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Liu Y, Yu X, Jiang W. The Role of Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier in Neurological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04435-7. [PMID: 39177735 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04435-7] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) is a specific protein complex located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Comprising a heterodimer of two homodimeric membrane proteins, mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 and mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 2, MPC connects cytoplasmic metabolism to mitochondrial metabolism by transferring pyruvate from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria. The nervous system requires substantial energy to maintain its function, and the mitochondrial energy supply is closely linked to neurological function. Mitochondrial dysfunction can induce or exacerbate intracerebral pathologies. MPC influences mitochondrial function due to its specific role as a pyruvate transporter. However, recent studies on MPC and mitochondrial dysfunction in neurological disorders have yielded controversial results, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this brief review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of MPC. We further discuss the potential mechanisms and feasibility of targeting MPC in treating Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cerebral ischemia/hypoxia injury. This review aims to offer insights into MPC as a target for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiying Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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2
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Zahedi E, Shahabeddin Sadr S, Sanaeierad A, Hosseini M, Roghani M. Acetyl-l-carnitine alleviates valproate-induced autism-like behaviors through attenuation of hippocampal mitochondrial dysregulation. Neuroscience 2024:S0306-4522(24)00408-1. [PMID: 39168175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.08.022] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in the context of valproate-induced autism. After prenatal exposure to valproate (VPA; 600 mg/kg, i.p.) on embryonic day 12.5, followed by ALCAR treatment (300 mg/kg on postnatal days 21-49, p.o.), assessment of oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial biogenesis, parvalbumin interneurons, and hippocampal volume was conducted. These assessments were carried out subsequent to the evaluation of autism-like behaviors. Hippocampal analysis of oxidative factors (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde) and antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) revealed a burden of oxidative stress in VPA rats. Additionally, mitochondrial biogenesis and MMP were elevated, while the number of parvalbumin interneurons decreased. These changes were accompanied by autism-like behaviors observed in the three-chamber maze, marble burring test, and Y-maze, as well as a learning deficit in the Barnes maze. In contrast, administrating ALCAR attenuated behavioral deficits, reduced oxidative stress, improved parvalbumin-positive neuronal population, and properly modified MMP and mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively, our results indicate that oral administration of ALCAR ameliorates autism-like behaviors, partly through its targeting oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis. This suggests that ALCAR may have potential benefits ASD managing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Zahedi
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahabeddin Sadr
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ashkan Sanaeierad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Hosseini
- Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Roghani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
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Frye RE. Editorial: Mitochondrial Gene Variations Increase Autism Risk: Uncovering the Complex Polygenetic Landscape of Autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:775-777. [PMID: 38072246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined disorder with a complex, mostly unknown, etiology. Although many neurodevelopmental genetic disorders are associated with ASD, single gene mutations and copy number variations do not account for the majority of ASD cases. In fact, when found, genetic alterations are usually de novo rather than inherited.1 Scientists are starting to consider polygenetic influences in the etiology of ASD whereby changes in multiple genes might add up to a threshold that disrupts cellular pathways. Further studies have implicated many environmental factors, particularly the prenatal maternal environment, suggesting that many cases of ASD might be associated with complex interactions between polygenetic predisposition and environmental factors.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Dr. Frye is with Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, Arizona 85050; Southwest Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85006; Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix Arizona 85050.
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Coelho DRA, Renet C, López-Rodríguez S, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Transcranial photobiomodulation for neurodevelopmental disorders: a narrative review. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1609-1623. [PMID: 39009808 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00613-7] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Down syndrome (DS) significantly impact social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light is a promising non-invasive neurostimulation technique for neuropsychiatric disorders, including NDDs. This narrative review aimed to examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating NDDs. METHODS A comprehensive search across six databases was conducted, using a combination of MeSH terms and title/abstract keywords: "photobiomodulation", "PBM", "neurodevelopmental disorders", "NDD", and others. Studies applying PBM to diagnosed NDD cases or animal models replicating NDDs were included. Protocols, reviews, studies published in languages other than English, and studies not evaluating clinical or cognitive outcomes were excluded. RESULTS Nine studies were identified, including one preclinical and eight clinical studies (five on ASD, two on ADHD, and one on DS). The reviewed studies encompassed various t-PBM parameters (wavelengths: 635-905 nm) and targeted primarily frontal cortex areas. t-PBM showed efficacy in improving disruptive behavior, social communication, cognitive rigidity, sleep quality, and attention in ASD; in enhancing attention in ADHD; and in improving motor skills and verbal fluency in DS. Minimal adverse effects were reported. Proposed mechanisms involve enhanced mitochondrial function, modulated oxidative stress, and reduced neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS t-PBM emerges as a promising intervention for NDDs, with potential therapeutic effects across ASD, ADHD, and DS. These findings underscore the need for further research, including larger-scale, randomized sham-controlled clinical trials with comprehensive biomarker analyses, to optimize treatment parameters and understand the underlying mechanisms associated with the effects of t-PBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Renet
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergi López-Rodríguez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Carlos III Health Institute, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Gevezova M, Ivanov Z, Pacheva I, Timova E, Kazakova M, Kovacheva E, Ivanov I, Sarafian V. Bioenergetic and Inflammatory Alterations in Regressed and Non-Regressed Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8211. [PMID: 39125780 PMCID: PMC11311370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158211] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with multiple physiological abnormalities. Current laboratory and clinical evidence most commonly report mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immunological imbalance in almost every cell type of the body. The present work aims to evaluate oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and inflammation-related molecules such as Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), chitinase 3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin-9 (IL-9) in ASD children with and without regression compared to healthy controls. Children with ASD (n = 56) and typically developing children (TDC, n = 12) aged 1.11 to 11 years were studied. Mitochondrial activity was examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from children with ASD and from the control group, using a metabolic analyzer. Gene and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-9, COX-2, and YKL-40 were investigated in parallel. Our results showed that PBMCs of the ASD subgroup of regressed patients (ASD R(+), n = 21) had a specific pattern of mitochondrial activity with significantly increased maximal respiration, respiratory spare capacity, and proton leak compared to the non-regressed group (ASD R(-), n = 35) and TDC. Furthermore, we found an imbalance in the studied proinflammatory molecules and increased levels in ASD R(-) proving the involvement of inflammatory changes. The results of this study provide new evidence for specific bioenergetic profiles of immune cells and elevated inflammation-related molecules in ASD. For the first time, data on a unique metabolic profile in ASD R(+) and its comparison with a random group of children of similar age and sex are provided. Our data show that mitochondrial dysfunction is more significant in ASD R(+), while in ASD R(-) inflammation is more pronounced. Probably, in the group without regression, immune mechanisms (immune dysregulation, leading to inflammation) begin initially, and at a later stage mitochondrial activity is also affected under exogenous factors. On the other hand, in the regressed group, the initial damage is in the mitochondria, and perhaps at a later stage immune dysfunction is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (Z.I.); (M.K.); (E.K.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zdravko Ivanov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (Z.I.); (M.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Iliana Pacheva
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.P.); (I.I.)
- Pediatrics Clinic, St. George University Hospital, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Elena Timova
- Pediatrics Clinic, St. George University Hospital, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Maria Kazakova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (Z.I.); (M.K.); (E.K.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (Z.I.); (M.K.); (E.K.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (I.P.); (I.I.)
- Pediatrics Clinic, St. George University Hospital, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.G.); (Z.I.); (M.K.); (E.K.)
- Research Institute at MU-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Qin SJ, Zeng QG, Zeng HX, Li SP, Andersson J, Zhao B, Oudin A, Kanninen KM, Jalava P, Jin NX, Yang M, Lin LZ, Liu RQ, Dong GH, Zeng XW. Neurotoxicity of fine and ultrafine particulate matter: A comprehensive review using a toxicity pathway-oriented adverse outcome pathway framework. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174450. [PMID: 38969138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause brain damage and diseases. Of note, ultrafine particles (UFPs) with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 100 nm are a growing concern. Evidence has suggested toxic effects of PM2.5 and UFPs on the brain and links to neurological diseases. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully illustrated due to the variety of the study models, different endpoints, etc. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework is a pathway-based approach that could systematize mechanistic knowledge to assist health risk assessment of pollutants. Here, we constructed AOPs by collecting molecular mechanisms in PM-induced neurotoxicity assessments. We chose particulate matter (PM) as a stressor in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and identified the critical toxicity pathways based on Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). We found 65 studies investigating the potential mechanisms linking PM2.5 and UFPs to neurotoxicity, which contained 2, 675 genes in all. IPA analysis showed that neuroinflammation signaling and glucocorticoid receptor signaling were the common toxicity pathways. The upstream regulator analysis (URA) of PM2.5 and UFPs demonstrated that the neuroinflammation signaling was the most initially triggered upstream event. Therefore, neuroinflammation was recognized as the MIE. Strikingly, there is a clear sequence of activation of downstream signaling pathways with UFPs, but not with PM2.5. Moreover, we found that inflammation response and homeostasis imbalance were key cellular events in PM2.5 and emphasized lipid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment in UFPs. Previous AOPs, which only focused on phenotypic changes in neurotoxicity upon PM exposure, we for the first time propose AOP framework in which PM2.5 and UFPs may activate pathway cascade reactions, resulting in adverse outcomes associated with neurotoxicity. Our toxicity pathway-based approach not only advances risk assessment for PM-induced neurotoxicity but shines a spotlight on constructing AOP frameworks for new chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Jian Qin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing-Guo Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui-Xian Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shen-Pan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | | | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Anna Oudin
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pasi Jalava
- Department of Environmental and Biological Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nan-Xiang Jin
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mo Yang
- Department of Environmental and Biological Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Frye RE, Rincon N, McCarty PJ, Brister D, Scheck AC, Rossignol DA. Biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106520. [PMID: 38703861 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children and is associated with physiological abnormalities, most notably mitochondrial dysfunction, at least in a subset of individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis discovered 204 relevant articles which evaluated biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD individuals. Significant elevations (all p < 0.01) in the prevalence of lactate (17%), pyruvate (41%), alanine (15%) and creatine kinase (9%) were found in ASD. Individuals with ASD had significant differences (all p < 0.01) with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d' ≥ 0.6) compared to controls in mean pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, ATP, and creatine kinase. Some studies found abnormal TCA cycle metabolites associated with ASD. Thirteen controlled studies reported mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions or variations in the ASD group in blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, leucocytes, granulocytes, and brain. Meta-analyses discovered significant differences (p < 0.01) in copy number of mtDNA overall and in ND1, ND4 and CytB genes. Four studies linked specific mtDNA haplogroups to ASD. A series of studies found a subgroup of ASD with elevated mitochondrial respiration which was associated with increased sensitivity of the mitochondria to physiological stressors and neurodevelopmental regression. Lactate, pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, carnitine, and acyl-carnitines were associated with clinical features such as delays in language, social interaction, cognition, motor skills, and with repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms, although not all studies found an association. Lactate, carnitine, acyl-carnitines, ATP, CoQ10, as well as mtDNA variants, heteroplasmy, haplogroups and copy number were associated with ASD severity. Variability was found across biomarker studies primarily due to differences in collection and processing techniques as well as the intrinsic heterogeneity of the ASD population. Several studies reported alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in mothers of children with ASD and in neonates who develop ASD. Treatments targeting mitochondria, particularly carnitine and ubiquinol, appear beneficial in ASD. The link between mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD and common physiological abnormalities in individuals with ASD including gastrointestinal disorders, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction is outlined. Several subtypes of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are discussed, including one related to neurodevelopmental regression, another related to alterations in microbiome metabolites, and another related to elevations in acyl-carnitines. Mechanisms linking abnormal mitochondrial function with alterations in prenatal brain development and postnatal brain function are outlined. Given the multisystem complexity of some individuals with ASD, this review presents evidence for the mitochondria being central to ASD by contributing to abnormalities in brain development, cognition, and comorbidities such as immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as neurodevelopmental regression. A diagnostic approach to identify mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD is outlined. From this evidence, it is clear that many individuals with ASD have alterations in mitochondrial function which may need to be addressed in order to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. The fact that alterations in mitochondrial metabolism may be found during pregnancy and early in the life of individuals who eventually develop ASD provides promise for early life predictive biomarkers of ASD. Further studies may improve the understanding of the role of the mitochondria in ASD by better defining subgroups and understanding the molecular mechanisms driving some of the unique changes found in mitochondrial function in those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Patrick J McCarty
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States of America.
