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Bjørklund G, Mkhitaryan M, Sahakyan E, Fereshetyan K, Meguid NA, Hemimi M, Nashaat NH, Yenkoyan K. Linking Environmental Chemicals to Neuroinflammation and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mechanisms and Implications for Prevention. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6328-6340. [PMID: 38296898 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This article explores the potential link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), neuroinflammation, and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuroinflammation refers to the immune system's response to injury, infection, or disease in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that exposure to EDCs, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, can disrupt normal immune function in the brain, leading to chronic or excessive neuroinflammation. This disruption of immune function can contribute to developing neurological disorders, including ASD. Furthermore, EDCs may activate microglia, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and astroglia-mediated oxidative stress, exacerbating neuroinflammation. EDCs may also modulate the epigenetic profile of cells by methyltransferase expression, thereby affecting neurodevelopment. This article also highlights the importance of reducing exposure to EDCs and advocating for policies and regulations restricting their use. Further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms underlying the link between EDCs, neuroinflammation, and ASD and to develop new treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Meri Mkhitaryan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Elen Sahakyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Katarine Fereshetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Nagwa A Meguid
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha Hemimi
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia.
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Vickers ML, Menhinnitt RS, Choi YK, Malacova E, Eriksson L, Churchill AW, Oddy B, Boon K, Randall C, Braun A, Taggart J, Marsh R, Pun P. Comorbidity rates of autism spectrum disorder and functional neurological disorders: A systematic review, meta-analysis of proportions and qualitative synthesis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241272958. [PMID: 39152614 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241272958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and functional neurological disorders (FND) are relatively common conditions, and there has been recent interest in the overlap between them. Both conditions share core features of alexithymia, impaired interoception and deficits in attentional focus. To date, relatively little is known about the comorbidity rates between ASD and FND. This is the first meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis on the subject. We found that around 10% of children presenting with functional seizures have a comorbid ASD diagnosis. People with ASD are more likely than the neurotypical population to have functional somatic disorders, and there is also evidence that ASD rates are higher for other FNDs such as functional motor disorders. Since FND comes with risks of unnecessary medical procedures and investigations, it is important to recognize the potential for people with ASD to have an FND comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Vickers
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Australia
| | | | | | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Kym Boon
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Pun
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Australia
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Godbole N, Tirupathi SP, Nair S, Afnan L, Nallapu A, Nallapu A. Effectiveness of picture-based interventions of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2024; 44:686-699. [PMID: 38129634 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism exhibit a higher risk of poor oral health due to difficulty in the performance of simple tasks such as toothbrushing. AIM This current systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Picture based intervention of toothbrush training on improvement of oral hygiene in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospero registered (CRD42023450156). PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus databases are searched from years January 1, 1980 to August 1, 2023 using broad search terms (brush) AND (autism). RESULTS The search queries have identified 853 titles, from three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane), after application of filters for exclusion of systematic reviews and meta-analysis, duplicate exclusion and removal of irrelevant titles led to the final inclusion of 24 articles for full text screening. From the 24 included studies, 10 studies (four RCTs and six non-randomized clinical studies) sustained the final rigorous PICO search. Quantitative pooling of data were performed for limited articles. CONCLUSION Low quality evidence suggest that picture-based intervention of toothbrush training has significant improvement (p ≤ .05) in improving toothbrushing habit as well as performance as indicated by the Plaque Index score (PI), Gingival index (GI) and Oral hygiene index score (OHI-S).
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Godbole
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Sunny Priyatham Tirupathi
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Sneha Nair
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Lamea Afnan
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Virajpet, Karnataka, India
| | - Anusha Nallapu
- Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
| | - Anoop Nallapu
- Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
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Alhamami HN, Albogami AM, Algahtani MM, Alqinyah M, Alanazi WA, Alasmari F, Alhazzani K, Alanazi AZ, Alassmrry YA, Alhamed AS. The effect of inhibiting hindbrain A2 noradrenergic neurons by 6-Hydroxydopamine on lipopolysaccharide-treated male rats autistic animal model. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101964. [PMID: 38328791 PMCID: PMC10848015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental illness that often emerges in early childhood. The incidence of ASD has shown a notable rise in recent years. ASD is defined by deficits in social communication, and presence of rigid and repetitive behaviors and interests. The underlying mechanisms of ASD remain elusive. Multiple studies have documented the presence of neuroinflammation and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, specifically, IL-6, TNF, and NF-κB, in various brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus in individuals with ASD. Noradrenergic neurons play a crucial role in brain development and the regulation of motor, behavioral, and memory functions. This study sought to examine the impact of intracerebroventricular (icv.) injection of the neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in the caudal dorsal vagal complex A2 neurons on various neuroinflammatory pathways at the hippocampus and PFC in valproic acid (VPA) autistic animal model. This was done in conjunction with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in animal models with VPA-induced autism. We specifically examined the impact of the caudal fourth ventricle 6-OHDA icv. injection and LPS (i.p.) injection on self-grooming behavior. We measured the mRNA expression of IL-6, TNF-a, and NF-κB using qRT-PCR, and the protein expression of COX-2, GPX-1, p-AMPK, and AMPK using western blot analysis. The self-grooming activity was considerably higher in the combined treatment group (6-OHDA icv. + LPS i.p.) compared to the control group. A substantial increase observed in the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB genes in the PFC of the treatment group that received icv. Administration of 6-OHDA, compared to the control group. The VPA-autism rats that received the combo treatment exhibited a slight increase in the expression level of NF-κB gene in the hippocampus, compared to the control group. At the PFC, we noticed a substantial drop in the expression of the antioxidant protein GPX-1 in the group that received the combo treatment compared to the control group. Our data investigates a novel aspect that the 6-OHDA-induced inhibition of hindbrain A2 neurons could be influencing the neuroinflammatory pathways in the PFC and hippocampus of autistic animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain N. Alhamami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Albogami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad M. Algahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alqinyah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Z. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasseen A. Alassmrry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S. Alhamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Chen H, Liang Q, Wang B, Liu H, Dong G, Li K. Sports game intervention aids executive function enhancement in children with autism - An fNIRS study. Neurosci Lett 2024; 822:137647. [PMID: 38242348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Executive dysfunction is a prevalent issue in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the efficacy of physical exercise in enhancing cognitive abilities in these children is well-documented, research exploring the relationship between physical exercise and brain function remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cognitively stimulating exercise on executive functions (EF) in children with ASD. The study enrolled thirty children with ASD who were randomly allocated into two groups: a sports game learning group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was utilized to monitor cerebral function alterations pre- and post- an eight-week intervention program. The study focused on three core components of executive function: working memory, inhibitory control (IC), and cognitive flexibility (CF). Results revealed a significant improvement in the EF in the intervention group. After eight weeks of intervention, neural activity, along with improved EF performance, was enhanced significantly in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). During post-intervention, EF tasks were also significantly activated in the dorsolateral PFC, orbitofrontal cortex, and frontal pole area. Furthermore, an increase in short-distance functional connectivity within the PFC was observed during resting states. These results imply that engagement in sports game training can significantly improve EF information processing, augmenting task-related cortical activations and the efficiency of brain function networks in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, China; Department of Sports, Quzhou University, Quzhou, China; Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Liang
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Baijie Wang
- Shooting and Cycling Sports Management Center of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | | | - Guijun Dong
- Department of Sports, Quzhou University, Quzhou, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, China; Quzhou Key Laboratory of Acupuncture, Tuina and Neural Network Regulation, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, China.
