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Matuskey D, Yang Y, Naganawa M, Koohsari S, Toyonaga T, Gravel P, Pittman B, Torres K, Pisani L, Finn C, Cramer-Benjamin S, Herman N, Rosenthal LH, Franke CJ, Walicki BM, Esterlis I, Skosnik P, Radhakrishnan R, Wolf JM, Nabulsi N, Ropchan J, Huang Y, Carson RE, Naples AJ, McPartland JC. 11C-UCB-J PET imaging is consistent with lower synaptic density in autistic adults. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02776-2. [PMID: 39367053 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
The neural bases of autism are poorly understood at the molecular level, but evidence from animal models, genetics, post-mortem studies, and single-gene disorders implicate synaptopathology. Here, we use positron emission tomography (PET) to assess the density of synapses with synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in autistic adults using 11C-UCB-J. Twelve autistic (mean (SD) age 25 (4) years; six males), and twenty demographically matched non-autistic individuals (26 (3) years; eleven males) participated in a 11C-UCB-J PET scan. Binding potential, BPND, was the primary outcome measure and computed with the centrum semiovale as the reference region. Partial volume correction with Iterative Yang was applied to control for possible volumetric differences. Mixed-model statistics were calculated for between-group differences. Relationships to clinical characteristics were evaluated based on clinician ratings of autistic features. Whole cortex synaptic density was 17% lower in the autism group (p = 0.01). All brain regions in autism had lower 11C-UCB-J BPND compared to non-autistic participants. This effect was evident in all brain regions implicated in autism. Significant differences were observed across multiple individual regions, including the prefrontal cortex (-15%, p = 0.02), with differences most pronounced in gray matter (p < 0.0001). Synaptic density was significantly associated with clinical measures across the whole cortex (r = 0.67, p = 0.02) and multiple regions (rs = -0.58 to -0.82, ps = 0.05 to <0.01). The first in vivo investigation of synaptic density in autism with PET reveals pervasive and large-scale lower density in the cortex and across multiple brain areas. Synaptic density also correlated with clinical features, such that a greater number of autistic features were associated with lower synaptic density. These results indicate that brain-wide synaptic density may represent an as-yet-undiscovered molecular basis for the clinical phenotype of autism and associated pervasive alterations across a diversity of neural processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Brain and Mind Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Yanghong Yang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mika Naganawa
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheida Koohsari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul Gravel
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kristen Torres
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lauren Pisani
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Caroline Finn
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Nicole Herman
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Irina Esterlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Patrick Skosnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rajiv Radhakrishnan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Julie M Wolf
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam J Naples
- Center for Brain and Mind Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James C McPartland
- Center for Brain and Mind Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Lingampelly SS, Naviaux JC, Heuer LS, Monk JM, Li K, Wang L, Haapanen L, Kelland CA, Van de Water J, Naviaux RK. Metabolic network analysis of pre-ASD newborns and 5-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder. Commun Biol 2024; 7:536. [PMID: 38729981 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Classical metabolomic and new metabolic network methods were used to study the developmental features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in newborns (n = 205) and 5-year-old children (n = 53). Eighty percent of the metabolic impact in ASD was caused by 14 shared biochemical pathways that led to decreased anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses, and to increased physiologic stress molecules like lactate, glycerol, cholesterol, and ceramides. CIRCOS plots and a new metabolic network parameter,V ° net, revealed differences in both the kind and degree of network connectivity. Of 50 biochemical pathways and 450 polar and lipid metabolites examined, the developmental regulation of the purine network was most changed. Purine network hub analysis revealed a 17-fold reversal in typically developing children. This purine network reversal did not occur in ASD. These results revealed previously unknown metabolic phenotypes, identified new developmental states of the metabolic correlation network, and underscored the role of mitochondrial functional changes, purine metabolism, and purinergic signaling in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Sachin Lingampelly
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
| | - Jane C Naviaux
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
| | - Luke S Heuer
- The UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jonathan M Monk
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
| | - Kefeng Li
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Macao Polytechnic University, Macau, China
| | - Lin Wang
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA
| | - Lori Haapanen
- The UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Chelsea A Kelland
- The UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- The UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergy, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Robert K Naviaux
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92103-8467, USA.
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3
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Reyes-Lizaola S, Luna-Zarate U, Tendilla-Beltrán H, Morales-Medina JC, Flores G. Structural and biochemical alterations in dendritic spines as key mechanisms for severe mental illnesses. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110876. [PMID: 37863171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110876] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Severe mental illnesses (SMI) collectively affect approximately 20% of the global population, as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite having diverse etiologies, clinical symptoms, and pharmacotherapies, these diseases share a common pathophysiological characteristic: the misconnection of brain areas involved in reality perception, executive control, and cognition, including the corticolimbic system. Dendritic spines play a crucial role in excitatory neurotransmission within the central nervous system. These small structures exhibit remarkable plasticity, regulated by factors such as neurotransmitter tone, neurotrophic factors, and innate immunity-related molecules, and other mechanisms - all of which are associated with the pathophysiology of SMI. However, studying dendritic spine mechanisms in both healthy and pathological conditions in patients is fraught with technical limitations. This is where animal models related to these diseases become indispensable. They have played a pivotal role in elucidating the significance of dendritic spines in SMI. In this review, the information regarding the potential role of dendritic spines in SMI was summarized, drawing from clinical and animal model reports. Also, the implications of targeting dendritic spine-related molecules for SMI treatment were explored. Specifically, our focus is on major depressive disorder and the neurodevelopmental disorders schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Abundant clinical and basic research has studied the functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines in these diseases, along with potential pharmacological targets that modulate the dynamics of these structures. These targets may be associated with the clinical efficacy of the pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Reyes-Lizaola
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad Popular del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ulises Luna-Zarate
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Licenciatura en Medicina, Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Hiram Tendilla-Beltrán
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico
| | - Julio César Morales-Medina
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Mexico.
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Hanson C, Blumenthal J, Clasen L, Guma E, Raznahan A. Influences of sex chromosome aneuploidy on height, weight, and body mass index in human childhood and adolescence. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:150-159. [PMID: 37768018 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are collectively common conditions caused by carriage of a sex chromosome dosage other than XX for females and XY for males. Increases in sex chromosome dosage (SCD) have been shown to have an inverted-U association with height, but we lack combined studies of SCA effects on height and weight, and it is not known if any such effects vary with age. Here, we study norm-derived height and weight z-scores in 177 youth spanning 8 SCA karyotypes (XXX, XXY, XYY, XXXX, XXXY, XXYY, XXXXX, and XXXXY). We replicate a previously described inverted-U association between mounting SCD and height, and further show that there is also a muted version of this effect for weight: both phenotypes are elevated until SCD reaches 4 for females and 5 for males but decrease thereafter. We next use 266 longitudinal measures available from a subset of karyotypes (XXX, XXY, XYY, and XXYY) to show that mean height in these SCAs diverges further from norms with increasing age. As weight does not diverge from norms with increasing age, BMI decreases with increasing age. These findings extend our understanding of growth as an important clinical outcome in SCA, and as a key context for known effects of SCA on diverse organ systems that scale with body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Hanson
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan Blumenthal
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Liv Clasen
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Guma
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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5
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Yan J, Xie S, Johnson JA, Pullenayegum E, Ohinmaa A, Bryan S, Xie F. Canada population norms for the EQ-5D-5L. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2024; 25:147-155. [PMID: 36828968 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-023-01570-1] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Canada, population norms are only available for 2 provinces, Alberta and Quebec. The objective of this study was to derive the population norms for the EQ-5D-5L based on a representative sample of the Canadian general population. METHODS Data from the Canadian EQ-5D-5L valuation study, a cross-sectional study, were used. A quota sampling method was used to recruit a representative sample of the Canadian general population in terms of age, sex, and education. EQ-5D-5L utilities and EQ VAS were summarized using descriptive statistics and the impact of demographic characteristics on the EQ-5D-5L utilities was evaluated using statistical hypothesis testing and Tobit regression. RESULTS 1207 eligible participants were included in the analysis. Pain/discomfort (53.1%) was the most frequently reported domain with any problem, and self-care (7.6%) domain was the least. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.864 (0.121) and the mean (SD) EQ VAS was 82.3 (14.23). The highest mean EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.881 in age group 25-34 while the lowest was 0.839 in age group 55-64. Participants who had full-time employment, were married, a higher annual household income and no chronic health conditions had significantly higher EQ-5D-5L utilities. CONCLUSION This article reports the first Canadian population norms for the EQ-5D-5L and can be used as population references for economic evaluations and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Yan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shitong Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Eleanor Pullenayegum
