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Dionísio A, Espírito A, Pereira AC, Mouga S, d'Almeida OC, Oliveira G, Castelo-Branco M. Neurochemical differences in core regions of the autistic brain: a multivoxel 1H-MRS study in children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2374. [PMID: 38287121 PMCID: PMC10824733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52279-x] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition which compromises various cognitive and behavioural domains. The understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular neurobiology of ASD is still an open critical research question. Here, we aimed to address ASD neurochemistry in the same time point at key regions that have been associated with its pathophysiology: the insula, hippocampus, putamen and thalamus. We conducted a multivoxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) study to non-invasively estimate the concentrations of total choline (GPC + PCh, tCho), total N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA + NAAG, tNAA) and Glx (Glu + Gln), presenting the results as ratios to total creatine while investigating replication for ratios to total choline as a secondary analysis. Twenty-two male children aged between 10 and 18 years diagnosed with ASD (none with intellectual disability, in spite of the expected lower IQ) and 22 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) controls were included. Aspartate ratios were significantly lower in the insula (tNAA/tCr: p = 0.010; tNAA/tCho: p = 0.012) and putamen (tNAA/tCr: p = 0.015) of ASD individuals in comparison with TD controls. The Glx ratios were significantly higher in the hippocampus of the ASD group (Glx/tCr: p = 0.027; Glx/tCho: p = 0.011). Differences in tNAA and Glx indices suggest that these metabolites might be neurochemical markers of region-specific atypical metabolism in ASD children, with a potential contribution for future advances in clinical monitoring and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dionísio
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Espírito
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia C Pereira
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Susana Mouga
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centro de Desenvolvimento da Criança, Unidade de Neurodesenvolvimento e Autismo, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Otília C d'Almeida
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guiomar Oliveira
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centro de Desenvolvimento da Criança, Unidade de Neurodesenvolvimento e Autismo, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic of Pediatrics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Gevezova M, Sbirkov Y, Sarafian V, Plaimas K, Suratanee A, Maes M. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) - Gene, molecular and pathway signatures linking systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, transsynaptic signalling, and neurodevelopment. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100646. [PMID: 37334258 PMCID: PMC10275703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and the vast genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data available, there are still controversies regarding the pathways and molecular signatures underlying the neurodevelopmental disorders leading to ASD. Purpose To delineate these underpinning signatures, we examined the two largest gene expression meta-analysis datasets obtained from the brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 1355 ASD patients and 1110 controls. Methods We performed network, enrichment, and annotation analyses using the differentially expressed genes, transcripts, and proteins identified in ASD patients. Results Transcription factor network analyses in up- and down-regulated genes in brain tissue and PBMCs in ASD showed eight main transcription factors, namely: BCL3, CEBPB, IRF1, IRF8, KAT2A, NELFE, RELA, and TRIM28. The upregulated gene networks in PBMCs of ASD patients are strongly associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways, including interferon-α signaling, and cellular responses to DNA repair. Enrichment analyses of the upregulated CNS gene networks indicate involvement of immune-inflammatory pathways, cytokine production, Toll-Like Receptor signalling, with a major involvement of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Analyses of the downregulated CNS genes suggest electron transport chain dysfunctions at multiple levels. Network topological analyses revealed that the consequent aberrations in axonogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic transmission, and regulation of transsynaptic signalling affect neurodevelopment with subsequent impairments in social behaviours and neurocognition. The results suggest a defense response against viral infection. Conclusions Peripheral activation of immune-inflammatory pathways, most likely induced by viral infections, may result in CNS neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to abnormalities in transsynaptic transmission, and brain neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kitiporn Plaimas
- Advanced Virtual and Intelligent Computing (AVIC) Center, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Apichat Suratanee
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Swanberg KM, Campos L, Abdallah CG, Juchem C. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2022; 6:24705470221128004. [PMID: 36237981 PMCID: PMC9551353 DOI: 10.1177/24705470221128004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A stressor-related disorder wherein traumatic experience precipitates protracted
disruptions to mood and cognition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is
associated with wide-ranging abnormalities across the body. While various
methods have investigated these deviations, only proton magnetic resonance
spectroscopy (1H MRS) enables noninvasive measurement of
small-molecule metabolites in the living human. 1H MRS has
correspondingly been employed to test hypotheses about the composition and
function of multiple brain regions putatively involved in PTSD. Here we
systematically review methodological considerations and reported findings, both
positive and negative, of the current 1H-MRS literature in PTSD
(N = 32 studies) to communicate the brain regional metabolite alterations
heretofore observed, providing random-effects model meta-analyses for those most
extensively studied. Our review suggests significant PTSD-associated decreases
in N-acetyl aspartate in bilateral hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex
with less evident effect in other metabolites and regions. Model heterogeneities
diverged widely by analysis (I2 < 0.01% to 90.1%) and suggested
regional dependence on quantification reference (creatine or otherwise). While
observed variabilities in methods and reported findings suggest that
1H-MRS explorations of PTSD could benefit from methodological
standardization, informing this standardization by quantitative assessment of
the existing literature is currently hampered by its small size and limited
scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley M. Swanberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Columbia
University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied
Science, New York, NY, USA
- Kelley M. Swanberg, Department of
Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering
and Applied Science, 351 Engineering Terrace, 1210 Amsterdam Avenue, New York,
NY 10027, USA.