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Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Yenkoyan K, Ounanian Z, Mirumyan M, Hayrapetyan L, Zakaryan N, Sahakyan R, Bjørklund G. Advances in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current and Promising Strategies. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1485-1511. [PMID: 37888815 PMCID: PMC11092563 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673252910230920151332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for developmental disorders characterized by social and communication impairments, language difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Current management approaches for ASD aim to resolve its clinical manifestations based on the type and severity of the disability. Although some medications like risperidone show potential in regulating ASD-associated symptoms, a comprehensive treatment strategy for ASD is yet to be discovered. To date, identifying appropriate therapeutic targets and treatment strategies remains challenging due to the complex pathogenesis associated with ASD. Therefore, a comprehensive approach must be tailored to target the numerous pathogenetic pathways of ASD. From currently viable and basic treatment strategies, this review explores the entire field of advancements in ASD management up to cutting-edge modern scientific research. A novel systematic and personalized treatment approach is suggested, combining the available medications and targeting each symptom accordingly. Herein, summarize and categorize the most appropriate ways of modern ASD management into three distinct categories: current, promising, and prospective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Zadik Ounanian
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Margarita Mirumyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Liana Hayrapetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Naira Zakaryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Raisa Sahakyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Research, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
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Almulla AF, Thipakorn Y, Tunvirachaisakul C, Maes M. The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in autism spectrum disorder; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism Res 2023; 16:2302-2315. [PMID: 37909397 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and interaction, as well as rigid and unchanging interests and behaviors. Several studies have reported that activated immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways are accompanied by depletion of plasma tryptophan (TRP), increased competing amino acid (CAAs) levels, and activation of the TRP catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze data on peripheral TRP, CAAs, TRYCAT pathway activity, and individual TRYCATs, including kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KA) levels, in the blood and urine of ASD patients. After extensively searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder, a total of 25 full-text papers were included in the analysis, with a total of 6653 participants (3557 people with ASD and 3096 healthy controls). Our results indicate that blood TRP and the TRP/CAAs ratio were not significantly different between ASD patients and controls (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.227, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.540; 0.085, and SMD = 0.158, 95% CI: -0.042; 0.359), respectively. The KYN/TRP ratio showed no significant difference between ASD and controls (SMD = 0.001, 95% CI: -0.169; 0.171). Blood KYN and KA levels were not significantly changed in ASD. Moreover, there were no significant differences in urine TRP, KYN, and KA levels between ASD and controls. We could not establish increases in neurotoxic TRYCATs in ASD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates no abnormalities in peripheral blood TRP metabolism, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme (IDO) activity, or TRYCAT production in ASD. Reduced TRP availability and elevated neurotoxic TRYCAT levels are not substantial contributors to ASD's pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Yanin Thipakorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
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Safwi SR. Autism spectrum disorder in the US: Have we done enough? Psychiatry Res 2023; 330:115595. [PMID: 37984282 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a collection of neurodevelopmental disabilities, defined by the presence of social, behavioral and communication deficits, that are typically recognized during the first three years of life. Autism has emerged as a significant public health concern, yet there are no answers to its increasing rates. Recent data from the Autism and Developmental Disability Monitoring (ADDM) Network reported that 1 in every 36 (2.8 %) 8-year-old children were found to have autism in 2020. The current research attempts to identify the major challenges around autism care across the US such as: Inconsistent diagnosis and referral leading to delayed start of service, unequal availability of trained licensed Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapist, Inconsistent implementation of ABA interventions at various settings, Lack of support, education services and vocational opportunities for children transitioning into adulthood. This article also proposes and discusses possible strategies for mitigating those challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Rehman Safwi
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School Of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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10
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Zhang L, Xu X, Ma L, Wang X, Jin M, Li L, Ni H. Zinc Water Prevents Autism-Like Behaviors in the BTBR Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4779-4792. [PMID: 36602746 PMCID: PMC10415509 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects of zinc water on autism-like behavior, convulsion threshold, and neurogenesis in ASD model animals. This study used the young BTBR ASD mouse model to explore the effect of a 6-week zinc water supplementation on ASD-like behaviors such as repetitive behavior and social communication disorder, seizure threshold, and the correlation with excitability regulation. The mice were divided into four groups of normal controls (B6) and models (BTBR) who did and did not receive zinc supplementation in water (B6, B6 + zinc, BTBR, and BTBR + zinc). For morphological changes in the hippocampus, we selected two indicators: hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting and neurogenesis. ASD-like behavior testing, seizure threshold determination, Timm staining, and neurogenesis-related assays-represented by Ki67 and DCX-were performed after 6 weeks of zinc supplementation. Our results show that zinc water can prevent autism-like behavior, reduce susceptibility to convulsions, and increase the proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells in BTBR mice but has less effect on mossy fiber sprouting and neural progenitor cell differentiation. Zinc water reduces autism-like behavior in a partially inherited autism model mice-BTBR-which may be associated with hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation and reversed hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liya Ma
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meifang Jin
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Li
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Ni
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Açıkel SB, Kara A, Bağcı Z, Can Ü. Serum trimethylamine N-oxide and lipopolysaccharide binding protein levels among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:571-577. [PMID: 37525434 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the literature, there have been several studies available investigating the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and intestinal permeability. In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between the levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which is a parameter associated with intestinal permeability, and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), which is a marker associated with bacterial translocation from the intestine, in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls. Fifty-three children with ASD as the patient group and 30 healthy children as the control group have been included in the study. The diagnostic evaluation has been made according to DSM-5 criteria. According to the obtained results, there has been no significant difference between groups in terms of serum TMAO and LBP levels. Considering the existence of various studies that found different results on ASD and intestinal permeability, it is thought that the studies conducted in this field that did not find statistically different results will also make a contribution to the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadettin Burak Açıkel
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aziz Kara
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Afyon University of Health Sciences, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Zafer Bağcı
- Department of Pediatrics, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ümmügülsüm Can
- Department of Biochemistry, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey
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12
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Gevorgyan H, Abaghyan T, Mirumyan M, Yenkoyan K, Trchounian K. Propionic and valproic acids have an impact on bacteria viability, proton flux and ATPase activity. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2023; 55:397-408. [PMID: 37700074 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-023-09983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids like propionic (PPA) and valproic acids (VP) can alter gut microbiota, which is suggested to play a role in development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this study we investigated the role of various concentrations of PPA and VP in gut enteric gram-negative Escherichia coli K12 and gram-positive Enterococcus hirae ATCC 9790 bacteria growth properties, ATPase activity and proton flux. The specific growth rate (µ) was 0.24 h-1 and 0.82 h-1 in E. coli and E. hirae, respectively. Different concentrations of PPA reduced the value of µ similarly in both strains. PPA affects membrane permeability only in E. hirae. PPA decreased DCCD-sensitive ATPase activity in the presence of K+ ions by 20% in E. coli and 40% in E. hirae suggesting the importance of the FOF1-K+ transport system in the regulation of PPA-disrupted homeostasis. Moreover, the H+ flux during PPA consumption could be the protective mechanism for enteric bacteria. VP has a selective effect on the µ depending on bacteria. The overwhelming effect of VP was detected on the K+-promoted ATPase activity in E. hirae. Taken together it can be suggested that PPA and VP have a disruptive effect on E. coli and E. hirae growth, viability, bioenergetic and biochemical properties, which are connected with the alteration of FOF1-ATPase activity and H+ flux rate or direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heghine Gevorgyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoogian Str, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
- Scientific-Research Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
- Microbial Biotechnologies and Biofuel Innovation Center, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
| | - Tamara Abaghyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoogian Str, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
- Microbial Biotechnologies and Biofuel Innovation Center, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
| | - Margarita Mirumyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia.
| | - Karen Trchounian
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoogian Str, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia.
- Scientific-Research Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia.
- Microbial Biotechnologies and Biofuel Innovation Center, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, 0025, Armenia.
