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Huynh TN, Delagrammatikas CG, Chiriatti L, Panfili A, Ventarola K, Menke LA, Tartaglia M, Huisman SA, Priolo M. Natural history in Malan syndrome: survey of 28 adults and literature review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:282. [PMID: 39075508 PMCID: PMC11288048 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03288-6] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malan syndrome (MALNS), previously referred to as "Sotos syndrome 2" due to its resemblance to Sotos syndrome (SS), is an ultra-rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by overgrowth, typical craniofacial features, intellectual disability (ID), and a range of psychobehavioral, musculoskeletal, vision and neurological signs. As MALNS and SS partly overlap, it is essential to more accurately profile their clinical presentations and highlight their differences in order to improve syndrome specific management. An increasing number of individuals with MALNS reach adult-age though the natural history of the disorder is poorly characterized due to the small number of adult individuals described so far. As a consequence, current guidelines are limited to the pediatric population. Further delineation of MALNS is essential to optimize care in adulthood. RESULTS A mixed approach based on cross-sectional data collection with a survey disseminated to caregivers of adults with molecularly confirmed MALNS and literature review was conducted. Twenty-eight caregivers completed the survey. Clinical presentation in adulthood is multisystemic and defined by psychobehavioral comorbidities (96%), musculoskeletal involvement (96%), vision impairment (96%) and neurological complications (86%). The most common signs were anxiety (79%), hypotonia (75%), movement difficulty (75%), scoliosis (64%), problems with coordination (61%), strabismus (57%), constipation (54%), breastbone abnormalities (54%) and advanced bone age during childhood (54%). Impaired vision was complicated by vision decline (36%) and optic atrophy (32%). We report some previously unidentified features, including high pain threshold (46%), incontinence (25%), tremors (21%), muscle hypoplasia (18%) and tics (18%). CONCLUSIONS This survey in the adult population has allowed a more complete description of the natural history of MALNS. Our findings will contribute to the development and improvement of standards of care for adults with MALNS to assure optimal health monitoring and treatment of evolutive complications. We propose additional recommendations to the previous dataset of clinical evaluations specifically applied to adults. The comparison of MALNS and SS adult presentation highlights significant differences in terms of prevalence and severity of ID, behavioral issues, and vision problems, confirming that a proper differential diagnosis between the two conditions is indispensable to guide physicians and mental health professionals to syndrome specific management.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Huynh
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - L Chiriatti
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - A Panfili
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - K Ventarola
- Malan Syndrome Foundation, Old Bridge, NJ, USA
| | - L A Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Viale di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - S A Huisman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Zodiak, Prinsenstichting, 1444 JE, Purmerend, The Netherlands.
| | - M Priolo
- Operative Unit of Medical Genetics and Laboratory of Genetics, AORN A.Cardarelli, Via Cardarelli 9, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Paveenakiattikhun S, Likhitweerawong N, Sanguansermsri C. EEG findings and clinical severity and quality of life in non-epileptic patients with autism spectrum disorders. Child Neuropsychol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38805362 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2024.2360651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities could be seen in up to 60% of non-epileptic children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They have been used as biomarkers of ASD severity. The objective of our study is to identify EEG abnormalities in children with different degrees of ASD severity based on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). We also want to assess the quality of life for children with ASD. All of the children underwent at least one hour of sleep-deprived EEG. Forty-five children were enrolled, of whom 42 were male. EEG abnormalities were found in 10 (22.2%) children, predominantly in the bilateral frontal areas. There were no differences in EEG findings among the mild, moderate, and severe ASD groups. The severity of ASD was associated with female sex (p-value = 0.013), ASD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (p-value = 0.032), ASD children taking medications (p-value = 0.048), and a lower Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) (p-value <0.001). Social and emotional domains were the most problematic for health-related quality of life in ASD children, according to parent reports of PedsQL. Further studies with a larger sample size will help to clarify the potential associations between EEG abnormalities and the severity of ASD, as well as the impact on quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirada Paveenakiattikhun
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Narueporn Likhitweerawong
- Child and Development Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chinnuwat Sanguansermsri