| | | | - Adrienne C Scheck
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States of America.
| | - Daniel A Rossignol
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
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Pinto Payares DV, Spooner L, Vosters J, Dominguez S, Patrick L, Harris A, Kanungo S. A systematic review on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction/disorders in neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatric/behavioral disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389093. [PMID: 39006821 PMCID: PMC11239503 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mitochondrial diseases are known inborn errors affecting energy metabolism and are as common as chronic diseases such as diabetes, affecting approximately 1 in 5,000 people. The role of mitochondrial diseases/dysfunction has been highlighted in neurodevelopmental disorders like ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability, and speech delay, as well as various psychiatric conditions. Neurodevelopmental disorders are increasingly recognized as having behavioral and psychiatric symptoms. Our study aimed to investigate reports of mitochondrial disorders, noting neurodevelopmental disorders and psychiatric/behavioral conditions. Methods This was done through a systematic review of literature from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to November 2022. Results We found 277 publications, of which 139 met the inclusion criteria. We mostly found review articles with mention of mitochondrial dysfunction/disorder in relation to ASD with brief mentions of psychiatric/behavioral comorbidities. Discussion This suggests a need for broader research efforts beyond ASD to understand the relationship between mitochondrial disorder or dysfunction and various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric/behavioral comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela V. Pinto Payares
- Department of Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Logan Spooner
- Department of Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer Vosters
- Department of Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Samantha Dominguez
- Department of Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Lauren Patrick
- Department of Student Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Medical Library, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Shibani Kanungo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
- Department of Medical Ethics, Humanities and Law, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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9
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Salemi M, Schillaci FA, Lanza G, Marchese G, Salluzzo MG, Cordella A, Caniglia S, Bruccheri MG, Truda A, Greco D, Ferri R, Romano C. Transcriptome Study in Sicilian Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1402. [PMID: 39061976 PMCID: PMC11274004 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071402] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ASD is a complex condition primarily rooted in genetics, although influenced by environmental, prenatal, and perinatal risk factors, ultimately leading to genetic and epigenetic alterations. These mechanisms may manifest as inflammatory, oxidative stress, hypoxic, or ischemic damage. To elucidate potential variances in gene expression in ASD, a transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was conducted via RNA-seq on 12 ASD patients and 13 healthy controls, all of Sicilian ancestry to minimize environmental confounds. A total of 733 different statistically significant genes were identified between the two cohorts. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) terms were employed to explore the pathways influenced by differentially expressed mRNAs. GSEA revealed GO pathways strongly associated with ASD, namely the GO Biological Process term "Response to Oxygen-Containing Compound". Additionally, the GO Cellular Component pathway "Mitochondrion" stood out among other pathways, with differentially expressed genes predominantly affiliated with this specific pathway, implicating the involvement of different mitochondrial functions in ASD. Among the differentially expressed genes, FPR2 was particularly highlighted, belonging to three GO pathways. FPR2 can modulate pro-inflammatory responses, with its intracellular cascades triggering the activation of several kinases, thus suggesting its potential utility as a biomarker of pro-inflammatory processes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Salemi
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Francesca A. Schillaci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
- Department of Surgery and Medical—Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marchese
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Salluzzo
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Angela Cordella
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Salvatore Caniglia
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Maria Grazia Bruccheri
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Anna Truda
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (G.M.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
- Genome Research Center for Health—CRGS, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Donatella Greco
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
| | - Corrado Romano
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.A.S.); (G.L.); (M.G.S.); (S.C.); (M.G.B.); (D.G.); (R.F.); (C.R.)
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
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10
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Bhalla K, Rosier K, Monnens Y, Meulemans S, Vervoort E, Thorrez L, Agostinis P, Meier DT, Rochtus A, Resnick JL, Creemers JWM. Similar metabolic pathways are affected in both Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome-22 and Prader-Willi Syndrome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167175. [PMID: 38626828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Loss of prolyl endopeptidase-like (PREPL) encoding a serine hydrolase with (thio)esterase activity leads to the recessive metabolic disorder Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome-22 (CMS22). It is characterized by severe neonatal hypotonia, feeding problems, growth retardation, and hyperphagia leading to rapid weight gain later in childhood. The phenotypic similarities with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are striking, suggesting that similar pathways are affected. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in mouse models for both disorders and to examine mitochondrial function in skin fibroblasts of patients and knockout cell lines. We have demonstrated that Prepl is downregulated in the brains of neonatal PWS-IC-p/+m mice. In addition, the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is similarly affected in both Prepl-/- and PWS-IC-p/+m mice resulting in defective orexigenic signaling and growth retardation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that mitochondrial function is altered in PREPL knockout HEK293T cells and can be rescued with the supplementation of coenzyme Q10. Finally, PREPL-deficient and PWS patient skin fibroblasts display defective mitochondrial bioenergetics. The mitochondrial dysfunction in PWS fibroblasts can be rescued by overexpression of PREPL. In conclusion, we provide the first molecular parallels between CMS22 and PWS, raising the possibility that PREPL substrates might become therapeutic targets for treating both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Bhalla
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Rosier
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yenthe Monnens
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Meulemans
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Vervoort
- Laboratory for Cell Death Research & Therapy, VIB, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Thorrez
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Campus Kulak, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Agostinis
- Laboratory for Cell Death Research & Therapy, VIB, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel T Meier
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Rochtus
- Department of Development and Regeneration, UZ Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - James L Resnick
- Department of Molecular genetics & Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John W M Creemers
- Laboratory for Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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11
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Fradkin Y, De Taboada L, Naeser M, Saltmarche A, Snyder W, Steingold E. Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2-6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1221193. [PMID: 38737349 PMCID: PMC11086174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1221193] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Small pilot studies have suggested that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions, such as depression, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective To examine the impact of tPBM on the symptoms of ASD in children aged two to six years. Method We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving thirty children aged two to six years with a prior diagnosis of ASD. We delivered pulses of near-infrared light (40 Hz, 850 nm) noninvasively to selected brain areas twice a week for eight weeks, using an investigational medical device designed for this purpose (Cognilum™, JelikaLite Corp., New York, United States). We used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS, 2nd Edition) to assess and compare the ASD symptoms of participants before and after the treatment course. We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) data during each session from those participants who tolerated wearing the EEG cap. Results The difference in the change in CARS scores between the two groups was 7.23 (95% CI 2.357 to 12.107, p = 0.011). Seventeen of the thirty participants completed at least two EEGs and time-dependent trends were detected. In addition, an interaction between Active versus Sham and Scaled Time was observed in delta power (Coefficient = 7.521, 95% CI -0.517 to 15.559, p = 0.07) and theta power (Coefficient = -8.287, 95% CI -17.199 to 0.626, p = 0.07), indicating a potential trend towards a greater reduction in delta power and an increase in theta power over time with treatment in the Active group, compared to the Sham group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the condition (Treatment vs. Sham) in the power of theta waves (net_theta) (Coefficient = 9.547, 95% CI 0.027 to 19.067, p = 0.049). No moderate or severe side effects or adverse effects were reported or observed during the trial. Conclusion These results indicate that tPBM may be a safe and effective treatment for ASD and should be studied in more depth in larger studies.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04660552, identifier NCT04660552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliy Fradkin
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | | | - Margaret Naeser
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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D'Incal C, Van Dijck A, Ibrahim J, De Man K, Bastini L, Konings A, Elinck E, Gozes L, Marusic Z, Anicic M, Vukovic J, Van der Aa N, Mateiu L, Vanden Berghe W, Kooy RF. ADNP dysregulates methylation and mitochondrial gene expression in the cerebellum of a Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome autopsy case. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:62. [PMID: 38637827 PMCID: PMC11027339 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01743-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients present with autism, intellectual disability, and frequent extra-neurological features such as feeding and gastrointestinal problems, visual impairments, and cardiac abnormalities. All patients exhibit heterozygous de novo nonsense or frameshift stop mutations in the Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP) gene, accounting for a prevalence of 0.2% of all autism cases worldwide. ADNP fulfills an essential chromatin remodeling function during brain development. In this study, we investigated the cerebellum of a died 6-year-old male patient with the c.1676dupA/p.His559Glnfs*3 ADNP mutation. RESULTS The clinical presentation of the patient was representative of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome. During his lifespan, he underwent two liver transplantations after which the child died because of multiple organ failure. An autopsy was performed, and various tissue samples were taken for further analysis. We performed a molecular characterization of the cerebellum, a brain region involved in motor coordination, known for its highest ADNP expression and compared it to an age-matched control subject. Importantly, epigenome-wide analysis of the ADNP cerebellum identified CpG methylation differences and expression of multiple pathways causing neurodevelopmental delay. Interestingly, transcription factor motif enrichment analysis of differentially methylated genes showed that the ADNP binding motif was the most significantly enriched. RNA sequencing of the autopsy brain further identified downregulation of the WNT signaling pathway and autophagy defects as possible causes of neurodevelopmental delay. Ultimately, label-free quantification mass spectrometry identified differentially expressed proteins involved in mitochondrial stress and sirtuin signaling pathways amongst others. Protein-protein interaction analysis further revealed a network including chromatin remodelers (ADNP, SMARCC2, HDAC2 and YY1), autophagy-related proteins (LAMP1, BECN1 and LC3) as well as a key histone deacetylating enzyme SIRT1, involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. The protein interaction of ADNP with SIRT1 was further biochemically validated through the microtubule-end binding proteins EB1/EB3 by direct co-immunoprecipitation in mouse cerebellum, suggesting important mito-epigenetic crosstalk between chromatin remodeling and mitochondrial energy metabolism linked to autophagy stress responses. This is further supported by mitochondrial activity assays and stainings in patient-derived fibroblasts which suggest mitochondrial dysfunctions in the ADNP deficient human brain. CONCLUSION This study forms the baseline clinical and molecular characterization of an ADNP autopsy cerebellum, providing novel insights in the disease mechanisms of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome. By combining multi-omic and biochemical approaches, we identified a novel SIRT1-EB1/EB3-ADNP protein complex which may contribute to autophagic flux alterations and impaired mitochondrial metabolism in the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome and holds promise as a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Incal
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anke Van Dijck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joe Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Man
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lina Bastini
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anthony Konings
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ellen Elinck
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lllana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zlatko Marusic
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirna Anicic
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jurica Vukovic
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nathalie Van der Aa
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ligia Mateiu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Epigenetic Signaling lab (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43/6, 2650, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium.