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13
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Davoudi S, Rahdar M, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Chronic inhibition of astrocytic aquaporin-4 induces autistic-like behavior in control rat offspring similar to maternal exposure to valproic acid. Physiol Behav 2023:114286. [PMID: 37402416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Social communication and interaction deficits, memory impairment, and anxiety-like behavior are characterized in many people identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A thorough understanding of the specific aspects that contribute to the deficiencies associated with ASD can aid research into the etiology of the disorder while also providing targets for more effective intervention. As part of the ASD pathophysiology, alterations in synaptogenesis and abnormal network connections were seen in high-order brain areas, which control social behavior and communication. The early emergence of microglia during nervous system development may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and the pathobiology of ASD. Since aquaporin-4 (AQP4) appears to be required for the basic procedures of synapse activation, certain behavioral and cognitive impairments as well as disturbance in water homeostasis might likely arise from AQP4 deficiency. Here, through the measurement of the water content of the hippocampus and behavioral experiments we aim to explore the contribution of astrocytic AQP4 to the autism-like behavior induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure and whether inhibition of AQP4 per se can induce autistic-like behavior in control rats. Microinjection of TGN-020 (10µM, i.c.v), a specific AQP4 inhibitor, for 7 successive days before behavioral tasks from postnatal day 28 to 35 revealed that inhibition of AQP4 in the control offspring caused lower social interaction and locomotor activity, higher anxiety, and decreased ability to recognize novel objects, very similar to the behavioral changes observed in offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. However, VPA-exposed offspring treated with TGN-020, showed no further remarkable behavioral impairments than those detected in the autistic-like rats. Furthermore, both control offspring treated with TGN-020 and offspring exposed to VPA had a considerable accumulation of water in their hippocampi. But AQP4 inhibition did not affect the water status of the autistic-like rats. The findings of this study revealed that control offspring exhibited similar hippocampal water retention and behavioral impairments that were observed in maternal VPA-exposed offspring following inhibition of astrocytic AQP4, whereas, in autistic-like rats, it did not produce any significant change in water content and behaviors. Findings suggest that AQP4 deficiency could be associated with autistic disorder and may be a potential pharmaceutical target for treating autism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Cao W, Luo C, Fan Z, Lei M, Cheng X, Shi Z, Mao F, Xu Q, Fu Z, Zhang Q. Analysis of potential biomarkers and immune infiltration in autism based on bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33340. [PMID: 37171362 PMCID: PMC10174422 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by both environmental and genetic factors. However, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to establish an immune-related diagnostic model for ASD using bioinformatics methods and to identify ASD biomarkers. Two ASD datasets, GSE18123 and GSE29691, were integrated into the gene expression Database to eliminate batch effects. 41 differentially expressed genes were identified by microarray data linear model (limma package). Based on the results of the immune infiltration analysis, we speculated that neutrophils, B cells naive, CD8+ T cells, and Tregs are potential core immune cells in ASD and participate in the occurrence of ASD. Finally, the differential genes and immune infiltration in ASD and non-ASD patients were compared, and the most relevant genes were selected to construct the first immune correlation prediction model of ASD. After the calculation, the model exhibited better accuracy. The calculations show that the model has good accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Cao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenghan Luo
- Orthopeadics Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaohan Fan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Lei
- Health Care Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinru Cheng
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zanyang Shi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengxia Mao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qianya Xu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaoqin Fu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
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15
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On the role of serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor in autistic-like behavior: сross talk of 5-HT and BDNF systems. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114168. [PMID: 36280010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are some of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the mechanisms underlying ASDs are still poorly understood. Serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known as key players in brain and behavioral plasticity and interact with each other. 5-HT1A receptor is a principal regulator of the brain 5-HT system, which modulates normal and pathological behavior. Here we investigated effects of adeno-associated-virus-based 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice (which are a model of autism) on various types of behavior and on the expression of 5-HT7 receptor, proBDNF, mature BDNF, and BDNF receptors (TrkB and p75NTR). The 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in BTBR mice reduced stereotyped behavior in the marble-burying test and extended the time spent in the center in the open field test. Meanwhile, this overexpression failed to affect social behavior in the three-chambered test, immobility time in the tail suspension test, locomotor activity in the open field test, and associative learning within the "operant wall" paradigm. The 5-HT1A receptor overexpression in the hippocampus raised hippocampal 5-HT7 receptor mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, the 5-HT1A receptor overexpression lowered both mRNA and protein levels of TrkB receptor but failed to affect proBDNF, mature BDNF, and p75NTR receptor expression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. Thus, obtained results suggest the involvement of the 5-HT and BDNF systems' interaction mediated by 5-HT1A and TrkB receptors in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior in BTBR mice.
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16
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Developing Novel Experimental Models of m-TORopathic Epilepsy and Related Neuropathologies: Translational Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021530. [PMID: 36675042 PMCID: PMC9866103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important molecular regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Brain mTOR activity plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cell development, migration and proliferation, as well as memory storage, protein synthesis, autophagy, ion channel expression and axonal regeneration. Aberrant mTOR signaling causes a diverse group of neurological disorders, termed 'mTORopathies'. Typically arising from mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway, these disorders are characterized by cortical malformations and other neuromorphological abnormalities that usually co-occur with severe, often treatment-resistant, epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges in developing experimental models of mTOR-dependent epilepsy and other related mTORopathies, including using zebrafish models for studying these disorders, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.
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Rodrigues JVS, Poli MCF, Petrilli PH, Dornelles RCM, Turcio KH, Theodoro LH. Food selectivity and neophobia in children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical development: a systematic review. Nutr Rev 2023:6986143. [PMID: 36633300 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have common eating problems, including food refusal, dietary restrictions, and behavioral problems during eating. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to find more clear evidence on the relationship between food selectivity or food neophobia (FN) and ASD in children up to age 14 years. The PECO-based question was: Are food selectivity and FN behaviors more prevalent in children with ASD than in children with neurotypical development (NTD)?, in which the P is children, E is ASD, C is children with NTD, and O is food selectivity and FN. DATA SOURCES Clinical studies in the databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, comparing children with ASD and those with NTD, were reviewed from October 1966 to October 2021. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION A total of 122 studies were analyzed for summary reading, and only 17 of these were included in the descriptive qualitative analysis. In 9 studies, the analysis of food selectivity was performed via a questionnaire. RESULTS The results showed that children with ASD are more selective than those with NTD. Four studies evaluated FN through scales; however, only 2 found higher levels of FN in the ASD group than in children with NTD. The sensory profile was measured using questionnaires in 9 studies, and we found that altered sensory processing is more common in children with ASD. CONCLUSION Children with ASD present greater food selectivity than children with NTD. However, the occurrence of FN was higher in only 50% in which FN was investigated, which points to a need for studies that compare FN between siblings with ASD and those with NTD in the same family nucleus. In addition, atypical oral sensitivity seems to be a sensory characteristic most related to eating disorders. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021247880.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Victor S Rodrigues
- Department of Diagnostic and Surgery, School of Dentistry of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara F Poli
- Department of Diagnostic and Surgery, School of Dentistry of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Petrilli
- Department of Diagnostic and Surgery, School of Dentistry of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rita Cássia M Dornelles
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Karina H Turcio
- Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia H Theodoro
- Department of Diagnostic and Surgery, School of Dentistry of Araçatuba, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Talesh Jafadideh A, Mohammadzadeh Asl B. Structural filtering of functional data offered discriminative features for autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277989. [PMID: 36472989 PMCID: PMC9725140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study attempted to answer the question, "Can filtering the functional data through the frequency bands of the structural graph provide data with valuable features which are not valuable in unfiltered data"?. The valuable features discriminate between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically control (TC) groups. The resting-state fMRI data was passed through the structural graph's low, middle, and high-frequency band (LFB, MFB, and HFB) filters to answer the posed question. The structural graph was computed using the diffusion tensor imaging data. Then, the global metrics of functional graphs and metrics of functional triadic interactions were computed for filtered and unfiltered rfMRI data. Compared to TCs, ASDs had significantly higher clustering coefficients in the MFB, higher efficiencies and strengths in the MFB and HFB, and lower small-world propensity in the HFB. These results show over-connectivity, more global integration, and decreased local specialization in ASDs compared to TCs. Triadic analysis showed that the numbers of unbalanced triads were significantly lower for ASDs in the MFB. This finding may indicate the reason for restricted and repetitive behavior in ASDs. Also, in the MFB and HFB, the numbers of balanced triads and the energies of triadic interactions were significantly higher and lower for ASDs, respectively. These findings may reflect the disruption of the optimum balance between functional integration and specialization. There was no significant difference between ASDs and TCs when using the unfiltered data. All of these results demonstrated that significant differences between ASDs and TCs existed in the MFB and HFB of the structural graph when analyzing the global metrics of the functional graph and triadic interaction metrics. Also, these results demonstrated that frequency bands of the structural graph could offer significant findings which were not found in the unfiltered data. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the promising perspective of using structural graph frequency bands for attaining discriminative features and new knowledge, especially in the case of ASD.
