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Ouisselsat M, El Maouaki A, Maidoumi S, François Y, Pineau A, Sedki A. Assessment of Essential and Toxic Element Levels in the Toenails of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04319-w. [PMID: 39042314 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a global public health concern, impacting the quality of life. The question of gene-environment interaction in the emergence of ASD remains a subject of ongoing debate, and exploring its pathophysiology is thoroughly related to metals as a risk factor. Therefore, this study aims to assess the levels of toxic (Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb) and essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Se) elements in toenail samples collected in children with ASD and neurotypical children, by ICP-MS. Parallelly, we will discuss the use of toenails as an exposure indicator. The study involved 208 children aged 3 to 14 from Marrakech, Morocco. One hundred two were diagnosed with ASD and 106 were neurotypical children. Significant statistical differences in the concentration of Cr, Mn, and Fe were documented between the two groups. Higher levels of Pb in toenails compared to reference values have been reported. No association was established between concentrations of elements and age. Spearman correlation coefficients revealed a significantly different pattern of mutual dependence for toxic and essential elements between the two groups. The strongest positive correlations were found in the neurotypical group (Fe-Mn (ρ = 0.750), and Se-Zn (ρ = 0.800)). These results provide additional, although inconclusive, evidence on the probable role of element disturbance in the pathogenesis of ASD. Further studies should be performed to explore other nutritional, cultural, sociodemographic, environmental, and methodological factors that may impact the levels of these elements in the nails and their possible correlation with the incidence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Ouisselsat
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco.
| | - Amal El Maouaki
- Laboratory of Clinical, Experimental and Environmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 274, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Sana Maidoumi
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Rue Abdelouahab Derraq, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Yannick François
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, Rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Alain Pineau
- Mineral Element Dosing Centre, UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Nantes, 9, Rue Bias, 44035 - 44000, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| | - Azeddine Sedki
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd Moulay Abdellah BP, 2390-40001, Marrakech, Morocco
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Maitin-Shepard M, O'Tierney-Ginn P, Kraneveld AD, Lyall K, Fallin D, Arora M, Fasano A, Mueller NT, Wang X, Caulfield LE, Dickerson AS, Diaz Heijtz R, Tarui T, Blumberg JB, Holingue C, Schmidt RJ, Garssen J, Almendinger K, Lin PID, Mozaffarian D. Food, nutrition, and autism: from soil to fork. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 120:240-256. [PMID: 38677518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Food and nutrition-related factors have the potential to impact development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and quality of life for people with ASD, but gaps in evidence exist. On 10 November 2022, Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute hosted a 1-d meeting to explore the evidence and evidence gaps regarding the relationships of food and nutrition with ASD. This meeting report summarizes the presentations and deliberations from the meeting. Topics addressed included prenatal and child dietary intake, the microbiome, obesity, food-related environmental exposures, mechanisms and biological processes linking these factors and ASD, food-related social factors, and data sources for future research. Presentations highlighted evidence for protective associations with prenatal folic acid supplementation and ASD development, increases in risk of ASD with maternal gestational obesity, and the potential for exposure to environmental contaminants in foods and food packaging to influence ASD development. The importance of the maternal and child microbiome in ASD development or ASD-related behaviors in the child was reviewed, as was the role of discrimination in leading to disparities in environmental exposures and psychosocial factors that may influence ASD. The role of child diet and high prevalence of food selectivity in children with ASD and its association with adverse outcomes were also discussed. Priority evidence gaps identified by participants include further clarifying ASD development, including biomarkers and key mechanisms; interactions among psychosocial, social, and biological determinants; interventions addressing diet, supplementation, and the microbiome to prevent and improve quality of life for people with ASD; and mechanisms of action of diet-related factors associated with ASD. Participants developed research proposals to address the priority evidence gaps. The workshop findings serve as a foundation for future prioritization of scientific research to address evidence gaps related to food, nutrition, and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aletta D Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniele Fallin
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Laura E Caulfield
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aisha S Dickerson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Tomo Tarui
- Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jeffrey B Blumberg
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation, Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, the MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Katherine Almendinger
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pi-I Debby Lin
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Food is Medicine Institute, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States.