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13
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Zare MJ, Ahmadi A, Dehbozorgi S, Zare M, Hejazi N. The Association Between Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII) and Nutrient Adequacy with Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Sleep Habits, and Autistic Traits. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06328-z. [PMID: 38607471 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Zare
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afsane Ahmadi
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Sara Dehbozorgi
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavior Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Morteza Zare
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Najmeh Hejazi
- Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
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14
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Frye RE, Rose S, Voinsky I, Gurwitz D. Nitrosative Stress in Autism: Supportive Evidence and Implications for Mitochondrial Dysfunction. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304439. [PMID: 38380535 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A recent study by the Amal team published in this journal in May 2023 proved for the first time the link of nitric oxide (NO) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), thereby opening new venues for the potential use of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors as therapeutics for improving the neurological and behavioral symptoms of ASD. The authors conclude that their findings demonstrate that NO plays a significant role in ASD. Indeed, earlier studies support elevated NO and its metabolites, nitrite, and peroxynitrite, in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Dysregulated NOS activity may underlie the well-documented mitochondrial dysfunction in a subset of individuals with ASD. Strategies for treating ASD shall also consider NO effects on mitochondrial respiration in modulating NOS activity. Further experimental evidence and controlled clinical trials with NOS modifiers are required for assessing their therapeutic potential for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202, USA
| | - Irena Voinsky
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69968, Israel
| | - David Gurwitz
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69968, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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15
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Sánchez RM, Bermeo Losada JF, Marín Martínez JA. The research landscape concerning environmental factors in neurodevelopmental disorders: Endocrine disrupters and pesticides-A review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101132. [PMID: 38561126 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, environmental epidemiology and toxicology have seen a growing interest in the environmental factors that contribute to the increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, with the purpose of establishing appropriate prevention strategies. A literature review was performed, and 192 articles covering the topic of endocrine disruptors and neurodevelopmental disorders were found, focusing on polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bisphenol A, and pesticides. This study contributes to analyzing their effect on the molecular mechanism in maternal and infant thyroid function, essential for infant neurodevelopment, and whose alteration has been associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders. The results provide scientific evidence of the association that exists between the environmental neurotoxins and various neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, other possible molecular mechanisms by which pesticides and endocrine disruptors may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders are being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mira Sánchez
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias Medioambientales y Neurodesarrollo ICMYN, Murcia, Spain.
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16
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Cheng Q, Liu QQ, Lu CA. A state-of-the-science review of using mitochondrial DNA copy number as a biomarker for environmental exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123642. [PMID: 38402934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and signaling organelles in eukaryotes, and contain their own genomes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to supply energy to cells by generating ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, the threat to mitochondria' integrity and health resulting from environmental exposure could induce adverse health effects in organisms. In this review, we summarized the association between mtDNA copy number (mtDNAcn), and environmental exposures as reported in the literature. We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science using [Mitochondrial DNA copy number] and [Exposure] as two keywords and employed three selection criteria for the final inclusion of 97 papers for review. The consensus of data was that mtDNAcn could be used as a plausible biomarker for cumulative exposures to environmental chemical and physical agents. In order to furtherly expand the application of mtDNAcn in ecological and environmental health research, we suggested a series of algorithms aiming to standardize the calculation of mtDNAcn based on the PCR results in this review. We also discussed the pitfalls of using whole blood/plasma samples for mtDNAcn measurements and regard buccal cells a plausible and practical alternative. Finally, we recognized the importance of better understanding the mechanistic analysis and regulatory mechanism of mtDNAcn, in particular the signals release and regulation pathways. We believe that the development of using mtDNAcn as an exposure biomarker will revolutionize the evaluation of chronic sub-lethal toxicity of chemicals to organisms in ecological and environmental health research that has not yet been implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Cheng
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Qing Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Chensheng Alex Lu
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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17
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Romagnolo A, Dematteis G, Scheper M, Luinenburg MJ, Mühlebner A, Van Hecke W, Manfredi M, De Giorgis V, Reano S, Filigheddu N, Bortolotto V, Tapella L, Anink JJ, François L, Dedeurwaerdere S, Mills JD, Genazzani AA, Lim D, Aronica E. Astroglial calcium signaling and homeostasis in tuberous sclerosis complex. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:48. [PMID: 38418708 PMCID: PMC10901927 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02711-3] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign tumors in various organs, including the brain, and is often accompanied by epilepsy, neurodevelopmental comorbidities including intellectual disability and autism. A key hallmark of TSC is the hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which induces alterations in cortical development and metabolic processes in astrocytes, among other cellular functions. These changes could modulate seizure susceptibility, contributing to the progression of epilepsy and its associated comorbidities. Epilepsy is characterized by dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) channels and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. These factors contribute to hyperexcitability, disrupted synaptogenesis, and altered synchronization of neuronal networks, all of which contribute to seizure activity. This study investigates the intricate interplay between altered Ca2+ dynamics, mTOR pathway dysregulation, and cellular metabolism in astrocytes. The transcriptional profile of TSC patients revealed significant alterations in pathways associated with cellular respiration, ER and mitochondria, and Ca2+ regulation. TSC astrocytes exhibited lack of responsiveness to various stimuli, compromised oxygen consumption rate and reserve respiratory capacity underscoring their reduced capacity to react to environmental changes or cellular stress. Furthermore, our study revealed significant reduction of store operated calcium entry (SOCE) along with strong decrease of basal mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ influx in TSC astrocytes. In addition, we observed alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential, characterized by increased depolarization in TSC astrocytes. Lastly, we provide initial evidence of structural abnormalities in mitochondria within TSC patient-derived astrocytes, suggesting a potential link between disrupted Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between Ca2+ signaling, mitochondria dynamics, apoptosis, and mTOR hyperactivation. Further exploration is required to shed light on the pathophysiology of TSC and on TSC associated neuropsychiatric disorders offering further potential avenues for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Romagnolo
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Giulia Dematteis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J Luinenburg
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Mühlebner
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Van Hecke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica De Giorgis
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine, UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Simone Reano
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), UPO, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Bortolotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Tapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Jasper J Anink
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth François
- Neurosciences Therapeutic Area, UCB Pharma, Braine-L'Alleud, Belgium
| | | | - James D Mills
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
| | - Armando A Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
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18
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Frye RE, McCarty PJ, Werner BA, Rose S, Scheck AC. Bioenergetic signatures of neurodevelopmental regression. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1306038. [PMID: 38449786 PMCID: PMC10916717 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1306038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies have linked autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to physiological abnormalities including mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be linked to a subset of children with ASD who have neurodevelopmental regression (NDR). We have developed a cell model of ASD which demonstrates a unique mitochondrial profile with mitochondrial respiration higher than normal and sensitive to physiological stress. We have previously shown similar mitochondrial profiles in individuals with ASD and NDR. Methods: Twenty-six ASD individuals without a history of NDR (ASD-NoNDR) and 15 ASD individuals with a history of NDR (ASD-NDR) were recruited from 34 families. From these families, 30 mothers, 17 fathers and 5 typically developing (TD) siblings participated. Mitochondrial respiration was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the Seahorse 96 XF Analyzer. PBMCs were exposed to various levels of physiological stress for 1 h prior to the assay using 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-napthoquinone. Results: ASD-NDR children were found to have higher respiratory rates with mitochondria that were more sensitive to physiological stress as compared to ASD-NoNDR children, similar to our cellular model of NDR. Differences in mitochondrial respiration between ASD-NDR and TD siblings were similar to the differences between ASD-NDR and ASD-NoNDR children. Interesting, parents of children with ASD and NDR demonstrated patterns of mitochondrial respiration similar to their children such that parents of children with ASD and NDR demonstrated elevated respiratory rates with mitochondria that were more sensitive to physiological stress. In addition, sex differences were seen in ASD children and parents. Age effects in parents suggested that mitochondria of older parents were more sensitive to physiological stress. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that children with ASD and NDR may have a unique type of mitochondrial physiology that may make them susceptible to physiological stressors. Identifying these children early in life before NDR occurs and providing treatment to protect mitochondrial physiology may protect children from experiencing NDR. The fact that parents also demonstrate mitochondrial respiration patterns similar to their children implies that this unique change in mitochondrial physiology may be a heritable factor (genetic or epigenetic), a result of shared environment, or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | - Brianna A. Werner
- Creighton University School of Medicine Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Adrienne C. Scheck