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Talesh Jafadideh A, Mohammadzadeh Asl B. Topological analysis of brain dynamics in autism based on graph and persistent homology. Comput Biol Med 2022; 150:106202. [PMID: 37859293 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.106202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder with a rapidly growing prevalence. In recent years, the dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) technique has been used to reveal the transient connectivity behavior of ASDs' brains by clustering connectivity matrices in different states. However, the states of DFC have not been yet studied from a topological point of view. In this paper, this study was performed using global metrics of the graph and persistent homology (PH) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The PH has been recently developed in topological data analysis and deals with persistent structures of data. The structural connectivity (SC) and static FC (SFC) were also studied to know which one of the SC, SFC, and DFC could provide more discriminative topological features when comparing ASDs with typical controls (TCs). Significant discriminative features were only found in states of DFC. Moreover, the best classification performance was offered by persistent homology-based metrics and in two out of four states. In these two states, some networks of ASDs compared to TCs were more segregated and isolated (showing the disruption of network integration in ASDs). The results of this study demonstrated that topological analysis of DFC states could offer discriminative features which were not discriminative in SFC and SC. Also, PH metrics can provide a promising perspective for studying ASD and finding candidate biomarkers.
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20
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Esnafoglu E, Subaşı B. Association of low 25-OH-vitamin D levels and peripheral inflammatory markers in patients with autism spectrum disorder: Vitamin D and inflammation in Autism. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114735. [PMID: 35878480 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory mechanisms and Vitamin D are reported to play important roles in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). There are ample evidences that vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed, for the first time, to investigate the 25-OH-vitamin D with inflammation markers in ASD patients. The study included 154 patients with ASD and 98 healthy subjects. 25-OH-Vitamin D levels and simple peripheral inflammatory markers such as Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and, sedimentation were measured in all subjects. K-SADS-PL-DSM 5 were administered to all subjects to evaluate the psychiatric diagnosis. Childhood Autism Rating Scale was used to asses severity of autism. In the patient group, high CRP rate, leukocyte, neutrophil and NLR were significantly high compared to the healthy control group. 25-OH-Vitamin D levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the ASD group. While a significant negative correlation was found between 25-OH-Vitamin D and CRP, NLR, neutrophil counts in ASD patients, a positive correlation was found between lymphocyte counts. Especially in male ASD patients, the relationship between 25-OH-Vitamin D and inflammation markers was more pronounced. Our findings support the association of vitamin D and inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Esnafoglu
- Depatment of Child and Adolescent Pychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu Universtiy, Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Cocuk Psikiyatrisi Poliklinigi, Bucak Mah, Ordu 52200, Turkey.
| | - Burak Subaşı
- Department of Psychiatry, Kayseri City Traning and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
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21
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Manosso LM, Broseghini LDR, Campos JMB, Padilha APZ, Botelho MEM, da Costa MA, Abelaira HM, Gonçalves CL, Réus GZ. Beneficial effects and neurobiological aspects of environmental enrichment associated to major depressive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:152-167. [PMID: 36191730 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A suitable enriched environment favors development but can also influence behavior and neuronal circuits throughout development. Studies have shown that environmental enrichment (EE) can be used as an essential tool or combined with conventional treatments to improve psychiatric and neurological symptoms, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both disorders affect a significant percentage of the world's population and have complex pathophysiology. Moreover, the available treatments for MDD and ASD are still inadequate for many affected individuals. Experimental models demonstrate that EE has significant positive effects on behavioral modulation. In addition, EE has effects on neurobiology, including improvement in synaptic connections and neuroplasticity, modulation of neurotransmissions, a decrease in inflammation and oxidative stress, and other neurobiology effects that can be involved in the pathophysiology of MDD and ASD. Thus, this review aims to describe the leading behavioral and neurobiological effects associated with EE in MDD and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana M Manosso
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Lia D R Broseghini
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - José Marcelo B Campos
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Alex Paulo Z Padilha
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda M Botelho
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Maiara A da Costa
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Helena M Abelaira
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cinara L Gonçalves
- Experimental Neurology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Z Réus
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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22
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The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911245. [PMID: 36232548 PMCID: PMC9570195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulating the gut microbiome and its influence on human health is the subject of intense research. The gut microbiota could be associated not only with gastroenterological diseases but also with psychiatric disorders. The importance of factors such as stress, mode of delivery, the role of probiotics, circadian clock system, diet, and occupational and environmental exposure in the relationship between the gut microbiota and brain function through bidirectional communication, described as “the microbiome–gut–brain axis”, is especially underlined. In this review, we discuss the link between the intestinal microbiome and the brain and host response involving different pathways between the intestinal microbiota and the nervous system (e.g., neurotransmitters, endocrine system, immunological mechanisms, or bacterial metabolites). We review the microbiota alterations and their results in the development of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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23
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Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that microglia, which are the resident immune cells of the brain, play critical roles in a diverse array of neurodevelopmental processes required for proper brain maturation and function. This evidence has ultimately led to growing speculation that microglial dysfunction may play a role in neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) pathoetiology. In this review, we first provide an overview of how microglia mechanistically contribute to the sculpting of the developing brain and neuronal circuits. To provide an example of how disruption of microglial biology impacts NDD development, we also highlight emerging evidence that has linked microglial dysregulation to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in how the gut microbiome shapes microglial biology. In the last section of this review, we put a spotlight on this burgeoning area of microglial research and discuss how microbiota-dependent modulation of microglial biology is currently thought to influence NDD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Lukens
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Acetyl-L-carnitine and/or liposomal co-enzyme Q10 prevent propionic acid-induced neurotoxicity by modulating oxidative tissue injury, inflammation, and ALDH1A1-RA-RARα signaling in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113360. [PMID: 35785703 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113360] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Propionic acid (PPA) is a short-chain fatty acid produced endogenously by gut microbiota and found in foodstuffs and pharmaceutical products as an additive. Exposure to PPA has been associated with the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) and liposomal Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against cerebral and cerebellar oxidative injury, inflammation, and cell death, and alterations in ALDH1A1-RA-RARα signaling in an autism-like rat model induced by PPA. The rats were treated with PPA and concurrently received ALCAR and/or CoQ10 for 5 days. The animals were sacrificed, and the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were collected for analysis. PPA caused histopathological alterations along with increased malondialdehyde (MDA), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the cerebrum and cerebellum of rats. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes were declined in the brain of rats that received PPA. Concurrent treatment with ALCAR and/or CoQ10 prevented tissue injury, decreased MDA, NF-κB p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced cellular antioxidants in PPA-administered rats. ALCAR and/or CoQ10 upregulated Bcl-2 and decreased Bax and caspase-3 in the brain of rats. In addition, ALCAR and/or CoQ10 upregulated cerebral and cerebellar ALDH1A1 and RARα in PPA-treated rats. The combination of ALCAR and CoQ10 showed more potent effects when compared with the individual treatments. In conclusion, ALCAR and/or CoQ10 prevented tissue injury, ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, and upregulated ALDH1A1-RA-RARα signaling in the brain of autistic rats.