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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D'Amico F, Lugarà C, Luppino G, Giuffrida C, Giorgianni Y, Patanè EM, Manti S, Gambadauro A, La Rocca M, Abbate T. The Influence of Neurotrophins on the Brain-Lung Axis: Conception, Pregnancy, and Neonatal Period. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2528-2543. [PMID: 38534776 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are four small proteins produced by both neuronal and non-neuronal cells; they include nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). NTs can exert their action through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms by interacting with specific receptors. Initial studies on NTs have identified them only as functional molecules of the nervous system. However, recent research have shown that some tissues and organs (such as the lungs, skin, and skeletal and smooth muscle) as well as some structural cells can secrete and respond to NTs. In addition, NTs perform several roles in normal and pathological conditions at different anatomical sites, in both fetal and postnatal life. During pregnancy, NTs are produced by the mother, placenta, and fetus. They play a pivotal role in the pre-implantation process and in placental and embryonic development; they are also involved in the development of the brain and respiratory system. In the postnatal period, it appears that NTs are associated with some diseases, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Amico
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Cecilia Lugarà
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luppino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Giuffrida
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Giorgianni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maria Patanè
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gambadauro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria La Rocca
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Abbate
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Bosetti C, Ferrini L, Ferrari AR, Bartolini E, Calderoni S. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Abnormalities of Clinical EEG: A Qualitative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:279. [PMID: 38202286 PMCID: PMC10779511 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the comorbidity between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy has been widely demonstrated, and many hypotheses regarding the common neurobiological bases of these disorders have been put forward. A variable, but significant, prevalence of abnormalities on electroencephalogram (EEG) has been documented in non-epileptic children with ASD; therefore, several scientific studies have recently tried to demonstrate the role of these abnormalities as a possible biomarker of altered neural connectivity in ASD individuals. This narrative review intends to summarize the main findings of the recent scientific literature regarding abnormalities detected with standard EEG in children/adolescents with idiopathic ASD. Research using three different databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) was conducted, resulting in the selection of 10 original articles. Despite an important lack of studies on preschoolers and a deep heterogeneity in results, some authors speculated on a possible association between EEG abnormalities and ASD characteristics, in particular, the severity of symptoms. Although this correlation needs to be more strongly elucidated, these findings may encourage future studies aimed at demonstrating the role of electrical brain abnormalities as an early biomarker of neural circuit alterations in ASD, highlighting the potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value of EEG in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bosetti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Ferrari
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Emanuele Bartolini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Tuscany PhD Programme in Neurosciences, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (C.B.); (L.F.); (A.R.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Rahim F, Toguzbaeva K, Qasim NH, Dzhusupov KO, Zhumagaliuly A, Khozhamkul R. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for patients with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis and umbrella review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1294089. [PMID: 38148790 PMCID: PMC10750421 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1294089] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective The potential impact of gut health on general physical and mental well-being, particularly in relation to brain function, has led to a growing interest in the potential health advantages of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics for the management of ASD. A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness and protection of many drugs targeted at manipulating the microbiota in the treatment of ASD. Methods The present study employed a comprehensive examination of various electronic databases yielded a total of 3,393 records that were deemed possibly pertinent to the study. RCTs encompassed a total of 720 individuals between the ages of 2 and 17, as well as 112 adults and participants ranging from 5 to 55 years old, all of whom had received a diagnosis of ASD. Results Overall, 10 studies reported Autism-Related Behavioral Symptoms (ARBS). Regarding the enhancement of autism-related behavioral symptoms, there wasn't a statistically significant difference between the intervention groups (combined standardized mean difference = -0.07, 95% confidence interval: -0.39 to 0.24, Z = 0.46, p = 0.65). We observed that in the patients with ASD treated with probiotic frontopolar's power decreased significantly from baseline to endpoints in beta band (Baseline: 13.09 ± 3.46, vs. endpoint: 10.75 ± 2.42, p = 0.043, respectively) and gamma band (Baseline: 5.80 ± 2.42, vs. endpoint: 4.63 ± 1.39, p = 0.033, respectively). Among all tested biochemical measures, a significant negative correlation was found between frontopolar coherence in the gamma band and TNF-α (r = -0.30, p = 0.04). Conclusion The existing body of research provides a comprehensive analysis of the developing evidence that indicates the potential of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as therapeutic therapies for ASD. Our findings revealed that those there was no significant effect of such therapy on autism-related behavioral symptoms, it has significant effect on the brain connectivity through frontopolar power in beta and gamma bands mediated by chemicals and cytokines, such as TNF-α. The psychobiotics showed no serious side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakher Rahim
- College of Health Sciences, Cihan University Sulaimaniya, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Karlygash Toguzbaeva
- School of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nameer Hashim Qasim
