1
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Pall ML. Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca 2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sci 2024; 14:454. [PMID: 38790433 PMCID: PMC11119459 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050454] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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2
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Loftis JM. Seeking understanding and action for the neurologic consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:216-217. [PMID: 38070622 PMCID: PMC11075524 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Loftis
- Research & Development Service, VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, USA.
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3
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Chen S, Liang J, Chen D, Huang Q, Sun K, Zhong Y, Lin B, Kong J, Sun J, Gong C, Wang J, Gao Y, Zhang Q, Sun H. Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomic and proteomic characterization of neurologic post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:209-222. [PMID: 37858739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (neuro-PASC) remains unclear. Herein, we conducted proteomic and metabolomic analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 21 neuro-PASC patients, 45 healthy volunteers, and 26 inflammatory neurological diseases patients. Our data showed 69 differentially expressed metabolites and six differentially expressed proteins between neuro-PASC patients and healthy individuals. Elevated sphinganine and ST1A1, sphingolipid metabolism disorder, and attenuated inflammatory responses may contribute to the occurrence of neuro-PASC, whereas decreased levels of 7,8-dihydropterin and activation of steroid hormone biosynthesis may play a role in the repair process. Additionally, a biomarker cohort consisting of sphinganine, 7,8-dihydroneopterin, and ST1A1 was preliminarily demonstrated to have high value in diagnosing neuro-PASC. In summary, our study represents the first attempt to integrate the diagnostic benefits of CSF with the methodological advantages of multi-omics, thereby offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neuro-PASC and facilitating the work of neuroscientists in disclosing different neurological dimensions associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilan Chen
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jianhao Liang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Dingqiang Chen
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Qiyuan Huang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Kaijian Sun
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yuxia Zhong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Baojia Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jingjing Kong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jiaduo Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Chengfang Gong
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Qingguo Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
| | - Haitao Sun
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Eichwald T, da Silva LDB, Staats Pires AC, Niero L, Schnorrenberger E, Filho CC, Espíndola G, Huang WL, Guillemin GJ, Abdenur JE, Latini A. Tetrahydrobiopterin: Beyond Its Traditional Role as a Cofactor. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1037. [PMID: 37237903 PMCID: PMC10215290 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an endogenous cofactor for some enzymatic conversions of essential biomolecules, including nitric oxide, and monoamine neurotransmitters, and for the metabolism of phenylalanine and lipid esters. Over the last decade, BH4 metabolism has emerged as a promising metabolic target for negatively modulating toxic pathways that may result in cell death. Strong preclinical evidence has shown that BH4 metabolism has multiple biological roles beyond its traditional cofactor activity. We have shown that BH4 supports essential pathways, e.g., to generate energy, to enhance the antioxidant resistance of cells against stressful conditions, and to protect from sustained inflammation, among others. Therefore, BH4 should not be understood solely as an enzyme cofactor, but should instead be depicted as a cytoprotective pathway that is finely regulated by the interaction of three different metabolic pathways, thus assuring specific intracellular concentrations. Here, we bring state-of-the-art information about the dependency of mitochondrial activity upon the availability of BH4, as well as the cytoprotective pathways that are enhanced after BH4 exposure. We also bring evidence about the potential use of BH4 as a new pharmacological option for diseases in which mitochondrial disfunction has been implicated, including chronic metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and primary mitochondriopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuany Eichwald
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
- Laboratory for Energy Metabolism, Division of Metabolic Disorders, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (W.-L.H.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Lucila de Bortoli da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
| | - Ananda Christina Staats Pires
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Laís Niero
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
| | - Erick Schnorrenberger
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
| | - Clovis Colpani Filho
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
| | - Gisele Espíndola
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Wei-Lin Huang
- Laboratory for Energy Metabolism, Division of Metabolic Disorders, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (W.-L.H.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - José E. Abdenur
- Laboratory for Energy Metabolism, Division of Metabolic Disorders, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (W.-L.H.); (J.E.A.)
| | - Alexandra Latini
- Laboratório de Bioenergética e Estresse Oxidativo—LABOX, Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-100, SC, Brazil; (T.E.); (L.N.); (C.C.F.); (G.E.)
- Laboratory for Energy Metabolism, Division of Metabolic Disorders, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Orange, CA 92868, USA; (W.-L.H.); (J.E.A.)
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5
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Waligóra A, Damasiewicz-Bodzek A, Gorczyca P, Waligóra S, Tyrpień-Golder K. The urinary biopterin in autism spectrum disorder. Pteridines 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/pteridines-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The aim of the study was to determine whether biopterin is present in significantly lower quantities in urine samples of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy individuals.
Methods
The concentration of biopterin in urine samples was measured by ELISA using commercially available kit. The study involved 53 children aged 3–16 years with ASD and 60 healthy children aged 2–14 years.
Results
Significantly lower biopterin concentration was observed in autistic patients compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between mild, moderate, and severe ASD.