| | - Leonardo Campos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Columbia
University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied
Science, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chadi G. Abdallah
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of
Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut
Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,
Baylor College
of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christoph Juchem
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Columbia
University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied
Science, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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5
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Novel treatments for autism spectrum disorder based on genomics and systems biology. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107939. [PMID: 34174273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex underlying genetic architecture. There are currently no known pharmacologic treatments for the core ASD symptoms of social deficits and restricted/ repetitive behavior. However, there are dozens of clinical trials currently underway that are testing the impact of novel and existing agents on core and associated symptoms in ASD. METHODS We present a narrative synthesis of the historical and contemporary challenges to drug discovery in ASD. We then provide an overview of novel treatments currently under investigation from a genomics and systems biology perspective. RESULTS Data driven network and cluster analyses suggest alterations in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodelling, synaptic transmission, neuropeptide signalling, and/or immunological mechanisms may contribute to or underlie the development of ASD. Agents and upcoming trials targeting each of the above listed systems are reviewed. CONCLUSION Identifying effective pharmacologic treatments for the core and associated symptom domains in ASD will require further collaboration and innovation in the areas of outcome measurement, biomarker research, and genomics, as well as systematic efforts to identify and treat subgroups of individuals with ASD who may be differentially responsive to specific treatments.
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6
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Pacheva I, Ivanov I. Targeted Biomedical Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4430-4453. [PMID: 31801452 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191205091312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represents presentations with impairment in communication and behaviour that vary considerably in their clinical manifestations and etiology as well as in their likely pathophysiology. A growing body of data indicates that the deleterious effect of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, as well as their interconnections are important aspects of the pathophysiology of ASD. Glutathione deficiency decreases the mitochondrial protection against oxidants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; immune dysregulation and inflammation inhibit mitochondrial function through TNF-α; autoantibodies against the folate receptors underpin cerebral folate deficiency, resulting in disturbed methylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Such pathophysiological processes can arise from environmental and epigenetic factors as well as their combined interactions, such as environmental toxicant exposures in individuals with (epi)genetically impaired detoxification. The emerging evidence on biochemical alterations in ASD is forming the basis for treatments aimed to target its biological underpinnings, which is of some importance, given the uncertain and slow effects of the various educational interventions most commonly used. METHODS Literature-based review of the biomedical treatment options for ASD that are derived from established pathophysiological processes. RESULTS Most proposed biomedical treatments show significant clinical utility only in ASD subgroups, with specified pre-treatment biomarkers that are ameliorated by the specified treatment. For example, folinic acid supplementation has positive effects in ASD patients with identified folate receptor autoantibodies, whilst the clinical utility of methylcobalamine is apparent in ASD patients with impaired methylation capacity. Mitochondrial modulating cofactors should be considered when mitochondrial dysfunction is evident, although further research is required to identify the most appropriate single or combined treatment. Multivitamins/multiminerals formulas, as well as biotin, seem appropriate following the identification of metabolic abnormalities, with doses tapered to individual requirements. A promising area, requiring further investigations, is the utilization of antipurinergic therapies, such as low dose suramin. CONCLUSION The assessment and identification of relevant physiological alterations and targeted intervention are more likely to produce positive treatment outcomes. As such, current evidence indicates the utility of an approach based on personalized and evidence-based medicine, rather than treatment targeted to all that may not always be beneficial (primum non nocere).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliyana Pacheva
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
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7
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Port RG, Oberman LM, Roberts TPL. Revisiting the excitation/inhibition imbalance hypothesis of ASD through a clinical lens. Br J Radiol 2019; 92:20180944. [PMID: 31124710 PMCID: PMC6732925 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20180944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) currently affects 1 in 59 children, although the aetiology of this disorder remains unknown. Faced with multiple seemingly disparate and noncontiguous neurobiological alterations, Rubenstein and Merzenich hypothesized that imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory neurosignaling (E/I imbalance) underlie ASD. Since this initial statement, there has been a major focus examining this exact topic spanning both clinical and preclinical realms. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical neuroimaging literature surrounding E/I imbalance as an aetiology of ASD. Evidence for E/I imbalance is presented from several complementary clinical techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetoencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Additionally, two GABAergic potential interventions for ASD, which explicitly attempt to remediate E/I imbalance, are reviewed. The current literature suggests E/I imbalance as a useful framework for discussing the neurobiological etiology of ASD in at least a subset of affected individuals. While not constituting a completely unifying aetiology, E/I imbalance may be relevant as one of several underlying neuropathophysiologies that differentially affect individuals with ASD. Such statements do not diminish the value of the E/I imbalance concept-instead they suggest a possible role for the characterization of E/I imbalance, as well as other underlying neuropathophysiologies, in the biologically-based subtyping of individuals with ASD for potential applications including clinical trial enrichment as well as treatment triage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Timothy PL Roberts