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Gątarek P, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. Effect of Supplementation on Levels of Homovanilic and Vanillylmandelic Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050423. [PMID: 35629927 PMCID: PMC9145809 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by numerous comorbidities, including various metabolic and nutritional abnormalities. In many children with ASD, problems with proper nutrition can often lead to inadequate nutrient intake and some disturbances in metabolic profiles, which subsequently correlate with impaired neurobehavioural function. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the relationship between supplementation, levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and the behaviour of children with ASD using quantitative urinary acid determination and questionnaires provided by parents/caregivers. The study was carried out on 129 children between 3 and 18 years of age. HVA and VMA were extracted and derivatized from urinary samples and simultaneously analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, parents/caregivers of children with ASD were asked to complete questionnaires containing information about their diet and intake/non-intake of supplements. The application of the Mann–Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference between the level of HVA and vitamin B supplementation (p = 1.64 × 10−2) and also omega-6 fatty acids supplementation and the levels of HVA (p = 1.50 × 10−3) and VMA (p = 2.50 × 10−3). In some children, a reduction in the severity of autistic symptoms (better response to own name or better reaction to change) was also observed. These results suggest that supplementation affects the levels of HVA and VMA and might also affect the children’s behaviour. Further research on these metabolites and the effects of supplementation on their levels, as well as the effects on the behaviour and physical symptoms among children with ASD is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gątarek
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 116 Zeromskiego Street, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 116 Zeromskiego Street, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-426313091; Fax: +48-426313128
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Rescue of histone hypoacetylation and social deficits by ketogenic diet in a Shank3 mouse model of autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1271-1279. [PMID: 34703011 PMCID: PMC9018860 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Human genetic sequencing has implicated epigenetic and synaptic aberrations as the most prominent risk factors for autism. Here we show that autistic patients exhibit the significantly lower histone acetylation and elevated HDAC2 expression in prefrontal cortex (PFC). The diminished histone acetylation is also recaptured in an autism mouse model with the deficiency of the Shank3 gene encoding a synaptic scaffolding protein. Treating young (5-week-old) Shank3-deficient mice with a 4-week ketogenic diet, which can act as an endogenous inhibitor of class I HDACs via the major product β-hydroxybutyrate, elevates the level of histone acetylation in PFC neurons. Behavioral assays indicate that ketogenic diet treatment leads to the prolonged rescue of social preference deficits in Shank3-deficient mice. The HDAC downstream target genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits, GRIN2A and GRIN2B, are significantly reduced in PFC of autistic humans. Ketogenic diet treatment of Shank3-deficient mice elevates the transcription and histone acetylation of Grin2a and Grin2b, and restores the diminished NMDAR synaptic function in PFC neurons. These results suggest that the ketogenic diet provides a promising therapeutic strategy for social deficits in autism via the restoration of histone acetylation and gene expression in the brain.
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Ashmawi NS, Hammoda MA. Early Prediction and Evaluation of Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cureus 2022; 14:e23465. [PMID: 35481307 PMCID: PMC9034898 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neuro-developmental condition that first appears at less than three years of age. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include several symptoms, such as social communication impairment, stereotyping behaviors, speech abnormalities, and impairment of eye contact. Its prevalence has increased recently, and several factors play a role in increasing the risk of autism. Multiple studies and research explain the factors affecting the rate of autism, and in this article, we will review most of these factors. The aim of this review article is to increase awareness of the problem of autism and provide scientifically relevant information about the etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and management of ASD. Our perception of autism has evolved over time. A few years ago, the condition was nothing more than an unrecognized developmental delay, generally with intellectual disabilities. Today, it is recognized as a major public health issue and a topic of much research. Researchers have struggled to find a cause for ASD, and numerous treatments have been developed to maximize the potential to learn and become socially fluent, no matter how strong the impairments may be. Although there is no cure, there have been significant strides in identifying and developing treatments. Early prediction of autism is beneficial in an individual's treatment, which can be carried out by recognizing the risk factors of infants, thus leading to improved outcomes or even a complete cure. The prevalence of ASD has increased, and earlier prediction leads to the best outcomes.
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Jasim H, Hamdan F, Shareef H. Visual evoked potential findings and correlation between visual evoked potential and clinical severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF BABYLON 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mjbl.mjbl_88_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Soyer-Gobillard MO, Gaspari L, Courtet P, Sultan C. Diethylstilbestrol and autism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1034959. [PMID: 36479217 PMCID: PMC9720308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1034959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is acknowledged that diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic diphenol with powerful estrogenic properties, causes structural anomalies of the reproductive tract and increases the risk of cancer and genital malformations in children and grandchildren of mothers treated during pregnancy. Conversely, data on DES effects on neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorders in in-utero exposed children and their descendants are rare, especially concerning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Recent studies presented in this review strengthen the hypothesis that in-utero exposure to DES and also other synthetic estrogens and progestogens, which all are endocrine disruptors, contributes to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, especially ASD. A large epidemiological study in the USA in 2010 reported severe depression in in-utero exposed children (n=1,612), and a French cohort study (n=1,002 in-utero DES exposed children) in 2016 found mainly bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, major depression, suicide attempts, and suicide. Few publications described ASD in in-utero exposed children, mainly a Danish cohort study and a large Chinese epidemiological study. Molecular studies on endocrine disruptors demonstrated the transgenerational induction of diseases and DES epigenetic impact (DNA methylation changes) at two genes implicated in neurodevelopment (ZFP57 and ADAM TS9). We recently described in an informative family, somatic and psychiatric disorders in four generations, particularly ASD in boys of the third and fourth generation. These data show that the principle of precaution must be retained for the protection of future generations: women (pregnant or not) should be extremely vigilant about synthetic hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Odile Soyer-Gobillard
- Univ Sorbonne, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris, France
- Association Halte aux HORmones Artificielles pour les GrossessES (Hhorages)-France, Perpignan, France
| | - Laura Gaspari
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier: Univ Montpellier, Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, Service de Pédiatrie, Montpellier, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier: Univ Montpellier, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares du Développement Génital, Constitutif Sud, Hôpital Lapeyronie, Montpellier, France
- Univ Montpellier, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) 1203, Développement Embryonnaire Fertilité Environnement, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Courtet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF), Univ. Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Montpellier, France
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Sultan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Montpellier: Univ Montpellier, Unité d’Endocrinologie-Gynécologie Pédiatrique, Service de Pédiatrie, Montpellier, France
- *Correspondence: Charles Sultan,
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Harutyunyan AA, Harutyunyan HA, Yenkoyan KB. Novel Probable Glance at Inflammatory Scenario Development in Autistic Pathology. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:788779. [PMID: 35002805 PMCID: PMC8727757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.788779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted-repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is generally associated with chronic inflammatory states, which are linked to immune system dysfunction and/or hyperactivation. The latter might be considered as one of the factors damaging neuronal cells. Several cell types trigger and sustain such neuroinflammation. In this study, we traced different markers of immune system activation on both cellular (immune cell phenotypes) and mediatory levels (production of cytokines) alongside adverse hematology and biochemistry screening in a group of autistic children. In addition, we analyzed the main metabolic pathways potentially involved in ASD development: energy (citric acid cycle components), porphyrin, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Several ASD etiological factors, like heavy metal intoxication, and risk factors-genetic polymorphisms of the relevant neurotransmitters and vitamin D receptors-were also analyzed. Finally, broad linear regression analysis allowed us to elucidate the possible scenario that led to the development of chronic inflammation in ASD patients. Obtained data showed elevated levels of urinary cis-aconitate, isocitrate, alfa-ketoglutarate, and HMG. There were no changes in levels of metabolites of monoamine neurotransmitters, however, the liver-specific tryptophan kinurenine pathway metabolites showed increased levels of quinolinate (QUIN) and picolinate, whereas the level of kynurenate remained unchanged. Abovementioned data demonstrate the infringement in energy metabolism. We found elevated levels of lead in red blood cells, as well as altered porphyrin metabolism, which support the etiological role of heavy metal intoxication in ASD. Lead intoxication, the effect of which is intensified by a mutation of the VDR-Taq and MAO-A, leads to quinolinic acid increase, resulting in energy metabolism depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, our data backing the CD4+CD3+ T-cell dependence of mitochondrial dysfunction development in ASD patients reported in our previous study leads us to the conclusion that redox-immune cross-talk is considered a main functional cell damaging factor in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida A. Harutyunyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hayk A. Harutyunyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin B. Yenkoyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
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Fereshetyan K, Chavushyan V, Danielyan M, Yenkoyan K. Assessment of behavioral, morphological and electrophysiological changes in prenatal and postnatal valproate induced rat models of autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23471. [PMID: 34873263 PMCID: PMC8648736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders, that are characterized by core symptoms, such as alterations of social communication and restrictive or repetitive behavior. The etiology and pathophysiology of disease is still unknown, however, there is a strong interaction between genetic and environmental factors. An intriguing point in autism research is identification the vulnerable time periods of brain development that lack compensatory homeostatic corrections. Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug with a pronounced teratogenic effect associated with a high risk of ASD, and its administration to rats during the gestation is used for autism modeling. It has been hypothesized that valproate induced damage and functional alterations of autism target structures may occur and evolve during early postnatal life. Here, we used prenatal and postnatal administrations of VPA to investigate the main behavioral features which are associated with autism spectrum disorders core symptoms were tested in early juvenile and adult rats. Neuroanatomical lesion of autism target structures and electrophysiological studies in specific neural circuits. Our results showed that prenatal and early postnatal administration of valproate led to the behavioral alterations that were similar to ASD. Postnatally treated group showed tendency to normalize in adulthood. We found pronounced structural changes in the brain target regions of prenatally VPA-treated groups, and an absence of abnormalities in postnatally VPA-treated groups, which confirmed the different severity of VPA across different stages of brain development. The results of this study clearly show time dependent effect of VPA on neurodevelopment, which might be explained by temporal differences of brain regions' development process. Presumably, postnatal administration of valproate leads to the dysfunction of synaptic networks that is recovered during the lifespan, due to the brain plasticity and compensatory ability of circuit refinement. Therefore, investigations of compensatory homeostatic mechanisms activated after VPA administration and directed to eliminate the defects in postnatal brain, may elucidate strategies to improve the course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarine Fereshetyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Vergine Chavushyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.501896.3Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Relations, L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology NAS, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Margarita Danielyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.501896.3Laboratory of Histochemistry and Electromicroscopy, L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology NAS, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025, Yerevan, Armenia. .,Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia.