Conclusion
One of the potential causes of decrease in urinary biopterin levels may be tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency, which has extensive and serious health consequences for the nervous system. The results of measuring biopterin as a fully oxidized form of BH4 may suggest that biosynthesis or regeneration of BH4 may be decreased in children with ASD. On the other hand, decreased urinary biopterin levels in children with ASD may be due to BH4 overuse, a good regeneration process, and decreased urinary excretion; and abnormalities in BH4 metabolism appear to be related to the aetiology of ASD or may be due to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Waligóra
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | | | - Piotr Gorczyca
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Medical-Dental in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Sławomir Waligóra
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
| | - Krystyna Tyrpień-Golder
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia , Katowice , Poland
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6
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Mordaunt CE, Park BY, Bakulski KM, Feinberg JI, Croen LA, Ladd-Acosta C, Newschaffer CJ, Volk HE, Ozonoff S, Hertz-Picciotto I, LaSalle JM, Schmidt RJ, Fallin MD. A meta-analysis of two high-risk prospective cohort studies reveals autism-specific transcriptional changes to chromatin, autoimmune, and environmental response genes in umbilical cord blood. Mol Autism 2019; 10:36. [PMID: 31673306 PMCID: PMC6814108 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects more than 1% of children in the USA. ASD risk is thought to arise from both genetic and environmental factors, with the perinatal period as a critical window. Understanding early transcriptional changes in ASD would assist in clarifying disease pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers. However, little is known about umbilical cord blood gene expression profiles in babies later diagnosed with ASD compared to non-typically developing and non-ASD (Non-TD) or typically developing (TD) children. Methods Genome-wide transcript levels were measured by Affymetrix Human Gene 2.0 array in RNA from cord blood samples from both the Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs (MARBLES) and the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) high-risk pregnancy cohorts that enroll younger siblings of a child previously diagnosed with ASD. Younger siblings were diagnosed based on assessments at 36 months, and 59 ASD, 92 Non-TD, and 120 TD subjects were included. Using both differential expression analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis, gene expression between ASD and TD, and between Non-TD and TD, was compared within each study and via meta-analysis. Results While cord blood gene expression differences comparing either ASD or Non-TD to TD did not reach genome-wide significance, 172 genes were nominally differentially expressed between ASD and TD cord blood (log2(fold change) > 0.1, p < 0.01). These genes were significantly enriched for functions in xenobiotic metabolism, chromatin regulation, and systemic lupus erythematosus (FDR q < 0.05). In contrast, 66 genes were nominally differentially expressed between Non-TD and TD, including 8 genes that were also differentially expressed in ASD. Gene coexpression modules were significantly correlated with demographic factors and cell type proportions. Limitations ASD-associated gene expression differences identified in this study are subtle, as cord blood is not the main affected tissue, it is composed of many cell types, and ASD is a heterogeneous disorder. Conclusions This is the first study to identify gene expression differences in cord blood specific to ASD through a meta-analysis across two prospective pregnancy cohorts. The enriched gene pathways support involvement of environmental, immune, and epigenetic mechanisms in ASD etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Mordaunt
- 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, and MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Bo Y Park
- 2Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- 3Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- 4Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- 5Division of Research and Autism Research Program, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA USA
| | | | - Craig J Newschaffer
- 6Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- 4Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- 7Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- 8Department of Public Health Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Center, and MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- 8Department of Public Health Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- 4Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
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7
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Castillo MA, Urdaneta KE, Semprún-Hernández N, Brigida AL, Antonucci N, Schultz S, Siniscalco D. Speech-Stimulating Substances in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Behav Sci (Basel) 2019; 9:E60. [PMID: 31212856 PMCID: PMC6616660 DOI: 10.3390/bs9060060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the core domains of persistent deficits in social communication and restricted-repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. A heterogeneous and complex set of neurodevelopmental conditions are grouped in the spectrum. Pro-inflammatory events and immune system dysfunctions are cellular and molecular events associated with ASD. Several conditions co-occur with ASD: seizures, gastro-intestinal problems, attention deficit, anxiety and depression, and sleep problems. However, language and speech issues are key components of ASD symptoms current therapies find difficult to face. Several speech-stimulating substances have been shown to be effective in increasing speech ability in ASD subjects. The need for large clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kendy Eduardo Urdaneta
- Research Division, Autism Immunology Unit of Maracaibo, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela.
| | - Neomar Semprún-Hernández
- Research Division, Autism Immunology Unit of Maracaibo, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela.
- Catedra libre de Autismo, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela.
| | | | - Nicola Antonucci
- Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, 70126 Bari, Italy.
| | - Stephen Schultz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
- Centre for Autism-La Forza del Silenzio, 81036 Caserta, Italy.
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8
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Vargason T, Kruger U, Roth E, Delhey LM, Tippett M, Rose S, Bennuri SC, Slattery JC, Melnyk S, James SJ, Frye RE, Hahn J. Comparison of Three Clinical Trial Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Multivariate Analysis of Changes in Metabolic Profiles and Adaptive Behavior. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:503. [PMID: 30618645 PMCID: PMC6305732 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies associate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology with metabolic abnormalities related to DNA methylation and intracellular redox homeostasis. In this regard, three completed clinical trials are reexamined in this work: treatment with (i) methylcobalamin (MeCbl) in combination with low-dose folinic acid (LDFA), (ii) tetrahydrobiopterin, and (iii) high-dose folinic acid (HDFA) for counteracting abnormalities in the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) and transsulfuration (TS) pathways and also for improving ASD-related symptoms and behaviors. Although effects of treatment on individual metabolites and behavioral measures have previously been investigated, this study is the first to consider the effect of interventions on a set of metabolites of the FOCM/TS pathways and to correlate FOCM/TS metabolic changes with behavioral improvements across several studies. To do so, this work uses data from one case–control study and the three clinical trials to develop multivariate models for considering these aspects of treatment. Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) is first used to establish a model for distinguishing individuals with ASD from typically developing (TD) controls, which is subsequently evaluated on the three treatment data sets, along with one data set for a placebo, to characterize the shift of FOCM/TS metabolism toward that of the TD population. Treatment with MeCbl plus LDFA and, separately, treatment with tetrahydrobiopterin significantly shifted the metabolites toward the values of the control group. Contrary to this, treatment with HDFA had a lesser, though still noticeable, effect whilst the placebo group showed marginal, but not insignificant, variations in metabolites. A second analysis is then performed with non-linear kernel partial least squares (KPLS) regression to predict changes in adaptive behavior, quantified by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Composite, from changes in FOCM/TS biochemical measurements provided by treatment. Incorporating the 74 samples receiving any treatment, including placebo, into the regression analysis yields an R2 of 0.471 after cross-validation when using changes in six metabolic measurements as predictors. These results are suggestive of an ability to effectively improve pathway-wide FOCM/TS metabolic and behavioral abnormalities in ASD with clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Vargason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Uwe Kruger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Emily Roth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Leanna M Delhey
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Marie Tippett
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Sirish C Bennuri
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John C Slattery
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.,BioROSA Technologies, Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stepan Melnyk
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - S Jill James
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Richard E Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States.,Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States.,Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
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9