- Cihan University Sulaimaniya Research Center (CUSRC), Cihan University – Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Region, Suleymania, Iraq
| | - Kenesh O. Dzhusupov
- Head of Public Health Department, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Abzal Zhumagaliuly
- School of Public Health, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Rabiga Khozhamkul
- Department of Biostatistics and Basics of Research, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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6
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Feng P, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Li E. A review of probiotics in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders: Perspectives from the gut–brain axis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1123462. [PMID: 37007501 PMCID: PMC10060862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1123462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large societal impact. Despite existing evidence suggesting a link between ASD pathogenesis and gut–brain axis dysregulation, there is no systematic review of the treatment of probiotics on ASD and its associated gastrointestinal abnormalities based on the gut–brain axis. Therefore, we performed an analysis for ASD based on preclinical and clinical research to give a comprehensive synthesis of published evidence of a potential mechanism for ASD. On the one hand, this review aims to elucidate the link between gastrointestinal abnormalities and ASD. Accordingly, we discuss gut microbiota dysbiosis regarding gut–brain axis dysfunction. On the other hand, this review suggests that probiotic administration to regulate the gut–brain axis might improve gastrointestinal symptoms, restore ASD-related behavioral symptoms, restore gut microbiota composition, reduce inflammation, and restore intestinal barrier function in human and animal models. This review suggests that targeting the microbiota through agents such as probiotics may represent an approach for treating subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengya Feng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Helicobacter pylori, Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer of Henan Province, Marshall Medical Research Center, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Bioengineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Enyao Li,
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7
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EEG Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis in a Cohort of Preschool Children. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020345. [PMID: 36831889 PMCID: PMC9954463 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can be associated with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy (E). The etiology and the pathogenesis of this disorder is in most cases still to be clarified. Several studies have underlined that the EEG recordings in children with these clinical pictures are abnormal, however the precise frequency of these abnormalities and their relationship with the pathogenic mechanisms and in particular with epileptic seizures are still unknown. We retrospectively reviewed 292 routine polysomnographic EEG tracings of preschool children (age < 6 years) who had received a first multidisciplinary diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-5 clinical criteria. Children (mean age: 34.6 months) were diagnosed at IRCCS E. Medea (Bosisio Parini, Italy). We evaluated: the background activity during wakefulness and sleep, the presence and the characteristics (focal or diffuse) of the slow-waves abnormalities and the interictal epileptiform discharges. In 78.0% of cases the EEG recordings were found to be abnormal, particularly during sleep. Paroxysmal slowing and epileptiform abnormalities were found in the 28.4% of the subjects, confirming the high percentage of abnormal polysomnographic EEG recordings in children with ASD. These alterations seem to be more correlated with the characteristics of the underlying pathology than with intellectual disability and epilepsy. In particular, we underline the possible significance of the prevalence of EEG abnormalities during sleep. Moreover, we analyzed the possibility that EEG data reduces the ASD clinical heterogeneity and suggests the exams to be carried out to clarify the etiology of the disorder.
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Billeci L, Callara AL, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Santocchi E. A randomized controlled trial into the effects of probiotics on electroencephalography in preschoolers with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:117-132. [PMID: 35362336 PMCID: PMC9806478 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221082710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of a probiotic on preschoolers' brain electrical activity with autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a disorder with an increasing prevalence characterized by an enormous individual, family, and social cost. Although the etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, an interaction between genetic and environmental factors is implicated, converging in altered brain synaptogenesis and, therefore, connectivity. Besides deepening the knowledge on the resting brain electrical activity that characterizes this disorder, this study allows analyzing the positive central effects of a 6-month therapy with a probiotic through a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study and the correlations between electroencephalography activity and biochemical and clinical parameters. In subjects treated with probiotics, we observed a decrease of power in frontopolar regions in beta and gamma bands, and increased coherence in the same bands together with a shift in frontal asymmetry, which suggests a modification toward a typical brain activity. Electroencephalography measures were significantly correlated with clinical and biochemical measures. These findings support the importance of further investigations on probiotics' benefits in autism spectrum disorder to better elucidate mechanistic links between probiotics supplementation and changes in brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Margherita Prosperi, Department of
Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, viale del Tirreno
331, 56128 Calambrone (PI), Italy.