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Rodriguez-Gomez DA, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Charry-Sánchez JD, Sarquis-Buitrago E, Blanco M, Velez-van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. A systematic review of common genetic variation and biological pathways in autism spectrum disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34627165 PMCID: PMC8501721 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Common genetic variation appears to play a key role in the development of this condition. In this systematic review, we describe the relationship between genetic variations and autism. We created a gene dataset of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of autism and performed an over-representation analysis to evaluate the biological functions and molecular pathways that may explain the associations between these variants and the development of ASD. Results 177 studies and a gene set composed of 139 were included in this qualitative systematic review. Enriched pathways in the over-representation analysis using the KEGG pathway database were mostly associated with neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits. Major over-represented biological processes were social behavior, vocalization behavior, learning and memory. The enriched cellular component of the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this systematic review were the postsynaptic membrane and the cell junction. Conclusions Among the biological processes that were examined, genes involved in synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly involved in the development of autism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Danna Paola Garcia-Guaqueta
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Elias Sarquis-Buitrago
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Mariana Blanco
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. .,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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Anashkina AA, Erlykina EI. Molecular Mechanisms of Aberrant Neuroplasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review). Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2021; 13:78-91. [PMID: 34513070 PMCID: PMC8353687 DOI: 10.17691/stm2021.13.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the analysis and systematization of modern data on the molecular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) development. Polyetiology and the multifactorial nature of ASD have been proved. The attempt has been made to jointly review and systematize current hypotheses of ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level from the standpoint of aberrant brain plasticity. The mechanism of glutamate excitotoxicity formation, the effect of imbalance of neuroactive amino acids and their derivatives, neurotransmitters, and hormones on the ASD formation have been considered in detail. The strengths and weaknesses of the proposed hypotheses have been analyzed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. The conclusion has been drawn on the leading role of glutamate excitotoxicity as a biochemical mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity accompanied by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity has also been traced at the critical moments of the nervous system development taking into account the influence of various factors of the internal and external environment. New approaches to searching for ASD molecular markers have been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Anashkina
- Senior Teacher, Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya; Senior Researcher, Central Scientific Research Laboratory, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - E I Erlykina
- Professor, Head of the Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
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Kara H, Burak Açıkel S, Çetinkaya M, Çiğdem Tuncer S. Serum Zonulin Levels Are Higher Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Correlated with Social Impairment. ALPHA PSYCHIATRY 2021; 22:250-256. [PMID: 36447452 PMCID: PMC9685666 DOI: 10.1530/alphapsychiatry.2021.21152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Zonulin is a protein that affects the integrity of intercellular connections in the intestines. It has been emphasized that autoimmune diseases as well as neurodevelopmental disorders, for example autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may occur through alterations in intestinal permeability and blood-brain barrier. We aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal permeability of individuals with ASD by determining serum zonulin levels and their relationship to symptom severity. METHODS Twenty-five ASD patients and 19 controls were included. Serum zonulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Clinical severity was assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and social skills of the control group were evaluated by the Conners' Parents and Teacher's Rating Scales-Revised/Long Forms (CPRS-CTRS). RESULTS Mean zonulin levels were significantly higher in the ASD group and positively correlated with CARS scores. After regression analysis, serum zonulin levels predicted CARS total scores. We could not find any significant correlation between zonulin levels and CPRS-CTRS sociability subscale scores in the control group. CONCLUSION The positive correlation between serum zonulin levels and ASD severity may require precaution for impaired intestinal permeability in clinical practice, especially for the cases in which sociability is severely impaired. However, it is too early to state that intestinal permeability has a role in the etiology of ASD. Further studies involving specific autism subgroups, and samples with certain dietary differences are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Kara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aksaray University Research and Training Hospital, Aksaray, Turkey
| | | | - Miray Çetinkaya
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences Dr Sami Ulus Maternity and Children’s Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Çiğdem Tuncer
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aksaray University Training and Research Hospital, Aksaray, Turkey
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Is there any relationship between autism and pineal gland volume? Pol J Radiol 2021; 86:e225-e231. [PMID: 34093919 PMCID: PMC8147713 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2021.105689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Abnormalities in melatonin physiology and circadian rhythm are detected in patients with autism. Melatonin is produced predominantly in the pineal gland and the amount of melatonin released is proportional to the pineal gland volume. This study aimed to examine whether the pineal gland volume in children with autism is different from that in healthy children. Material and methods Brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 120 paediatric patients with autism and 82 control paediatric subjects were examined; pineal parenchymal volume (PPV), pineal cyst rate (PCR), and total pineal gland volume (TPGV) were measured using a multimodality viewer (MMV), but only the TPGVs were measured using a tumour tracking (TT) method. Measurements were taken by 2 separate radiologists. Results In patients with autism, the PPV and TPGV according to MMV, and the TPGV according to TT were significantly lower, and the PCR was significantly higher. Moreover, the ratio of PPV to TPGV was significantly lower in the autism patient group. In both groups, the TPGVs were significantly lower in the autism patient group than the controls among all age groups. Conclusions Our study was the first to examine TPGVs in detail in paediatric patients with autism using 2 different methods. Low PPV-TPGV and high PCR have been observed in autism. This study also provides comparable reference values for pineal gland size in healthy children or autistic children aged 2-17 years. These results show promising potential for further research to understand the relationship between autism pathogenesis and the pineal gland.