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arto Ohinmaa
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Stirling Bryan
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. APPlications of amyloid-β precursor protein metabolites in macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201744. [PMID: 37799731 PMCID: PMC10548831 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolites of the Amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) proteolysis may underlie brain overgrowth in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have found elevated APP metabolites (total APP, secreted (s) APPα, and α-secretase adamalysins in the plasma and brain tissue of children with ASD). In this review, we highlight several lines of evidence supporting APP metabolites' potential contribution to macrocephaly in ASD. First, APP appears early in corticogenesis, placing APP in a prime position to accelerate growth in neurons and glia. APP metabolites are upregulated in neuroinflammation, another potential contributor to excessive brain growth in ASD. APP metabolites appear to directly affect translational signaling pathways, which have been linked to single gene forms of syndromic ASD (Fragile X Syndrome, PTEN, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex). Finally, APP metabolites, and microRNA, which regulates APP expression, may contribute to ASD brain overgrowth, particularly increased white matter, through ERK receptor activation on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Rho GTPase pathway, favoring myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Department of Neurology, Section of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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7
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Abi-Dargham A, Moeller SJ, Ali F, DeLorenzo C, Domschke K, Horga G, Jutla A, Kotov R, Paulus MP, Rubio JM, Sanacora G, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Krystal JH. Candidate biomarkers in psychiatric disorders: state of the field. World Psychiatry 2023; 22:236-262. [PMID: 37159365 PMCID: PMC10168176 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of psychiatry is hampered by a lack of robust, reliable and valid biomarkers that can aid in objectively diagnosing patients and providing individualized treatment recommendations. Here we review and critically evaluate the evidence for the most promising biomarkers in the psychiatric neuroscience literature for autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Candidate biomarkers reviewed include various neuroimaging, genetic, molecular and peripheral assays, for the purposes of determining susceptibility or presence of illness, and predicting treatment response or safety. This review highlights a critical gap in the biomarker validation process. An enormous societal investment over the past 50 years has identified numerous candidate biomarkers. However, to date, the overwhelming majority of these measures have not been proven sufficiently reliable, valid and useful to be adopted clinically. It is time to consider whether strategic investments might break this impasse, focusing on a limited number of promising candidates to advance through a process of definitive testing for a specific indication. Some promising candidates for definitive testing include the N170 signal, an event-related brain potential measured using electroencephalography, for subgroup identification within autism spectrum disorder; striatal resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures, such as the striatal connectivity index (SCI) and the functional striatal abnormalities (FSA) index, for prediction of treatment response in schizophrenia; error-related negativity (ERN), an electrophysiological index, for prediction of first onset of generalized anxiety disorder, and resting-state and structural brain connectomic measures for prediction of treatment response in social anxiety disorder. Alternate forms of classification may be useful for conceptualizing and testing potential biomarkers. Collaborative efforts allowing the inclusion of biosystems beyond genetics and neuroimaging are needed, and online remote acquisition of selected measures in a naturalistic setting using mobile health tools may significantly advance the field. Setting specific benchmarks for well-defined target application, along with development of appropriate funding and partnership mechanisms, would also be crucial. Finally, it should never be forgotten that, for a biomarker to be actionable, it will need to be clinically predictive at the individual level and viable in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Abi-Dargham
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Farzana Ali
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Christine DeLorenzo
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guillermo Horga
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amandeep Jutla
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roman Kotov
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Jose M Rubio
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research - Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Zucker Hillside Hospital - Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Sader M, Williams JHG, Waiter GD. A meta-analytic investigation of grey matter differences in anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:560-579. [PMID: 35526083 PMCID: PMC9543727 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2915] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent research reports Anorexia Nervosa (AN) to be highly dependent upon neurobiological function. Some behaviours, particularly concerning food selectivity are found in populations with both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and AN, and there is a proportionally elevated number of anorexic patients exhibiting symptoms of ASD. We performed a systematic review of structural MRI literature with the aim of identifying common structural neural correlates common to both AN and ASD. Across 46 ASD publications, a meta‐analysis of volumetric differences between ASD and healthy controls revealed no consistently affected brain regions. Meta‐analysis of 23 AN publications revealed increased volume within the orbitofrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe, and adult‐only AN literature revealed differences within the genu of the anterior cingulate cortex. The changes are consistent with alterations in flexible reward‐related learning and episodic memory reported in neuropsychological studies. There was no structural overlap between ASD and AN. Findings suggest no consistent neuroanatomical abnormality associated with ASD, and evidence is lacking to suggest that reported behavioural similarities between those with AN and ASD are due to neuroanatomical structural similarities. Findings related to neuroanatomical structure in AN/ASD demonstrate overlap and require revisiting. Meta‐analytic findings show structural increase/decrease versus healthy controls (LPFC/MTL/OFC) in AN, but no clusters found in ASD. The neuroanatomy associated with ASD is inconsistent, but findings in AN reflect condition‐related impairment in executive function and sociocognitive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Sader
- Translational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Justin H G Williams
- Translational Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gordon D Waiter
- Biomedical Imaging Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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9
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Jutla A, Foss-Feig J, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia: An updated conceptual review. Autism Res 2022; 15:384-412. [PMID: 34967130 PMCID: PMC8931527 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are separate disorders, with distinct clinical profiles and natural histories. ASD, typically diagnosed in childhood, is characterized by restricted or repetitive interests or behaviors and impaired social communication, and it tends to have a stable course. SCZ, typically diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood, is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and tends to be associated with declining function. However, youth with ASD are three to six times more likely to develop SCZ than their neurotypical counterparts, and increasingly, research has shown that ASD and SCZ converge at several levels. We conducted a systematic review of studies since 2013 relevant to understanding this convergence, and present here a narrative synthesis of key findings, which we have organized into four broad categories: symptoms and behavior, perception and cognition, biomarkers, and genetic and environmental risk. We then discuss opportunities for future research into the phenomenology and neurobiology of overlap between ASD and SCZ. Understanding this overlap will allow for researchers, and eventually clinicians, to understand the factors that may make a child with ASD vulnerable to developing SCZ. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia are distinct diagnoses, but people with autism and people with schizophrena share several characteristics. We review recent studies that have examined these areas of overlap, and discuss the kinds of studies we will need to better understand how these disorders are related. Understanding this will be important to help us identify which autistic children are at risk of developing schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Jutla
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Jennifer Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Gustave L. Levy
Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New
York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White
Plains, NY 10605, United States
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10
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Autism and Williams syndrome: Dissimilar socio-cognitive profiles with similar patterns of abnormal gene expression in the blood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:464-489. [PMID: 33143449 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320965074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome are complex cognitive conditions exhibiting quite opposite features in the social domain: whereas people with autism spectrum disorders are mostly hyposocial, subjects with Williams syndrome are usually reported as hypersocial. At the same time, autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome share some common underlying behavioral and cognitive deficits. It is not clear, however, which genes account for the attested differences (and similarities) in the socio-cognitive domain. In this article, we adopted a comparative molecular approach and looked for genes that might be differentially (or similarly) regulated in the blood of people with these conditions. We found a significant overlap between genes dysregulated in the blood of patients compared to neurotypical controls, with most of them being upregulated or, in some cases, downregulated. Still, genes with similar expression trends can exhibit quantitative differences between conditions, with most of them being more dysregulated in Williams syndrome than in autism spectrum disorders. Differentially expressed genes are involved in aspects of brain development and function (particularly dendritogenesis) and are expressed in brain areas (particularly the cerebellum, the thalamus, and the striatum) of relevance for the autism spectrum disorder and the Williams syndrome etiopathogenesis. Overall, these genes emerge as promising candidates for the similarities and differences between the autism spectrum disorder and the Williams syndrome socio-cognitive profiles.
