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King C, Rogers LG, Jansen J, Sivayokan B, Neyhard J, Warnes E, Hall SE, Plakke B. Adolescent treadmill exercise enhances hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and improves cognition in autism-modeled rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 284:114638. [PMID: 39004196 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114638] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and altered communication abilities. Exercise is a low-cost intervention that could improve cognitive function and improve brain plasticity mechanisms. Here, the valproic acid (VPA) model was utilized to induce ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Animals were exercised on a treadmill and performance was evaluated on a cognitive flexibility task. Biomarkers related to exercise and plasticity regulation were quantified from the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and skeletal muscle. Exercised VPA animals had higher levels of hippocampal BDNF compared to sedentary VPA animals and upregulated antioxidant enzyme expression in skeletal muscle. Cognitive improvements were demonstrated in both sexes, but in different domains of cognitive flexibility. This research demonstrates the benefits of exercise and provides evidence that molecular responses to exercise occur in both the central nervous system and in the periphery. These results suggest that improving regulation of BDNF via exercise, even at low intensity, could provide better synaptic regulation and cognitive benefits for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole King
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Liza G Rogers
- Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jeremy Jansen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Bhavana Sivayokan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jenna Neyhard
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Ellie Warnes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Stephanie E Hall
- Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Bethany Plakke
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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2
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Zarimeidani F, Rahmati R, Mostafavi M, Darvishi M, Khodadadi S, Mohammadi M, Shamlou F, Bakhtiyari S, Alipourfard I. Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Neuroinflammatory Mediated Mechanism of Pathogenesis? Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02061-y. [PMID: 39093342 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and behavior, frequently accompanied by restricted and repetitive patterns of interests or activities. The gut microbiota has been implicated in the etiology of ASD due to its impact on the bidirectional communication pathway known as the gut-brain axis. However, the precise involvement of the gut microbiota in the causation of ASD is unclear. This study critically examines recent evidence to rationalize a probable mechanism in which gut microbiota symbiosis can induce neuroinflammation through intermediator cytokines and metabolites. To develop ASD, loss of the integrity of the intestinal barrier, activation of microglia, and dysregulation of neurotransmitters are caused by neural inflammatory factors. It has emphasized the potential role of neuroinflammatory intermediates linked to gut microbiota alterations in individuals with ASD. Specifically, cytokines like brain-derived neurotrophic factor, calprotectin, eotaxin, and some metabolites and microRNAs have been considered etiological biomarkers. We have also overviewed how probiotic trials may be used as a therapeutic strategy in ASD to reestablish a healthy balance in the gut microbiota. Evidence indicates neuroinflammation induced by dysregulated gut microbiota in ASD, yet there is little clarity based on analysis of the circulating immune profile. It deems the repair of microbiota load would lower inflammatory chaos in the GI tract, correct neuroinflammatory mediators, and modulate the neurotransmitters to attenuate autism. The interaction between the gut and the brain, along with alterations in microbiota and neuroinflammatory biomarkers, serves as a foundational background for understanding the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zarimeidani
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Rahem Rahmati
- Students Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Mostafavi
- Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- School of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Khodadadi
- Student Research Committee, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Shamlou
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Salar Bakhtiyari
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, North Western University, Chicago. Illinois, USA
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marcin Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
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3
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Kaminskaya YP, Ilchibaeva TV, Shcherbakova AI, Allayarova ER, Popova NK, Naumenko VS, Tsybko AS. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Frontal Cortex Enhances Social Interest in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:1509-1518. [PMID: 39245458 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924080091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
A large body of evidence implies the involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A deficiency of BDNF in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of BTBR mice (a model of autism) has been noted in a number of studies. Earlier, we showed that induction of BDNF overexpression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice reduced anxiety and severity of stereotyped behavior, but did not affect social interest. Here, we induced BDNF overexpression in the frontal cortex neurons of BTBR mice using an adeno-associated viral vector, which resulted in a significant increase in the social interest in the three-chamber social test. At the same time, the stereotypy, exploratory behavior, anxiety-like behavior, and novel object recognition were not affected. Therefore, we have shown for the first time that the presence of BDNF in the frontal cortex is critical for the expression of social interest in BTBR mice, since compensation for its deficiency in this structure eliminated the autism-like deficiencies in the social behavior characteristic for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana P Kaminskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ilchibaeva
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Alexandra I Shcherbakova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elina R Allayarova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
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4
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Castellanos-Montiel MJ, Chaineau M, Franco-Flores AK, Haghi G, Carrillo-Valenzuela D, Reintsch WE, Chen CXQ, Durcan TM. An Optimized Workflow to Generate and Characterize iPSC-Derived Motor Neuron (MN) Spheroids. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040545. [PMID: 36831212 PMCID: PMC9954647 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A multitude of in vitro models based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs) have been developed to investigate the underlying causes of selective MN degeneration in motor neuron diseases (MNDs). For instance, spheroids are simple 3D models that have the potential to be generated in large numbers that can be used across different assays. In this study, we generated MN spheroids and developed a workflow to analyze them. To start, the morphological profiling of the spheroids was achieved by developing a pipeline to obtain measurements of their size and shape. Next, we confirmed the expression of different MN markers at the transcript and protein levels by qPCR and immunocytochemistry of tissue-cleared samples, respectively. Finally, we assessed the capacity of the MN spheroids to display functional activity in the form of action potentials and bursts using a microelectrode array approach. Although most of the cells displayed an MN identity, we also characterized the presence of other cell types, namely interneurons and oligodendrocytes, which share the same neural progenitor pool with MNs. In summary, we successfully developed an MN 3D model, and we optimized a workflow that can be applied to perform its morphological, gene expression, protein, and functional profiling over time.