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Upadhyay J, Patra J, Tiwari N, Salankar N, Ansari MN, Ahmad W. Dysregulation of Multiple Signaling Neurodevelopmental Pathways during Embryogenesis: A Possible Cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2021; 10:958. [PMID: 33924211 PMCID: PMC8074600 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the autistic brain and the involvement of genetic, non-genetic, and numerous signaling pathways in the etiology and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, as is evident from various studies. Apart from multiple developmental disorders of the brain, autistic subjects show a few characteristics like impairment in social communications related to repetitive, restricted, or stereotypical behavior, which suggests alterations in neuronal circuits caused by defects in various signaling pathways during embryogenesis. Most of the research studies on ASD subjects and genetic models revealed the involvement of mutated genes with alterations of numerous signaling pathways like Wnt, hedgehog, and Retinoic Acid (RA). Despite significant improvement in understanding the pathogenesis and etiology of ASD, there is an increasing awareness related to it as well as a need for more in-depth research because no effective therapy has been developed to address ASD symptoms. Therefore, identifying better therapeutic interventions like "novel drugs for ASD" and biomarkers for early detection and disease condition determination are required. This review article investigated various etiological factors as well as the signaling mechanisms and their alterations to understand ASD pathophysiology. It summarizes the mechanism of signaling pathways, their significance, and implications for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Upadhyay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; (J.U.); (J.P.)
| | - Jeevan Patra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India; (J.U.); (J.P.)
| | - Nidhi Tiwari
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Delhi 110054, India;
| | - Nilima Salankar
- School of Computer Sciences, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Energy Acre Campus Bidholi, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Mohd Nazam Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia;
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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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Lee JG, Cho HJ, Jeong YM, Lee JS. Genetic Approaches Using Zebrafish to Study the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030566. [PMID: 33807650 PMCID: PMC8002147 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) is a bidirectional signaling pathway mediating the interaction of the microbiota, the intestine, and the central nervous system. While the MGBA plays a pivotal role in normal development and physiology of the nervous and gastrointestinal system of the host, its dysfunction has been strongly implicated in neurological disorders, where intestinal dysbiosis and derived metabolites cause barrier permeability defects and elicit local inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, concomitant with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, mobilization and infiltration of immune cells into the brain, and the dysregulated activation of the vagus nerve, culminating in neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction of the brain and behavioral abnormalities. In this topical review, we summarize recent findings in human and animal models regarding the roles of the MGBA in physiological and neuropathological conditions, and discuss the molecular, genetic, and neurobehavioral characteristics of zebrafish as an animal model to study the MGBA. The exploitation of zebrafish as an amenable genetic model combined with in vivo imaging capabilities and gnotobiotic approaches at the whole organism level may reveal novel mechanistic insights into microbiota-gut-brain interactions, especially in the context of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Geun Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ju Cho
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
| | - Yun-Mi Jeong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, KRIBB, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea; (J.-G.L.); (H.-J.C.); (Y.-M.J.)
- KRIBB School, University of Science and Technology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Dementia DTC R&D Convergence Program, KIST, Hwarang-ro 14 gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-860-4643
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Ahmed OG, Shehata GA, Ali RM, Makboul R, Abd Allah ESH, Abd El-Rady NM. Folic acid ameliorates neonatal isolation-induced autistic like behaviors in rats: epigenetic modifications of BDNF and GFAP promotors. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:964-975. [PMID: 33635721 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated the role of epigenetic dysregulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) genes and oxidative stress as possible mechanisms of autistic-like behaviors in neonatal isolation model in rats and the impact of folic acid administration on these parameters. Forty Wistar albino pups were used as follows: control, folic acid administered, isolated, and isolated folic acid treated groups. Isolated pups were separated from their mothers for 90 min daily from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 11. Pups (isolated or control) received either the vehicle or folic acid (4 mg/kg/day) orally from PND 1 to 29. Behavioral tests were done from PND 30 to 35. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense in the frontal cortex homogenate were determined. DNA methylation of BDNF and GFAP genes was determined by qPCR. Histopathological examination was carried out. Neonatal isolation produced autistic-like behaviors that were associated with BDNF and GFAP hypomethylation, increased oxidative stress, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, and structural changes in the frontal cortex. Folic acid administration concurrently with isolation reduced neonatal isolation-induced autistic-like behaviors, decreased oxidative stress, regained BDNF and GFAP gene methylation, and ameliorated structural changes in the frontal cortices of isolated folic acid treated rats. Novelty: Neonatal isolation induces "autistic-like" behavior and these behaviors are reversed by folic acid supplementation. Neonatal isolation induces DNA hypomethylation of BDNF and GFAP, increased oxidative stress markers, and neuroinflammation. All of these changes were reversed by daily folic acid supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omyma G Ahmed
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ghaydaa A Shehata
- Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Rasha M Ali
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rania Makboul
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman S H Abd Allah
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nessren M Abd El-Rady
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Loss CM, Teodoro L, Rodrigues GD, Moreira LR, Peres FF, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA, Hallak JEC, Abílio VC. Is Cannabidiol During Neurodevelopment a Promising Therapy for Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders? Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:635763. [PMID: 33613289 PMCID: PMC7890086 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.635763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are psychiatric neurodevelopmental disorders that cause high levels of functional disabilities. Also, the currently available therapies for these disorders are limited. Therefore, the search for treatments that could be beneficial for the altered course of the neurodevelopment associated with these disorders is paramount. Preclinical and clinical evidence points to cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising strategy. In this review, we discuss clinical and preclinical studies on schizophrenia and ASD investigating the behavioral, molecular, and functional effects of chronic treatment with CBD (and with cannabidivarin for ASD) during neurodevelopment. In summary, the results point to CBD's beneficial potential for the progression of these disorders supporting further investigations to strengthen its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Morais Loss
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucas Teodoro
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Doná Rodrigues
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Roberto Moreira
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fiel Peres
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Waldo Zuardi
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre Crippa
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime Eduardo Cecilio Hallak
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Costhek Abílio
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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41
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Carvajal-Oliveros A, Campusano JM. Studying the Contribution of Serotonin to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Can This Fly? Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:601449. [PMID: 33510625 PMCID: PMC7835640 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a biogenic amine that acts as neurotransmitter in different brain regions and is involved in complex behaviors, such as aggression or mood regulation. Thus, this amine is found in defined circuits and activates specific receptors in different target regions. Serotonin actions depend on extracellular levels of this amine, which are regulated by its synthetic enzymes and the plasma membrane transporter, SERT. Serotonin acts also as a neurotrophic signal in ontogeny and in the mature brain, controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, neurogenesis, and neural plasticity. Interestingly, early alterations in serotonergic signaling have been linked to a diversity of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or mental illnesses like schizophrenia or depression. It has been proposed that given the complex and numerous actions of serotonin, animal models could better serve to study the complexity of serotonin actions, while providing insights on how hindering serotonergic signaling could contribute to brain disorders. In this mini-review, it will be examined what the general properties of serotonin acting as a neurotransmitter in animals are, and furthermore, whether it is possible that Drosophila could be used to study the contribution of this amine to neurodevelopmental and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Carvajal-Oliveros
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jorge M Campusano
- Laboratorio Neurogenética de la Conducta, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia UC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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42
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Arakawa H. From Multisensory Assessment to Functional Interpretation of Social Behavioral Phenotype in Transgenic Mouse Models for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:592408. [PMID: 33329141 PMCID: PMC7717939 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.592408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common heterogeneous disorder, defined solely by the core behavioral characteristics, including impaired social interaction and restricted and repeated behavior. Although an increasing number of studies have been performed extensively, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the core symptoms of ASD remain largely unknown. Transgenic mouse models provide a useful tool for evaluating genetic and neuronal mechanisms underlying ASD pathology, which are prerequisites for validating behavioral phenotypes that mimic the core symptoms of human ASD. The purpose of this review is to propose a better strategy for analyzing and interpreting social investigatory behaviors in transgenic mouse models of ASD. Mice are nocturnal, and employ multimodal processing mechanisms for social communicative behaviors, including those that involve olfactory and tactile senses. Most behavioral paradigms that have been developed for measuring a particular ASD-like behavior in mouse models, such as social recognition, preference, and discrimination tests, are based on the evaluation of distance-based investigatory behavior in response to social stimuli. This investigatory behavior in mice is regulated by multimodal processing involving with two different motives: first, an olfactory-based novelty assessment, and second, tactile-based social contact, in a temporally sequential manner. Accurate interpretation of investigatory behavior exhibited by test mice can be achieved by functional analysis of these multimodal, sequential behaviors, which will lead to a better understanding of the specific features of social deficits associated with ASD in transgenic mouse models, at high temporal and spatial resolutions.