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11
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Williams CM, Peyre H, Toro R, Beggiato A, Ramus F. Adjusting for allometric scaling in ABIDE I challenges subcortical volume differences in autism spectrum disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:4610-4629. [PMID: 32729664 PMCID: PMC7555078 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25145] [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: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inconsistencies across studies investigating subcortical correlates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may stem from small sample size, sample heterogeneity, and omitting or linearly adjusting for total brain volume (TBV). To properly adjust for TBV, brain allometry—the nonlinear scaling relationship between regional volumes and TBV—was considered when examining subcortical volumetric differences between typically developing (TD) and ASD individuals. Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I; N = 654) data was analyzed with two methodological approaches: univariate linear mixed effects models and multivariate multiple group confirmatory factor analyses. Analyses were conducted on the entire sample and in subsamples based on age, sex, and full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). A similar ABIDE I study was replicated and the impact of different TBV adjustments on neuroanatomical group differences was investigated. No robust subcortical allometric or volumetric group differences were observed in the entire sample across methods. Exploratory analyses suggested that allometric scaling and volume group differences may exist in certain subgroups defined by age, sex, and/or FSIQ. The type of TBV adjustment influenced some reported volumetric and scaling group differences. This study supports the absence of robust volumetric differences between ASD and TD individuals in the investigated volumes when adjusting for brain allometry, expands the literature by finding no group difference in allometric scaling, and further suggests that differing TBV adjustments contribute to the variability of reported neuroanatomical differences in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Michèle Williams
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique, Département d'Etudes Cognitives, École Normale Supérieure, EHESS, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique, Département d'Etudes Cognitives, École Normale Supérieure, EHESS, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1141, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- U1284, Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), INSERM, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche 3571, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anita Beggiato
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche 3571, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Franck Ramus
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique, Département d'Etudes Cognitives, École Normale Supérieure, EHESS, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France
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12
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Lukito S, Norman L, Carlisi C, Radua J, Hart H, Simonoff E, Rubia K. Comparative meta-analyses of brain structural and functional abnormalities during cognitive control in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2020; 50:894-919. [PMID: 32216846 PMCID: PMC7212063 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have abnormalities in frontal, temporal, parietal and striato-thalamic networks. It is unclear to what extent these abnormalities are distinctive or shared. This comparative meta-analysis aimed to identify the most consistent disorder-differentiating and shared structural and functional abnormalities. METHODS Systematic literature search was conducted for whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of cognitive control comparing people with ASD or ADHD with typically developing controls. Regional gray matter volume (GMV) and fMRI abnormalities during cognitive control were compared in the overall sample and in age-, sex- and IQ-matched subgroups with seed-based d mapping meta-analytic methods. RESULTS Eighty-six independent VBM (1533 ADHD and 1295 controls; 1445 ASD and 1477 controls) and 60 fMRI datasets (1001 ADHD and 1004 controls; 335 ASD and 353 controls) were identified. The VBM meta-analyses revealed ADHD-differentiating decreased ventromedial orbitofrontal (z = 2.22, p < 0.0001) but ASD-differentiating increased bilateral temporal and right dorsolateral prefrontal GMV (zs ⩾ 1.64, ps ⩽ 0.002). The fMRI meta-analyses of cognitive control revealed ASD-differentiating medial prefrontal underactivation but overactivation in bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortices and precuneus (zs ⩾ 1.04, ps ⩽ 0.003). During motor response inhibition specifically, ADHD relative to ASD showed right inferior fronto-striatal underactivation (zs ⩾ 1.14, ps ⩽ 0.003) but shared right anterior insula underactivation. CONCLUSIONS People with ADHD and ASD have mostly distinct structural abnormalities, with enlarged fronto-temporal GMV in ASD and reduced orbitofrontal GMV in ADHD; and mostly distinct functional abnormalities, which were more pronounced in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Lukito
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Norman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- The Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina Carlisi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Imaging of Mood- and Anxiety-Related Disorders (IMARD) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heledd Hart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katya Rubia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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13
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Hawks ZW, Constantino JN. Neuropsychiatric "Comorbidity" as Causal Influence in Autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:229-235. [PMID: 31344460 PMCID: PMC9765409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral comorbidity is the rule rather than the exception in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the co-occurrence of autistic traits with subclinical manifestations of other psychiatric syndromes (eg, anxiety, developmental coordination disorder) extends to the general population, where there is strong evidence for overlap in the respective genetic causes. An ASD "comorbidity" can have several fundamentally distinct causal origins: it can arise due to shared genetic risk between ASD and non-ASD phenotypes (eg, ASD and microcephaly in the context of the MECP2 mutation), as a "secondary symptom" of ASD when engendered by the same causal influence (eg, epilepsy in channelopathies associated with ASD), due to chance co-occurrence of ASD with a causally independent liability (eg, ASD and diabetes), or as the late manifestation of an independent causal influence on ASD (eg, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Here, we review evidence for the latter, that is, the role of nonspecific causal influences on the development of ASD itself. The notion that nonspecific insults to neural development, either inherited or acquired, might augment the impact of ASD-specific genetic susceptibilities in contributing to its cause has not been appreciated in the literature on comorbidity, and has significant implications for both personalized intervention and future research. Prior biomarker studies of ASD have typically not accounted for variation in such traits. The statistical power of future studies, particularly in autism genetics and neuroimaging, can be enhanced by more comprehensive attention to the measurement of comorbid behavioral traits that index causal influences on the disorder, among not only cases but (importantly) controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë W. Hawks
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John N. Constantino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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14
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Hyman SL, Levy SE, Myers SM. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3447. [PMID: 31843864 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 497] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with reported prevalence in the United States of 1 in 59 children (approximately 1.7%). Core deficits are identified in 2 domains: social communication/interaction and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. Children and youth with ASD have service needs in behavioral, educational, health, leisure, family support, and other areas. Standardized screening for ASD at 18 and 24 months of age with ongoing developmental surveillance continues to be recommended in primary care (although it may be performed in other settings), because ASD is common, can be diagnosed as young as 18 months of age, and has evidenced-based interventions that may improve function. More accurate and culturally sensitive screening approaches are needed. Primary care providers should be familiar with the diagnostic criteria for ASD, appropriate etiologic evaluation, and co-occurring medical and behavioral conditions (such as disorders of sleep and feeding, gastrointestinal tract symptoms, obesity, seizures, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and wandering) that affect the child's function and quality of life. There is an increasing evidence base to support behavioral and other interventions to address specific skills and symptoms. Shared decision making calls for collaboration with families in evaluation and choice of interventions. This single clinical report updates the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical reports on the evaluation and treatment of ASD in one publication with an online table of contents and section view available through the American Academy of Pediatrics Gateway to help the reader identify topic areas within the report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Hyman
- Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York;
| | - Susan E Levy
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Scott M Myers
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania
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15
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Manelis L, Meiri G, Ilan M, Flusser H, Michaelovski A, Faroy M, Kerub O, Dinstein I, Menashe I. Language regression is associated with faster early motor development in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2019; 13:145-156. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liora Manelis
- Psychology DepartmentBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
- Zlotowski Center for NeuroscienceBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Pre‐School Psychiatry UnitSoroka University Medical Center Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Michal Ilan
- Psychology DepartmentBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
- Pre‐School Psychiatry UnitSoroka University Medical Center Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Hagit Flusser
- Zusman Child Development CenterSoroka University Medical Center Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- Zusman Child Development CenterSoroka University Medical Center Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Michal Faroy
- Pre‐School Psychiatry UnitSoroka University Medical Center Beer Sheva Israel
| | | | - Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology DepartmentBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
- Zlotowski Center for NeuroscienceBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences DepartmentBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- Zlotowski Center for NeuroscienceBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
- Public Health DepartmentBen Gurion University Beer Sheva Israel
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16
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Sokol DK, Maloney B, Westmark CJ, Lahiri DK. Novel Contribution of Secreted Amyloid-β Precursor Protein to White Matter Brain Enlargement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 31024350 PMCID: PMC6469489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most replicated neuroanatomical finding in autism is the tendency toward brain overgrowth, especially in younger children. Research shows that both gray and white matter are enlarged. Proposed mechanisms underlying brain enlargement include abnormal inflammatory and neurotrophic signals that lead to excessive, aberrant dendritic connectivity via disrupted pruning and cell adhesion, and enlargement of white matter due to excessive gliogenesis and increased myelination. Amyloid-β protein precursor (βAPP) and its metabolites, more commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also dysregulated in autism plasma and brain tissue samples. This review highlights findings that demonstrate how one βAPP metabolite, secreted APPα, and the ADAM family α-secretases, may lead to increased brain matter, with emphasis on increased white matter as seen in autism. sAPPα and the ADAM family α-secretases contribute to the anabolic, non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is in contrast to the amyloid (catabolic) pathway known to contribute to Alzheimer disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway could produce brain enlargement via genetic mechanisms affecting mRNA translation and polygenic factors that converge on molecular pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin/mTOR), promoting neuroinflammation. A novel mechanism linking the non-amyloidogenic pathway to white matter enlargement is proposed: α-secretase and/or sAPPα, activated by ERK receptor signaling activates P13K/AKt/mTOR and then Rho GTPases favoring myelination via oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) activation of cofilin. Applying known pathways in AD to autism should allow further understanding and provide options for new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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17