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda
USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Castelnuovo Garfagnana (LU), Italy
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Tiwari R, Chakrabarty B. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy: Exploring the Missing Links. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:962-963. [PMID: 35819702 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-022-04294-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richa Tiwari
- Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Biswaroop Chakrabarty
- Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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10
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Sharma V, Saini AG, Malhi P, Singhi P. Epilepsy and EEG Abnormalities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Indian J Pediatr 2022; 89:975-982. [PMID: 34843062 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and determine their risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year in children with ASD aged between 3 and 14 y. Classification of epilepsy and routine electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were done for all the patients. Developmental and cognitive assessments were done using Developmental Profile 3. Children were divided into three groups: ASD with epilepsy, ASD with isolated electroencephalographic abnormalities, and ASD with neither epilepsy nor electroencephalographic abnormalities. RESULTS One hundred children with ASD were enrolled. Epilepsy was reported in 23% and subclinical electroencephalographic abnormalities were documented in 8%. The most common seizure types were generalized-onset tonic-clonic (48%), focal-onset with impaired awareness (17%), and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (17%). In children with subclinical epileptiform discharges, focal abnormalities were most common (75%) and were maximally seen over the temporal region (50%). Subnormal intellect (88.6%) and abnormal global developmental score (82%) were noted in the majority of children. Female gender, abnormal neurological examination, and adverse perinatal events were significantly associated with epilepsy. Of these, female gender and adverse perinatal events were independent predictors of epilepsy. Isolated EEG abnormalities were significantly associated with abnormal neurological examination in comparison with autistic children without epilepsy/EEG abnormalities. CONCLUSION Epilepsy is seen in up to one-fourth children with ASD. Female gender and adverse perinatal events are independent risk factors for epilepsy. Subclinical or isolated EEG abnormalities are associated with abnormal neurological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arushi Gahlot Saini
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Prahbhjot Malhi
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pratibha Singhi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Neurodevelopment, Medanta, The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122001, India.
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Zhang Y, Zhang S, Chen B, Jiang L, Li Y, Dong L, Feng R, Yao D, Li F, Xu P. Predicting the Symptom Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorder Based on EEG Metrics. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2022; 30:1898-1907. [PMID: 35788457 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2022.3188564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with the impaired integrating and segregating of related information that is expanded within the large-scale brain network. The varying ASD symptom severities have been explored, relying on their behaviors and related brain activity, but how to effectively predict ASD symptom severity needs further exploration. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the ASD symptom severity could be predicted with electroencephalography (EEG) metrics. Based on a publicly available dataset, the EEG brain networks were constructed, and four types of EEG metrics were calculated. Then, we statistically compared the brain network differences among ASD children with varying severities, i.e., high/low autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) scores, as well as with the typically developing (TD) children. Thereafter, the EEG metrics were utilized to validate whether they could facilitate the prediction of the ASD symptom severity. The results demonstrated that both high- and low-scoring ASD children showed the decreased long-range frontal-occipital connectivity, increased anterior frontal connectivity and altered network properties. Furthermore, we found that the four types of EEG metrics are significantly correlated with the ADOS scores, and their combination can serve as the features to effectively predict the ASD symptom severity. The current findings will expand our knowledge of network dysfunction in ASD children and provide new EEG metrics for predicting the symptom severity.