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Chen A, Li Q, Huang Y, Li Y, Chuang YN, Hu X, Guo S, Wu Y, Guo Y, Bian J. Feasibility of Identifying Factors Related to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia in Real-World Data. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.10.24302621. [PMID: 38405723 PMCID: PMC10889002 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.24302621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive view of factors associated with AD/ADRD will significantly aid in studies to develop new treatments for AD/ADRD and identify high-risk populations and patients for prevention efforts. In our study, we summarized the risk factors for AD/ADRD by reviewing existing meta-analyses and review articles on risk and preventive factors for AD/ADRD. In total, we extracted 477 risk factors in 10 categories from 537 studies. We constructed an interactive knowledge map to disseminate our study results. Most of the risk factors are accessible from structured Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and clinical narratives show promise as information sources. However, evaluating genomic risk factors using RWD remains a challenge, as genetic testing for AD/ADRD is still not a common practice and is poorly documented in both structured and unstructured EHRs. Considering the constantly evolving research on AD/ADRD risk factors, literature mining via NLP methods offers a solution to automatically update our knowledge map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aokun Chen
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Yongqiu Li
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Yu-Neng Chuang
- Department of Computer Science, George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
| | - Xia Hu
- Department of Computer Science, George R. Brown School of Engineering, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005
| | - Serena Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Yonghui Wu
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Jiang Bian
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, 1889 Museum Rd, Suite 7000, Gainesville, FL 32610
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20
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Luo Y, Wang Z. The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines 2024; 12:210. [PMID: 38255315 PMCID: PMC10813633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010210] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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21
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Hu X, Wang B, Chen J, Han D, Wu J. Association Between Epidural Labor Analgesia and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Res 2024; 17:227-240. [PMID: 38230204 PMCID: PMC10790590 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s442298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many studies have focused on the association between Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and epidural labor analgesia (ELA), which is the most effective way to manage labor pain. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the current state of the association between ELA and ASD. Methods A search of the literature yielded 201 relevant studies, of which 7 cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers screened the inclusion results, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and quality of evidence. Results Compared to parturient who did not receive ELA, parturient who received ELA had a slightly increased risk of ASD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.17; I2, 69%; P < 0.001; seven studies). After excluding one literature (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12; I2, 4%; P < 0.001; six studies). The sensitivity analyses had consistent outcomes with the main analyses involving siblings (aHR 1.11; 95% CI 1.03-1.19), cesarean section and instrumental deliveries (aHR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.10), non-overlapping populations (aHR 1.09; 95% CI 1.05-1.12), full-term birth populations (aHR 1.10; 95% CI 1.06-1.14), and studies assessed to have moderate risk of bias (aHR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.16). Conclusion This meta-analysis revealed a modest positive association between ELA and ASD, acknowledging a slight potential risk. However, it is important to note that this risk cannot be completely dismissed due to the possibility of bias and this association is based on low-quality evidence. Future studies are required to assess and mitigate different confounding biases and investigate the time-dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Peterson T, Sherwin R, Hosey T, Close N, Strale F. The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on Verbal Scores in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Trial. Cureus 2024; 16:e51654. [PMID: 38318543 PMCID: PMC10839432 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51654] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions worldwide. Suggested pathophysiology includes cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammation, mitochondrial and immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Debate exists concerning the benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating ASD and its impacts on verbal behavior. The present study directly assesses the impacts of HBOT treatments on verbal behavior using a novel and unique manner. Materials and methods A two-group quasi-experimental trial using a pretest and a posttest was designed to retrospectively assess (n = 65) any association between HBOT and change in verbal scores in children (n = 65) with ASD. All children completed two verbal tests six months apart, either the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VBMAPP) or the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS), based on their developmental age. The control cohort received applied behavior analysis (ABA) without HBOT. The experimental cohort received ABA and a minimum of 40 HBOT treatments, breathing 100% oxygen at 2.0 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 60 minutes. Results Sixty-five children were included, of which 32 received HBOT (mean (M) = 5.1, standard deviation (SD) = 2.93), with an age range of two to 17 years. More than 63% of the subjects had an autism severity level of three. The 23 children administered VBMAPP who received HBOT showed substantial mean differences with high effect sizes (ESs) (-0.743 to -1.65) and a total score (TS) ES equal to -1.23 as measured by Cohen's d. There was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all VBMAPP milestone domains and TS. TS change from baseline versus those in the non-HBOT (Control-ABA) group (n=12) was 46.41 ± 20.14 vs 14.42 ± 6.99; p < 0.0001, ES = -1.23. The 30 children administered the ABLLS showed substantial mean difference (TS) change from baseline 268.89 ± 182.05 vs 190.81 ± 135.26 and exhibited small to medium (-.114 to -.773) ESs with a TS ES = -0.487. Due to the high within-group variability (low statistical power) within the ABLLS cohort, there was a non-significant mean difference between the control (ABA) and experimental (ABA + HBO2) groups' difference scores (p > 0.2024), despite the medium (TS) ES. Conclusions The child cohorts administered the VBMAPP and the ABLLS demonstrated substantial improvements between the non-HBOT (control-ABA) and HBOT (experimental-ABA + HBO2) groups as measured by the significant mean differences and small to large ESs. Simply put, the children in the experimental cohort acquired more verbal skills than their counterparts in the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami Peterson
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, The Oxford Center, Brighton, USA
| | - Robert Sherwin
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Tiffany Hosey
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, The Oxford Center, Brighton, USA
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23
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Modafferi S, Lupo G, Tomasello M, Rampulla F, Ontario M, Scuto M, Salinaro AT, Arcidiacono A, Anfuso CD, Legmouz M, Azzaoui FZ, Palmeri A, Spano' S, Biamonte F, Cammilleri G, Fritsch T, Sidenkova A, Calabrese E, Wenzel U, Calabrese V. Antioxidants, Hormetic Nutrition, and Autism. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:1156-1168. [PMID: 37592816 PMCID: PMC10964097 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230817085811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a heterogeneous group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by atypical behaviors with two core pathological manifestations: deficits in social interaction/communication and repetitive behaviors, which are associated with disturbed redox homeostasis. Modulation of cellular resilience mechanisms induced by low levels of stressors represents a novel approach for the development of therapeutic strategies, and in this context, neuroprotective effects of a wide range of polyphenol compounds have been demonstrated in several in vitro and in vivo studies and thoroughly reviewed. Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for many years and have been associated with a long list of therapeutic properties, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. Our recent studies have strikingly indicated the presence of polyphenols in nutritional mushrooms and demonstrated their protective effects in different models of neurodegenerative disorders in humans and rats. Although their therapeutic effects are exerted through multiple mechanisms, increasing attention is focusing on their capacity to induce endogenous defense systems by modulating cellular signaling processes such as nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Here we discuss the protective role of hormesis and its modulation by hormetic nutrients in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Modafferi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Mario Tomasello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Francesco Rampulla
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Marialaura Ontario
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Maria Scuto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Antonio Arcidiacono
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Maria Legmouz
- Department of Biologie, Laboratory of Biologie and Health, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Fatima-Zahra Azzaoui
- Department of Biologie, Laboratory of Biologie and Health, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Sestina Spano'
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Francesca Biamonte
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
| | - Gaetano Cammilleri
- Food Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, via Gino Marinuzzi, 3 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Alena Sidenkova
- Department of Psychiatry, Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Edward Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences; Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Uwe Wenzel
- Institut für Ernährungswissenschaft, Justus Liebig Universitat Giessen, Germany
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 950125, Italy
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24
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Li Y, Ma L, Deng Y, Du Z, Guo B, Yue J, Liu X, Zhang Y. The Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway affects autophagy by adjusting DNA methyltransferases expression in a valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder model. Neuropharmacology 2023; 239:109682. [PMID: 37543138 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
As a pervasive neurodevelopmental disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is caused by both hereditary and environmental elements. Research has demonstrated the functions of the Notch pathway and DNA methylation in the etiology of ASD. DNA methyltransferases DNMT3 and DNMT1 are responsible for methylation establishment and maintenance, respectively. In this study, we aimed to explore the association of DNA methyltransferases with the Notch pathway in ASD. Our results showed Notch1 and Hes1 were upregulated, while DNMT3A and DNMT3B were downregulated at the protein level in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC) and cerebellum (CB) of VPA-induced ASD rats compared with Control (Con) group. However, the protein levels of DNMT3A and DNMT3B were augmented after treatment with 3,5-difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl-S-phenylglycine-2-butyl ester (DAPT), suggesting that abnormal Notch pathway activation may affect the expression of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Besides, our previous findings revealed that the Notch pathway may participate in development of ASD by influencing autophagy. Therefore, we hypothesized the Notch pathway adjusts autophagy and contributes to ASD by affecting DNA methyltransferases. Our current results showed that after receiving the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-2'dc), the VPA + DAPT+5-Aza-2'dc (V + D + Aza) group exhibited reduced social interaction ability and increased stereotyped behaviors, and decreased expression of DNMT3A, DNMT3B and autophagy-related proteins, but did not show changes in Notch1 and Hes1 protein levels. Our results indicated that the Notch1/Hes1 pathway may adjust DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression and subsequently affect autophagy in the occurrence of ASD, providing new insight into the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Li
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Liping Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yanan Deng
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Bingqian Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Jianing Yue
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Xianxian Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China.