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Bonnet-Brilhault F, Rajerison TA, Paillet C, Guimard-Brunault M, Saby A, Ponson L, Tripi G, Malvy J, Roux S. Autism is a prenatal disorder: Evidence from late gestation brain overgrowth. Autism Res 2018; 11:1635-1642. [PMID: 30485722 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to specify the critical period for atypical brain development in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using prenatal and postnatal head growth parameters. The sample consisted of 80 Caucasian, unrelated, idiopathic patients with ASD born after 1995. Fetal ultrasound parameters (head circumference [HC], abdominal circumference, and femur length) were obtained during the second and third trimesters of gestation. HC at birth and postnatal parameters at 12 and 24 months of age were also collected. Head overgrowth, assessed by HC, was highlighted during the second (20-26 weeks of amenorrhea) and third (28-36 weeks of amenorrhea) trimesters. Normal growth of body fetal parameters indicated that head overgrowth was not because of overall body overgrowth. Moreover, postnatal results replicated previously and reported head overgrowth. A critical time window for atypical brain development in autism is hypothesized to begin from the 22nd week of amenorrhea. This period is critical for cortical lamination and glial activation. A pathophysiological cascade is suggested with interactions between candidate genes and environmental factors. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1635-1642. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: It is now widely acknowledged in the scientific community, that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Recent evidence from animal and pathological studies has implicated the in utero period. However, the precise time of onset of abnormal brain development remains unknown. This retrospective study reports novel findings, identifying an atypical head growth trajectory in children with autism, during the in utero period (after the 22nd week of amenorrhea). In the same children, postnatal head overgrowth was also observed. Late gestation is identified as a critical period for atypical brain development underlying autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fréderique Bonnet-Brilhault
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Toky A Rajerison
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christian Paillet
- Unité de Médecine Fœtale, Centre Olympe de Gouge, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Agathe Saby
- Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Laura Ponson
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Gabriele Tripi
- Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.,Dipartement PROSAMI, Paolo Giaccone Hospital, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Joëlle Malvy
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.,Centre Universitaire de Pédopsychiatrie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Sylvie Roux
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
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18
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Shen MD, Nordahl CW, Li DD, Lee A, Angkustsiri K, Emerson RW, Rogers SJ, Ozonoff S, Amaral DG. Extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid in high-risk and normal-risk children with autism aged 2-4 years: a case-control study. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:895-904. [PMID: 30270033 PMCID: PMC6223655 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously showed, in two separate cohorts, that high-risk infants who were later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder had abnormally high extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume from age 6-24 months. The presence of increased extra-axial CSF volume preceded the onset of behavioural symptoms of autism and was predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we aimed to establish whether increased extra-axial CSF volume is found in a large, independent sample of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, whether extra-axial CSF remains abnormally increased beyond infancy, and whether it is present in both normal-risk and high-risk children with autism. METHODS In this case-control MRI study, children with autism spectrum disorder or with typical development aged 2-4 years were recruited from the community to the UC Davis MIND Institute Autism Phenome Project, based in Sacramento, CA, USA. The autism spectrum disorder group comprised children with autism spectrum disorder who were either normal risk (ie, from simplex families) or high risk (ie, from multiplex families). Measurements of extra-axial CSF volume, brain volume, head circumference, sleep problems, and familial risk status were derived from MRI and behavioural assessments. We applied a previously validated machine learning algorithm based on extra-axial CSF volume, brain volume, age, and sex to the current dataset. FINDINGS Between July 20, 2007, and Dec 13, 2012, 159 children with autism spectrum disorder (132 male, 27 female) and 77 with typical development (49 male, 28 female) underwent MRI scans. The autism spectrum disorder group had an average of 15·1% more extra-axial CSF than controls after accounting for differences in brain volume, weight, age, and sex (least-squares mean 116·74 cm3 [SE 3·33] in autism group vs 101·40 cm3 [3·93] in typical development group; p=0·007; Cohen's d = 0·39). Subgroups of normal-risk (n=132) and high-risk (n=27) children with autism spectrum disorder had nearly identical extra-axial CSF volumes (p=0·78), and both subgroups had significantly greater volumes than controls. Both extra-axial CSF volume (p=0·004) and brain volume (p<0·0001) uniquely contributed to enlarged head circumference in the autism spectrum disorder group (p=0·04). Increased extra-axial CSF volume was associated with greater sleep disturbances (p=0·03) and lower non-verbal ability (p=0·04). The machine learning algorithm correctly predicted autism spectrum disorder diagnosis with a positive predictive value of 83% (95% CI 76·2-88·3). INTERPRETATION Increased extra-axial CSF volume is a reliable brain anomaly that has now been found in three independent cohorts, comprising both high-risk and normal-risk children with autism spectrum disorder. Increased extra-axial CSF volume is detectable using conventional structural MRI scans from infancy through to age 3 years. These results suggest that increased extra-axial CSF volume could be an early stratification biomarker of a biologically based subtype of autism that might share a common underlying pathophysiology. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Shen
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Christine W Nordahl
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Deana D Li
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Lee
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen Angkustsiri
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Robert W Emerson
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sally J Rogers
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David G Amaral
- The Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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19
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Dinstein I, Shelef I. Anatomical brain abnormalities and early detection of autism. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:857-859. [PMID: 30270034 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Dinstein
- Department of Psychology, Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and Negev Autism Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Ilan Shelef
- Department of Radiology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
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20
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Talge NM. Head circumference at birth and neurodevelopmental disorders: Where do we go from here? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2018; 32:467-468. [PMID: 30016539 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Talge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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21
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Aagaard K, Bach CC, Henriksen TB, Larsen RT, Matthiesen NB. Head circumference at birth and childhood developmental disorders in a nationwide cohort in Denmark. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2018; 32:458-466. [PMID: 29882976 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early markers of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may improve the understanding and early recognition of these disorders. We aimed to estimate the association between head circumference at birth, a measure of cerebral size at birth, and the risk of ADHD and ASD. METHODS We present a register-based cohort study of all Danish singletons born alive between 1997 and 2013. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for the statistical analyses. Sibling-matched analyses were performed to account for unmeasured confounding shared by siblings. RESULTS The analyses included 986 909 new-borns. Compared to normocephalic children, microcephaly was associated with an increased risk of ADHD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12, 1.32). Macrocephaly was associated with a decreased risk of ADHD (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82, 0.99). Neither microcephaly nor macrocephaly were associated with ASD (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.94, 1.19 and 1.03, 95% CI 0.90, 1.19). The largest difference was found within the normocephalic children. A head circumference at the lower limit of normocephaly compared to a head circumference at the upper limit was associated with an increased risk of ADHD (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.43, 1.63). The sibling analyses confirmed the increased risk of ADHD with decreasing head circumference in the normocephalic children. No other clear associations were present in the sibling analyses. CONCLUSIONS Within normocephalic children, smaller head circumference at birth was associated with a higher risk of ADHD. Restricted foetal brain growth may be a risk factor for the development of ADHD but not ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Aagaard
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cathrine Carlsen Bach
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - René Tidemand Larsen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Bjerregård Matthiesen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
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22
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Lord C, Elsabbagh M, Baird G, Veenstra-Vanderweele J. Autism spectrum disorder. Lancet 2018; 392:508-520. [PMID: 30078460 PMCID: PMC7398158 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)31129-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 965] [Impact Index Per Article: 160.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a term used to describe a constellation of early-appearing social communication deficits and repetitive sensory-motor behaviours associated with a strong genetic component as well as other causes. The outlook for many individuals with autism spectrum disorder today is brighter than it was 50 years ago; more people with the condition are able to speak, read, and live in the community rather than in institutions, and some will be largely free from symptoms of the disorder by adulthood. Nevertheless, most individuals will not work full-time or live independently. Genetics and neuroscience have identified intriguing patterns of risk, but without much practical benefit yet. Considerable work is still needed to understand how and when behavioural and medical treatments can be effective, and for which children, including those with substantial comorbidities. It is also important to implement what we already know and develop services for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Clinicians can make a difference by providing timely and individualised help to families navigating referrals and access to community support systems, by providing accurate information despite often unfiltered media input, and by anticipating transitions such as family changes and school entry and leaving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lord
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, White Plains, NY, USA.
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gillian Baird
- Evelina Children's Hospital, King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, White Plains, NY, USA
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23
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Wolff JJ, Jacob S, Elison JT. The journey to autism: Insights from neuroimaging studies of infants and toddlers. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:479-495. [PMID: 28631578 PMCID: PMC5834406 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
By definition, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that emerges during early childhood. It is during this time that infants and toddlers transition from appearing typical across multiple domains to exhibiting the behavioral phenotype of ASD. Neuroimaging studies focused on this period of development have provided crucial knowledge pertaining to this process, including possible mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of the disorder and offering the possibility of prodromal or presymptomatic prediction of risk. In this paper, we review findings from structural and functional brain imaging studies of ASD focused on the first years of life and discuss implications for next steps in research and clinical applications.