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12
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β-arrestin2 mediates the hippocampal dopaminergic system in autistic mouse through the ERK signaling pathway. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113888. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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13
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Zhou Y, Liu Y, Peng Q, Li F, Chen F. Deletion of β-arrestin2 alleviates autistic-like behavior caused by dopaminergic system abnormality through an apoptosis pathway in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Kenny A, Wright D, Stanfield AC. EEG as a translational biomarker and outcome measure in fragile X syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:34. [PMID: 35075104 PMCID: PMC8786970 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted treatments for fragile X syndrome (FXS) have frequently failed to show efficacy in clinical testing, despite success at the preclinical stages. This has highlighted the need for more effective translational outcome measures. EEG differences observed in FXS, including exaggerated N1 ERP amplitudes, increased resting gamma power and reduced gamma phase-locking in the sensory cortices, have been suggested as potential biomarkers of the syndrome. These abnormalities are thought to reflect cortical hyper excitability resulting from an excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABAergic) imbalance in FXS, which has been the target of several pharmaceutical remediation studies. EEG differences observed in humans also show similarities to those seen in laboratory models of FXS, which may allow for greater translational equivalence and better predict clinical success of putative therapeutics. There is some evidence from clinical trials showing that treatment related changes in EEG may be associated with clinical improvements, but these require replication and extension to other medications. Although the use of EEG characteristics as biomarkers is still in the early phases, and further research is needed to establish its utility in clinical trials, the current research is promising and signals the emergence of an effective translational biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Kenny
- Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Damien Wright
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew C. Stanfield
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
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15
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Yamamoto H, Nakagawa E, Kita Y, Kaga Y, Inagaki M. Effect of anti-attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication on clinical seizures and sleep EEG: A retrospective study of Japanese children with ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:511-521. [PMID: 34668641 PMCID: PMC8698674 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Patients with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit basic or paroxysmal wave abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG). Methylphenidate (MPH), an anti‐ADHD stimulant, has been reported to lower the seizure threshold. However, there have been no reports comparing EEG changes before and after administration of the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant MPH, or atomoxetine (ATX) hydrochloride, a non‐CNS stimulant. In this study, we investigated changes in sleep EEG before and after the administration of ADHD treatment drugs. Method With the approval of the ethics committee, the medical records of 28 children with ADHD (23 men and 5 women) who gave consent were retrospectively investigated. The appearance of sudden abnormal waves during a 10‐minute sleep EEG recording was measured in 0.1‐second units, and the duration of these waves was calculated as the paroxysmal index (PI). Results Paroxysmal index did not differ significantly between patients who received MPH and those who received ATX. In addition, there were no exacerbations of clinical seizures. Conclusion It was concluded that ADHD medications do not have an adverse effect on epileptic seizures or abnormal sleep EEGs. Patients with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit basic or paroxysmal wave abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG). We investigated changes in sleep EEG before and after the administration of ADHD treatment drugs. ADHD medications do not have an adverse effect on epileptic seizures or abnormal sleep EEGs.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisako Yamamoto
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakagawa
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yousuke Kita
- Mori Arinori Center for Higher Education and Global Mobility, Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, Japan.,Cognitive Brain Research Unit (CBRU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yoshimi Kaga
- Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Yamanashi University, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masumi Inagaki
- Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, NCNP, Kodaira, Japan
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16
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Hirosawa T, An KM, Soma D, Shiota Y, Sano M, Kameya M, Hino S, Naito N, Tanaka S, Yaoi K, Iwasaki S, Yoshimura Y, Kikuchi M. Epileptiform discharges relate to altered functional brain networks in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab184. [PMID: 34541529 PMCID: PMC8440646 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many individuals with autism spectrum disorders have comorbid epilepsy. Even in the absence of observable seizures, interictal epileptiform discharges are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. However, how these interictal epileptiform discharges are related to autistic symptomatology remains unclear. This study used magnetoencephalography to investigate the relation between interictal epileptiform discharges and altered functional brain networks in children with autism spectrum disorders. Instead of particularly addressing individual brain regions, we specifically examine network properties. For this case-control study, we analysed 70 children with autism spectrum disorders (52 boys, 18 girls, 38-92 months old) and 19 typically developing children (16 boys, 3 girls, 48-88 months old). After assessing the participants' social reciprocity using the