- Department of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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8
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Kim Y, Vadodaria KC, Lenkei Z, Kato T, Gage FH, Marchetto MC, Santos R. Mitochondria, Metabolism, and Redox Mechanisms in Psychiatric Disorders. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:275-317. [PMID: 30585734 PMCID: PMC6602118 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Our current knowledge of the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms causing psychiatric disorders is modest, but genetic susceptibility and environmental factors are central to the etiology of these conditions. Autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder show genetic gene risk overlap and share symptoms and metabolic comorbidities. The identification of such common features may provide insights into the development of these disorders. Recent Advances: Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that brain energy metabolism, mitochondrial functions and redox balance are impaired to various degrees in psychiatric disorders. Since mitochondrial metabolism and redox signaling can integrate genetic and environmental environmental factors affecting the brain, it is possible that they are implicated in the etiology and progression of psychiatric disorders. Critical Issue: Evidence for direct links between cellular mitochondrial dysfunction and disease features are missing. Future Directions: A better understanding of the mitochondrial biology and its intracellular connections to the nuclear genome, the endoplasmic reticulum and signaling pathways, as well as its role in intercellular communication in the organism, is still needed. This review focuses on the findings that implicate mitochondrial dysfunction, the resultant metabolic changes and oxidative stress as important etiological factors in the context of psychiatric disorders. We also propose a model where specific pathophysiologies of psychiatric disorders depend on circuit-specific impairments of mitochondrial dysfunction and redox signaling at specific developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, South Korea
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Krishna C. Vadodaria
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Zsolt Lenkei
- Laboratory of Dynamic of Neuronal Structure in Health and Disease, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (UMR_S1266 INSERM, University Paris Descartes), Paris, France
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Maria C. Marchetto
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
| | - Renata Santos
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
- Laboratory of Dynamic of Neuronal Structure in Health and Disease, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (UMR_S1266 INSERM, University Paris Descartes), Paris, France
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9
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Rose S, Niyazov DM, Rossignol DA, Goldenthal M, Kahler SG, Frye RE. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 22:571-593. [PMID: 30039193 PMCID: PMC6132446 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-018-0352-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects ~ 2% of children in the United States. The etiology of ASD likely involves environmental factors triggering physiological abnormalities in genetically sensitive individuals. One of these major physiological abnormalities is mitochondrial dysfunction, which may affect a significant subset of children with ASD. Here we systematically review the literature on human studies of mitochondrial dysfunction related to ASD. Clinical aspects of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD include unusual neurodevelopmental regression, especially if triggered by an inflammatory event, gastrointestinal symptoms, seizures, motor delays, fatigue and lethargy. Traditional biomarkers of mitochondrial disease are widely reported to be abnormal in ASD, but appear non-specific. Newer biomarkers include buccal cell enzymology, biomarkers of fatty acid metabolism, non-mitochondrial enzyme function, apoptosis markers and mitochondrial antibodies. Many genetic abnormalities are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD, including chromosomal abnormalities, mitochondrial DNA mutations and large-scale deletions, and mutations in both mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial nuclear genes. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been described in immune and buccal cells, fibroblasts, muscle and gastrointestinal tissue and the brains of individuals with ASD. Several environmental factors, including toxicants, microbiome metabolites and an oxidized microenvironment are shown to modulate mitochondrial function in ASD tissues. Investigations of treatments for mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are promising but preliminary. The etiology of mitochondrial dysfunction and how to define it in ASD is currently unclear. However, preliminary evidence suggests that the mitochondria may be a fruitful target for treatment and prevention of ASD. Further research is needed to better understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Dmitriy M Niyazov
- Section of Medical Genetics, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Michael Goldenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurology Section, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen G Kahler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Division of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas St, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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10