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24
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Green CC, Dissanayake C, Loesch DZ, Bui M, Barbaro J. Skeletal Growth Dysregulation in Australian Male Infants and Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2018; 11:846-856. [PMID: 29624910 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are larger in size for head circumference (HC), height, and weight compared to typically developing (TD) children; however, little is known about their rate of growth, especially in height and weight. The current study aimed to: (a) confirm and extend upon previous findings of early generalized overgrowth in ASD; and (b) determine if there were any differences in the rate of growth between infants and toddlers with ASD compared to their TD peers. Measurements of HC, height, and weight were available for 135 boys with ASD and 74 TD boys, from birth through 3 years of age. Size and growth rate in HC, height, and weight were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. Infants with ASD were significantly smaller in size at birth for HC, body length, and weight compared to TD infants (all P < 0.05); however, they grew at a significantly faster rate in HC and height in comparison to the TD children (P < 0.001); there was no significant difference between the groups in growth rate for weight (P > 0.05). The results confirmed that male infants and toddlers with ASD exhibit skeletal growth dysregulation early in life. Autism Res 2018, 11: 846-856. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Recent findings suggest that infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are smaller in size at birth compared to typically developing infants but grow larger than their peers during the first year. Little is known about their rate of growth, especially for height and weight. Our findings confirmed that infants with ASD are smaller in size at birth for head circumference (HC), height, and weight, but grow at a faster rate in HC and height than their peers from birth to 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie C Green
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danuta Z Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Minh Bui
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Batalle D, Edwards AD, O'Muircheartaigh J. Annual Research Review: Not just a small adult brain: understanding later neurodevelopment through imaging the neonatal brain. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59:350-371. [PMID: 29105061 PMCID: PMC5900873 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a recent proliferation in neuroimaging research focusing on brain development in the prenatal, neonatal and very early childhood brain. Early brain injury and preterm birth are associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, indicating the importance of this early period for later outcome. SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY Although using a wide range of different methodologies and investigating diverse samples, the common aim of many of these studies has been to both track normative development and investigate deviations in this development to predict behavioural, cognitive and neurological function in childhood. Here we review structural and functional neuroimaging studies investigating the developing brain. We focus on practical and technical complexities of studying this early age range and discuss how neuroimaging techniques have been successfully applied to investigate later neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS Neuroimaging markers of later outcome still have surprisingly low predictive power and their specificity to individual neurodevelopmental disorders is still under question. However, the field is still young, and substantial challenges to both acquiring and modeling neonatal data are being met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafnis Batalle
- Centre for the Developing BrainSchool of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical EngineeringKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - A. David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing BrainSchool of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical EngineeringKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jonathan O'Muircheartaigh
- Centre for the Developing BrainSchool of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical EngineeringKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Department of NeuroimagingInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
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26
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Blanken LME, Dass A, Alvares G, van der Ende J, Schoemaker NK, El Marroun H, Hickey M, Pennell C, White S, Maybery MT, Dissanayake C, Jaddoe VWV, Verhulst FC, Tiemeier H, McIntosh W, White T, Whitehouse A. A prospective study of fetal head growth, autistic traits and autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2018; 11:602-612. [PMID: 29356450 PMCID: PMC5947578 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Altered trajectories of brain growth are often reported in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly during the first year of life. However, less is known about prenatal head growth trajectories, and no study has examined the relation with postnatal autistic symptom severity. The current study prospectively examined the association between fetal head growth and the spectrum of autistic symptom severity in two large population-based cohorts, including a sample of individuals with clinically diagnosed ASD. This study included 3,820 children from two longitudinal prenatal cohorts in The Netherlands and Australia, comprising 60 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. Latent growth curve models were used to examine the relationship between fetal head circumference measured at three different time points and autistic traits measured in postnatal life using either the Social Responsiveness Scale or the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. While lower initial prenatal HC was weakly associated with increasing autistic traits in the Dutch cohort, this relationship was not observed in the Australian cohort, nor when the two cohorts were analysed together. No differences in prenatal head growth were found between individuals with ASD and controls. This large population-based study identified no consistent association across two cohorts between prenatal head growth and postnatal autistic traits. Our mixed findings suggest that further research in this area is needed. Autism Res 2018, 11: 602-612. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY It is not known whether different patterns of postnatal brain growth in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also occurs prenatally. We examined fetal head growth and autistic symptoms in two large groups from The Netherlands and Australia. Lower initial prenatal head circumference was associated with autistic traits in the Dutch, but not the Australian, group. No differences in head growth were found in individuals with ASD and controls when the data was combined. Our mixed findings suggest that more research in this area is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. E. Blanken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University, Medical Center, PO Box 20403000 CARotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Alena Dass
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Gail Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket CampusBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University, Medical Center, PO Box 20403000 CARotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Melbourne and the Royal Women's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Craig Pennell
- School of Women's and Infants' HealthUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Scott White
- School of Women's and Infants' HealthUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Vincent W. V. Jaddoe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of PediatricsSophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Frank C. Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Will McIntosh
- School of Psychological ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PsychologySophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of RadiologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket CampusBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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27
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Howes OD, Rogdaki M, Findon JL, Wichers RH, Charman T, King BH, Loth E, McAlonan GM, McCracken JT, Parr JR, Povey C, Santosh P, Wallace S, Simonoff E, Murphy DG. Autism spectrum disorder: Consensus guidelines on assessment, treatment and research from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:3-29. [PMID: 29237331 PMCID: PMC5805024 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117741766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
An expert review of the aetiology, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, and recommendations for diagnosis, management and service provision was coordinated by the British Association for Psychopharmacology, and evidence graded. The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder involves genetic and environmental contributions, and implicates a number of brain systems, in particular the gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonergic and glutamatergic systems. The presentation of autism spectrum disorder varies widely and co-occurring health problems (in particular epilepsy, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and irritability) are common. We did not recommend the routine use of any pharmacological treatment for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In children, melatonin may be useful to treat sleep problems, dopamine blockers for irritability, and methylphenidate, atomoxetine and guanfacine for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The evidence for use of medication in adults is limited and recommendations are largely based on extrapolations from studies in children and patients without autism spectrum disorder. We discuss the conditions for considering and evaluating a trial of medication treatment, when non-pharmacological interventions should be considered, and make recommendations on service delivery. Finally, we identify key gaps and limitations in the current evidence base and make recommendations for future research and the design of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver D Howes
- 1 MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
- 2 Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Rogdaki
- 1 MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - James L Findon
- 3 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robert H Wichers
- 3 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- 4 Department of Psychology, King's College London, London UK
| | - Bryan H King
- 5 Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Eva Loth
- 3 Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gráinne M McAlonan
- 6 The Sackler Centre and Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry, Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- 7 NIHR-BRC for Mental Health, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James T McCracken
- 8 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- 9 Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Carol Povey
- 10 The National Autistic Society, London, UK
| | - Paramala Santosh
- 11 Department of Child Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Emily Simonoff
- 13 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- 6 The Sackler Centre and Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry, Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- 7 NIHR-BRC for Mental Health, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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28
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Liu T, Liu X, Yi L, Zhu C, Markey PS, Pelowski M. Assessing autism at its social and developmental roots: A review of Autism Spectrum Disorder studies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Neuroimage 2017; 185:955-967. [PMID: 28966083 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We review a relatively new method for studying the developing brain in children and infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite advances in behavioral screening and brain imaging, due to paradigms that do not easily allow for testing of awake, very young, and socially-engaged children-i.e., the social and the baby brain-the biological underpinnings of this disorder remain a mystery. We introduce an approach based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which offers a noninvasive imaging technique for studying functional activations by measuring changes in the brain's hemodynamic properties. This further enables measurement of brain activation in upright, interactive settings, while maintaining general equivalence to fMRI findings. We review the existing studies that have used fNIRS for ASD, discussing their promise, limitations, and their technical aspects, gearing this study to the researcher who may be new to this technique and highlighting potential targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xingchen Liu
- College of Education and Psychology, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Li Yi
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaozhe Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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29
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Errant gardeners: glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:658-670. [PMID: 28931944 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The final stage of brain development is associated with the generation and maturation of neuronal synapses. However, the same period is also associated with a peak in synapse elimination - a process known as synaptic pruning - that has been proposed to be crucial for the maturation of remaining synaptic connections. Recent studies have pointed to a key role for glial cells in synaptic pruning in various parts of the nervous system and have identified a set of critical signalling pathways between glia and neurons. At the same time, brain imaging and post-mortem anatomical studies suggest that insufficient or excessive synaptic pruning may underlie several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Here, we review current data on the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms of glial-cell-dependent synaptic pruning and outline their potential contribution to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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30
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Altered growth trajectory of head circumference during infancy and schizophrenia in a National Birth Cohort. Schizophr Res 2017; 182:115-119. [PMID: 27818077 PMCID: PMC5376228 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Identification of abnormalities in the developmental trajectory during infancy of future schizophrenia cases offers the potential to reveal pathogenic mechanisms of this disorder. Previous studies of head circumference in pre-schizophrenia were limited to measures at birth. The use of growth acceleration of head circumference (defined as the rate of change in head circumference) provides a more informative representation of the maturational landscape of this measure compared to studies based on static head circumference measures. To date, however, no study has examined whether HC growth acceleration differs between pre-schizophrenia cases and controls. In the present study, we employed a nested case control design of a national birth cohort in Finland. Cases with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (N=375) and controls (N=375) drawn from the birth cohort were matched 1:1 on date of birth (within 1month), sex, and residence in Finland at case diagnosis. Longitudinal data were obtained on head circumference from birth through age 1. Data were analyzed using a new nonparametric Bayesian inversion method which allows for a detailed understanding of growth dynamics. Adjusting for growth velocity of height and weight, and gestational age, there was significantly accelerated growth of head circumference in females with schizophrenia from birth to 2months; the findings remained significant following Bonferroni correction (p<0.0125). This is the first study to report abnormal HC growth acceleration, a more sensitive measure of somatic developmental deviation of this measure, in schizophrenia.
