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Tizabi Y, Bennani S, El Kouhen N, Getachew B, Aschner M. Interaction of Heavy Metal Lead with Gut Microbiota: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1549. [PMID: 37892231 PMCID: PMC10605213 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, manifests in early childhood and is followed by restricted and stereotyped behaviors, interests, or activities in adolescence and adulthood (DSM-V). Although genetics and environmental factors have been implicated, the exact causes of ASD have yet to be fully characterized. New evidence suggests that dysbiosis or perturbation in gut microbiota (GM) and exposure to lead (Pb) may play important roles in ASD etiology. Pb is a toxic heavy metal that has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including anemia, encephalopathy, gastroenteric diseases, and, more importantly, cognitive and behavioral problems inherent to ASD. Pb exposure can disrupt GM, which is essential for maintaining overall health. GM, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of various physiological and psychological functions. GM interacts with the brain in a bidirectional manner referred to as the "Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)". In this review, following a general overview of ASD and GM, the interaction of Pb with GM in the context of ASD is emphasized. The potential exploitation of this interaction for therapeutic purposes is also touched upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Samia Bennani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
| | - Nacer El Kouhen
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Casablanca, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20100, Morocco
| | - Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
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Liu C, Liu J, Gong H, Liu T, Li X, Fan X. Implication of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2266-2282. [PMID: 36545727 PMCID: PMC10556385 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221220155455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a cluster of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with atypical social communication and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. The formation of new neurons from neural precursors in the hippocampus has been unequivocally demonstrated in the dentate gyrus of rodents and non-human primates. Accumulating evidence sheds light on how the deficits in the hippocampal neurogenesis may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In this review, we describe the current evidence concerning pre-clinical and clinical studies supporting the significant role of hippocampal neurogenesis in ASD pathogenesis, discuss the possibility of improving hippocampal neurogenesis as a new strategy for treating ASD, and highlight the prospect of emerging pro-neurogenic therapies for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqi Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shigatse, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Narzisi A. Haste Makes Waste: There Is No Solid Evidence to Translate the Use of Stem Cells into Clinical Practice for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2022; 12:992. [PMID: 35892433 PMCID: PMC9332763 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12080992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, private clinics around the world offer stem cell therapy as a therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [...].
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Tian J, Gao X, Yang L. Repetitive Restricted Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Mechanism to Development of Therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:780407. [PMID: 35310097 PMCID: PMC8924045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.780407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive restricted behaviors (RRBs). It is usually detected in early childhood. RRBs are behavioral patterns characterized by repetition, inflexibility, invariance, inappropriateness, and frequent lack of obvious function or specific purpose. To date, the classification of RRBs is contentious. Understanding the potential mechanisms of RRBs in children with ASD, such as neural connectivity disorders and abnormal immune functions, will contribute to finding new therapeutic targets. Although behavioral intervention remains the most effective and safe strategy for RRBs treatment, some promising drugs and new treatment options (e.g., supplementary and cell therapy) have shown positive effects on RRBs in recent studies. In this review, we summarize the latest advances of RRBs from mechanistic to therapeutic approaches and propose potential future directions in research on RRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Yang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
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Zhao L, Li Y, Kou X, Chen B, Cao J, Li J, Zhang J, Wang H, Zhao J, Shi S. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:778-789. [PMID: 35608372 PMCID: PMC9299510 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a great potential approach to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), holding earlier developing characteristics, have immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate whether SHED transplantation can rescue autistic-like symptoms in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs, 12 SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to their behavior evaluated by social interaction tests. Six mutant dogs received 6 intravenous infusions of SHED and were followed up for 3 months by testing social interaction and inflammatory cytokine levels. We found that infusion of SHED significantly improved impaired social novel preference of SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Social intimacies (following, sniffing, and licking) between mutant beagle dogs and human experimenters were partly improved. Stressed tail posture, indicating social stress, was also significantly alleviated. In addition, we showed that the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 were notably increased and decreased, respectively, in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs. Infusion of SHED was able to rescue altered interferon-γ and interleukin-10 levels. We failed to observe any serious adverse events after infusion of SHED. In summary, SHED transplantation may be a safe and effective therapy for ASD. The correction in the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 may serve as an index to predict autistic severity and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxing Kou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Benchi Chen
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Cao
- CAR-T (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqi Zhang
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Wang
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songtao Shi
- Corresponding author: Songtao Shi, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guanghua School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, People’s Republic of China. Tel: +86 020 83811509; Fax: +86 020 83811509;
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Qu J, Liu Z, Li L, Zou Z, He Z, Zhou L, Luo Y, Zhang M, Ye J. Efficacy and Safety of Stem Cell Therapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:897398. [PMID: 35601435 PMCID: PMC9114801 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.897398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM There is insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorders. We performed the first meta-analysis of stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorders in children to provide evidence for clinical rehabilitation. METHODS The data source includes PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and China Academic Journal, from inception to 24th JULY 2021. After sifting through the literature, the Cochrane tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. Finally, we extracted data from these studies and calculated pooled efficacy and safety. RESULTS 5 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in current analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using rehabilitation therapy as the reference standard. Data showed that the Childhood Autism Rating Scale score of stem cell group was striking lower than the control group (WMD: -5.96; 95%CI [-8.87, -3.06]; p < 0.0001). The Clinical Global Impression score consolidated effect size RR = 1.01, 95%CI [0.87, 1.18], Z = 0.14 (p = 0.89), the effective rate for The Clinical Global Impression was 62% and 60% in the stem cell group and the control group, respectively. The occurrence events of adverse reactions in each group (RR = 1.55; 95%CI = 0.60 to 3.98; p = 0.36), there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the stem cell group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis suggested that stem cell therapy for children with autism might be safe and effective. However, the evidence was compromised by the limitations in current study size, lacking standardized injection routes and doses of stem cells, as well as shortages in diagnostic tools and long period follow-up studies. Hence, it calls for more studies to systematically confirm the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayang Qu
- The First Clinical Medicine College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,School of Rehabilitation Medicine Gannan Medical University, GanZhou, China
| | - Zicai Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine Gannan Medical University, GanZhou, China
| | - Lincai Li
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Zhengwei Zou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Zhengyi He
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China
| | - Yaolin Luo
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Minhong Zhang
- Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junsong Ye
- The First Clinical Medicine College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Subcenter for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GanZhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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