinos
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, and BCN Neuroimaging Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Catani M, Jones DK, Daly E, Embiricos N, Deeley Q, Pugliese L, Curran S, Robertson D, Murphy DGM. Altered cerebellar feedback projections in Asperger syndrome. Neuroimage 2008; 41:1184-91. [PMID: 18495494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2007] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that the biological basis of autism spectrum disorder includes cerebellar 'disconnection'. However, direct in vivo evidence in support of this is lacking. Here, the microstructural integrity of cerebellar white matter in adults with Asperger syndrome was studied using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance tractography. Fifteen adults with Asperger syndrome and 16 age-IQ-gender-matched healthy controls underwent diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. For each subject, tract-specific measurements of mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were made within the inferior, middle, superior cerebellar peduncles and short intracerebellar fibres. No group differences were observed in mean diffusivity. However, people with Asperger syndrome had significantly lower fractional anisotropy in the short intracerebellar fibres (p<0.001) and right superior cerebellar (output) peduncle (p<0.001) compared to controls; but no difference in the input tracts. Severity of social impairment, as measured by the Autistic Diagnostic Interview, was negatively correlated with diffusion anisotropy in the fibres of the left superior cerebellar peduncle. These findings suggest a vulnerability of specific cerebellar neural pathways in people with Asperger syndrome. The localised abnormalities in the main cerebellar outflow pathway may prevent the cerebral cortex from receiving those cerebellar feedback inputs necessary for a successful adaptive social behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Catani
- Section of Brain Maturation, Department of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE58AF, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
van Kooten IAJ, Palmen SJMC, von Cappeln P, Steinbusch HWM, Korr H, Heinsen H, Hof PR, van Engeland H, Schmitz C. Neurons in the fusiform gyrus are fewer and smaller in autism. Brain 2008; 131:987-99. [PMID: 18332073 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awn033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Imke A J van Kooten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
van Haren NEM, Hulshoff Pol HE, Schnack HG, Cahn W, Brans R, Carati I, Rais M, Kahn RS. Progressive brain volume loss in schizophrenia over the course of the illness: evidence of maturational abnormalities in early adulthood. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 63:106-13. [PMID: 17599810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 12/23/2006] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the magnitude of the reported changes in brain volume over time in first-episode patients it is unlikely that these changes are constant over the life-span of the schizophrenic illness. Thus, one would expect the progression in brain volume change in schizophrenia to follow a more complex trajectory over time. METHODS Two magnetic resonance imaging brain scans were obtained over a 5-year interval of 96 schizophrenia patients and 113 healthy subjects between ages 16 to 56. RESULTS The trajectory of brain volume change differed between patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. Before the age of 45 years cerebral and gray matter loss and lateral ventricle increase were excessive in patients relative to controls, representing approximately the first 20 years of illness. Patients showed an excessive third ventricle volume increase over time. In addition, poor outcome patients showed more brain tissue loss during the follow-up interval than good outcome patients. CONCLUSIONS Cerebral (gray) matter volume loss in the patients was mainly characterized by the absence of the normal curved trajectory of volume change with age that was present in healthy subjects. Later in life, the degree of volume change in patients is similar to that observed with normal aging. Independently of age, larger brain volume changes appear clinically relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeltje E M van Haren
- Department of Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Langen M, Durston S, Staal WG, Palmen SJMC, van Engeland H. Caudate nucleus is enlarged in high-functioning medication-naive subjects with autism. Biol Psychiatry 2007; 62:262-6. [PMID: 17224135 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2006] [Revised: 09/27/2006] [Accepted: 09/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is defined by three symptom clusters, including repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Previous studies have implicated basal ganglia in these behaviors. Earlier studies investigating basal ganglia in autism have included subjects on neuroleptics known to affect basal ganglia volumes. Therefore, we investigated these structures in medication-naive subjects with autism. METHODS Volumetric magnetic resonance measures of caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens were compared in two independent samples of medication-naive, high-functioning subjects with autism or Asperger syndrome: 1) 21 affected children and adolescents and 21 matched control subjects; and 2) 21 affected adolescents and young adults and 21 matched control subjects. RESULTS Caudate nucleus was enlarged in both samples. This result remained significant after correction for total brain volume. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate caudate nucleus in autism, as an enlargement of this structure was disproportional to an increase in total brain volume in two independent samples of medication-naive subjects with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Langen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Gross-Tsur V, Ben-Bashat D, Shalev RS, Levav M, Sira LB. Evidence of a developmental cerebello-cerebral disorder. Neuropsychologia 2006; 44:2569-72. [PMID: 16777149 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2006.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2005] [Revised: 04/27/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the cognitive and neuroanatomical features of an adolescent with developmental hypoplastic left cerebellum who presented with executive and visuo-spatial deficits, nonverbal learning disabilities and interpersonal difficulties. He underwent a neuropsychological assessment, MRI and diffusion tensor imaging MRI. The neuropsychological impairments were primarily in executive functions, spatial and visual perception, graphomotor skills, arithmetic, social perception and comprehension. Fractional anisotropy, which is measured by diffusion tensor imaging and enables assessment of axonal integrity, was reduced in the right cerebral peduncle and right hemisphere white matter (p < 0.001). Based on the results, we hypothesize that disruption of neural circuits linking the hypoplastic left cerebellum to the right hemisphere may contribute to the evolution of a neurocognitive syndrome with characteristics of the developmental right hemisphere syndrome and suggestive of the cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varda Gross-Tsur
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
This review paper integrates recent structural and functional imaging, postmortem, animal lesion, and neurochemical research about the pathophysiology of autism. An understanding of the neurobiological correlates of autism is becoming increasingly important as more children are diagnosed with the condition and funding for well-targeted interventions increases. Converging evidence suggests that autism involves abnormalities in brain volume, neurotransmitter systems, and neuronal growth. In addition, evidence firmly links autism with abnormalities in the cerebellum, the medial temporal lobe, and the frontal lobe. Potential implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Penn
- Clinical-Developmental Psychology Program, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J IP3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bibliography. Current world literature. Child and Adolescent psychiatry. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2005; 18:455-66. [PMID: 16639142 DOI: 10.1097/01.yco.0000172068.09144.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|