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31
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Dinstein I, Haar S, Atsmon S, Schtaerman H. No evidence of early head circumference enlargements in children later diagnosed with autism in Israel. Mol Autism 2017; 8:15. [PMID: 28344758 PMCID: PMC5363048 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Large controversy exists regarding the potential existence and clinical significance of larger brain volumes in toddlers who later develop autism. Assessing this relationship is important for determining the clinical utility of early head circumference (HC) measures and for assessing the validity of the early overgrowth hypothesis of autism, which suggests that early accelerated brain development may be a hallmark of the disorder. Methods We performed a retrospective comparison of HC, height, and weight measurements between 66 toddlers who were later diagnosed with autism and 66 matched controls. These toddlers represent an unbiased regional sample from a single health service provider in the southern district of Israel. On average, participating toddlers had >8 measurements between birth and the age of two, which enabled us to characterize individual HC, height, and weight development with high precision and fit a negative exponential growth model to the data of each toddler with exceptional accuracy. Results The analyses revealed that HC sizes and growth rates were not significantly larger in toddlers with autism even when stratifying the autism group based on verbal capabilities at the time of diagnosis. In addition, there were no significant correlations between ADOS scores at the time of diagnosis and HC at any time-point during the first 2 years of life. Conclusions These negative results add to accumulating evidence, which suggest that brain volume is not necessarily larger in toddlers who develop autism. We believe that conflicting results reported in other studies are due to small sample sizes, use of misleading population norms, changes in the clinical definition of autism over time, and/or inclusion of individuals with syndromic autism. While abnormally large brains may be evident in some individuals with autism and more clearly visible in MRI scans, converging evidence from this and other studies suggests that enlarged HC is not a common etiology of the entire autism population. Early HC measures, therefore, offer very limited clinical utility for assessment of autism risk in the general population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0129-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, 84105 Israel.,Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, 84105 Israel
| | - Shlomi Haar
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, 84105 Israel
| | - Shir Atsmon
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, 84105 Israel
| | - Hen Schtaerman
- Child Development Center, Maccabi Health Services, Beer Sheva, 84893 Israel
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32
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Bernhardt BC, Di Martino A, Valk SL, Wallace GL. Neuroimaging-Based Phenotyping of the Autism Spectrum. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 30:341-355. [PMID: 26946501 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in neuroimaging have offered a rich array of structural and functional markers to probe the organization of regional and large-scale brain networks. The current chapter provides a brief introduction into these techniques and overviews their contribution to the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition associated with atypical social cognition, language function, and repetitive behaviors/interests. While it is generally recognized that ASD relates to structural and functional network anomalies, the extent and overall pattern of reported findings have been rather heterogeneous. Indeed, while several attempts have been made to label the main neuroimaging phenotype of ASD (e.g., 'early brain overgrowth hypothesis', 'amygdala theory', 'disconnectivity hypothesis'), none of these frameworks has been without controversy. Methodological sources of inconsistent results may include differences in subject inclusion criteria, variability in image processing, and analysis methodology. However, inconsistencies may also relate to high heterogeneity across the autism spectrum itself. It, therefore, remains to be investigated whether a consistent imaging phenotype that adequately describes the entire autism spectrum can, in fact, be established. On the other hand, as previous findings clearly emphasize the value of neuroimaging in identifying atypical brain morphology, function, and connectivity, they ultimately support its high potential to identify biologically and clinically relevant endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris C Bernhardt
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Adriana Di Martino
- Autism Research Program at the NYU Child Study Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gregory L Wallace
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Ecker C, Schmeisser MJ, Loth E, Murphy DG. Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Humans. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:27-48. [PMID: 28551749 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is associated with differences in brain anatomy and connectivity. Yet, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the atypical developmental of the brain in ASD remain poorly understood. Here, we review the findings of in vivo neuroimaging studies examining the time course of atypical brain development in ASD and relate the different neurodevelopmental stages that are atypical in ASD to the known neurobiological mechanisms that drive the maturation of the typically developing brain. In particular, we focus on the notion of 'early brain overgrowth' in ASD, which may lead to differences in the formation of the brain's micro- and macro-circuitry. Moreover, we attempt to link the in vivo reports describing differences in brain anatomy and connectivity on the macroscopic level to the increasing number of post-mortem studies examining the neural architecture of the brain in ASD on the microscopic level. In addition, we discuss future directions and outstanding questions in this particular field of research and highlight the need for establishing the link between micro- and macro-pathology in the same set of individuals with ASD based on advances in genetic, molecular and imaging techniques. In combination, these may proof to be invaluable for patient stratification and the development of novel pharmacotherapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
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Mensen VT, Wierenga LM, van Dijk S, Rijks Y, Oranje B, Mandl RCW, Durston S. Development of cortical thickness and surface area in autism spectrum disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 13:215-222. [PMID: 28003960 PMCID: PMC5157792 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with changes in cortical volume. The constituents of cortical volume – cortical thickness and surface area – have separable developmental trajectories and are related to different neurobiological processes. However, little is known about the developmental trajectories of cortical thickness and surface area in ASD. In this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, we used an accelerated longitudinal design to investigate the cortical development in 90 individuals with ASD and 90 typically developing controls, aged 9 to 20 years. We quantified cortical measures using the FreeSurfer software package, and then used linear mixed model analyses to estimate the developmental trajectories for each cortical measure. Our primary finding was that the development of surface area follows a linear trajectory in ASD that differs from typically developing controls. In typical development, we found a decline in cortical surface area between the ages of 9 and 20 that was absent in ASD. We found this pattern in all regions where developmental trajectories for surface area differed between groups. When we applied a more stringent correction that takes the interdependency of measures into account, this effect on cortical surface area retained significance for left banks of superior temporal sulcus, postcentral area, and right supramarginal area. These areas have previously been implicated in ASD and are involved in the interpretation and processing of audiovisual social stimuli and distinction between self and others. Although some differences in cortical volume and thickness were found, none survived the more stringent correction for multiple testing. This study underscores the importance of distinguishing between cortical surface area and thickness in investigating cortical development, and suggests the development of cortical surface area is of importance to ASD. Cortical development differs between ASD and typical development in adolescence. These are primarily differences in the development of cortical surface area. In most regions surface area decreases for controls, not for individuals with ASD. After stringent multiple testing correction, this pattern held for three regions. The development of cortical surface area is relevant to ASD during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent T Mensen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lara M Wierenga
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarai van Dijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Rijks
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - René C W Mandl
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Durston
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Sivapalan S, Aitchison KJ. Neurological Structure Variations in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5455/bcp.20140903110206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine J. Aitchison
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1
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Westmark CJ, Sokol DK, Maloney B, Lahiri DK. Novel roles of amyloid-beta precursor protein metabolites in fragile X syndrome and autism. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1333-41. [PMID: 27573877 PMCID: PMC5580495 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with up to 5% of autism cases. Several promising drugs are in preclinical testing for FXS; however, bench-to-bedside plans for the clinic are severely limited due to lack of validated biomarkers and outcome measures. Published work from our laboratories has demonstrated altered levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites in FXS and idiopathic autism. Westmark and colleagues have focused on β-secretase (amyloidogenic) processing and the accumulation of Aβ peptides in adult FXS models, whereas Lahiri and Sokol have studied α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic or anabolic) processing and altered levels of sAPPα and Aβ in pediatric autism and FXS. Thus, our groups have hypothesized a pivotal role for these Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related proteins in the neurodevelopmental disorders of FXS and autism. In this review, we discuss the contribution of APP metabolites to FXS and autism pathogenesis as well as the potential use of these metabolites as blood-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our future focus is to identify key underlying mechanisms through which APP metabolites contribute to FXS and autism condition-to-disease pathology. Positive outcomes will support utilizing APP metabolites as blood-based biomarkers in clinical trials as well as testing drugs that modulate APP processing as potential disease therapeutics. Our studies to understand the role of APP metabolites in developmental conditions such as FXS and autism are a quantum leap for the neuroscience field, which has traditionally restricted any role of APP to AD and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Neurology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deborah K. Sokol
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
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Katuwal GJ, Baum SA, Cahill ND, Dougherty CC, Evans E, Evans DW, Moore GJ, Michael AM. Inter-Method Discrepancies in Brain Volume Estimation May Drive Inconsistent Findings in Autism. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:439. [PMID: 27746713 PMCID: PMC5043189 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies applying automatic preprocessing methods on Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) report inconsistent neuroanatomical abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this study we investigate inter-method differences as a possible cause behind these inconsistent findings. In particular, we focus on the estimation of the following brain volumes: gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and total intra cranial volume (TIV). T1-weighted sMRIs of 417 ASD subjects and 459 typically developing controls (TDC) from the ABIDE dataset were estimated using three popular preprocessing methods: SPM, FSL, and FreeSurfer (FS). Brain volumes estimated by the three methods were correlated but had significant inter-method differences; except TIVSPM vs. TIVFS, all inter-method differences were significant. ASD vs. TDC group differences in all brain volume estimates were dependent on the method used. SPM showed that TIV, GM, and CSF volumes of ASD were larger than TDC with statistical significance, whereas FS and FSL did not show significant differences in any of the volumes; in some cases, the direction of the differences were opposite to SPM. When methods were compared with each other, they showed differential biases for autism, and several biases were larger than ASD vs. TDC differences of the respective methods. After manual inspection, we found inter-method segmentation mismatches in the cerebellum, sub-cortical structures, and inter-sulcal CSF. In addition, to validate automated TIV estimates we performed manual segmentation on a subset of subjects. Results indicate that SPM estimates are closest to manual segmentation, followed by FS while FSL estimates were significantly lower. In summary, we show that ASD vs. TDC brain volume differences are method dependent and that these inter-method discrepancies can contribute to inconsistent neuroimaging findings in general. We suggest cross-validation across methods and emphasize the need to develop better methods to increase the robustness of neuroimaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajendra J. Katuwal