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Gładysz D, Krzywdzińska A, Hozyasz KK. Immune Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder-Could They Hold Promise for Causative Treatment? Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6387-6435. [PMID: 29307081 PMCID: PMC6061181 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in language and communication development, social behavior, and the occurrence of stereotypic patterns of behavior and interests. Despite substantial speculation about causes of ASD, its exact etiology remains unknown. Recent studies highlight a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits. Various immune anomalies, including humoral and cellular immunity along with abnormalities at the molecular level, have been reported. There is evidence of altered immune function both in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood. Several studies hypothesize a role for neuroinflammation in ASD and are supported by brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, as well as evidence of microglial activation. It has been shown that immune abnormalities occur in a substantial number of individuals with ASD. Identifying subgroups with immune system dysregulation and linking specific cellular immunophenotypes to different symptoms would be key to defining a group of patients with immune abnormalities as a major etiology underlying behavioral symptoms. These determinations would provide the opportunity to investigate causative treatments for a defined patient group that may specifically benefit from such an approach. This review summarizes recent insights into immune system dysfunction in individuals with ASD and discusses the potential implications for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Gładysz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Kamil K Hozyasz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
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10
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Guibal P, Lo A, Maitre P, Moussa F. Pterin determination in cerebrospinal fluid: state of the art. Pteridines 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/pterid-2017-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The analysis of pterins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is mandatory for the etiologic diagnosis of inborn errors of dopamine and serotonin metabolism. The success of the available therapeutic strategies for preventing the ongoing brain dysfunction is tightly dependent of the early diagnosis of these neurotransmitter disorders. Previous methods of pterins determination in the CSF have in common at least one reversed phase HPLC step coupled to electrochemical or fluorescence detection (FD). They differ in the oxidation procedure of the reduced forms of pterins into their oxidized fluorescent counterparts. Most of the methods using the FD include at least one offline chemical oxidation procedure and cannot allow the direct quantification of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). A recent method proposed a single step simultaneous quantification of all forms of pterins including BH4 by HPLC coupled to FD after post-column coulometric oxidation. Nowadays, recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS), notably in term of sensitivity, allow the direct unambiguous determination of all forms of pterins in the CSF by LC-MS/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Guibal
- Letiam, Lip(Sys) , Université Paris-Sud , IUT d’Orsay, Plateau de Moulon , 91405 Orsay , France
| | - Aurélien Lo
- Letiam, Lip(Sys) , Université Paris-Sud , IUT d’Orsay, Plateau de Moulon , 91405 Orsay , France
| | - Philippe Maitre
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique , UMR 8000 CNRS , Faculté des Sciences d’Orsay, Université Paris-Sud , 15, Rue G. Clemenceau , 91400 Orsay , France
| | - Fathi Moussa
- Letiam, Lip(Sys) , Université Paris-Sud , IUT d’Orsay, Plateau de Moulon , 91405 Orsay , France
- Service de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau-La Roche Guyon , APHP, 26 Avenue du Dr A. Netter , 75012 Paris , France
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11
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Tonduti D, Zorzi G, Ghezzi D, Zibordi F, Garavaglia B, Nardocci N. Cerebrospinal Fluid Monoamine Metabolite Analysis in Pediatric Movement Disorders. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1800-5. [PMID: 25907776 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815581608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal concentrations of dopamine and serotonin metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid is the diagnostic hallmark of a group of treatable conditions known as the monoamine neurotransmitter disorders. We assessed cerebrospinal fluid dopamine and serotonin metabolite concentrations in a series of 69 patients affected by movement disorders of unknown etiology. Abnormal results were disclosed in 13/69 subjects (19%). Both primary and secondary monoamine neurotransmitter disorders were observed. The clinical presentation of both forms was hypokinetic-rigid syndrome or dystonia. L-Dopa treatment resulted in significant improvement of the clinical picture in the majority of primary neurotransmitter disorders. Eight patients presented a secondary neurotransmitter disorder. One suffered from a GM2 gangliosidosis and one from infantile bilateral striatal necrosis. Etiologic diagnoses were not established in the others. L-Dopa was started in four patients, leading to a significant improvement of hypokinesia in the patient suffering from GM2 gangliosidosis and a slight improvement in 3 unclassified patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Tonduti
- Department of Child Neurology, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zorzi
- Department of Child Neurology, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Ghezzi
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Zibordi
- Department of Child Neurology, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Garavaglia
- Unit of Molecular Neurogenetics, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nardo Nardocci
- Department of Child Neurology, Neurological Institute C. Besta Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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12
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Immune mediators in the brain and peripheral tissues in autism spectrum disorder. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:469-86. [PMID: 26189694 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a central role for immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several ASD risk genes encode components of the immune system and many maternal immune system-related risk factors--including autoimmunity, infection and fetal reactive antibodies--are associated with ASD. In addition, there is evidence of ongoing immune dysregulation in individuals with ASD and in animal models of this disorder. Recently, several molecular signalling pathways--including pathways downstream of cytokines, the receptor MET, major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, microglia and complement factors--have been identified that link immune activation to ASD phenotypes. Together, these findings indicate that the immune system is a point of convergence for multiple ASD-related genetic and environmental risk factors.
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13
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Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:258589. [PMID: 26064157 PMCID: PMC4439475 DOI: 10.1155/2015/258589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) represents a popular therapeutic option for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data regarding the efficacy of CAM in ASD. The aim of the present systematic review is to investigate trials of CAM in ASD. Material and Methods. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Agricola, and Food Science Source. Results. Our literature search identified 2687 clinical publications. After the title/abstract screening, 139 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation 67 studies were included, from hand search of references we retrieved 13 additional studies for a total of 80. Conclusion. There is no conclusive evidence supporting the efficacy of CAM therapies in ASD. Promising results are reported for music therapy, sensory integration therapy, acupuncture, and massage.
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14
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Yang S, Jan YH, Mishin V, Richardson JR, Hossain MM, Heindel ND, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Sulfa drugs inhibit sepiapterin reduction and chemical redox cycling by sepiapterin reductase. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 352:529-40. [PMID: 25550200 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.221572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepiapterin reductase (SPR) catalyzes the reduction of sepiapterin to dihydrobiopterin (BH2), the precursor for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor critical for nitric oxide biosynthesis and alkylglycerol and aromatic amino acid metabolism. SPR also mediates chemical redox cycling, catalyzing one-electron reduction of redox-active chemicals, including quinones and bipyridinium herbicides (e.g., menadione, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, and diquat); rapid reaction of the reduced radicals with molecular oxygen generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using recombinant human SPR, sulfonamide- and sulfonylurea-based sulfa drugs were found to be potent noncompetitive inhibitors of both sepiapterin reduction and redox cycling. The most potent inhibitors of sepiapterin reduction (IC50s = 31-180 nM) were sulfasalazine, sulfathiazole, sulfapyridine, sulfamethoxazole, and chlorpropamide. Higher concentrations of the sulfa drugs (IC50s = 0.37-19.4 μM) were required to inhibit redox cycling, presumably because of distinct mechanisms of sepiapterin reduction and redox cycling. In PC12 cells, which generate catecholamine and monoamine neurotransmitters via BH4-dependent amino acid hydroxylases, sulfa drugs inhibited both BH2/BH4 biosynthesis and redox cycling mediated by SPR. Inhibition of BH2/BH4 resulted in decreased production of dopamine and dopamine metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, and 5-hydroxytryptamine. Sulfathiazole (200 μM) markedly suppressed neurotransmitter production, an effect reversed by BH4. These data suggest that SPR and BH4-dependent enzymes, are "off-targets" of sulfa drugs, which may underlie their untoward effects. The ability of the sulfa drugs to inhibit redox cycling may ameliorate ROS-mediated toxicity generated by redox active drugs and chemicals, contributing to their anti-inflammatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Yang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Yi-Hua Jan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Vladimir Mishin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Muhammad M Hossain
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Ned D Heindel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Diane E Heck
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Debra L Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
| | - Jeffrey D Laskin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (S.Y., Y.-H.J., J.R.R., M.H.H., J.D.L.) and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (V.M., D.L.L.); Department of Chemistry, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (N.D.H.); and Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York (D.E.H.)