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3
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Curtis MA, Saferin N, Nguyen JH, Imami AS, Ryan WG, Neifer KL, Miller GW, Burkett JP. Developmental pyrethroid exposure in mouse leads to disrupted brain metabolism in adulthood. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:87-95. [PMID: 38876425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Environmental and genetic risk factors, and their interactions, contribute significantly to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Recent epidemiology studies have implicated pyrethroid pesticides as an environmental risk factor for autism and developmental delay. Our previous research showed that low-dose developmental exposure to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin in mice caused male-biased changes in the brain and in NDD-relevant behaviors in adulthood. Here, we used a metabolomics approach to determine the broadest possible set of metabolic changes in the adult male mouse brain caused by low-dose pyrethroid exposure during development. Using a litter-based design, we exposed mouse dams during pregnancy and lactation to deltamethrin (3 mg/kg or vehicle every 3 days) at a concentration well below the EPA-determined benchmark dose used for regulatory guidance. We raised male offspring to adulthood and collected whole brain samples for untargeted high-resolution metabolomics analysis. Developmentally exposed mice had disruptions in 116 metabolites which clustered into pathways for folate biosynthesis, retinol metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. As a cross-validation, we integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics data from the same samples, which confirmed previous findings of altered dopamine signaling. These results suggest that pyrethroid exposure during development leads to disruptions in metabolism in the adult brain, which may inform both prevention and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Curtis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - Nilanjana Saferin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - Jennifer H Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - Ali S Imami
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - William G Ryan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - Kari L Neifer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | - Gary W Miller
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - James P Burkett
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, United States.
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Ohki CMY, Benazzato C, van der Linden V, França JV, Toledo CM, Machado RRG, Araujo DB, Oliveira DBL, Neris RS, Assunção-Miranda I, de Oliveira Souza IN, Nogueira CO, Leite PEC, van der Linden H, Figueiredo CP, Durigon EL, Clarke JR, Russo FB, Beltrão-Braga PCB. Zika virus infection impairs synaptogenesis, induces neuroinflammation, and could be an environmental risk factor for autism spectrum disorder outcome. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167097. [PMID: 38408544 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first associated with Central Nervous System (CNS) infections in Brazil in 2015, correlated with an increased number of newborns with microcephaly, which ended up characterizing the Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Here, we investigated the impact of ZIKV infection on the functionality of iPSC-derived astrocytes. Besides, we extrapolated our findings to a Brazilian cohort of 136 CZS children and validated our results using a mouse model. Interestingly, ZIKV infection in neuroprogenitor cells compromises cell migration and causes apoptosis but does not interfere in astrocyte generation. Moreover, infected astrocytes lost their ability to uptake glutamate while expressing more glutamate transporters and secreted higher levels of IL-6. Besides, infected astrocytes secreted factors that impaired neuronal synaptogenesis. Since these biological endophenotypes were already related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we extrapolated these results to a cohort of children, now 6-7 years old, and found seven children with ASD diagnosis (5.14 %). Additionally, mice infected by ZIKV revealed autistic-like behaviors, with a significant increase of IL-6 mRNA levels in the brain. Considering these evidence, we inferred that ZIKV infection during pregnancy might lead to synaptogenesis impairment and neuroinflammation, which could increase the risk for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecília Benazzato
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Julia V França
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carmen M Toledo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Romulo S Neris
- Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iranaia Assunção-Miranda
- Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Clara O Nogueira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Emilio Corrêa Leite
- Clinical Research Unit of the Antonio Pedro Hospital, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia P Figueiredo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edison Luiz Durigon
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Institut Pasteur de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia R Clarke
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Curtis MA, Saferin N, Nguyen JH, Imami AS, Ryan WG, Neifer KL, Miller GW, Burkett JP. Developmental pyrethroid exposure in mouse leads to disrupted brain metabolism in adulthood. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.13.562226. [PMID: 37961675 PMCID: PMC10634990 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and genetic risk factors, and their interactions, contribute significantly to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Recent epidemiology studies have implicated pyrethroid pesticides as an environmental risk factor for autism and developmental delay. Our previous research showed that low-dose developmental exposure to the pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin in mice caused male-biased changes in the brain and in NDD-relevant behaviors in adulthood. Here, we used a metabolomics approach to determine the broadest possible set of metabolic changes in the adult male mouse brain caused by low-dose pyrethroid exposure during development. Using a litter-based design, we exposed mouse dams during pregnancy and lactation to deltamethrin (3 mg/kg or vehicle every 3 days) at a concentration well below the EPA-determined benchmark dose used for regulatory guidance. We raised male offspring to adulthood and collected whole brain samples for untargeted high-resolution metabolomics analysis. Developmentally exposed mice had disruptions in 116 metabolites which clustered into pathways for folate biosynthesis, retinol metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. As a cross-validation, we integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics data from the same samples, which confirmed previous findings of altered dopamine signaling. These results suggest that pyrethroid exposure during development leads to disruptions in metabolism in the adult brain, which may inform both prevention and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Curtis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - Nilanjana Saferin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - Jennifer H. Nguyen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - Ali S. Imami