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25
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Alhowikan AM, Elamin NE, Aldayel SS, AlSiddiqi SA, Alrowais FS, Hassan WM, El-Ansary A, Alghamdi FA, AL-Ayadhi LY. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Exhibit Elevated Physical Activity and Reduced Sedentary Behavior. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1575. [PMID: 38002535 PMCID: PMC10670306 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111575] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
According to previous research, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower levels of physical activity than their typically developed (TD) counterparts. There have been conflicting reports about physical activity (PA) levels in people with ASD. Given the conflicting evidence, further investigation is required. We believe that evaluating PA in individuals with ASD is critical in order to offer PA intervention plans aiming at increasing their health-related physical fitness on a daily, systematic, and individualized basis. In the current study, an ActiGraph monitor (GT3X+) was used to accurately measure PA and sedentary activity in 21 children with autism aged 6.43 ± 2.29 years and 30 TD children aged 7.2 ± 3.14 years. Our data indicated that while the light and moderate activity counts were not significantly different between the two groups, the vigorous activity was significantly higher in ASD compared to TD. This finding was attributed to ASD characteristic stereotypy and self-stimulating behaviors. The significantly higher vigorous PA is discussed in relation to altered neurochemistry, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation as etiological mechanisms in ASD. This research provides a better understanding of the status of PA participation in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman M. Alhowikan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nadra E. Elamin
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sarah S. Aldayel
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (S.S.A.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Sara A. AlSiddiqi
- King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fai S. Alrowais
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; (S.S.A.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Wail M. Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA;
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Medical Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 110281, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Ali Alghamdi
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Olum University (DAU), Riyadh 13314, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Laila Y. AL-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
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Trivedi P, Pandey M, Kumar Rai P, Singh P, Srivastava P. A meta-analysis of differentially expressed and regulatory genes with their functional enrichment analysis for brain transcriptome data in autism spectrum disorder. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9382-9388. [PMID: 36376022 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2143900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social interactions and repetitive behavioral patterns. It is a significant problem emerging worldwide, as one in 100 children is affected by this disorder globally. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) along with the expression analysis of regulatory genes. Functional enrichment analysis was an integral part of current findings to notify the significant pathways of this complex disorder. The study was conducted with two RNA-Seq datasets, viz., GSE64018 and GSE62098, for ASD patients and control samples from the GEO database. The identification of up-regulatory and down-regulatory genes was performed by the interaction analysis of transcription factors (TF) and DEGs. As an outcome of the meta-analysis, 2543 DEGs were identified as common across both of the datasets in which 1402 DEGs exhibited upregulation and 1130 genes have shown downregulation. In network analysis, upregulatory genes have shown strong interaction while downregulatory genes exhibit weak or null interaction. Further, in the enrichment analysis of screened upregulatory DEGs, three major significant pathways were identified namely the ATP synthesis pathway, FAS signaling pathway, and the Huntington's disease pathway. The common expression of CYC 1 gene in all the identified pathways has indicated that it is an important key regulator gene for the majorly associated pathways. The study concludes that all the potential DEGs were found to show their related high expression in neurobiological regulations specifically with ASD.Communicated by Ramaswamy S. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Trivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Manmohan Pandey
- Clinical Department, Redcliffe Lifetech Private Limited, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly, UP, India
| | - Pradyumn Singh
- Department of Pathology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Prachi Srivastava
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Lucknow, UP, India
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Clemons MR, Dimico RH, Black C, Schlussler MK, Camerino MJ, Aldinger-Gibson K, Bartle A, Reynolds N, Eisenbrandt D, Rogers A, Andrianu J, Bruce B, Elliot A, Breazeal T, Griffin H, Murphy MK, Fuerst PG. The rod synapse in aging wildtype and Dscaml1 mutant mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290257. [PMID: 37910517 PMCID: PMC10619811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina is an intricately organized neural tissue built on cone and rod pathways for color and night vision. Genetic mutations that disrupt the proper function of the rod circuit contribute to blinding diseases including retinitis pigmentosa and congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). Down Syndrome cell adhesion molecule like 1 (Dscaml1) is expressed by rods, rod bipolar cells (RBCs), and sub-populations of amacrine cells, and has been linked to a middle age onset of CSNB in humans. However, how Dscaml1 contributes to this visual deficit remains unexplored. Here, we probed Dscaml1's role in the maintenance of the rod-to-RBC synapse using a loss of function mouse model. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate the anatomical formation and maintenance of the rod-to-RBC synapse in the young, adult, and aging retina. We generated 3D reconstructions, using serial electron micrographs, of rod spherules and RBCs to measure the number of invaginating neurites, RBC dendritic tip number, and RBC mitochondrial morphology. We find that while rod-to-RBC synapses form and are maintained, similar to wildtype, that there is an increase in the number of invaginating neurites in rod spherules, a reduction in RBC dendritic tips, and reduced mitochondrial volume and complexity in the Dscaml1 mutant retina compared to controls. We also observed precocious sprouting of RBC dendrites into the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of the Dscaml1 mutant retina compared to controls. These results contribute to our knowledge of Dscaml1's role in rod circuit development and maintenance and give additional insight into possible genetic therapy targets for blinding diseases and disorders like CSNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellisa R. Clemons
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Ren H. Dimico
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Cailyn Black
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Megan K. Schlussler
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Camerino
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Kirah Aldinger-Gibson
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Amaris Bartle
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Nathan Reynolds
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Dylan Eisenbrandt
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Aspen Rogers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - John Andrianu
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Bradley Bruce
- WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Arthur Elliot
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Tom Breazeal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Hannah Griffin
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Molly K. Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- Natural Sciences, North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Peter G. Fuerst
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
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28
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Nickel K, Menke M, Endres D, Runge K, Tucci S, Schumann A, Domschke K, Tebartz van Elst L, Maier S. Altered markers of mitochondrial function in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:2125-2138. [PMID: 37715660 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous research suggests potential mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in fatty acid metabolism in a subgroup of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), indicated by higher lactate, pyruvate levels, and mitochondrial disorder prevalence. This study aimed to further investigate potential mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD by assessing blood metabolite levels linked to mitochondrial metabolism. Blood levels of creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate, pyruvate, free and total carnitine, as well as acylcarnitines were obtained in 73 adults with ASD (47 males, 26 females) and compared with those of 71 neurotypical controls (NTC) (44 males, 27 females). Correlations between blood parameters and psychometric ASD symptom scores were also explored. Lower CK (pcorr = 0.045) levels were found exclusively in males with ASD compared to NTC, with no such variation in females. ALT and AST levels did not differ significantly between both groups. After correction for antipsychotic and antidepressant medication, CK remained significant. ASD participants had lower serum lactate levels (pcorr = 0.036) compared to NTC, but pyruvate and carnitine concentrations showed no significant difference. ASD subjects had significantly increased levels of certain acylcarnitines, with a decrease in tetradecadienoyl-carnitine (C14:2), and certain acylcarnitines correlated significantly with autistic symptom scores. We found reduced serum lactate levels in ASD, in contrast to previous studies suggesting elevated lactate or pyruvate. This difference may reflect the focus of our study on high-functioning adults with ASD, who are likely to have fewer secondary genetic conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings of significantly altered acylcarnitine levels in ASD support the hypothesis of altered fatty acid metabolism in a subset of ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mia Menke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Tucci
- Pharmacy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anke Schumann
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Tang X, Feng C, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Gao Y, Cao X, Hong Q, Lin J, Zhuang H, Feng Y, Wang H, Shen L. A study of genetic heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorders based on plasma proteomic and metabolomic analysis: multiomics study of autism heterogeneity. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e380. [PMID: 37752942 PMCID: PMC10518435 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic heterogeneity poses a challenge to research and clinical translation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we conducted a plasma proteomic and metabolomic study of children with ASD with and without risk genes (de novo mutation) and controls to explore the impact of genetic heterogeneity on the search for biomarkers for ASD. In terms of the proteomic and metabolomic profiles, the groups of children with ASD carrying and those not carrying de novo mutation tended to cluster and overlap, and integrating them yielded differentially expressed proteins and differential metabolites that effectively distinguished ASD from controls. The mechanisms associated with them focus on several common and previously reported mechanisms. Proteomics results highlight the role of complement, inflammation and immunity, and cell adhesion. The main pathways of metabolic perturbations include amino acid, vitamin, glycerophospholipid, tryptophan, and glutamates metabolic pathways and solute carriers-related pathways. Integrating the two omics analyses revealed that L-glutamic acid and malate dehydrogenase may play key roles in the pathogenesis of ASD. These results suggest that children with ASD may have important underlying common mechanisms. They are not only potential therapeutic targets for ASD but also important contributors to the study of biomarkers for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Tang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xueshan Cao
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yuying Feng
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Hanghang Wang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research InstitutionsShenzhenP. R. China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and EcologyShenzhenP. R. China
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30
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Dilnashin H, Birla H, Keswani C, Singh SS, Zahra W, Rathore AS, Singh R, Keshri PK, Singh SP. Neuroprotective Effects of Tinospora cordifolia via Reducing the Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction against Rotenone-Induced PD Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3077-3087. [PMID: 37579290 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are leading mechanisms that play a crucial role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Tinospora cordifolia shows a wide range of biological activities including immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the neuroprotective activities of T. cordifolia ethanolic extract (TCE) against Rotenone (ROT)-intoxicated Parkinsonian mice. Four experimental groups of mice were formed: control, ROT (2 mg/kg body wt, subcutaneously), TCE (200 mg/kg body wt, oral) + ROT, and TCE only. Mice were pretreated with TCE for a week and then simultaneously injected with ROT for 35 days. Following ROT-intoxication, motor activities, antioxidative potential, and mitochondrial dysfunction were analyzed. Decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) complex, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm), increase in Bax/Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) ratio, and caspase-3 expression are observed in the ROT-intoxicated mice group. Our results further showed ROT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, pre- and cotreatment with TCE along with ROT-intoxication significantly reduced α-syn aggregation and improved mitochondrial functioning in cells by altering mitochondrial potential and increasing mETC activity. TCE also decreases the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and also the expression of caspase-3, thus reducing apoptosis of the cell. Altogether, TCE is effective in protecting neurons from rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in the Parkinsonian mouse model by modulating oxidative stress, ultimately reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagera Dilnashin
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Hareram Birla
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Chetan Keswani
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Saumitra Sen Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Walia Zahra
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Aaina Singh Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Richa Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Priyanka Kumari Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
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Lawther AJ, Zieba J, Fang Z, Furlong TM, Conn I, Govindaraju H, Choong LLY, Turner N, Siddiqui KS, Bridge W, Merlin S, Hyams TC, Killingsworth M, Eapen V, Clarke RA, Walker AK. Antioxidant Behavioural Phenotype in the Immp2l Gene Knock-Out Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1717. [PMID: 37761857 PMCID: PMC10531238 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Inner mitochondrial membrane protein 2-like (IMMP2L) gene is linked to autism inheritance. However, the biological basis of this linkage is unknown notwithstanding independent reports of oxidative stress in association with both IMMP2L and ASD. To better understand IMMP2L's association with behaviour, we developed the Immp2lKD knockout (KO) mouse model which is devoid of Immp2l peptidase activity. Immp2lKD -/- KO mice do not display any of the core behavioural symptoms of ASD, albeit homozygous Immp2lKD -/- KO mice do display increased auditory stimulus-driven instrumental behaviour and increased amphetamine-induced locomotion. Due to reports of increased ROS and oxidative stress phenotypes in an earlier truncated Immp2l mouse model resulting from an intragenic deletion within Immp2l, we tested whether high doses of the synthetic mitochondrial targeted antioxidant (MitoQ) could reverse or moderate the behavioural changes in Immp2lKD -/- KO mice. To our surprise, we observed that ROS levels were not increased but significantly lowered in our new Immp2lKD -/- KO mice and that these mice had no oxidative stress-associated phenotypes and were fully fertile with no age-related ataxia or neurodegeneration as ascertained using electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant MitoQ had no effect on the increased amphetamine-induced locomotion of these mice. Together, these findings indicate that the behavioural changes in Immp2lKD -/- KO mice are associated with an antioxidant-like phenotype with lowered and not increased levels of ROS and no oxidative stress-related phenotypes. This suggested that treatments with antioxidants are unlikely to be effective in treating behaviours directly resulting from the loss of Immp2l/IMMP2L activity, while any behavioural deficits that maybe associated with IMMP2L intragenic deletion-associated truncations have yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Lawther
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Jerzy Zieba
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Department of Psychology, University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Zhiming Fang
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
| | - Teri M. Furlong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Illya Conn
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Schizophrenia Research Laboratory, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Hemna Govindaraju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Laura L. Y. Choong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Nigel Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Khawar Sohail Siddiqui
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wallace Bridge
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sam Merlin
- Medical Science, School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Tzipi Cohen Hyams
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
| | - Murray Killingsworth
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Liverpool Hospital Campus, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW 2107, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- Academic Unit of Infant Child and Adolescent Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Raymond A. Clarke
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia; (T.C.H.)