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15
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Aluminum-induced entropy in biological systems: implications for neurological disease. J Toxicol 2014; 2014:491316. [PMID: 25349607 PMCID: PMC4202242 DOI: 10.1155/2014/491316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 200 years, mining, smelting, and refining of aluminum (Al) in various forms have increasingly exposed living species to this naturally abundant metal. Because of its prevalence in the earth's crust, prior to its recent uses it was regarded as inert and therefore harmless. However, Al is invariably toxic to living systems and has no known beneficial role in any biological systems. Humans are increasingly exposed to Al from food, water, medicinals, vaccines, and cosmetics, as well as from industrial occupational exposure. Al disrupts biological self-ordering, energy transduction, and signaling systems, thus increasing biosemiotic entropy. Beginning with the biophysics of water, disruption progresses through the macromolecules that are crucial to living processes (DNAs, RNAs, proteoglycans, and proteins). It injures cells, circuits, and subsystems and can cause catastrophic failures ending in death. Al forms toxic complexes with other elements, such as fluorine, and interacts negatively with mercury, lead, and glyphosate. Al negatively impacts the central nervous system in all species that have been studied, including humans. Because of the global impacts of Al on water dynamics and biosemiotic systems, CNS disorders in humans are sensitive indicators of the Al toxicants to which we are being exposed.
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16
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Guibal P, Lévêque N, Doummar D, Giraud N, Roze E, Rodriguez D, Couderc R, Billette
De Villemeur T, Moussa F. Simultaneous determination of all forms of biopterin and neopterin in cerebrospinal fluid. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:533-41. [PMID: 24650440 PMCID: PMC4102970 DOI: 10.1021/cn4001928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, genetic defects of the synthesis or regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor in hydroxylation reactions, are associated with severe neurological disorders. The diagnosis of these conditions relies on the determination of BH4, dihydrobiopterin (BH2), and dihydroneopterin (NH2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). As MS/MS is less sensitive than fluorescence detection (FD) for this purpose, the most widely used method since 1980 involves two HPLC runs including two differential off-line chemical oxidation procedures aiming to transform the reduced pterins into their fully oxidized fluorescent counterparts, biopterin (B) and neopterin (N). However, this tedious and time-consuming two-step indirect method underestimates BH4, BH2, and NH2 concentrations. Direct quantification of BH4 is essential for studying its metabolism and for monitoring the efficacy of BH4 supplementation in patients with genetic defects. Here we describe a single step method to simultaneously measure BH4, BH2, B, NH2, and N in CSF by HPLC coupled to FD after postcolumn coulometric oxidation. All target pterins were quantified in CSF with a small volume (100 μL), and a single filtration step for sample preparation and analysis. As compared to the most widely used method in more than 100 CSF samples, this new assay is the easiest route for accurately determining in a single run BH4, BH2, and NH2 in CSF in deficit situations as well as for monitoring the efficacy of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Guibal
- LETIAM, GCAPS,
EA 4041, IUT d’Orsay, Université Paris Sud 11, Plateau de Moulon. 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Nathalie Lévêque
- LETIAM, GCAPS,
EA 4041, IUT d’Orsay, Université Paris Sud 11, Plateau de Moulon. 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Diane Doummar
- Services
de Neuropédiatrie
et de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau − Laroche −
Guyon, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Giraud
- UMR CNRS
8182. ICMMO:
RMN en milieu orienté. UFR des Sciences, Université
Paris Sud 11. Rue du Doyen Georges
Poitou. 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Emmanuel Roze
- Department
of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière
Hospital, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR S 952, INSERM,
Paris 6 University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Diana Rodriguez
- Services
de Neuropédiatrie
et de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau − Laroche −
Guyon, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Rémy Couderc
- Services
de Neuropédiatrie
et de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau − Laroche −
Guyon, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Billette
De Villemeur
- Services
de Neuropédiatrie
et de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau − Laroche −
Guyon, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Fathi Moussa
- LETIAM, GCAPS,
EA 4041, IUT d’Orsay, Université Paris Sud 11, Plateau de Moulon. 91400 Orsay, France
- Services
de Neuropédiatrie
et de Biochimie, Groupe Hospitalier Trousseau − Laroche −
Guyon, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012 Paris, France
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17
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Yang S, Jan YH, Gray JP, Mishin V, Heck DE, Laskin DL, Laskin JD. Sepiapterin reductase mediates chemical redox cycling in lung epithelial cells. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:19221-37. [PMID: 23640889 PMCID: PMC3696693 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.402164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the lung, chemical redox cycling generates highly toxic reactive oxygen species that can cause alveolar inflammation and damage to the epithelium, as well as fibrosis. In this study, we identified a cytosolic NADPH-dependent redox cycling activity in mouse lung epithelial cells as sepiapterin reductase (SPR), an enzyme important for the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin. Human SPR was cloned and characterized. In addition to reducing sepiapterin, SPR mediated chemical redox cycling of bipyridinium herbicides and various quinones; this activity was greatest for 1,2-naphthoquinone followed by 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, menadione, and 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. Whereas redox cycling chemicals inhibited sepiapterin reduction, sepiapterin had no effect on redox cycling. Additionally, inhibitors such as dicoumarol, N-acetylserotonin, and indomethacin blocked sepiapterin reduction, with no effect on redox cycling. Non-redox cycling quinones, including benzoquinone and phenylquinone, were competitive inhibitors of sepiapterin reduction but noncompetitive redox cycling inhibitors. Site-directed mutagenesis of the SPR C-terminal substrate-binding site (D257H) completely inhibited sepiapterin reduction but had minimal effects on redox cycling. These data indicate that SPR-mediated reduction of sepiapterin and redox cycling occur by distinct mechanisms. The identification of SPR as a key enzyme mediating chemical redox cycling suggests that it may be important in generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species in the lung. This activity, together with inhibition of sepiapterin reduction by redox-active chemicals and consequent deficiencies in tetrahydrobiopterin, may contribute to tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Yang
- From the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Yi-Hua Jan
- the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Joshua P. Gray
- the Department of Science, United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut 06320, and
| | - Vladimir Mishin
- the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Diane E. Heck
- the Department of Environmental Health Science, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595
| | - Debra L. Laskin
- the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
| | - Jeffrey D. Laskin
- From the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
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18