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43
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Bjørklund G, Pivina L, Dadar M, Meguid NA, Semenova Y, Anwar M, Chirumbolo S. Gastrointestinal alterations in autism spectrum disorder: What do we know? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:111-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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44
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Meissner K, Lutter D, von Toerne C, Haile A, Woods SC, Hoffmann V, Ohmayer U, Hauck SM, Tschoep MH. Molecular classification of the placebo effect in nausea. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238533. [PMID: 32966280 PMCID: PMC7511022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this proof-of-concept study, we tested whether placebo effects can be monitored and predicted by plasma proteins. In a randomized controlled design, 90 participants were exposed to a nauseating stimulus on two separate days and were randomly allocated to placebo treatment or no treatment on the second day. Significant placebo effects on nausea, motion sickness, and (in females) gastric activity could be verified. Using label-free tandem mass spectrometry, 74 differentially regulated proteins were identified as correlates of the placebo effect. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses identified acute-phase proteins and microinflammatory proteins to be involved, and the identified GO signatures predicted day-adjusted scores of nausea indices in the placebo group. We also performed GO enrichment analyses of specific plasma proteins predictable by the experimental factors or their interactions and identified 'grooming behavior' as a prominent hit. Finally, Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) allowed to identify plasma proteins differentiating placebo responders from non-responders, comprising immunoglobulins and proteins involved in oxidation reduction processes and complement activation. Plasma proteomics is a promising tool to identify molecular correlates and predictors of the placebo effect in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Meissner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Lutter
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christine von Toerne
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anja Haile
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephen C. Woods
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Verena Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Uli Ohmayer
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias H. Tschoep
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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45
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Ponton JA, Smyth K, Soumbasis E, Llanos SA, Lewis M, Meerholz WA, Tanguay RL. A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extracts as complementary therapy: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2020; 14:162. [PMID: 32958062 PMCID: PMC7507278 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-020-02478-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pharmacological treatment for autism spectrum disorders is often poorly tolerated and has traditionally targeted associated conditions, with limited benefit for the core social deficits. We describe the novel use of a cannabidiol-based extract that incidentally improved core social deficits and overall functioning in a patient with autism spectrum disorder, at a lower dose than has been previously reported in autism spectrum disorder. CASE PRESENTATION The parents of a 15-year-old boy, of South African descent, with autism spectrum disorder, selective mutism, anxiety, and controlled epilepsy, consulted a medical cannabis physician to trial cannabis extract to replace seizure medications. Incidentally, at a very low cannabidiol-based extract dose, he experienced unanticipated positive effects on behavioral symptoms and core social deficits. CONCLUSION This case report provides evidence that a lower than previously reported dose of a phytocannabinoid in the form of a cannabidiol-based extract may be capable of aiding in autism spectrum disorder-related behavioral symptoms, core social communication abilities, and comorbid anxiety, sleep difficulties, and weight control. Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical role and underlying biological mechanisms of action of cannabidiol-based extract in patients with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Smyth
- Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elias Soumbasis
- Caleo Health, Suite 200, 1402 8th Ave N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1B9, Canada
| | | | - Mark Lewis
- Caleo Health, Suite 200, 1402 8th Ave N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1B9, Canada
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46
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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47
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Genovese A, Butler MG. Clinical Assessment, Genetics, and Treatment Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4726. [PMID: 32630718 PMCID: PMC7369758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a genetically heterogenous group of neurobehavioral disorders characterized by impairment in three behavioral domains including communication, social interaction, and stereotypic repetitive behaviors. ASD affects more than 1% of children in Western societies, with diagnoses on the rise due to improved recognition, screening, clinical assessment, and diagnostic testing. We reviewed the role of genetic and metabolic factors which contribute to the causation of ASD with the use of new genetic technology. Up to 40 percent of individuals with ASD are now diagnosed with genetic syndromes or have chromosomal abnormalities including small DNA deletions or duplications, single gene conditions, or gene variants and metabolic disturbances with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the heritability estimate for ASD is between 70 and 90%, there is a lower molecular diagnostic yield than anticipated. A likely explanation may relate to multifactorial causation with etiological heterogeneity and hundreds of genes involved with a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics and capabilities to identify causative genes and their variants for ASD. Behavioral and psychiatric correlates, diagnosis and genetic evaluation with testing are discussed along with psychiatric treatment approaches and pharmacogenetics for selection of medication to treat challenging behaviors or comorbidities commonly seen in ASD. We emphasize prioritizing treatment based on targeted symptoms for individuals with ASD, as treatment will vary from patient to patient based on diagnosis, comorbidities, causation, and symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merlin G. Butler
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
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48
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Alotaibi M, Ramzan K. A de novo variant of CHD8 in a patient with autism spectrum disorder. Discoveries (Craiova) 2020; 8:e107. [PMID: 32309624 PMCID: PMC7159839 DOI: 10.15190/d.2020.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, usually diagnosed in early childhood, that are characterized by adaptive deficits in social interaction, communication skills, and restricted or stereotyped repetitive patterns of behavior. There had been limited success to define ASD subtypes on the behavioral basis. Genetically categorized ASD subtypes may provide basis to determine the course, prognosis, and individualized mechanism based treatment. Mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) gene, have been associated with autism, macrocephaly, speech delay, distinct facial features, sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. There are few cases in the literature reporting de novo mutations of CHD8 exhibiting sporadic ASD. Here we describe a Saudi boy with developmental delay, intellectual disability, macrocephaly, craniofacial abnormalities, speech delay, but without any history of seizures, gastrointestinal problems or sleep disturbance. Whole exome sequencing for parent-child trio revealed a de novo heterozygous loss-of-function mutation (c.4984C>T, p.Arg1662Ter) in CHD8 gene. Our findings elaborate the genotype-phenotype correlation and confirm that the CHD8 disruptions represent a clinical ASD subtype and further highlight the significance of implementing genomic medicine in clinical practice for an early intervention and necessary support for the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alotaibi
- Department of Genetics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khushnooda Ramzan
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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49
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Gyertyán I. How can preclinical cognitive research further neuropsychiatric drug discovery? Chances and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:659-670. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1739645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- István Gyertyán
- Cognitive Translational Behavioural Pharmacology Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Chahin SS, Apple RW, Kuo KH, Dickson CA. Autism spectrum disorder: psychological and functional assessment, and behavioral treatment approaches. Transl Pediatr 2020; 9:S66-S75. [PMID: 32206585 PMCID: PMC7082250 DOI: 10.21037/tp.2019.11.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant changes in the way Autism has been defined especially in the last decade. The changes encompass criteria over a spectrum rather than individual diagnoses based on clusters of criteria. With these changes, there has been a push for earlier screening and diagnosis to be made to ensure individual impacted by the deficits have ample time and opportunity to receive the services they need. Additionally, with the changes that have come up, screening tools and assessments have also been changed and improved to assist with the increasing demand of early screening. Screeners have been created to help in primary care settings so physicians can gauge the severity of symptoms and refer patients to the appropriate resources. The assessment and diagnostic process for Autism involves a large battery including parental interviews and forms, the ADOS-II, and a multitude of other intellectual assessments to get a full picture of what the individual is experiencing. Once an individual is diagnosed with Autism, the interventionist team, physicians, and clinicians assist the family in finding the appropriate resources and treatment plan. There are several evidence-based therapies that exist that have been effective in improving the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses. Although several interventions and therapies exist, there are some potential interventions some use that need to more research to know how truly effective they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer S Chahin
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Roger W Apple
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Kailin H Kuo
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Cheryl A Dickson
- Department of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
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