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Medial Frontal Lobe Neurochemistry in Autism Spectrum Disorder is Marked by Reduced N-Acetylaspartate and Unchanged Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamate + Glutamine Levels. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1467-1482. [PMID: 29177616 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3406-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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11
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Mudd AT, Berding K, Wang M, Donovan SM, Dilger RN. Serum cortisol mediates the relationship between fecal Ruminococcus and brain N-acetylaspartate in the young pig. Gut Microbes 2017; 8:589-600. [PMID: 28703640 PMCID: PMC5730385 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2017.1353849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A dynamic relationship between the gut microbiota and brain is pivotal in neonatal development. Dysbiosis of the microbiome may result in altered neurodevelopment; however, it is unclear which specific members of microbiota are most influential and what factors might mediate the relationship between the gut and the brain. Twenty-four vaginally-derived male piglets were subjected to magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 30 d of age. Ascending colon contents, feces, and blood were collected and analyzed for volatile fatty acids, microbiota relative abundance by 16s rRNA, and serum metabolites, respectively. A mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediatory effect of serum biomarkers on the relationship between microbiota and neurometabolites. Results indicated fecal Ruminococcus and Butyricimonas predicted brain N-acetylaspartate (NAA). Analysis of serum biomarkers indicated Ruminococcus independently predicted serum serotonin and cortisol. A 3-step mediation indicated: i) Ruminococcus negatively predicted NAA, ii) Ruminococcus negatively predicted cortisol, and iii) a significant indirect effect (i.e., the effect of fecal Ruminococcus through cortisol on NAA) was observed and the direct effect became insignificant. Thus, serum cortisol fully mediated the relationship between fecal Ruminococcus and brain NAA. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, this study used a statistical mediation analysis and provides a novel perspective into the potential underlying mechanisms through which the microbiota may shape brain development. This is the first study to link Ruminococcus, cortisol, and NAA in vivo, and these findings are substantiated by previous literature indicating these factors may be influential in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin T. Mudd
- Piglet Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kirsten Berding
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sharon M. Donovan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA,Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ryan N. Dilger
- Piglet Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA,CONTACT Ryan N. Dilger 186 Animal Sciences Laboratory, 1207 W. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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12
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Goji A, Ito H, Mori K, Harada M, Hisaoka S, Toda Y, Mori T, Abe Y, Miyazaki M, Kagami S. Assessment of Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and Left Cerebellar Metabolism in Asperger's Syndrome with Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169288. [PMID: 28060873 PMCID: PMC5218556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) is a noninvasive neuroimaging method to quantify biochemical metabolites in vivo and it can serve as a powerful tool to monitor neurobiochemical profiles in the brain. Asperger’s syndrome (AS) is a type of autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by impaired social skills and restrictive, repetitive patterns of interest and activities, while intellectual levels and language skills are relatively preserved. Despite clinical aspects have been well-characterized, neurometabolic profiling in the brain of AS remains to be clear. The present study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to investigate whether pediatric AS is associated with measurable neurometabolic abnormalities that can contribute new information on the neurobiological underpinnings of the disorder. Methods Study participants consisted of 34 children with AS (2–12 years old; mean age 5.2 (±2.0); 28 boys) and 19 typically developed children (2–11 years old; mean age 5.6 (±2.6); 12 boys) who served as the normal control group. The 1H MRS data were obtained from two regions of interest: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left cerebellum. Results In the ACC, levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), total creatine (tCr), total choline-containing compounds (tCho) and myo-Inositol (mI) were significantly decreased in children with AS compared to controls. On the other hand, no significant group differences in any of the metabolites were found in the left cerebellum. Neither age nor sex accounted for the metabolic findings in the regions. Conclusion The finding of decreased levels of NAA, tCr, tCho, and mI in the ACC but not in left cerebellar voxels in the AS, suggests a lower ACC neuronal density in the present AS cohort compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Goji
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hiromichi Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Mori
- Department of Child Health & Nursing, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masafumi Harada
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Sonoka Hisaoka
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Toda
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Mori
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoko Abe
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Masahito Miyazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shoji Kagami
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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13
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Siddiqui MF, Elwell C, Johnson MH. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. AUTISM-OPEN ACCESS 2016; 6:1000190. [PMID: 27928515 PMCID: PMC5137782 DOI: 10.4172/2165-7890.1000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are classified as neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by diminished social communication and interaction. Recently, evidence has accrued that a significant proportion of individuals with autism have concomitant diseases such as mitochondrial disease and abnormalities of energy generation. This has therefore led to the hypothesis that autism may be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. We review such studies reporting decreased activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and reduced gene expression of mitochondrial genes, in particular genes of respiratory chain complexes, in individuals with autism. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that there is an association of ASD with impaired mitochondrial function; however, many of the studies have small sample sizes and there is variability in the techniques utilised. There is therefore a vital need to utilise novel imaging techniques, such as near-infrared spectroscopy, that will allow non-invasive measurement of metabolic markers for neuronal activity such as cytochrome c oxidase, in order to better establish the link between autism and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen F Siddiqui