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Frye RE, DeLatorre R, Taylor HB, Slattery J, Melnyk S, Chowdhury N, James SJ. Metabolic effects of sapropterin treatment in autism spectrum disorder: a preliminary study. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e237. [PMID: 23462988 PMCID: PMC3625913 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2013.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sapropterin, a synthetic form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), has been reported to improve symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, as BH4 is involved in multiple metabolic pathway that have been found to be dysregulated in ASD, including redox, pterin, monoamine neurotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO) and immune metabolism, the metabolic pathway by which sapropterin exerts its therapeutic effect in ASD effect remains unclear. This study investigated which metabolic pathways were associated with symptomatic improvement during sapropterin treatment. Ten participants (ages 2-6 years old) with current social and/or language delays, ASD and a central BH4 concentration 30 nM l(-1) were treated with a daily morning 20 mg kg(-1) dose of sapropterin for 16 weeks in an open-label fashion. At baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks after starting the treatment, measures of language, social function and behavior and biomarkers of redox, pterin, monoamine neurotransmitter, NO and immune metabolism were obtained. Two participants discontinued the study, one from mild adverse effects and another due to noncompliance. Overall, improvements in subscales of the Preschool Language Scale (PLS), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and autism symptoms questionnaire (ASQ) were seen. Significant changes in biomarkers of pterin, redox and NO were found. Improvement on several subscales of the PLS, VABS, ABC and ASQ were moderated by baseline and changes in biomarkers of NO and pterin metabolism, particularly baseline NO metabolism. These data suggest that behavioral improvement associated with daily 20 mg kg(-1) sapropterin treatment may involve NO metabolism, particularly the status of pretreatment NO metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
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19
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Alanazi AS. The role of nutraceuticals in the management of autism. Saudi Pharm J 2012; 21:233-43. [PMID: 24151428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism and related disorders are increasingly prevalent behavioral syndromes of impaired verbal and nonverbal communication and socialization owing to neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The most recent estimate for the prevalence of autistic disorders is about 1% on a global scale. Etiology of autism is multifactorial and multidimensional that makes therapeutic intervention even harder. Heterogeneity of genetic factors, oxidative stress, autoimmune mechanism, and epigenetic mechanisms complicate the nature of pathogenesis of the disease. Nutraceutical approach to treat this disease is a promising strategy, especially in some areas, it is more attractive than others. This review critically analyzes the roles of vitamins and cofactors, dietary modifications and gut abnormalities, probiotics and prebiotics, phytochemicals, and environmental factors in order to determine the state of evidence in nutraceutical-based autism management practices. This article presents a systematic review of randomized- and placebocontrolled trials to examine the evidence supports the use of autism nutraceu10.1016/j.jsps.2012.10.001ticals. The results will be discussed in the light of all relevant evidence generated from other clinical and exploratory studies.
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20
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Farook MF, DeCuypere M, Hyland K, Takumi T, LeDoux MS, Reiter LT. Altered serotonin, dopamine and norepinepherine levels in 15q duplication and Angelman syndrome mouse models. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43030. [PMID: 22916201 PMCID: PMC3420863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood neurodevelopmental disorders like Angelman syndrome and autism may be the result of underlying defects in neuronal plasticity and ongoing problems with synaptic signaling. Some of these defects may be due to abnormal monoamine levels in different regions of the brain. Ube3a, a gene that causes Angelman syndrome (AS) when maternally deleted and is associated with autism when maternally duplicated has recently been shown to regulate monoamine synthesis in the Drosophila brain. Therefore, we examined monoamine levels in striatum, ventral midbrain, frontal cerebral cortex, cerebellar cortex and hippocampus in Ube3a deficient and Ube3a duplication animals. We found that serotonin (5HT), a monoamine affected in autism, was elevated in the striatum and cortex of AS mice. Dopamine levels were almost uniformly elevated compared to control littermates in the striatum, midbrain and frontal cortex regardless of genotype in Ube3a deficient and Ube3a duplication animals. In the duplication 15q autism mouse model, paternal but not maternal duplication animals showed a decrease in 5HT levels when compared to their wild type littermates, in accordance with previously published data. However, maternal duplication animals show no significant changes in 5HT levels throughout the brain. These abnormal monoamine levels could be responsible for many of the behavioral abnormalities observed in both AS and autism, but further investigation is required to determine if any of these changes are purely dependent on Ube3a levels in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Febin Farook
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Michael DeCuypere
- Department of Neurosurgery, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Keith Hyland
- Medical Neurogenetics, LCC, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Toru Takumi
- Hiroshima University, School of Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mark S. LeDoux
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Lawrence T. Reiter
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, UTHSC, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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21
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Abstract
BH4 (6R-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin) is an essential cofactor of a set of enzymes that are of central metabolic importance, including four aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, alkylglycerol mono-oxygenase and three NOS (NO synthase) isoenzymes. Consequently, BH4 is present in probably every cell or tissue of higher organisms and plays a key role in a number of biological processes and pathological states associated with monoamine neurotransmitter formation, cardiovascular and endothelial dysfunction, the immune response and pain sensitivity. BH4 is formed de novo from GTP via a sequence of three enzymatic steps carried out by GTP cyclohydrolase I, 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase and sepiapterin reductase. An alternative or salvage pathway involves dihydrofolate reductase and may play an essential role in peripheral tissues. Cofactor regeneration requires pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratase and dihydropteridine reductase, except for NOSs, in which the BH4 cofactor undergoes a one-electron redox cycle without the need for additional regeneration enzymes. With regard to the regulation of cofactor biosynthesis, the major controlling point is GTP cyclohydrolase I. BH4 biosynthesis is controlled in mammals by hormones and cytokines. BH4 deficiency due to autosomal recessive mutations in all enzymes, except for sepiapterin reductase, has been described as a cause of hyperphenylalaninaemia. A major contributor to vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension, ischaemic reperfusion injury, diabetes and others, appears to be an effect of oxidized BH4, which leads to an increased formation of oxygen-derived radicals instead of NO by decoupled NOS. Furthermore, several neurological diseases have been suggested to be a consequence of restricted cofactor availability, and oral cofactor replacement therapy to stabilize mutant phenylalanine hydroxylase in the BH4-responsive type of hyperphenylalaninaemia has an advantageous effect on pathological phenylalanine levels in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst R Werner
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
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22
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Stehle JH, Saade A, Rawashdeh O, Ackermann K, Jilg A, Sebestény T, Maronde E. A survey of molecular details in the human pineal gland in the light of phylogeny, structure, function and chronobiological diseases. J Pineal Res 2011; 51:17-43. [PMID: 21517957 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human pineal gland is a neuroendocrine transducer that forms an integral part of the brain. Through the nocturnally elevated synthesis and release of the neurohormone melatonin, the pineal gland encodes and disseminates information on circadian time, thus coupling the outside world to the biochemical and physiological internal demands of the body. Approaches to better understand molecular details behind the rhythmic signalling in the human pineal gland are limited but implicitly warranted, as human chronobiological dysfunctions are often associated with alterations in melatonin synthesis. Current knowledge on melatonin synthesis in the human pineal gland is based on minimally invasive analyses, and by the comparison of signalling events between different vertebrate species, with emphasis put on data acquired in sheep and other primates. Together with investigations using autoptic pineal tissue, a remnant silhouette of premortem dynamics within the hormone's biosynthesis pathway can be constructed. The detected biochemical scenario behind the generation of dynamics in melatonin synthesis positions the human pineal gland surprisingly isolated. In this neuroendocrine brain structure, protein-protein interactions and nucleo-cytoplasmic protein shuttling indicate furthermore a novel twist in the molecular dynamics in the cells of this neuroendocrine brain structure. These findings have to be seen in the light that an impaired melatonin synthesis is observed in elderly and/or demented patients, in individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease, Smith-Magenis syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and sleep phase disorders. Already, recent advances in understanding signalling dynamics in the human pineal gland have significantly helped to counteract chronobiological dysfunctions through a proper restoration of the nocturnal melatonin surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H Stehle