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - William G. Ryan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - Kari L. Neifer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
| | - Gary W. Miller
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 (current)
| | - James P. Burkett
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614
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Xie X, Zhou R, Fang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Liu X. Seeing beyond words: Visualizing autism spectrum disorder biomarker insights. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30420. [PMID: 38694128 PMCID: PMC11061761 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30420] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study employs bibliometric and visual analysis to elucidate global research trends in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) biomarkers, identify critical research focal points, and discuss the potential integration of diverse biomarker modalities for precise ASD assessment. Methods A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection database until December 31, 2022. Visualization tools, including R, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and gCLUTO, were utilized to examine collaborative networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword associations among countries, institutions, authors, journals, documents, and keywords. Results ASD biomarker research emerged in 2004, accumulating a corpus of 4348 documents by December 31, 2022. The United States, with 1574 publications and an H-index of 213, emerged as the most prolific and influential country. The University of California, Davis, contributed significantly with 346 publications and an H-index of 69, making it the leading institution. Concerning journals, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Autism Research, and PLOS ONE were the top three publishers of ASD biomarker-related articles among a total of 1140 academic journals. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed research hotspots in genetics, imaging, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and eye tracking. Emerging topics included "DNA methylation," "eye tracking," "metabolomics," and "resting-state fMRI." Conclusion The field of ASD biomarker research is dynamically evolving. Future endeavors should prioritize individual stratification, methodological standardization, the harmonious integration of biomarker modalities, and longitudinal studies to advance the precision of ASD diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Rongyi Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Zihan Fang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Yongting Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Xiaomian Liu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
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Yang W, Hua R, Cao Y, He X. A metabolomic perspective on the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants and lifestyle lead to male infertility. Andrology 2024; 12:719-739. [PMID: 37815095 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of male infertility (MI) is rising annually. According to epidemiological studies, environmental pollution (e.g., organic, inorganic, and air pollutants), occupational exposure (e.g., high temperature, organic solvents, and pesticides), and poor lifestyle (e.g., diet, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise) are important non-genetic causative factors of MI. Due to multiple and complex causative factors, the dose-effect relationship, and the uncertainty of pathogenicity, the pathogenesis of MI is far from fully clarified. Recent data show that the pathogenesis of MI can be monitored by the metabolites in serum, seminal plasma, urine, testicular tissue, sperm, and other biological samples. It is considered that these metabolites are closely related to MI phenotypes and can directly reflect the individual pathological and physiological conditions. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the metabolome, the related metabolic pathways, and the identification of biomarkers will help to explore the MI-related metabolic problems and provide valuable insights into its pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we summarized new findings in MI metabolomics biomarkers research and their abnormal metabolic pathways triggered by the presented non-genetic risk factors, providing a metabolic landscape of semen and seminal plasma in general MI patients. Then, we compared the similarities and differences in semen and seminal plasma biomarkers between MI patients exposed to environmental and poor lifestyle factors and MI patients in general, and summarized some common biomarkers. We provide a better understanding of the biological underpinnings of MI pathogenesis, which might offer novel diagnostic, prognostic, and precise treatment approaches to MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Sánchez RM, Bermeo Losada JF, Marín Martínez JA. The research landscape concerning environmental factors in neurodevelopmental disorders: Endocrine disrupters and pesticides-A review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101132. [PMID: 38561126 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, environmental epidemiology and toxicology have seen a growing interest in the environmental factors that contribute to the increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, with the purpose of establishing appropriate prevention strategies. A literature review was performed, and 192 articles covering the topic of endocrine disruptors and neurodevelopmental disorders were found, focusing on polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bisphenol A, and pesticides. This study contributes to analyzing their effect on the molecular mechanism in maternal and infant thyroid function, essential for infant neurodevelopment, and whose alteration has been associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders. The results provide scientific evidence of the association that exists between the environmental neurotoxins and various neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, other possible molecular mechanisms by which pesticides and endocrine disruptors may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders are being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mira Sánchez
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Instituto de Ciencias Medioambientales y Neurodesarrollo ICMYN, Murcia, Spain.