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
- Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY, USA
| | - Stefi A. Baum
- Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY, USA
- Faculty of Science, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nathan D. Cahill
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY, USA
| | - Chase C. Dougherty
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
| | - Eli Evans
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
| | - David W. Evans
- Department of Psychology, Bucknell UniversityLewisburg, PA, USA
| | - Gregory J. Moore
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
- Institute for Advanced Application, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
| | - Andrew M. Michael
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
- Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY, USA
- Institute for Advanced Application, Geisinger Health SystemDanville, PA, USA
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Benítez-Burraco A, Lattanzi W, Murphy E. Language Impairments in ASD Resulting from a Failed Domestication of the Human Brain. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:373. [PMID: 27621700 PMCID: PMC5002430 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders entailing social and cognitive deficits, including marked problems with language. Numerous genes have been associated with ASD, but it is unclear how language deficits arise from gene mutation or dysregulation. It is also unclear why ASD shows such high prevalence within human populations. Interestingly, the emergence of a modern faculty of language has been hypothesized to be linked to changes in the human brain/skull, but also to the process of self-domestication of the human species. It is our intention to show that people with ASD exhibit less marked domesticated traits at the morphological, physiological, and behavioral levels. We also discuss many ASD candidates represented among the genes known to be involved in the “domestication syndrome” (the constellation of traits exhibited by domesticated mammals, which seemingly results from the hypofunction of the neural crest) and among the set of genes involved in language function closely connected to them. Moreover, many of these genes show altered expression profiles in the brain of autists. In addition, some candidates for domestication and language-readiness show the same expression profile in people with ASD and chimps in different brain areas involved in language processing. Similarities regarding the brain oscillatory behavior of these areas can be expected too. We conclude that ASD may represent an abnormal ontogenetic itinerary for the human faculty of language resulting in part from changes in genes important for the “domestication syndrome” and, ultimately, from the normal functioning of the neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wanda Lattanzi
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London London, UK
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Abstract
Abstract
ASD research is at an important crossroads. The ASD diagnosis is important for assigning a child to early behavioral intervention and explaining a child’s condition. But ASD research has not provided a diagnosis-specific medical treatment, or a consistent early predictor, or a unified life course. If the ASD diagnosis also lacks biological and construct validity, a shift away from studying ASD-defined samples would be warranted. Consequently, this paper reviews recent findings for the neurobiological validity of ASD, the construct validity of ASD diagnostic criteria, and the construct validity of ASD spectrum features. The findings reviewed indicate that the ASD diagnosis lacks biological and construct validity. The paper concludes with proposals for research going forward.
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40
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Ecker C. The neuroanatomy of autism spectrum disorder: An overview of structural neuroimaging findings and their translatability to the clinical setting. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 21:18-28. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361315627136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, which is accompanied by differences in brain anatomy, functioning and brain connectivity. Due to its neurodevelopmental character, and the large phenotypic heterogeneity among individuals on the autism spectrum, the neurobiology of autism spectrum disorder is inherently difficult to describe. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in characterizing the neuroanatomical underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder across the human life span, and in identifying the molecular pathways that may be affected in autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, novel methodological frameworks for analyzing neuroimaging data are emerging that make it possible to characterize the neuroanatomy of autism spectrum disorder on the case level, and to stratify individuals based on their individual phenotypic make up. While these approaches are increasingly more often employed in the research setting, their applicability in the clinical setting remains a vision for the future. The aim of the current review is to (1) provide a general overview of recent structural neuroimaging findings examining the neuroanatomy of autism spectrum disorder across the human life span, and in males and females with the condition, (2) highlight potential neuroimaging (bio)markers that may in the future be used for the stratification of autism spectrum disorder individuals into biologically homogeneous subgroups and (3) inform treatment and intervention strategies.
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Murphy CM, Wilson CE, Robertson DM, Ecker C, Daly EM, Hammond N, Galanopoulos A, Dud I, Murphy DG, McAlonan GM. Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis, management, and health services development. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:1669-86. [PMID: 27462160 PMCID: PMC4940003 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s65455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive difficulties since early childhood across reciprocal social communication and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors. Although early ASD research focused primarily on children, there is increasing recognition that ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. However, although health and education services for children with ASD are relatively well established, service provision for adults with ASD is in its infancy. There is a lack of health services research for adults with ASD, including identification of comorbid health difficulties, rigorous treatment trials (pharmacological and psychological), development of new pharmacotherapies, investigation of transition and aging across the lifespan, and consideration of sex differences and the views of people with ASD. This article reviews available evidence regarding the etiology, legislation, diagnosis, management, and service provision for adults with ASD and considers what is needed to support adults with ASD as they age. We conclude that health services research for adults with ASD is urgently warranted. In particular, research is required to better understand the needs of adults with ASD, including health, aging, service development, transition, treatment options across the lifespan, sex, and the views of people with ASD. Additionally, the outcomes of recent international legislative efforts to raise awareness of ASD and service provision for adults with ASD are to be determined. Future research is required to identify high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective models of care. Furthermore, future health services research is also required at the beginning and end of adulthood, including improved transition from youth to adult health care and increased understanding of aging and health in older adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clodagh M Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - C Ellie Wilson
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
- Individual Differences, Language and Cognition Lab, Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Dene M Robertson
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen M Daly
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Hammond
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Anastasios Galanopoulos
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Iulia Dud
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
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Turner AH, Greenspan KS, van Erp TGM. Pallidum and lateral ventricle volume enlargement in autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2016; 252:40-45. [PMID: 27179315 PMCID: PMC5920514 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies on structural brain abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been of limited size and many findings have not been replicated. In the largest ASD brain morphology study to date, we compared subcortical, total brain (TBV), and intracranial (ICV) volumes between 472 subjects with DSM-IV ASD diagnoses and 538 healthy volunteers (age range: 6-64 years), obtained from high-resolution structural brain scans provided by the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). Compared to healthy volunteers, we found significantly larger pallidum (Cohen's d=0.15) and lateral ventricle volumes (Cohen's d=0.18) in ASD. These enlargements were independent of total brain volume and IQ, passed FDR correction for multiple comparisons, and were observed in overall, male-only, and medication-free subjects. In addition, intracranial, hippocampal, and caudate volumes were enlarged in ASD at a nominal statistical threshold of p<0.05. This study provides the first robust evidence for pallidum enlargement in ASD independent from TBV and encourages further study of the functional role of the pallidum in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andia H Turner
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kiefer S Greenspan
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Theo G M van Erp
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Mouse Model of Chromosome 15q13.3 Microdeletion Syndrome Demonstrates Features Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Neurosci 2016; 35:16282-94. [PMID: 26658876 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3967-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The chromosome 15q13.3 microdeletion is a pathogenic copy number variation conferring epilepsy, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We generated mice carrying a deletion of 1.2 Mb homologous to the 15q13.3 microdeletion in human patients. Here, we report that mice with a heterozygous deletion on a C57BL/6 background (D/+ mice) demonstrated phenotypes including enlarged/heavier brains (macrocephaly) with enlarged lateral ventricles, decreased social interactions, increased repetitive grooming behavior, reduced ultrasonic vocalizations, decreased auditory-evoked gamma band EEG, and reduced event-related potentials. D/+ mice had normal body weight, activity levels, sensory gating, and cognitive abilities and no signs of epilepsy/seizures. Our results demonstrate that D/+ mice represent ASD-related phenotypes associated with 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome. Further investigations using this chromosome-engineered mouse model may uncover the common mechanism(s) underlying ASD and other neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders representing the 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Recently discovered pathologic copy number variations (CNVs) from patients with neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders show very strong penetrance and thus are excellent candidates for mouse models of disease that can mirror the human genetic conditions with high fidelity. A 15q13.3 microdeletion in humans results in a range of neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The disorders conferred by a 15q13.3 microdeletion also have overlapping genetic architectures and comorbidity in other patient populations such as those with epilepsy and schizophrenia/psychosis, as well as schizophrenia and ASD. We generated mice carrying a deletion of 1.2 Mb homologous to the 15q13.3 microdeletion in human patients, which allowed us to investigate the potential causes of neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders associated with the CNV.