- Institute of Anatomy III (Cellular and Molecular Anatomy), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
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23
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Ferdousy F, Bodeen W, Summers K, Doherty O, Wright O, Elsisi N, Hilliard G, O'Donnell JM, Reiter LT. Drosophila Ube3a regulates monoamine synthesis by increasing GTP cyclohydrolase I activity via a non-ubiquitin ligase mechanism. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 41:669-77. [PMID: 21147225 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2010] [Revised: 11/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying defects in Angelman syndrome (AS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be in part due to basic defects in synaptic plasticity and function. In some individuals serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which decrease pre-synaptic re-uptake of serotonin, can ameliorate symptoms, as can resperidone, which blocks both dopamine and serotonin receptors. Loss of maternal UBE3A expression causes AS, while maternal duplications of chromosome 15q11.2-q13 that include the UBE3A gene cause ASD, implicating the maternally expressed UBE3A gene in the ASD phenotype. In a Drosophila screen for proteins regulated by UBE3A, we identified a key regulator of monoamine synthesis, the gene Punch, or GCH1, encoding the enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase I. Here we show that Dube3a, the fly UBE3A orthologue, regulates Punch/GCH1 in the fly brain. Over-expression of Dube3a elevates tetrahydrobiopterin (THB), the rate-limiting cofactor in monoamine synthesis while loss of Dube3a has the opposite effect. The fluctuations in dopamine levels were associated with hyper- and hypoactivity, respectively, in flies. We show that changes in Punch/GCH1 and dopamine levels do not depend on the ubiquitin ligase catalytic domain of Dube3a. In addition, both wild type Dube3a and a ubiquitination-defective Dube3a-C/A form were found at high levels in nuclear fractions and appear to be poly-ubiquitinated in vivo by endogenous Dube3a. We propose that the transcriptional co-activation function of Dube3a may regulate GCH1 activity in the brain. These results provide a connection between monoamine synthesis (dopamine/serotonin) and Dube3a expression that may explain why some individuals with ASD or AS respond better to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Ferdousy
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0344, USA
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24
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Frye RE. Central tetrahydrobiopterin concentration in neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Neurosci 2010; 4:52. [PMID: 20661295 PMCID: PMC2906199 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2010.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a naturally occurring cofactor essential for critical metabolic pathways. Studies suggest that BH4 supplementation may ameliorate autism symptoms; the biological mechanism for such an effect is unknown. To help understand the relation between central BH4 concentration and systemic metabolism and to develop a biomarker of central BH4 concentration, the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid BH4 concentration and serum amino acids was studied. BH4 concentration was found to be distributed in two groups, a lower and higher BH4 concentration group. Two serum amino acids, citrulline and methionine, differentiated these groups, and the ratio of serum citrulline-to-methionine was found to correlate with the cerebrospinal fluid BH4 concentration (r = −0.67, p < 0.05). Both citrulline and methionine are substrates in inflammation and oxidative stress pathways – two pathways that utilize BH4 and are abnormally activated in autism. These data suggests that central BH4 concentration may be related to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and The Children's Learning Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, TX, USA
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25
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Frye RE, Huffman LC, Elliott GR. Tetrahydrobiopterin as a novel therapeutic intervention for autism. Neurotherapeutics 2010; 7:241-9. [PMID: 20643376 PMCID: PMC2908599 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) is an essential cofactor for several critical metabolic pathways that have been reported to be abnormal in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, the cerebrospinal fluid concentration of BH(4) is reported to be depressed in children with ASD. Over the past 25 years, several clinical trials have suggested that treatment with BH(4) improves ASD symptomatology in some individuals. Two ongoing clinical protocols may help further define the efficacy of BH(4) treatment in children with ASD. First, children with ASD who had low concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid or urine pterins were treated in an open-label manner with 20 mg/kg per day of BH(4). The majority of children (63%) responded positively to treatment, with minimal adverse events (AEs). Second, a double-blind placebo-controlled study examining the efficacy of 20 mg/kg per day of BH(4) treatment in children with ASD is currently underway. Safety studies from the commercially available forms of BH(4) document the low incidence of AEs, particularly serious AEs. Studies have also documented the ability of BH(4) to cross the blood-brain barrier. Based on the importance of BH(4) in neurodevelopmental metabolic pathways, the safety of BH(4) treatment, and the evidence for a therapeutic benefit of BH(4) treatment in children with ASD, we conclude that BH(4) represents a novel therapy for ASD, one that may gain wider use after further clinical studies have established efficacy and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology and The Children's Learning Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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26
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Pall ML. Do sauna therapy and exercise act by raising the availability of tetrahydrobiopterin? Med Hypotheses 2009; 73:610-3. [PMID: 19581054 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sauna therapy has been used to treat a number of different diseases known or thought to have a tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency. It has been interpreted to act in multiple chemical sensitivity by increasing chemical detoxification and excretion but there is no evidence that this is its main mode of action. Sauna therapy may act to increase BH4 availability via two distinct pathways. Increased blood flow in heated surface tissues leads to increased vascular shear stress, inducing increased activity of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH-I) in those vascular tissues which will lead to increasing BH4 synthesis. A second mechanism involves the heat shock protein Hsp90, which is induced by even modest heating of mammalian tissues. Sauna heating of these surface tissues may act via Hsp90, which interacts with the GTPCH-I complex and is reported to produce increased GTPCH-I activity by lowering its degradation. The increased consequent availability of BH4 may lead to lowered nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, such as has been reported for the eNOS enzyme. Increased BH4 synthesis in surface tissues of the body will produce increased circulating BH4 which will feed BH4 to other body tissues that may have been BH4 deficient. Similar mechanisms may act in vigorous exercise due to the increased blood shear stresses and possibly also heating of the exercising tissues and heart. There is a large and rapidly increasing number of diseases that are associated with BH4 depletion and these may be candidates for sauna therapy. Such diseases as hypertension, vascular endothelial dysfunction, multiple chemical sensitivity and heart failure are thought to be helped by sauna therapy and chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia may also be helped and there are others that may be good candidates for sauna therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- The Tenth Paradigm Research Group and School of Molecular Biosciences (WSU), 638 NE 41st Ave., Portland, OR 97232-3312, USA.