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Jiang Q, Wan Y, Zhu K, Wang H, Feng Y, Xiang Z, Liu R, Zhao S, Zhu Y, Song R. Association of exposure to phthalates and phthalate alternatives with dyslexia in Chinese primary school children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28392-28403. [PMID: 38538993 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32871-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown associations between children's exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental disorders. Whereas the impact of exposure to phthalate alternatives is understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the association of exposure to phthalates/their alternatives with the risk of dyslexia. We recruited 745 children (355 dyslexia and 390 non-dyslexia) via the Tongji Reading Environment and Dyslexia Research Project, and their urine samples were collected. A total of 26 metabolites of phthalates/their alternatives were measured. Multivariate logistic regression and quantile-based g-computation were used to estimate the associations of exposure to the phthalates/their alternatives with dyslexia. More than 80% of the children had 17 related metabolites detected in their urine samples. After adjustment, the association between mono-2-(propyl-6-hydroxy-heptyl) phthalate (OH-MPHP) with the risk of dyslexia was observed. Compared with the lowest quartile of OH-MPHP levels, the odds of dyslexia for the third quartile was 1.93 (95% CI 1.06, 3.57). Regarding mixture analyses, it was found that OH-MPHP contributed the most to the association. Further analyses stratified by sex revealed that this association was only observed in boys. Our results suggested a significantly adverse association of di-2-propylheptyl phthalate exposure with children's language abilities. It highlights the necessity to prioritize the protection of children's neurodevelopment by minimizing their exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like di-2-propylheptyl phthalate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanjian Wan
- Center for Public Health Laboratory Service, Institute of Environmental Health, Wuhan Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Wuhan, 430024, Hubei, China
| | - Kaiheng Zhu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Haoxue Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanan Feng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhen Xiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ranran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) the Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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10
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Danaeipour R, Sharifi M, Noori A. Responses to lead stress in Scrophularia striata: insights into antioxidative defence mechanisms and changes in flavonoids profile. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2024; 51:FP23236. [PMID: 38648371 DOI: 10.1071/fp23236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) induces oxidative stress in plants, which results in different responses, including the production of antioxidants and changes in the profile of secondary metabolites. In this study, the responses of Scrophularia striata exposed to 250mgL-1 Pb (NO3 )2 in a hydroponic environment were determined. Growth parameters, oxidative and antioxidative responses, redox status, and the concentration of Pb were analysed in roots and shoots. Malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) levels in the roots were significantly increased and reached their highest value at 72h after Pb treatment. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, as an enzymatic antioxidant system, were responsible for reactive oxygen species scavenging, where their activities were increased in the shoot and root of Pb-treated plants. Enzymatic antioxidant activities were probably not enough to remove a significant H2 O2 content in response to Pb treatment. Therefore, other defence responses were activated. The results stated that the flavonoid components of S. striata progressed towards the increase of isoflavone, flavanol, and stilbenoid contents under Pb treatment. In general, S. striata stimulates the enzymatic defence system and activates the non-enzymatic system by modulating the profile of flavonoids toward the production of flavonoids with high antioxidant activity, such as quercetin and myricetin in response to Pb stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Danaeipour
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sharifi
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; and Center for International Scientific Studies and Collaborations (CISSC), Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Noori
- Department of Biology, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA 01845, USA
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11
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Song Y, Hupfeld KE, Davies-Jenkins CW, Zöllner HJ, Murali-Manohar S, Mumuni AN, Crocetti D, Yedavalli V, Oeltzschner G, Alessi N, Batschelett MA, Puts NA, Mostofsky SH, Edden RA. Brain glutathione and GABA+ levels in autistic children. Autism Res 2024; 17:512-528. [PMID: 38279628 PMCID: PMC10963146 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3097] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Altered neurometabolite levels, including glutathione (GSH) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been proposed as potential contributors to the biology underlying ASD. This study investigated whether cerebral GSH or GABA levels differ between a cohort of children aged 8-12 years with ASD (n = 52) and typically developing children (TDC, n = 49). A comprehensive analysis of GSH and GABA levels in multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex (SM1), thalamus (Thal), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and supplementary motor area (SMA), was conducted using single-voxel HERMES MR spectroscopy at 3T. The results revealed no significant differences in cerebral GSH or GABA levels between the ASD and TDC groups across all examined regions. These findings suggest that the concentrations of GSH (an important antioxidant and neuromodulator) and GABA (a major inhibitory neurotransmitter) do not exhibit marked alterations in children with ASD compared to TDC. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between GABA levels in the SM1 and Thal regions with ADHD inattention scores. No significant correlation was found between metabolite levels and hyper/impulsive scores of ADHD, measures of core ASD symptoms (ADOS-2, SRS-P) or adaptive behavior (ABAS-2). While both GSH and GABA have been implicated in various neurological disorders, the current study provides valuable insights into the specific context of ASD and highlights the need for further research to explore other neurochemical alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Song