- Academic Unit of Infant Child and Adolescent Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Adam K. Walker
- Laboratory of ImmunoPsychiatry, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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32
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Gundogdu BS, Gaitanis J, Adams JB, Rossignol DA, Frye RE. Age-Related Changes in Epilepsy Characteristics and Response to Antiepileptic Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1167. [PMID: 37511780 PMCID: PMC10381477 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071167] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is little information regarding whether seizure characteristics and treatment effectiveness change across age. Using an online survey, seizure characteristics, effectiveness of antiepileptic treatments, comorbidities, potential etiologies, and ASD diagnosis were collected from individuals with ASD and seizures. We previously reported overall general patterns of treatment effectiveness but did not examine the effect of seizure characteristics or age on antiepileptic treatment effectiveness. Such information would improve the personalized medicine approach to the treatment of seizures in ASD. Survey data from 570 individuals with ASD and clinical seizures were analyzed. Seizure severity (seizure/week) decreased with age of onset of seizures, plateauing in adolescence, with a greater reduction in generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures with age. Seizure severity was worse in those with genetic disorders, neurodevelopmental regression (NDR) and poor sleep maintenance. Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were reported to be more effective when seizures started in later childhood, while surgery and the Atkins/modified Atkins Diet (A/MAD) were reported to be more effective when seizures started early in life. A/MAD and the ketogenic diet were reported to be more effective in those with NDR. Interestingly, atypical Landau-Kleffner syndrome was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and NDR, suggesting a novel syndrome. These interesting findings need to be verified in independent, prospectively collected cohorts, but nonetheless, these data provide insights into novel relationships that may assist in a better understanding of epilepsy in ASD and provide insight into personalizing epilepsy care in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Gaitanis
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - James B Adams
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Daniel A Rossignol
- Rossignol Medical Center, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
| | - Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
- Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
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33
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Zaghi M, Longo F, Massimino L, Rubio A, Bido S, Mazzara PG, Bellini E, Banfi F, Podini P, Maltecca F, Zippo A, Broccoli V, Sessa A. SETD5 haploinsufficiency affects mitochondrial compartment in neural cells. Mol Autism 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 37264456 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00550-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are heterogeneous conditions due to alterations of a variety of molecular mechanisms and cell dysfunctions. SETD5 haploinsufficiency leads to NDDs due to chromatin defects. Epigenetic basis of NDDs has been reported in an increasing number of cases while mitochondrial dysfunctions are more common within NDD patients than in the general population. METHODS We investigated in vitro neural stem cells as well as the brain of the Setd5 haploinsufficiency mouse model interrogating its transcriptome, analyzing mitochondrial structure, biochemical composition, and dynamics, as well as mitochondrial functionality. RESULTS Mitochondrial impairment is facilitated by transcriptional aberrations originated by the decrease of the SETD5 enzyme. Low levels of SETD5 resulted in fragmented mitochondria, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production both in neural precursors and neurons. Mitochondria were also mislocalized in mutant neurons, with reduced organelles within neurites and synapses. LIMITATIONS We found several defects in the mitochondrial compartment; however, we can only speculate about their position in the hierarchy of the pathological mechanisms at the basis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Our study explores the interplay between chromatin regulation and mitochondria functions as a possible important aspect of SETD5-associated NDD pathophysiology. Our data, if confirmed in patient context, suggest that the mitochondrial activity and dynamics may represent new therapeutic targets for disorders associated with the loss of SETD5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Zaghi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana Longo
- Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Neurodegeneration Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- University California, Irvine, USA
| | - Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alicia Rubio
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Bido
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Giuseppe Mazzara
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Edoardo Bellini
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Banfi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Podini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maltecca
- Mitochondrial Dysfunctions in Neurodegeneration Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Zippo
- Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics Lab, Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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da Silva GB, Manica D, da Silva AP, Marafon F, Moreno M, Bagatini MD. Rosmarinic acid decreases viability, inhibits migration and modulates expression of apoptosis-related CASP8/CASP3/NLRP3 genes in human metastatic melanoma cells. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 375:110427. [PMID: 36863647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer; it is difficult to treat, and has been highlighted in recent years due to increasing numbers of cases worldwide. The use of antitumoral therapeutics for this neoplasm has been associated with severe side effects, low quality of life, and resistance. We aimed in this study to explore the effect of the phenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) on human metastatic melanoma cells. SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with different concentrations of RA. In parallel, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) also were treated with RA under the same experimental conditions to verify the cytotoxic effect on non-tumoral cells. Then, we assessed cell viability and migration, levels of intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as nitric oxide (NOx), non-protein thiols (NPSH), and total thiol (PSH). Gene expression of the caspase 8, caspase 3 and NLRP3 inflammasome was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The enzymatic activity of the caspase 3 protein was assessed by a sensitive fluorescent assay. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to corroborate the effects of RA on melanoma cell viability, mitochondria transmembrane potential and apoptotic bodies formation. We found that RA potently reduces melanoma cell viability and migration after 24 h of treatment. On the other hand, it has no cytotoxic effect on non-tumoral cells. The fluorescence micrographics indicated that RA reduces transmembrane potential of mitochondria and induces apoptotic bodies formation. Moreover, RA significantly decreases intracellular and extracellular ROS levels, and increases the antioxidant defenders NPSH and PSH. A remarkable feature found in our study was that RA strongly upregulates the gene expression of the caspase 8 and caspase 3, and downregulates NLRP3 inflammasome expression. Similar to gene expression, RA greatly increases the enzymatic activity of caspase 3 protein. Taken together, we have shown for the first time that RA reduces cell viability and migration of human metastatic melanoma cells, in addition to modulates apoptosis-related gene expression. We suggest that RA may have the potential to be used in a therapeutic perspective, particularly for CM cell treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilnei Bruno da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Daiane Manica
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Alana Patrícia da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Filomena Marafon
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Moreno
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Margarete Dulce Bagatini
- Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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Cieślik M, Zawadzka A, Czapski GA, Wilkaniec A, Adamczyk A. Developmental Stage-Dependent Changes in Mitochondrial Function in the Brain of Offspring Following Prenatal Maternal Immune Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087243. [PMID: 37108406 PMCID: PMC10138707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087243] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) is an important risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The aim of the current study was to investigate the development-dependent changes in the mitochondrial function of MIA-exposed offspring, which may contribute to autism-like deficits. MIA was evoked by the single intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide to pregnant rats at gestation day 9.5, and several aspects of mitochondrial function in fetuses and in the brains of seven-day-old pups and adolescent offspring were analyzed along with oxidative stress parameters measurement. It was found that MIA significantly increased the activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX), an enzyme generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the fetuses and in the brain of seven-day-old pups, but not in the adolescent offspring. Although a lower mitochondrial membrane potential accompanied by a decreased ATP level was already observed in the fetuses and in the brain of seven-day-old pups, persistent alterations of ROS, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and lower ATP generation with concomitant electron transport chain complexes downregulation were observed only in the adolescent offspring. We suggest that ROS observed in infancy are most likely of a NOX activity origin, whereas in adolescence, ROS are produced by damaged mitochondria. The accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria leads to the intense release of free radicals that trigger oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, resulting in an interlinked vicious cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Zawadzka
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz A Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wilkaniec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Ülgen DH, Ruigrok SR, Sandi C. Powering the social brain: Mitochondria in social behaviour. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 79:102675. [PMID: 36696841 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A central role of brain mitochondria in regulating and influencing social behaviour is emerging. In addition to its important roles as the "powerhouses" of the cell, mitochondria possess a plethora of cellular functions, such as regulating ion homeostasis, neurotransmitter levels, and lipid metabolism. Findings in the last decade are revealing an integral role for mitochondria in the regulation of behaviours, including those from the social domain. Here, we discuss recent evidence linking mitochondrial functions and dynamics to social behaviour and deficits, including examples in which social behaviours are modulated by stress in the context of mitochondrial changes, as well as potential therapeutic strategies and outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doğukan Hazar Ülgen
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvie Rosalie Ruigrok
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Taoulost S, Rasgon N, Ferretti CJ, Hollander E. The role of ketogenic therapy in developmental disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:307-309. [PMID: 36989905 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.025] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Samia Taoulost
- Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Natalie Rasgon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Casara Jean Ferretti
- Psychiatric Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eric Hollander
- Psychiatric Research Institute of Montefiore Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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The Autism Spectrum: Behavioral, Psychiatric and Genetic Associations. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030677. [PMID: 36980949 PMCID: PMC10048473 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of heterogeneous genetic neurobehavioral disorders associated with developmental impairments in social communication skills and stereotypic, rigid or repetitive behaviors. We review common behavioral, psychiatric and genetic associations related to ASD. Autism affects about 2% of children with 4:1 male-to-female ratio and a heritability estimate between 70 and 90%. The etiology of ASD involves a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics. Over 800 genes and dozens of genetic syndromes are associated with ASD. Novel gene–protein interactions with pathway and molecular function analyses have identified at least three functional pathways including chromatin modeling, Wnt, Notch and other signaling pathways and metabolic disturbances involving neuronal growth and dendritic spine profiles. An estimated 50% of individuals with ASD are diagnosed with chromosome deletions or duplications (e.g., 15q11.2, BP1-BP2, 16p11.2 and 15q13.3), identified syndromes (e.g., Williams, Phelan-McDermid and Shprintzen velocardiofacial) or single gene disorders. Behavioral and psychiatric conditions in autism impacted by genetics influence clinical evaluations, counseling, diagnoses, therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches. Pharmacogenetics testing is now possible to help guide the selection of psychotropic medications to treat challenging behaviors or co-occurring psychiatric conditions commonly seen in ASD. In this review of the autism spectrum disorder, behavioral, psychiatric and genetic observations and associations relevant to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with ASD are discussed.