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, London, UK
| | - Clare Elwell
- Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, London, UK
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14
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Desai A, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. The metabolic basis for developmental disorders due to defective folate transport. Biochimie 2016; 126:31-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Basic Principles and Clinical Applications of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Neuroradiology. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2016; 40:1-13. [PMID: 26484954 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful tool to assist daily clinical diagnostics. This review is intended to give an overview on basic principles of the technology, discuss some of its technical aspects, and present typical applications in daily clinical routine in neuroradiology.
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16
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Libero LE, Reid MA, White DM, Salibi N, Lahti AC, Kana RK. Biochemistry of the cingulate cortex in autism: An MR spectroscopy study. Autism Res 2015; 9:643-57. [PMID: 26526126 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies have uncovered structural and functional alterations in the cingulate cortex in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Such abnormalities may underlie neurochemical imbalance. In order to characterize the neurochemical profile, the current study examined the concentration of brain metabolites in dorsal ACC (dACC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in high-functioning adults with ASD. Twenty high-functioning adults with ASD and 20 age-and-IQ-matched typically developing (TD) peers participated in this Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) study. LCModel was used in analyzing the spectra to measure the levels of N-Acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and glutamate/glutamine (Glx) in dACC and PCC. Groups were compared using means for the ratio of each metabolite to their respective Cr levels as well as on absolute internal-water-referenced measures of each metabolite. There was a significant increase in Cho in PCC for ASD adults, with a marginal increase in dACC. A reduction in NAA/Cr in dACC was found in ASD participants, compared to their TD peers. No significant differences in Glx/Cr or Cho/Cr were found in dACC. There were no statistically significant group differences in the absolute concentration of NAA, Cr, Glx, or NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and Glx/Cr in the PCC. Differences in the metabolic properties of dACC compared to PCC were also found. Results of this study provide evidence for possible cellular and metabolic differences in the dACC and PCC in adults with ASD. This may suggest neuronal dysfunction in these regions and may contribute to the neuropathology of ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 643-657. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Libero
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - David M White
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nouha Salibi
- MR R&D, Siemens Healthcare, Malvern, Pennsylvania
| | - Adrienne C Lahti
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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17
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Khan AJ, Nair A, Keown CL, Datko MC, Lincoln AJ, Müller RA. Cerebro-cerebellar Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 78:625-34. [PMID: 25959247 PMCID: PMC5708535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cerebellum plays important roles in sensori-motor and supramodal cognitive functions. Cellular, volumetric, and functional abnormalities of the cerebellum have been found in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but no comprehensive investigation of cerebro-cerebellar connectivity in ASD is available. METHODS We used resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging in 56 children and adolescents (28 subjects with ASD, 28 typically developing subjects) 8-17 years old. Partial and total correlation analyses were performed for unilateral regions of interest (ROIs), distinguished in two broad domains as sensori-motor (premotor/primary motor, somatosensory, superior temporal, and occipital) and supramodal (prefrontal, posterior parietal, and inferior and middle temporal). RESULTS There were three main findings: 1) Total correlation analyses showed predominant cerebro-cerebellar functional overconnectivity in the ASD group; 2) partial correlation analyses that emphasized domain specificity (sensori-motor vs. supramodal) indicated a pattern of robustly increased connectivity in the ASD group (compared with the typically developing group) for sensori-motor ROIs but predominantly reduced connectivity for supramodal ROIs; and 3) this atypical pattern of connectivity was supported by significantly increased noncanonical connections (between sensori-motor cerebral and supramodal cerebellar ROIs and vice versa) in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that sensori-motor intrinsic functional connectivity is atypically increased in ASD, at the expense of connectivity supporting cerebellar participation in supramodal cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Khan
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Aarti Nair
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.; Joint Doctoral Program in Language and Communicative Disorders, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Christopher L Keown
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.; Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Michael C Datko
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Alan J Lincoln
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University, San Diego, California
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California..