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27
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Walker MA. Treatment of autism spectrum disorders: neurotransmitter signaling pathways involved in motivation and reward as therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 12:949-67. [PMID: 18620518 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.8.949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of literature describing the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some of the targets suggested belong to neurochemical transmitter pathways implicated in the behavior and motivation reward pathway. OBJECTIVE To examine data linking potential targets to ASD and the feasibility of developing drugs targeting these pathways. While the inhibitors are mostly being developed for other indications, it is beneficial to examine them to determine the responsiveness of the targets to small-molecule modulation. METHODS A search in Medline and Scifinder for articles concerning relevant targets in the context of ASD and their relation to the reward signaling pathway. RESULTS There is evidence suggesting that behaviors controlled by these targets are related to behaviors exhibited by individuals with ASD. The targets appear to be involved in neurotransmitter pathways controlling motivation and reward, further implicating this system in ASD. Sufficient research has been conducted to identify lead compounds for discovering agents for treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Walker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Development, Wallingford, CT, USA.
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28
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Gil M, McKinney C, Lee MK, Eells JB, Phyillaier MA, Nikodem VM. Regulation of GTP cyclohydrolase I expression by orphan receptor Nurr1 in cell culture and in vivo. J Neurochem 2007; 101:142-50. [PMID: 17394463 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nurr1 is an orphan nuclear transcription factor essential for the terminal differentiation of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain (VM). To identify the Nurr1-target genes, we carried out microarray and quantitative real-time PCR analyses of Nurr1 null and wild-type mice in VM at embryonic day (E) 12.5 and shortly after birth (P0). In addition to the absence of mRNAs of DA synthesizing enzymes, the guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) was also substantially reduced in the VM of Nurr1-null mice. GTPCH is the first enzyme in the synthesis pathway of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase in DA synthesis. In the mouse, Nurr1 and GTPCH mRNA were first detected at E10.5, and GTPCH transcription paralleled that of Nurr1. Small interfering RNA targeted against Nurr1 decreases GTPCH expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts in cell culture. Cotransfection of Nurr1 and the GTPCH-luciferase (luc) reporter increased the luc activity by about threefold in N2A cells. Additional analysis using 5'-deletions and mutants revealed that Nurr1 activates GTPCH transcription indirectly through the proximal promoter region, in the absence of the nerve growth factor-induced clone B (NGFI-B) responsive element-like sites, similarly, as recently reported for DA transporter regulation by Nurr1.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biopterins/analogs & derivatives
- Biopterins/biosynthesis
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Dopamine/biosynthesis
- Down-Regulation/genetics
- Enzyme Activation/genetics
- Female
- GTP Cyclohydrolase/genetics
- GTP Cyclohydrolase/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/physiology
- Genes, Reporter/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mutation/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcriptional Activation/physiology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchan Gil
- Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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29
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Danfors T, von Knorring AL, Hartvig P, Langstrom B, Moulder R, Stromberg B, Torstenson R, Wester U, Watanabe Y, Eeg-Olofsson O. Tetrahydrobiopterin in the treatment of children with autistic disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2005; 25:485-9. [PMID: 16160627 DOI: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000177667.35016.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Twelve children, all boys, aged 4 to 7 years, with a diagnosis of autistic disorder and low concentrations of spinal 6R-l-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (tetrahydrobiopterin) were selected to participate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study. The children received a daily dose of 3 mg tetrahydrobiopterin per kilogram during 6 months alternating with placebo. Treatment-induced effects were assessed with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale every third month. The results showed small nonsignificant changes in the total scores of Childhood Autism Rating Scale after 3- and 6-month treatment. Post hoc analysis looking at the 3 core symptoms of autism, that is, social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behaviors, revealed a significant improvement of the social interaction score after 6 months of active treatment. In addition, a high positive correlation was found between response of the social interaction score and IQ. The results indicate a possible effect of tetrahydrobiopterin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Danfors
- Department of Neuroscience, Hospital Pharmacy, Uppsala University, PET-Centre, Uppsala Imanet AB, Sweden
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30
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Zimmerman AW, Jyonouchi H, Comi AM, Connors SL, Milstien S, Varsou A, Heyes MP. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum markers of inflammation in autism. Pediatr Neurol 2005; 33:195-201. [PMID: 16139734 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2005.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2005] [Revised: 02/25/2005] [Accepted: 03/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Systemic immune abnormalities have no known relevance to brain dysfunction in autism. In order to find evidence for neuroinflammation, we compared levels of sensitive indicators of immune activation: quinolinic acid, neopterin, and biopterin, as well as multiple cytokines and cytokine receptors, in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from children with autism, to control subjects with other neurologic disorders. In cerebrospinal fluid from 12 children with autism, quinolinic acid (P = 0.037) and neopterin (P = 0.003) were decreased, and biopterin (P = 0.040) was elevated, compared with control subjects. In sera from 35 persons with autism, among cytokines, only tumor necrosis factor receptor II was elevated compared with controls (P < 0.02). Decreased quinolinic acid and neopterin in cerebrospinal fluid are paradoxical and suggest dysmaturation of metabolic pathways and absence of concurrent infection, respectively, in autism. Alternatively, they may be produced by microglia but remain localized and not expressed in cerebrospinal fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Zimmerman
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore Maryland 21205, USA
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31