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Ma K, Taylor C, Williamson M, Newton SS, Qin L. Diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling differentially causes autism-like behavioral deficits in male and female mice. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182472. [PMID: 37205980 PMCID: PMC10189061 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with strong genetic heterogeneity and more prevalent in males than females. Recent human genetic studies have identified multiple high-risk genes for ASD, which produce similar phenotypes, indicating that diverse genetic factors converge to common molecular pathways. We and others have hypothesized that activity-dependent neural signaling is a convergent molecular pathway dysregulated in ASD. However, the causal link between diminished activity-dependent neural signaling and ASD remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key molecule mediating activity-dependent neural signaling. We therefore hypothesize that diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling could confer autism-like behavioral deficits. Here, we investigated the effect of diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling on autism-like behavioral deficits by using mice with genetic knock-in of a human BDNF methionine (Met) allele, which has decreased activity-dependent BDNF release without altering basal BDNF level. Compared with wild-type (WT) controls, diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling similarly induced anxiety-like behaviors in male and female mice. Notably, diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling differentially resulted in autism-like social deficits and increased self-grooming in male and female mice, and male mice were more severe than female mice. Again, sexually dimorphic spatial memory deficits were observed in female BDNF+/Met mice, but not in male BDNF+/Met mice. Our study not only reveals a causal link between diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling and ASD-like behavioral deficits, but also identifies previously underappreciated sex-specific effect of diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling in ASD. These mice with genetic knock-in of the human BDNF Met variant provide a distinct mouse model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying diminished activity-dependent neural signaling, the common molecular pathway dysregulated in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Ma
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Connie Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Mark Williamson
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Samuel S. Newton
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Luye Qin
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Luye Qin,
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6
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Pistollato F, Carpi D, Mendoza-de Gyves E, Paini A, Bopp SK, Worth A, Bal-Price A. Combining in vitro assays and mathematical modelling to study developmental neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:101-119. [PMID: 34455033 PMCID: PMC8522961 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal and postnatal co-exposure to multiple chemicals at the same time may have deleterious effects on the developing nervous system. We previously showed that chemicals acting through similar mode of action (MoA) and grouped based on perturbation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), induced greater neurotoxic effects on human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons and astrocytes compared to chemicals with dissimilar MoA. Here we assessed the effects of repeated dose (14 days) treatments with mixtures containing the six chemicals tested in our previous study (Bisphenol A, Chlorpyrifos, Lead(II) chloride, Methylmercury chloride, PCB138 and Valproic acid) along with 2,2'4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), Ethanol, Vinclozolin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)), on hiPSC-derived neural stem cells undergoing differentiation toward mixed neurons/astrocytes up to 21 days. Similar MoA chemicals in mixtures caused an increase of BDNF levels and neurite outgrowth, and a decrease of synapse formation, which led to inhibition of electrical activity. Perturbations of these endpoints are described as common key events in adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) specific for DNT. When compared with mixtures tested in our previous study, adding similarly acting chemicals (BDE47 and EtOH) to the mixture resulted in a stronger downregulation of synapses. A synergistic effect on some synaptogenesis-related features (PSD95 in particular) was hypothesized upon treatment with tested mixtures, as indicated by mathematical modelling. Our findings confirm that the use of human iPSC-derived mixed neuronal/glial models applied to a battery of in vitro assays anchored to key events in DNT AOP networks, combined with mathematical modelling, is a suitable testing strategy to assess in vitro DNT induced by chemical mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donatella Carpi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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7
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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8