Social Responsiveness Scale, we constructed graphs of functional brain networks from frequency band separated task-free magnetoencephalography recordings. Nodes corresponded to Desikan-Killiany atlas-based 68 brain regions. Edges corresponded to phase lag index values between pairs of brain regions. To elucidate the effects of the existence of interictal epileptiform discharges on graph metrics, we matched each of three pairs from three groups (typically developing children, children with autism spectrum disorders who had interictal epileptiform discharges and those who did not) in terms of age and sex. We used a coarsened exact matching algorithm and applied adjusted regression analysis. We also investigated the relation between social reciprocity and the graph metric. Results show that, in children with autism spectrum disorders, the average clustering coefficient in the theta band was significantly higher in children who had interictal epileptiform discharges. Moreover, children with autism spectrum disorders who had no interictal epileptiform discharges had a significantly lower average clustering coefficient in the theta band than typically developing children had. However, the difference between typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder who had interictal epileptiform discharges was not significant. Furthermore, the higher average clustering coefficient in the theta band corresponded to severe autistic symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder who had interictal epileptiform discharges. However, the association was not significant in children with autism spectrum disorders who had no interictal epileptiform discharge. In conclusion, results demonstrate that alteration of functional brain networks in children with autism spectrum disorders depends on the existence of interictal epileptiform discharges. Interictal epileptiform discharges might 'normalize' the deviation of altered brain networks in autism spectrum disorders, increasing the clustering coefficient. However, when the effect exceeds tolerance, it actually exacerbates autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Kyung-min An
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Daiki Soma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Yuka Shiota
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Masuhiko Sano
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kameya
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Shoryoku Hino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Ishikawa 929-1214, Japan
| | - Nobushige Naito
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
| | - Sanae Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Ken Yaoi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Sumie Iwasaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
- Faculty of Education, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1164, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-0934, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8641, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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17
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Doenyas C, Ekici B, Unay ÖS, Gönen İ, Tatlı B. Autism in Turkey: demographics, behavior problems, and accompanying medical conditions in a sample of Turkish youth with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 69:179-189. [PMID: 37025343 PMCID: PMC10071939 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1937001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an etiologically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that eludes a single explanation or cure. Epidemiological studies reveal risk factors, relevant comorbidities, and behavioral correlates to reach a better understanding of ASD. To contribute such data from an understudied ASD population, this paper presents epidemiological data from a Turkish sample of individuals with ASD (n = 911, 748 boys (82.1%) and 163 girls (17.9%) between 1 and 18 years of age). Average age at diagnosis was 31.06 ± 11.88 months, and the male-to-female ratio was 4.6:1. Three in 4 individuals with ASD had obsessive behaviors, and 1 in 4 had allergic conditions, inappropriate sexual behaviors, self-harming behaviors, and harmful behaviors towards others. One in 3 received a dietary treatment for at least 3 months; almost half received vitamin supplements; the majority (70%) did not experience constipation; and 2 in 3 were picky eaters. This paper presents data on the age of diagnosis, gender ratios, accompanying behaviors, and dietary interventions in Turkish individuals with ASD, which are topics of current research interest about ASD. Such data from non-Western populations may supplement epidemiological knowledge gained from Western populations to help reach a more comprehensive understanding of this condition with many unknowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceymi Doenyas
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Barış Ekici
- Pediatric Neurologist, Istanbul Special Child Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Öykü Su Unay
- Occupational Therapist, Istanbul Special Child Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Gönen
- Department of Pediatrics, İstinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Tatlı
- Pediatric Neurologist, Istanbul Special Child Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Arteaga A, Vélez E, Cornejo W, Solarte R, Lobo A, Jaramillo V, Otero J. Epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in patients with diagnosis of idiopathic autism spectrum disorder in Medellín. Int J Psychol Res (Medellin) 2021; 14:115-120. [PMID: 34306584 PMCID: PMC8297578 DOI: 10.21500/20112084.5335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to make a clinical and electroencephalographic characterization of the electrical findings and types of seizures in patients with idiopathic autism. Pediatric patients of any age, with the diagnosis of idiopathic ASD, contained within the database of the research “Genetic in autism” were included. An electroencephalographic recording with epilepsy protocol was performed in all the patients. 20 pediatric patients were included with an age media of 10.5 years, SD 5.48 years. The median age for the diagnosis of ASD was 53 months, and epileptic seizures were documented in 45%. 66.6% of patients with epileptic events had anti-epileptic treatment, and only 33.3% had achieved seizure control with medication. Interictal abnormal EEG records were found in 8 patients (40%), with 6 of them having epileptic seizures. The abnormal EEG activity was multifocal in 62.5%, focal in 25% and generalized in 12.5% of the cases. The most frequently compromised location was the temporal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Arteaga