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Kealey C, Roche S, Claffey E, McKeon P. Linkage and candidate gene analysis of 14q22-24 in bipolar disorder: support for GCHI as a novel susceptibility gene. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2005; 136B:75-80. [PMID: 15909293 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Using a collection of Irish sib-pair nuclear families, we previously obtained modest evidence of linkage implicating 14q22-24 in bipolar disorder (BPD). To follow-up on this preliminary finding, an extended linkage analysis was performed which employed thirteen microsatellite markers, spanning a total distance of 85 cM on 14q. Effectively, P-values <0.05 were observed for a region extending over 41.88 cM, with the marker D14S281 displaying a peak multipoint non-parametric lod (NPL) score of 2.72 and an associated P-value of 0.003. Support for this finding was also obtained from flanking markers indicating excess allele sharing at 14q22-24 in Irish bipolar sib-pairs. A web-based candidate gene search of 14q22-24 resulted in the selection of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCHI), located 200 kb 3' of D14S281, as the best plausible candidate gene for involvement in BPD. GCHI is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), a natural cofactor for tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases. These enzymes play an essential role in the biosynthesis of various hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and serotonin. Numerous studies have also suggested that the clinical symptoms of depression might be related to a deficiency of BH(4). An association study between BPD and a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GCHI (G to A at position -959 bp, upstream of the ATG codon), is also presented here. This study revealed that the variant A allele is preferentially transmitted to BPI probands (chi(2) = 4.54, P = 0.033) suggesting that variants within GCHI may contribute to BPD in the Irish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Kealey
- Department of Pharmacology and Centre for Pharmacogenetics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, 19104, USA.
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32
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Zuddas A, Mancosu C, Lilliu V, Sorrentino G, di Porzio U, Cianchetti C. 6R-Tetrahydrobiopterin induces dopamine synthesis in a human neuroblastoma cell line, LA-N-1. A cellular model of DOPA-responsive dystonia. Brain Res 2002; 943:257-62. [PMID: 12101048 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)02694-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is an extrapyramidal disorder caused by deficit of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In these patients the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons normally express TH and the cellular machinery for the dopamine uptake. LA-N-1 is a human neuroblastoma cell line expressing tyrosine hydroxylase. Here we show that LA-N-1 cells are able to take up exogenous dopamine (DA) by an high-affinity mechanism; significant amounts of serotonin and its metabolite 5HIAA, but neither DA nor its metabolites, DOPAC and HVA, could be measured in the cell culture homogenate. 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobiopterin, cofactor for both tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases, is able to activate dopamine synthesis and also decreases the content of 5HIAA by 50%, indicating that LA-N-1 might be a useful model for studying dopamine-serotonin interaction in cultured cells and the neuronal mechanism of DRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zuddas
- Child NeuroPsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 119, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
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33
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Omura I, Mizutani M, Goto S, Hashimoto R, Kitagami T, Miura H, Ohta T. Plasma biopterin levels and depressive state in pregnancy and the early puerperal period. Neuropsychobiology 2002; 45:134-8. [PMID: 11979063 DOI: 10.1159/000054953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Plasma total biopterin and tetrahydrobiopterin levels of 14 normal pregnant and 15 normal puerperal women (within 1 week after delivery) were measured. In the first group, total biopterin levels were already increased (average: 18.2 pmol/ml) in the second trimester and remained high until the early puerperal period. In the second trimester, the ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin to total biopterin levels decreased to 72.3% and even further to 66.1% in the third trimester. This tendency continued until the puerperal period. Compared with the control group (12 healthy nonpregnant women), total biopterin levels increased during pregnancy and the puerperal period (p < 0.001), and the ratio in the third trimester and the early puerperal period decreased (p < 0.001). The depressive state according to Zung's score appeared most markedly in the third trimester with a mean score of 48, and tended to recover to a mean score of 36.2 in the early puerperal period. In this period, a correlation was found between Zung's score and the total biopterin levels (r = 0.80), and the ratio of tetrahydrobiopterin levels to the total biopterin levels (r = -0.92). In the early puerperal period, total biopterin levels were higher in subjects with Zung's scores > or = 36 (p < 0.001); the ratios of this group were lower than those of subjects with Zung's scores <36 (p < 0.001). Plasma biopterin levels in pregnancy and the early puerperal period closely resembled those of patients with mood disorders who show depressive symptoms from a psychoneurological perspective. Therefore, it seems possible that a depressive state in pregnancy and the early puerperal period has the same pathology as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Omura
- Nagoya City University School of Nursing, Nagoya, Japan.
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34
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Fernell E, Watanabe Y, Adolfsson I, Tani Y, Bergström M, Hartvig P, Lilja A, von Knorring AL, Gillberg C, Långström B. Possible effects of tetrahydrobiopterin treatment in six children with autism--clinical and positron emission tomography data: a pilot study. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997; 39:313-8. [PMID: 9236697 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1997.tb07437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Six children, between 3 and 5 years of age, having infantile autism according to DSM-III-R, were treated for 3 months with 6R-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (R-BH4), a cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylases in the biosynthetic pathway of catecholamines and serotonin. A criterion for inclusion in the study was a relatively low level of R-BH4 in the cerebrospinal fluid. For clinical evaluation, the Parental Satisfaction Survey (PASS) was used every fourth week and the Griffiths Developmental Scales were used before starting and 3 months after completing the treatment. During the treatment period, all parents reported improvements in the child's social functioning-mainly eye contact and desire to interact-and in the number of words or sounds which the child used. Small positive changes were noted on the Griffiths Developmental Scales between the two testing occasions. R-BH4 levels in CSF increased significantly after treatment. The positron emission tomography (PET) study showed that the high value of dopamine D2 receptor binding in the caudate and putamen decreased by about 10% towards the normal level after treatment with R-BH4. The observations in this open study indicate that the drug might be useful for a subgroup of children with autism, but there is a need for a larger double-blind study with a longer treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fernell
- Department of Paediatrics, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden
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