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Uddin MN, Mondal T, Yao Y, Manley K, Lawrence DA. Oxidative stress and neuroimmune proteins in a mouse model of autism. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:201-217. [PMID: 36795226 PMCID: PMC10050529 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01331-2] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress including decreased antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated lipid peroxidation, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the blood from children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been reported. The mechanisms affecting the development of ASD remain unclear; however, toxic environmental exposures leading to oxidative stress have been proposed to play a significant role. The BTBRT+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) strain provides a model to investigate the markers of oxidation in a mouse strain exhibiting ASD-like behavioral phenotypes. In the present study, we investigated the level of oxidative stress and its effects on immune cell populations, specifically oxidative stress affecting surface thiols (R-SH), intracellular glutathione (iGSH), and expression of brain biomarkers that may contribute to the development of the ASD-like phenotypes that have been observed and reported in BTBR mice. Lower levels of cell surface R-SH were detected on multiple immune cell subpopulations from blood, spleens, and lymph nodes and for sera R-SH levels of BTBR mice compared to C57BL/6 J (B6) mice. The iGSH levels of immune cell populations were also lower in the BTBR mice. Elevated protein expression of GATA3, TGM2, AhR, EPHX2, TSLP, PTEN, IRE1α, GDF15, and metallothionein in BTBR mice is supportive of an increased level of oxidative stress in BTBR mice and may underpin the pro-inflammatory immune state that has been reported in the BTBR strain. Results of a decreased antioxidant system suggest an important oxidative stress role in the development of the BTBR ASD-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nizam Uddin
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Tapan Mondal
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Yunyi Yao
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Kevin Manley
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - David A Lawrence
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Science, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
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Effect of Adding l -Carnitine to Risperidone on Behavioral, Cognitive, Social, and Physical Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Clin Neuropharmacol 2023; 46:55-59. [PMID: 36735565 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding l -carnitine to risperidone in treating children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 50 ASD children and adolescents were divided into 2 groups: those receiving l -carnitine and risperidone (n = 25) and those receiving placebo and risperidone (n = 25). Treatment continued for 8 weeks, and participants were assessed at the beginning of the study, in the fourth and eighth weeks, by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). RESULTS l -Carnitine add-on therapy reduced the scores of total ABC and subscales of restlessness, lethargy and social isolation, stereotypic behavior, and inappropriate speech at weeks 4 and 8. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in the score of total ABC and subscale of lethargy and social isolation. CONCLUSIONS According to the present study, adding l -carnitine to risperidone improves ASD symptoms.
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Neuroinflammation, Energy and Sphingolipid Metabolism Biomarkers Are Revealed by Metabolic Modeling of Autistic Brains. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020583. [PMID: 36831124 PMCID: PMC9953696 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020583] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders generally characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties in communication and social behavior. Despite its heterogeneous nature, several metabolic dysregulations are prevalent in individuals with ASD. This work aims to understand ASD brain metabolism by constructing an ASD-specific prefrontal cortex genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) using transcriptomics data to decipher novel neuroinflammatory biomarkers. The healthy and ASD-specific models are compared via uniform sampling to identify ASD-exclusive metabolic features. Noticeably, the results of our simulations and those found in the literature are comparable, supporting the accuracy of our reconstructed ASD model. We identified that several oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory markers are elevated in ASD. While oxidative phosphorylation fluxes were similar for healthy and ASD-specific models, and the fluxes through the pathway were nearly undisturbed, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) fluxes indicated disruptions in the pathway. Similarly, the secretions of mitochondrial dysfunction markers such as pyruvate are found to be higher, as well as the activities of oxidative stress marker enzymes like alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR). We also detected abnormalities in the sphingolipid metabolism, which has been implicated in many inflammatory and immune processes, but its relationship with ASD has not been thoroughly explored in the existing literature. We suggest that important sphingolipid metabolites, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramide, and glucosylceramide, may be promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of ASD and provide an opportunity for the adoption of early intervention for young children.
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Righetto I, Gasparotto M, Casalino L, Vacca M, Filippini F. Exogenous Players in Mitochondria-Related CNS Disorders: Viral Pathogens and Unbalanced Microbiota in the Gut-Brain Axis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010169. [PMID: 36671555 PMCID: PMC9855674 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Billions of years of co-evolution has made mitochondria central to the eukaryotic cell and organism life playing the role of cellular power plants, as indeed they are involved in most, if not all, important regulatory pathways. Neurological disorders depending on impaired mitochondrial function or homeostasis can be caused by the misregulation of "endogenous players", such as nuclear or cytoplasmic regulators, which have been treated elsewhere. In this review, we focus on how exogenous agents, i.e., viral pathogens, or unbalanced microbiota in the gut-brain axis can also endanger mitochondrial dynamics in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurotropic viruses such as Herpes, Rabies, West-Nile, and Polioviruses seem to hijack neuronal transport networks, commandeering the proteins that mitochondria typically use to move along neurites. However, several neurological complications are also associated to infections by pandemic viruses, such as Influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, representing a relevant risk associated to seasonal flu, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and "Long-COVID". Emerging evidence is depicting the gut microbiota as a source of signals, transmitted via sensory neurons innervating the gut, able to influence brain structure and function, including cognitive functions. Therefore, the direct connection between intestinal microbiota and mitochondrial functions might concur with the onset, progression, and severity of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Righetto
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Gasparotto
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Vacca
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso”, CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Filippini
- Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (F.F.)