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidadde Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidadde Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Vélez
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidadde Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidadde Antioquia Medellín Colombia.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad CES. Universidad CES Universidad CES Colombia
| | - William Cornejo
- Chief of Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad deMedicina, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidad de Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Solarte
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidadde Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidadde Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - Angélica Lobo
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidad de Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - Verónica Jaramillo
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidadde Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidadde Antioquia Medellín Colombia
| | - Julissa Otero
- Grupo de Investigación Clínica en Enfermedades del Niño y del Adolescente (Pediaciencias), Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidadde Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia. Universidad de Antioquia Universidadde Antioquia Medellín Colombia
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19
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Fóthi Á, Soorya L, Lőrincz A. The Autism Palette: Combinations of Impairments Explain the Heterogeneity in ASD. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:503462. [PMID: 33343403 PMCID: PMC7738611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.503462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric condition traditionally defined by core symptoms in social behavior, speech/communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. Beyond the core symptoms, autism has strong association with other disorders such as intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, schizophrenia among many others. This paper outlines a theory of ASD with capacity to connect heterogeneous "core" symptoms, medical and psychiatric comorbidities as well as other etiological theories of autism in a unifying cognitive framework rooted in neuroscience and genetics. Cognition is embedded into an ever-developing structure modified by experiences, including the outcomes of environment influencing behaviors. The key constraint of cognition is that the brain can handle only 7±2 relevant variables at a time, whereas sensory variables, i.e., the number of sensory neurons is orders of magnitude larger. As a result, (a) the extraction, (b) the encoding, and (c) the capability for the efficient cognitive manipulation of the relevant variables, and (d) the compensatory mechanisms that counteract computational delays of the distributed components are critical. We outline our theoretical model to describe a Cartesian Factor (CF) forming, autoencoder-like cognitive mechanism which breaks combinatorial explosion and is accelerated by internal reinforcing machineries and discuss the neural processes that support CF formation. Impairments in any of these aspects may disrupt learning, cognitive manipulation, decisions on interactions, and execution of decisions. We suggest that social interactions are the most susceptible to combinations of diverse small impairments and can be spoiled in many ways that pile up. Comorbidity is experienced, if any of the many potential impairments is relatively strong. We consider component spoiling impairments as the basic colors of autism, whereas the combinations of individual impairments make the palette of autism. We put forth arguments on the possibility of dissociating the different main elements of the impairments that can appear together. For example, impairments of generalization (domain general learning) and impairments of dealing with many variable problems, such as social situations may appear independently and may mutually enhance their impacts. We also consider mechanisms that may lead to protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ábel Fóthi
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Latha Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - András Lőrincz
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Horvath AA, Csernus EA, Lality S, Kaminski RM, Kamondi A. Inhibiting Epileptiform Activity in Cognitive Disorders: Possibilities for a Novel Therapeutic Approach. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:557416. [PMID: 33177974 PMCID: PMC7593384 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.557416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a common and seriously debilitating symptom of various mental and neurological disorders including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. In these conditions, high prevalence of epileptiform activity emerges as a common pathophysiological hallmark. Growing body of evidence suggests that this discrete but abnormal activity might have a long-term negative impact on cognitive performance due to neuronal circuitries' remodeling, altered sleep structure, pathological hippocampo-cortical coupling, and even progressive neuronal loss. In animal models, epileptiform activity was shown to enhance the formation of pathological amyloid and tau proteins that in turn trigger network hyperexcitability. Abolishing epileptiform discharges might slow down the cognitive deterioration. These findings might provide basis for therapeutic use of antiepileptic drugs in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders. The aim of our review is to describe the data on the prevalence of epileptiform activity in various cognitive disorders, to summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms of epileptic activity in relation to cognitive impairment, and to explore the utility of antiepileptic drugs in the therapy of cognitive disorders. We also propose future directions for drug development and novel therapeutic interventions targeting epileptiform discharges in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Attila Horvath