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Shen W, Jin L, Zhu A, Lin Y, Pan G, Zhou S, Cheng J, Zhang J, Tu F, Liu C, Xie Q, Chen X. Treadmill exercise enhances synaptic plasticity in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO mice by inducing the expression of Camk2a via CYFIP1 upregulation. Life Sci 2021; 270:119033. [PMID: 33497737 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Physical exercise is beneficial to the recovery of patients with ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism by which exercise promotes dendritic remodeling and synaptic plasticity is still obscure. This study explored the mechanism by which treadmill exercise enhances synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling in the ischemic penumbra. MAIN METHODS A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was generated in C57BL/6 mice, and lentivirus-mediated cytoplasmic FMRP-associated protein 1 (CYFIP1) shRNA expression was utilized to confirm the role of CYFIP1 in the exercise-induced increase in synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling. Neurological deficits were measured using the Zea Longa scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and Nissl staining were performed to assess cerebral ischemic injury. Golgi-Cox staining was used to observe changes in dendritic remodeling and synaptic plasticity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the synaptic ultrastructure. Molecular mechanisms were explored using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. KEY FINDINGS Treadmill training enhanced synaptic plasticity in the penumbra. Additionally, we observed significant increases in the expression of CYFIP1 and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 2a (Camk2a); enhanced neurological recovery and a decreased infarct volume. However, the injection of a lentivirus containing CYFIP1 shRNA into the lateral ventricle exerted negative effects on synaptic plasticity. Moreover, the exercise-induced neuroprotective effects were abolished by lentivirus-mediated CYFIP1 shRNA expression, consistent with the downregulation of Camk2a expression and the deterioration of neurological function. SIGNIFICANCE Treadmill training enhances synaptic plasticity and dendritic remodeling in the ischemic penumbra by inducing the expression of Camk2a via upregulation of CYFIP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Shen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingqin Jin
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anqi Zhu
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yao Lin
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoyuan Pan
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingyan Cheng
- The Second Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, No.300, Shouchun Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhang
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengxia Tu
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chan Liu
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiang Chen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No. 109, Xueyuanxi Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Kratimenos P, Goldstein EZ, Koutroulis I, Knoblach S, Jablonska B, Banerjee P, Malaeb SN, Bhattacharya S, Almira-Suarez MI, Gallo V, Delivoria-Papadopoulos M. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition Reverses Cellular and Transcriptomic Alterations Induced by Hypoxia in the Neonatal Piglet Brain. iScience 2020; 23:101766. [PMID: 33294779 PMCID: PMC7683340 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101766] [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: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hypoxia (HX) causes extensive cellular damage in the developing human cerebral cortex. We found increased expression of activated-EGFR in affected cortical areas of neonates with HX and investigated its functional role in the piglet, which displays a highly evolved, gyrencephalic brain, with a human-like maturation pattern. In the piglet, HX-induced activation of EGFR and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase IV (CaMKIV) caused cell death and pathological alterations in neurons and glia. EGFR blockade inhibited CaMKIV activation, attenuated neuronal loss, increased oligodendrocyte proliferation, and reversed HX-induced astrogliosis. We performed for the first time high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of the piglet cortex to define molecular responses to HX and to uncover genes specifically involved in EGFR signaling in piglet and human brain injury. Our results indicate that specific molecular responses modulated by EGFR may be targeted as a therapeutic strategy for HX injury in the neonatal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kratimenos
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010 P 202-476-5922, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010 P 202-602-4889, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Evan Z. Goldstein
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010 P 202-476-5922, USA
| | - Ioannis Koutroulis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan Knoblach
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Beata Jablonska
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010 P 202-476-5922, USA
| | - Payal Banerjee
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shadi N. Malaeb
- Department of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Surajit Bhattacharya
- Research Center for Genetic Medicine, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - M. Isabel Almira-Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Children's National Hospital and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010 P 202-476-5922, USA
- Corresponding author
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10