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Nabi SU, Rehman MU, Arafah A, Taifa S, Khan IS, Khan A, Rashid S, Jan F, Wani HA, Ahmad SF. Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders by Mitochondrial-targeted Drug: Future of Neurological Diseases Therapeutics. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1042-1064. [PMID: 36411568 PMCID: PMC10286588 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221121095618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology that might involve environmental and genetic variables. Recently, some epidemiological studies conducted in various parts of the world have estimated a significant increase in the prevalence of autism, with 1 in every 59 children having some degree of autism. Since autism has been associated with other clinical abnormalities, there is every possibility that a sub-cellular component may be involved in the progression of autism. The organelle remains a focus based on mitochondria's functionality and metabolic role in cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally and has its DNA and organelle that remain actively involved during embryonic development; these characteristics have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to autism. Although rapid stride has been made in autism research, there are limited studies that have made particular emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and autism. Accumulating evidence from studies conducted at cellular and sub-cellular levels has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction's role in autism is more than expected. The present review has attempted to describe the risk factors of autism, the role of mitochondria in the progression of the disease, oxidative damage as a trigger point to initiate mitochondrial damage, genetic determinants of the disease, possible pathogenic pathways and therapeutic regimen in vogue and the developmental stage. Furthermore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to include the novel therapeutic regimens under investigation at different clinical trial stages and their potential possibility to emerge as promising drugs against ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Showkat Ul Nabi
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Muneeb U. Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Taifa
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Iqra Shafi Khan
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Andleeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Jan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CT University, Ludhiana, Ferozepur Road, Punjab, 142024, India
| | - Hilal Ahmad Wani
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Degree College Sumbal, Bandipora, J&K, India
| | - Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang X, Liu S, Liu X, Wang J. Inhibiting silence information regulator 2 and glutaminase in the amygdala can improve social behavior in autistic rats. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:707-715. [PMID: 36915976 PMCID: PMC10262010 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which silence information regulator (SIRT) 2 and glutaminase (GLS) in the amygdala regulate social behaviors in autistic rats. METHODS Rat models of autism were established by maternal sodium valproic acid (VPA) exposure in wild-type rats and SIRT2-knockout ( SIRT2 -/-) rats. Glutamate (Glu) content, brain weight, and expression levels of SIRT2, GLS proteins and apoptosis-associated proteins in rat amygdala at different developmental stages were examined, and the social behaviors of VPA rats were assessed by a three-chamber test. Then, lentiviral overexpression or interference vectors of GLS were injected into the amygdala of VPA rats. Brain weight, Glu content and expression level of GLS protein were measured, and the social behaviors assessed. RESULTS Brain weight, amygdala Glu content and the levels of SIRT2, GLS protein and pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 in the amygdala were increased in VPA rats, while the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased (all P<0.01). Compared with the wild-type rats, SIRT2 -/- rats displayed decreased expression of SIRT2 and GLS proteins in the amygdala, reduced Glu content, and improved social dysfunction (all P<0.01). Overexpression of GLS increased brain weight and Glu content, and aggravated social dysfunction in VPA rats (all P<0.01). Knockdown of GLS decreased brain weight and Glu content, and improved social dysfunction in VPA rats (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The glutamate circulatory system in the amygdala of VPA induced autistic rats is abnormal. This is associated with the upregulation of SIRT2 expression and its induced increase of GLS production; knocking out SIRT2 gene or inhibiting the expression of GLS is helpful in maintaining the balanced glutamate cycle and in improving the social behavior disorder of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Zhang
- 1. Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Shizhang Liu
- 2. Department of Orthopedics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- 3. Nursing Department, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
| | - Jieying Wang
- 1. Children's Hospital, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an 710068, China
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Boktor JC, Adame MD, Rose DR, Schumann CM, Murray KD, Bauman MD, Careaga M, Mazmanian SK, Ashwood P, Needham BD. Global metabolic profiles in a non-human primate model of maternal immune activation: implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4959-4973. [PMID: 36028571 PMCID: PMC9772216 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence implicates severe maternal infections as risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and schizophrenia. Accordingly, animal models mimicking infection during pregnancy, including the maternal immune activation (MIA) model, result in offspring with neurobiological, behavioral, and metabolic phenotypes relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders. Most of these studies have been performed in rodents. We sought to better understand the molecular signatures characterizing the MIA model in an organism more closely related to humans, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), by evaluating changes in global metabolic profiles in MIA-exposed offspring. Herein, we present the global metabolome in six peripheral tissues (plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, three regions of intestinal mucosa scrapings, and feces) from 13 MIA and 10 control offspring that were confirmed to display atypical neurodevelopment, elevated immune profiles, and neuropathology. Differences in lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism discriminated these MIA and control samples, with correlations of specific metabolites to behavior scores as well as to cytokine levels in plasma, intestinal, and brain tissues. We also observed modest changes in fecal and intestinal microbial profiles, and identify differential metabolomic profiles within males and females. These findings support a connection between maternal immune activation and the metabolism, microbiota, and behavioral traits of offspring, and may further the translational applications of the MIA model and the advancement of biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Boktor
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Mark D Adame
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Destanie R Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cynthia M Schumann
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Karl D Murray
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Sarkis K Mazmanian
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Brittany D Needham
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Mahony C, O'Ryan C. A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:985713. [PMID: 36506457 PMCID: PMC9732262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.985713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular autism research is evolving toward a biopsychosocial framework that is more informed by autistic experiences. In this context, research aims are moving away from correcting external autistic behaviors and toward alleviating internal distress. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) are associated with high rates of depression, suicidality and other comorbid psychopathologies, but this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we integrate emerging characterizations of internal autistic experiences within a molecular framework to yield insight into the prevalence of psychopathology in ASC. We demonstrate that descriptions of social camouflaging and autistic burnout resonate closely with the accepted definitions for early life stress (ELS) and chronic adolescent stress (CAS). We propose that social camouflaging could be considered a distinct form of CAS that contributes to allostatic overload, culminating in a pathophysiological state that is experienced as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is thought to contribute to psychopathology via psychological and physiological mechanisms, but these remain largely unexplored by molecular researchers. Building on converging fields in molecular neuroscience, we discuss the substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in ASC to propose a novel role for mitochondrial allostatic load in the relationship between autism and psychopathology. An interplay between mitochondrial, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine signaling is increasingly implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, and these molecular players are also associated with neurodevelopmental, neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of ASC. Together, this suggests an increased exposure and underlying molecular susceptibility to ELS that increases the risk of psychopathology in ASC. This article describes an integrative framework shaped by autistic experiences that highlights novel avenues for molecular research into mechanisms that directly affect the quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals. Moreover, this framework emphasizes the need for increased access to diagnoses, accommodations, and resources to improve mental health outcomes in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen O'Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Caporali L, Fiorini C, Palombo F, Romagnoli M, Baccari F, Zenesini C, Visconti P, Posar A, Scaduto MC, Ormanbekova D, Battaglia A, Tancredi R, Cameli C, Viggiano M, Olivieri A, Torroni A, Maestrini E, Rochat MJ, Bacchelli E, Carelli V, Maresca A. Dissecting the multifaceted contribution of the mitochondrial genome to autism spectrum disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:953762. [PMID: 36419830 PMCID: PMC9676943 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.953762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a clinically heterogeneous class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a strong, albeit complex, genetic basis. The genetic architecture of ASD includes different genetic models, from monogenic transmission at one end, to polygenic risk given by thousands of common variants with small effects at the other end. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was also proposed as a genetic modifier for ASD, mostly focusing on maternal mtDNA, since the paternal mitogenome is not transmitted to offspring. We extensively studied the potential contribution of mtDNA in ASD pathogenesis and risk through deep next generation sequencing and quantitative PCR in a cohort of 98 families. While the maternally-inherited mtDNA did not seem to predispose to ASD, neither for haplogroups nor for the presence of pathogenic mutations, an unexpected influence of paternal mtDNA, apparently centered on haplogroup U, came from the Italian families extrapolated from the test cohort (n = 74) when compared to the control population. However, this result was not replicated in an independent Italian cohort of 127 families and it is likely due to the elevated paternal age at time of conception. In addition, ASD probands showed a reduced mtDNA content when compared to their unaffected siblings. Multivariable regression analyses indicated that variants with 15%-5% heteroplasmy in probands are associated to a greater severity of ASD based on ADOS-2 criteria, whereas paternal super-haplogroups H and JT were associated with milder phenotypes. In conclusion, our results suggest that the mtDNA impacts on ASD, significantly modifying the phenotypic expression in the Italian population. The unexpected finding of protection induced by paternal mitogenome in term of severity may derive from a role of mtDNA in influencing the accumulation of nuclear de novo mutations or epigenetic alterations in fathers' germinal cells, affecting the neurodevelopment in the offspring. This result remains preliminary and needs further confirmation in independent cohorts of larger size. If confirmed, it potentially opens a different perspective on how paternal non-inherited mtDNA may predispose or modulate other complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Caporali
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Fiorini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flavia Palombo
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Romagnoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flavia Baccari
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Epidemiologia e Statistica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Corrado Zenesini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Epidemiologia e Statistica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Visconti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annio Posar
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Scaduto
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOSI Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danara Ormanbekova
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agatino Battaglia
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cameli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Viggiano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Olivieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Torroni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Maestrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Magali Jane Rochat
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma Diagnostica Funzionale Neuroradiologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Bacchelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valerio Carelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Maresca
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Programma di Neurogenetica, Bologna, Italy
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Yang X, Li J, Zhou Y, Zhang N, Liu J. Effect of stigma maydis polysaccharide on the gut microbiota and transcriptome of VPA induced autism model rats. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1009502. [PMID: 36406395 PMCID: PMC9672813 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1009502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stigma maydis polysaccharide (SMPS) is a plant polysaccharide that participates in immune regulation and gastrointestinal motility. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and ASD patients often present intestinal microflora imbalance problems; however, there is no effective treatment method. This study explores the effect of SMPS intervention on the gut microbiota in autism model rats as well as the potential action pathways. Female Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with sodium valproic acid (VPA) or normal saline at embryonic day 12.5 to establish an autism model or normal control in their offspring. The offspring prenatally exposed to VPA were randomly assigned to the VPA and the SMPS groups. The SMPS group was administered SMPS from E0.5 to postnatal day (PND) 21. We performed 16S rRNA and transcriptomics analyses to reveal the gut microbiota (GM) and differentially expressed genes in the autism model rats in response to SMPS intervention. SMPS intervention significantly improved the diversity and structure of the GM in autism model rats compared with the VPA rats. Moreover, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was increased after SMPS intervention. Transcriptome sequencing showed that 496 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after SMPS administration compared with the VPA group. Meanwhile, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs was showed that the SMPS group had significant 653 GO terms. SMPS intervention had a major influence on oxidative phosphorylation, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, thermogenesis, ribosome, protein digestion and absorption, renin-angiotensin system, calcium signaling pathway, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglio series, and propanoate metabolism pathways. Overall, this study suggests that SMPS interventions in early life may have an impact on gut microbiota, and then affect the transcriptomics levels of the hippocampal tissue in the VPA-induced autism model rats. It provides scientific evidence for the role of the microbe-gut-brain axis in ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jiyuan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Pathology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jicheng Liu
- Research Institute of Medical and Pharmacy, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
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Dănciulescu T, Zaharia A. Piano with a Twist: A Pilot Study Exploring the Preliminary Effects of a Piano Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2022.101987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Brister D, Rose S, Delhey L, Tippett M, Jin Y, Gu H, Frye RE. Metabolomic Signatures of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1727. [PMID: 36294866 PMCID: PMC9604590 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with many variations in metabolism, but the ex-act correlates of these metabolic disturbances with behavior and development and their links to other core metabolic disruptions are understudied. In this study, large-scale targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis was conducted on fasting morning plasma samples from 57 children with ASD (29 with neurodevelopmental regression, NDR) and 37 healthy controls of similar age and gender. Linear model determined the metabolic signatures of ASD with and without NDR, measures of behavior and neurodevelopment, as well as markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, redox, methylation, and mitochondrial metabolism. MetaboAnalyst ver 5.0 (the Wishart Research Group at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada) identified the pathways associated with altered metabolic signatures. Differences in histidine and glutathione metabolism as well as aromatic amino acid (AAA) biosynthesis differentiated ASD from controls. NDR was associated with disruption in nicotinamide and energy metabolism. Sleep and neurodevelopment were associated with energy metabolism while neurodevelopment was also associated with purine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. While behavior was as-sociated with some of the same pathways as neurodevelopment, it was also associated with alternations in neurotransmitter metabolism. Alterations in methylation was associated with aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and nicotinamide metabolism. Alterations in glutathione metabolism was associated with changes in glycine, serine and threonine, BCAA and AAA metabolism. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were as-sociated with energy metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Alterations in mitochondrial metabolism was associated with alterations in energy metabolism and L-glutamine. Using behavioral and biochemical markers, this study finds convergent disturbances in specific metabolic pathways with ASD, particularly changes in energy, nicotinamide, neurotransmitters, and BCAA, as well as aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Brister
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Leanna Delhey
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Marie Tippett
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
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