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Sara Lality
- Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal M. Kaminski
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anita Kamondi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Hirosawa T, Sowman PF, Fukai M, Kameya M, Soma D, Hino S, Kitamura T, An KM, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Saito D, Ikeda T, Kikuchi M. Relationship between epileptiform discharges and social reciprocity or cognitive function in children with and without autism spectrum disorders: An MEG study. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 74:510-511. [PMID: 32588484 PMCID: PMC7497246 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Paul F Sowman
- Department of Cognitive Science, Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mina Fukai
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kameya
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daiki Soma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shoryoku Hino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Kahoku, Japan
| | - Tatsuru Kitamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Kahoku, Japan
| | - Kyung-Min An
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Faculty of Education, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Ikeda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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22
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Precenzano F, Parisi L, Lanzara V, Vetri L, Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Ruberto M, Messina G, Risoleo MC, Santoro C, Bitetti I, Marotta R. Electroencephalographic Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics and Therapeutic Implications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56090419. [PMID: 32825169 PMCID: PMC7559692 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A large body of literature reports the higher prevalence of epilepsy in subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to the general population. Similarly, several studies report an increased rate of Subclinical Electroencephalographic Abnormalities (SEAs) in seizure-free patients with ASD rather than healthy controls, although with varying percentages. SEAs include both several epileptiform discharges and different non-epileptiform electroencephalographic abnormalities. They are more frequently associated with lower intellectual functioning, more serious dysfunctional behaviors, and they are often sign of severer forms of autism. However, SEAs clinical implications remain controversial, and they could represent an epiphenomenon of the neurochemical alterations of autism etiology. This paper provides an overview of the major research findings with two main purposes: to better delineate the state-of-the-art about EEG abnormalities in ASD and to find evidence for or against appropriateness of SEAs pharmacological treatment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Precenzano
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Lucia Parisi
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Lanzara
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-328-643-4126
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Inter-University Group for Study and Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents; (L.P.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Maria Ruberto
- Centro Pro Juventute Minerva SRL, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Risoleo
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Ilaria Bitetti
- Epilepsy and EEG lab for Developmental Age; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.P.); (V.L.); (M.C.R.); (C.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Rosa Marotta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
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23
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Barone R, Gulisano M, Amore R, Domini C, Milana MC, Giglio S, Madia F, Mattina T, Casabona A, Fichera M, Rizzo R. Clinical correlates in children with autism spectrum disorder and CNVs: Systematic investigation in a clinical setting. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:276-286. [PMID: 32159884 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with various molecular mechanisms including copy number variants (CNVs). We investigated possible associations between CNVs and ASD clinical correlates. We evaluated pertinent physical characteristics and phenotypic measures such as cognitive level, severity of ASD symptoms and comorbid conditions in ASD patients consecutively recruited over the study period. Children with causative (C-CNVs), non-causative (NC-CNVs) and without CNVs (W-CNVs) were compared. Out of 109 patients, 31 imbalances (16 duplications and 15 deletions) were detected in 25 subjects. Seven (6.4%) had C-CNVs and 18 (16.5%) had NC-CNVs. Paired post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment showed that dysmorphisms and microcephaly were significantly more frequent in the C-CNVs group. Patients with C-CNVs had more severe autistic core symptoms, while comorbid internalizing behavioral symptoms were more represented among participants with NC-CNVs. No significant differences were observed for distribution of macrocephaly, intellectual disability, epilepsy, isolated electroencephalogram abnormalities and studied neuroimaging characteristics among groups. Recurrent and rare C-CNVs highlighting genes relevant to neurodevelopment had a statistically higher occurrence in children with more severe ASD symptoms and further developmental abnormalities. This study documents the importance of measuring the physical and neurobehavioural correlates of ASD phenotypes to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms in patient subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Barone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- CNR-Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials IPCB, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariangela Gulisano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renata Amore
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Domini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Milana
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Casabona
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Fichera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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