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18
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Libero LE, DeRamus TP, Lahti AC, Deshpande G, Kana RK. Multimodal neuroimaging based classification of autism spectrum disorder using anatomical, neurochemical, and white matter correlates. Cortex 2015; 66:46-59. [PMID: 25797658 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI, structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have uncovered evidence for widespread functional and anatomical brain abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggesting it to be a system-wide neural systems disorder. Nevertheless, most previous studies have focused on examining one index of neuropathology through a single neuroimaging modality, and seldom using multiple modalities to examine the same cohort of individuals. The current study aims to bring together multiple brain imaging modalities (structural MRI, DTI, and 1H-MRS) to investigate the neural architecture in the same set of individuals (19 high-functioning adults with ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) peers). Morphometry analysis revealed increased cortical thickness in ASD participants, relative to typical controls, across the left cingulate, left pars opercularis of the inferior frontal gyrus, left inferior temporal cortex, and right precuneus, and reduced cortical thickness in right cuneus and right precentral gyrus. ASD adults also had reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased radial diffusivity (RD) for two clusters on the forceps minor of the corpus callosum, revealed by DTI analyses. 1H-MRS results showed a reduction in the N-acetylaspartate/Creatine ratio in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in ASD participants. A decision tree classification analysis across the three modalities resulted in classification accuracy of 91.9% with FA, RD, and cortical thickness as key predictors. Examining the same cohort of adults with ASD and their TD peers, this study found alterations in cortical thickness, white matter (WM) connectivity, and neurochemical concentration in ASD. These findings underscore the potential for multimodal imaging to better inform on the neural characteristics most relevant to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Libero
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thomas P DeRamus
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Adrienne C Lahti
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gopikrishna Deshpande
- Auburn University MRI Research Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA; Department of Psychology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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19
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Disturbed cingulate glutamate metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: evidence in support of the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance hypothesis. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1314-25. [PMID: 25048006 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults has increased. The precise etiology of ASD is still unresolved. Animal research, genetic and postmortem studies suggest that the glutamate (Glu) system has an important role, possibly related to a cybernetic imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. To clarify the possible disruption of Glu metabolism in adults with high-functioning autism, we performed a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study investigating the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the cerebellum in adults with high-functioning ASD. Twenty-nine adult patients with high-functioning ASD and 29 carefully matched healthy volunteers underwent MRS scanning of the pregenual ACC and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Metabolic data were compared between groups and were correlated with psychometric measures of autistic features. We found a significant decrease in the cingulate N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and the combined Glu and glutamine (Glx) signals in adults with ASD, whereas we did not find other metabolic abnormalities in the ACC or the cerebellum. The Glx signal correlated significantly with psychometric measures of autism, particularly with communication deficits. Our data support the hypothesis that there is a link between disturbances of the cingulate NAA and Glx metabolism, and autism. The findings are discussed in the context of the hypothesis of excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in autism. Further research should clarify the specificity and dynamics of these findings regarding other neuropsychiatric disorders and other brain areas.