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Pistollato F, de Gyves EM, Carpi D, Bopp SK, Nunes C, Worth A, Bal-Price A. Assessment of developmental neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures using an adverse outcome pathway concept. Environ Health 2020; 19:23. [PMID: 32093744 PMCID: PMC7038628 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of the vulnerability of the developing brain, mixture risk assessment (MRA) for the evaluation of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) should be implemented, since infants and children are co-exposed to more than one chemical at a time. One possible approach to tackle MRA could be to cluster DNT chemicals in a mixture on the basis of their mode of action (MoA) into 'similar' and 'dissimilar', but still contributing to the same adverse outcome, and anchor DNT assays to common key events (CKEs) identified in DNT-specific adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Moreover, the use of human in vitro models, such as induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal and glial cultures would enable mechanistic understanding of chemically-induced adverse effects, avoiding species extrapolation. METHODS HiPSC-derived neural progenitors differentiated into mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes were used to assess the effects of acute (3 days) and repeated dose (14 days) treatments with single chemicals and in mixtures belonging to different classes (i.e., lead(II) chloride and methylmercury chloride (heavy metals), chlorpyrifos (pesticide), bisphenol A (organic compound and endocrine disrupter), valproic acid (drug), and PCB138 (persistent organic pollutant and endocrine disrupter), which are associated with cognitive deficits, including learning and memory impairment in children. Selected chemicals were grouped based on their mode of action (MoA) into 'similar' and 'dissimilar' MoA compounds and their effects on synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels, identified as CKEs in currently available AOPs relevant to DNT, were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and high content imaging analysis. RESULTS Chemicals working through similar MoA (i.e., alterations of BDNF levels), at non-cytotoxic (IC20/100), very low toxic (IC5), or moderately toxic (IC20) concentrations, induce DNT effects in mixtures, as shown by increased number of neurons, impairment of neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis (the most sensitive endpoint as confirmed by mathematical modelling) and increase of BDNF levels, to a certain extent reproducing autism-like cellular changes observed in the brain of autistic children. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the use of human iPSC-derived mixed neuronal/glial cultures applied to a battery of assays anchored to key events of an AOP network represents a valuable approach to identify mixtures of chemicals with potential to cause learning and memory impairment in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donatella Carpi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Nunes
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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Prevalence of Some Genetic Risk Factors for Nicotine Dependence in Ukraine. GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:2483270. [PMID: 31885928 PMCID: PMC6925678 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2483270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is known to be a strong risk factor for developing many diseases. The development and severity of smoking dependence results from interaction of environmental and lifestyle factors, psycho-emotional predispositions, and also from genetic susceptibility. In present study, we investigated polymorphic variants in genes contributed to nicotine dependence, as well as to increased impulsivity, known to be an important risk factor for substance use disorders, in Ukraine population. The genotype frequencies at CYP2A6, DNMT3B, DRD2, HTR2A, COMT, BDNF, GABRA2, CHRNA5, and DAT1 polymorphisms were determined in 171 Ukraine residents, and these data were compared with data for several other European populations and main ethnic groups. It has been found that genotype frequencies for all studied loci are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Ukrainian population and correspond to the respective frequencies in European populations. These findings suggest a similar impact of these loci on nicotine dependence in Ukraine. Further studies with larger sample sizes are, however, needed to draw firm conclusions about the effect size of these polymorphisms.
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Maussion G, Rocha C, Bernard G, Beitel LK, Durcan TM. Patient-Derived Stem Cells, Another in vitro Model, or the Missing Link Toward Novel Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders? Front Pediatr 2019; 7:225. [PMID: 31245336 PMCID: PMC6562499 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) is a multigenic and multifactorial neurodevelopmental group of disorders diagnosed in early childhood, leading to deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and characterized by restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. To date, genetic, descriptive and mechanistic aspects of the ASDs have been investigated using mouse models and post-mortem brain tissue. More recently, the technology to generate stem cells from patients' samples has brought a new avenue for modeling ASD through 2D and 3D neuronal models that are derived from a patient's own cells, with the goal of building new therapeutic strategies for treating ASDs. This review analyses how studies performed on mouse models and human samples can complement each other, advancing our current knowledge into the pathophysiology of the ASDs. Regardless of the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities of ASDs, convergent information regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in these disorders can be extracted from these models. Thus, considering the complexities of these disorders, patient-derived models have immense potential to elucidate molecular deregulations that contributed to the different autistic phenotypes. Through these direct investigations with the human in vitro models, they offer the potential for opening new therapeutic avenues that can be translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Geneviève Bernard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Pediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- MyeliNeuroGene Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lenore K. Beitel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas M. Durcan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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