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44
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Packer A. Neocortical neurogenesis and the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 64:185-95. [PMID: 26949225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have now identified many highly penetrant genetic risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some of these genes encode synaptic proteins, lending support to the hypothesis that ASD is a disorder of synaptic homeostasis. Less attention, however, has been paid to the genetic risk factors that converge on events that precede synaptogenesis, including the proliferation of neural progenitor cells and the migration of neurons to the appropriate layers of the developing neocortex. Here I review this evidence, focusing on studies of mutant mouse phenotypes, human postmortem data, systems biological analyses, and non-genetic risk factors. These findings highlight embryonic neurogenesis as a potentially important locus of pathology in ASD. In some instances, this pathology may be driven by alterations in chromatin biology and canonical Wnt signaling, which in turn affect fundamental cellular processes such as cell-cycle length and cell migration. This view of ASD suggests the need for a better understanding of the relationship between variation in neuron number, laminar composition, and the neural circuitry most relevant to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Packer
- Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, 160 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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45
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Vogan VM, Morgan BR, Leung RC, Anagnostou E, Doyle-Thomas K, Taylor MJ. Widespread White Matter Differences in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:2138-2147. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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46
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Sacrey LAR, Bennett JA, Zwaigenbaum L. Early Infant Development and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1921-9. [PMID: 26323499 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815601500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to overview recent findings on early detection/diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, as well as clinical trials of early interventions for toddlers at risk for/diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. FINDINGS Prospective studies of infants at high risk of autism spectrum disorder have yielded significant advances in understanding early development in autism spectrum disorder. Findings from prospective studies indicate that abnormalities in social communication and repetitive behaviors emerge during the second year, whereas additional "prodromal features" (motor and sensory abnormalities) emerge in the first year. Subsequently, exciting progress has been made in establishing the efficacy of autism spectrum disorder-specific interventions for toddlers as young as 15 months. Finally, efforts occur to characterize autism spectrum disorder-specific characteristics in genetic syndromes with concurrent autism spectrum disorder symptomatology. CONCLUSION Substantial progress in characterizing early developmental trajectories as well as the identification of specific behavioral markers has aided early detection. Work remains to ensure that research findings are translated into clinical practice for uptake in the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Bennett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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47
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Sacco R, Gabriele S, Persico AM. Head circumference and brain size in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2015; 234:239-51. [PMID: 26456415 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Macrocephaly and brain overgrowth have been associated with autism spectrum disorder. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an overall estimate of effect size and statistical significance for both head circumference and total brain volume in autism. Our literature search strategy identified 261 and 391 records, respectively; 27 studies defining percentages of macrocephalic patients and 44 structural brain imaging studies providing total brain volumes for patients and controls were included in our meta-analyses. Head circumference was significantly larger in autistic compared to control individuals, with 822/5225 (15.7%) autistic individuals displaying macrocephaly. Structural brain imaging studies measuring brain volume estimated effect size. The effect size is higher in low functioning autistics compared to high functioning and ASD individuals. Brain overgrowth was recorded in 142/1558 (9.1%) autistic patients. Finally, we found a significant interaction between age and total brain volume, resulting in larger head circumference and brain size during early childhood. Our results provide conclusive effect sizes and prevalence rates for macrocephaly and brain overgrowth in autism, confirm the variation of abnormal brain growth with age, and support the inclusion of this endophenotype in multi-biomarker diagnostic panels for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sacco
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Gabriele
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio M Persico
- Unit of Child and Adolescent NeuroPsychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy; Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Milan, Italy
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48
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Ure AM, Treyvaud K, Thompson DK, Pascoe L, Roberts G, Lee KJ, Seal ML, Northam E, Cheong JL, Hunt RW, Inder T, Doyle LW, Anderson PJ. Neonatal brain abnormalities associated with autism spectrum disorder in children born very preterm. Autism Res 2015; 9:543-52. [PMID: 26442616 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Very preterm (VP) survivors are at increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with term-born children. This study explored whether neonatal magnetic resonance (MR) brain features differed in VP children with and without ASD at 7 years. One hundred and seventy-two VP children (<30 weeks' gestation or <1250 g birth weight) underwent structural brain MR scans at term equivalent age (TEA; 40 weeks' gestation ±2 weeks) and were assessed for ASD at 7 years of age. The presence and severity of white matter, cortical gray matter, deep nuclear gray matter, and cerebellar abnormalities were assessed, and total and regional brain volumes were measured. ASD was diagnosed using a standardized parent report diagnostic interview and confirmed via an independent assessment. Eight VP children (4.7%) were diagnosed with ASD. Children with ASD had more cystic lesions in the cortical white matter at TEA compared with those without ASD (odds ratio [OR] 8.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 51.3, P = 0.02). There was also some evidence for smaller cerebellar volumes in children with ASD compared with those without ASD (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.66, 1.00, P = 0.06). Overall, the results suggest that VP children with ASD have different brain structure in the neonatal period compared with those who do not have ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 543-552. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Ure
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karli Treyvaud
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deanne K Thompson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leona Pascoe
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gehan Roberts
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine J Lee
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marc L Seal
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Northam
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeanie L Cheong
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rod W Hunt
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terrie Inder
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States of America
| | - Lex W Doyle
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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49
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Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Stone WL, Yirmiya N, Estes A, Hansen RL, McPartland JC, Natowicz MR, Choueiri R, Fein D, Kasari C, Pierce K, Buie T, Carter A, Davis PA, Granpeesheh D, Mailloux Z, Newschaffer C, Robins D, Roley SS, Wagner S, Wetherby A. Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics 2015; 136 Suppl 1:S10-40. [PMID: 26430168 PMCID: PMC9923897 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-3667c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential to ensure that children can access specialized evidence-based interventions that can help to optimize long-term outcomes. Early identification also helps shorten the stressful "diagnostic odyssey" that many families experience before diagnosis. There have been important advances in research into the early development of ASDs, incorporating prospective designs and new technologies aimed at more precisely delineating the early emergence of ASD. Thus, an updated review of the state of the science of early identification of ASD was needed to inform best practice. These issues were the focus of a multidisciplinary panel of clinical practitioners and researchers who completed a literature review and reached consensus on current evidence addressing the question "What are the earliest signs and symptoms of ASD in children aged ≤24 months that can be used for early identification?" Summary statements address current knowledge on early signs of ASD, potential contributions and limitations of prospective research with high-risk infants, and priorities for promoting the incorporation of this knowledge into clinical practice and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Margaret L. Bauman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Annette Estes
- Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Robin L. Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California
| | | | | | - Roula Choueiri
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Memorial Children’s Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah Fein
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Connie Kasari
- Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Karen Pierce
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Timothy Buie
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alice Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Zoe Mailloux
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Craig Newschaffer
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana Robins
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susanne Smith Roley
- USC Mrs T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sheldon Wagner
- Behavioral Development & Educational Services, New Bedford, Massachusetts; and
| | - Amy Wetherby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
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50
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Chen Y, Huang WC, Séjourné J, Clipperton-Allen AE, Page DT. Pten Mutations Alter Brain Growth Trajectory and Allocation of Cell Types through Elevated β-Catenin Signaling. J Neurosci 2015; 35:10252-67. [PMID: 26180201 PMCID: PMC6605343 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5272-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal patterns of head and brain growth are a replicated finding in a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is not known whether risk factors associated with ASD and abnormal brain growth (both overgrowth and undergrowth) converge on common biological pathways and cellular mechanisms in the developing brain. Heterozygous mutations in PTEN (PTEN(+/-)), which encodes a negative regulator of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, are a risk factor for ASD and macrocephaly. Here we use the developing cerebral cortex of Pten(+/-) mice to investigate the trajectory of brain overgrowth and underlying cellular mechanisms. We find that overgrowth is detectable from birth to adulthood, is driven by hyperplasia, and coincides with excess neurons at birth and excess glia in adulthood. β-Catenin signaling is elevated in the developing Pten(+/-) cortex, and a heterozygous mutation in Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin), itself a candidate gene for ASD and microcephaly, can suppress Pten(+/-) cortical overgrowth. Thus, a balance of Pten and β-catenin signaling regulates normal brain growth trajectory by controlling cell number, and imbalance in this relationship can result in abnormal brain growth. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We report that Pten haploinsufficiency leads to a dynamic trajectory of brain overgrowth during development and altered scaling of neuronal and glial cell populations. β-catenin signaling is elevated in the developing cerebral cortex of Pten haploinsufficient mice, and a heterozygous mutation in β-catenin, itself a candidate gene for ASD and microcephaly, suppresses Pten(+/-) cortical overgrowth. This leads to the new insight that Pten and β-catenin signaling act in a common pathway to regulate normal brain growth trajectory by controlling cell number, and disruption of this pathway can result in abnormal brain growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Wen-Chin Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Julien Séjourné
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | | | - Damon T Page
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
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