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20
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Rossignol DA, Frye RE. Evidence linking oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the brain of individuals with autism. Front Physiol 2014; 5:150. [PMID: 24795645 PMCID: PMC4001006 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are defined solely on the basis of behavioral observations. Therefore, ASD has traditionally been framed as a behavioral disorder. However, evidence is accumulating that ASD is characterized by certain physiological abnormalities, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation/inflammation. While these abnormalities have been reported in studies that have examined peripheral biomarkers such as blood and urine, more recent studies have also reported these abnormalities in brain tissue derived from individuals diagnosed with ASD as compared to brain tissue derived from control individuals. A majority of these brain tissue studies have been published since 2010. The brain regions found to contain these physiological abnormalities in individuals with ASD are involved in speech and auditory processing, social behavior, memory, and sensory and motor coordination. This manuscript examines the evidence linking oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation/inflammation in the brain of ASD individuals, suggesting that ASD has a clear biological basis with features of known medical disorders. This understanding may lead to new testing and treatment strategies in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard E Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR, USA
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21
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Michetti C, Romano E, Altabella L, Caruso A, Castelluccio P, Bedse G, Gaetani S, Canese R, Laviola G, Scattoni ML. Mapping pathological phenotypes in reelin mutant mice. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:95. [PMID: 25237666 PMCID: PMC4154529 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with multifactorial origin characterized by social communication deficits and the presence of repetitive behaviors/interests. Several studies showed an association between the reelin gene mutation and increased risk of ASD and a reduced reelin expression in some brain regions of ASD subjects, suggesting a role for reelin deficiency in ASD etiology. Reelin is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein playing important roles during development of the central nervous system. To deeply investigate the role of reelin dysfunction as vulnerability factor in ASD, we assessed the behavioral, neurochemical, and brain morphological features of reeler male mice. We recently reported a genotype-dependent deviation in the ultrasonic vocal repertoire and a general delay in motor development of reeler pups. We now report that adult male heterozygous (Het) reeler mice did not show social behavior and communication deficits during male-female social interactions. Wildtype and Het mice showed a typical light/dark locomotor activity profile, with a peak during the central interval of the dark phase. However, when faced with a mild stressful stimulus (a saline injection) only Het mice showed an over response to stress. In addition to the behavioral studies, we conducted high performance liquid chromatography and magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to investigate whether reelin mutation influences brain monoamine and metabolites levels in regions involved in ASD. Low levels of dopamine in cortex and high levels of glutamate and taurine in hippocampus were detected in Het mice, in line with clinical data collected on ASD children. Altogether, our data detected subtle but relevant neurochemical abnormalities in reeler mice supporting this mutant line, particularly male subjects, as a valid experimental model to estimate the contribution played by reelin deficiency in the global ASD neurobehavioral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Emilia Romano
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico , Rome , Italy
| | - Luisa Altabella
- Molecular and Cellular Imaging Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Angela Caruso
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy ; Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Paolo Castelluccio
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Gaurav Bedse
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Rossella Canese
- Molecular and Cellular Imaging Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Behavioural Neuroscience Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
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22
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Doyle-Thomas KA, Card D, Soorya LV, Wang AT, Fan J, Anagnostou E. Metabolic mapping of deep brain structures and associations with symptomatology in autism spectrum disorders. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2014; 8:44-51. [PMID: 24459534 PMCID: PMC3897261 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Structural neuroimaging studies in autism report atypical volume in deep brain structures which are related to symptomatology. Little is known about metabolic changes in these regions, and how they vary with age and sex, and/or relate to clinical behaviors. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy we measured N-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine, myoinositol and glutamate in the caudate, putamen, and thalamus of 20 children with autism and 16 typically developing controls (7-18 years). Relative to controls, individuals with autism had elevated glutamate/creatine in the putamen. In addition, both groups showed age-related increases in glutamate in this region. Boys, relative to girls had increased choline/creatine in the thalamus. Lastly, there were correlations between glutamate, choline, and myoinositol in all three regions, and behavioral scores in the ASD group. These findings suggest changes in deep gray matter neurochemistry, which are sensitive to diagnosis, age and sex, and are associated with behavioral differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krissy A.R. Doyle-Thomas
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1R8
| | - Dallas Card
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8
- Neurosciences & Mental Health Program, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Latha V. Soorya
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - A. Ting Wang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Jin Fan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY 11367-1597, USA
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1R8
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23
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Bruno JL, Shelly EW, Quintin EM, Rostami M, Patnaik S, Spielman D, Mayer D, Gu M, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. Aberrant basal ganglia metabolism in fragile X syndrome: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:20. [PMID: 23981510 PMCID: PMC3766683 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The profile of cognitive and behavioral variation observed in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known cause of inherited intellectual impairment, suggests aberrant functioning of specific brain systems. Research investigating animal models of FXS, characterized by limited or lack of fragile X mental retardation protein, (FMRP), has linked brain dysfunction to deficits in the cholinergic and glutamatergic systems. Thus, we sought to examine in vivo levels of neurometabolites related to cholinergic and glutamatergic functioning in males and females with FXS. Methods The study participants included 18 adolescents and young adults with FXS, and a comparison group of 18 individuals without FXS matched for age, sex and general intellectual functioning. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to assess neurometabolite levels in the caudate nucleus, a region known to be greatly enlarged and involved in abnormal brain circuitry in individuals with FXS. A general linear model framework was used to compare group differences in metabolite concentration. Results We observed a decrease in choline (P = 0.027) and in glutamate + glutamine (P = 0.032) in the caudate nucleus of individuals with FXS, relative to individuals in the comparison group. Conclusions This study provides evidence of metabolite differences in the caudate nucleus, a brain region of potential importance to our understanding of the neural deficits underlying FXS. These metabolic differences may be related to aberrant receptor signaling seen in animal models. Furthermore, identification of the specific neurometabolites involved in FXS dysfunction could provide critical biomarkers for the design and efficacy tracking of disease-specific pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lynn Bruno
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5795, USA.
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Miyahara M. Meta review of systematic and meta analytic reviews on movement differences, effect of movement based interventions, and the underlying neural mechanisms in autism spectrum disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 7:16. [PMID: 23532374 PMCID: PMC3607787 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSES To identify and appraise evidence from published systematic and meta analytic reviews on (1) movement differences of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); (2) the effects of movement based interventions for ASD; (3) hypothesized underlying neural mechanisms for the movement characteristics. METHODS A meta review of published systematic and meta analytic reviews on movement differences, structural, and functional brain anomalies in ASD and the effects of movement based interventions for individuals with ASD between 1806 and October 2012. The methodological quality of the identified systematic and meta analytic reviews was independently assessed by two assessors with the assessment of multiple systematic reviews (AMSTAR). RESULTS The search yielded a total of 12 reviews that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the reviews varied, but the review conclusions were similar. Although individuals with ASD generally perform less well than age-matched controls in developmental movement tasks, there are few exceptions whose movement abilities are intact. Most movement based interventions report their efficacies. However, all existing studies employ the research design that is inherently incapable of providing strong evidence, and they often fail to report the extent of psychosocial interactions within the movement interventions. The hypothesized neural mechanisms are still under development and speculative in nature. CONCLUSIONS It is premature to designate movement disturbance as a core symptom of ASD. The effects of movement based interventions on the present ASD core symptoms need to be further validated by stronger evidence and verified theoretical mechanisms linking ASD with movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motohide Miyahara
- Movement Development Clinic, School of Physical Education, University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand
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25
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Baruth JM, Wall CA, Patterson MC, Port JD. Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Probe into the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Review. Autism Res 2013; 6:119-33. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Baruth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester; Minnesota
| | | | - Marc C. Patterson
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Medical Genetics; Mayo Clinic Children's Center; Rochester; Minnesota
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Good P. Does infectious fever relieve autistic behavior by releasing glutamine from skeletal muscles as provisional fuel? Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2012] [Revised: 08/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Hugdahl K, Beyer MK, Brix M, Ersland L. Autism spectrum disorder, functional MRI and MR spectroscopy: possibilities and challenges. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2012; 23:18960. [PMID: 23990828 PMCID: PMC3747752 DOI: 10.3402/mehd.v23i0.18960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background In this article we provide an overview of the use of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) in studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We moreover provide preliminary data using these measures in cases of children with ASD and healthy controls. A hypothesis was that ASD children would show aberrant brain activation in the prefrontal and parietal cortex in an oddball stimulus situation, with predictable and unpredictable deviant tone stimuli, as an index of resistance to change in the ASD children. We also hypothesized that glutamate and GABA metabolite levels would differ between the two groups. Methods fMRI images were acquired from a GE Signa HDx 3T MR scanner, as were the MRS data. Behavioral data were acquired as response accuracy to the deviant tone stimulus. The tone stimuli were presented in a standard fMRI ON-OFF box-car paradigim. Results The fMRI results showed reduced brain activation in the ASD cases compared to the controls, preferably in the inferior and superior frontal gyrus, posterior temporal lobe, and superior and inferior parietal lobule. These areas make up an effort mode network (EMN), being activated in response to cognitive effort. The MRS results also showed differences between the groups. Discussion The results are discussed in a theoretical framework of resistance to unexpected changes in the environment in ASD children, and how this could have a neurobiological underpinning. The results are also discussed in relation to the brain-gut link, and the possibility that ASD may have a microbial link. A limitation with the study is the few cases reported and the preliminary quality of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ; Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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