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen E. Hupfeld
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher W. Davies-Jenkins
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Helge J. Zöllner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saipavitra Murali-Manohar
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Alessi
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Batschelett
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicolaas A.J. Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart H. Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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12
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Bjørklund G, Mkhitaryan M, Sahakyan E, Fereshetyan K, Meguid NA, Hemimi M, Nashaat NH, Yenkoyan K. Linking Environmental Chemicals to Neuroinflammation and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mechanisms and Implications for Prevention. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03941-y. [PMID: 38296898 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This article explores the potential link between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), neuroinflammation, and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuroinflammation refers to the immune system's response to injury, infection, or disease in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that exposure to EDCs, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, can disrupt normal immune function in the brain, leading to chronic or excessive neuroinflammation. This disruption of immune function can contribute to developing neurological disorders, including ASD. Furthermore, EDCs may activate microglia, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and astroglia-mediated oxidative stress, exacerbating neuroinflammation. EDCs may also modulate the epigenetic profile of cells by methyltransferase expression, thereby affecting neurodevelopment. This article also highlights the importance of reducing exposure to EDCs and advocating for policies and regulations restricting their use. Further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms underlying the link between EDCs, neuroinflammation, and ASD and to develop new treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Meri Mkhitaryan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Elen Sahakyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Katarine Fereshetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Nagwa A Meguid
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha Hemimi
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 0025, 2 Koryun str, Yerevan, Armenia.
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13
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Stojsavljević A, Lakićević N, Pavlović S. Mercury and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring the Link through Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3344. [PMID: 38137565 PMCID: PMC10741416 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential trace metal with unique neurochemical properties and harmful effects on the central nervous system. In this study, we present a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed research encompassing five crucial clinical matrices: hair, whole blood, plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), and urine. We assess the disparities in Hg levels between gender- and age-matched neurotypical children (controls) and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (cases). After applying rigorous selection criteria, we incorporated a total of 60 case-control studies into our meta-analysis. These studies comprised 25 investigations of Hg levels in hair (controls/cases: 1134/1361), 15 in whole blood (controls/cases: 1019/1345), 6 in plasma (controls/cases: 224/263), 5 in RBCs (controls/cases: 215/293), and 9 in urine (controls/cases: 399/623). This meta-analysis did not include the data of ASD children who received chelation therapy. Our meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in Hg levels in hair and urine between ASD cases and controls. In whole blood, plasma, and RBCs, Hg levels were significantly higher in ASD cases compared to their neurotypical counterparts. This indicates that ASD children could exhibit reduced detoxification capacity for Hg and impaired mechanisms for Hg excretion from their bodies. This underscores the detrimental role of Hg in ASD and underscores the critical importance of monitoring Hg levels in ASD children, particularly in early childhood. These findings emphasize the pressing need for global initiatives aimed at minimizing Hg exposure, thus highlighting the critical intersection of human-environment interaction and neurodevelopment health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novak Lakićević
- Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
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14
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Maleki M, Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Jaafarzadeh N, Martinez SS, Rahim F, Kaffashian M. An updated systematic review on the maternal exposure to environmental pesticides and involved mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) progression risk in children. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:727-740. [PMID: 36126654 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increased dramatically over the past 25 years because of genetic and environmental factors. This systematic review (SR) aimed to determine the association between maternal exposure during pregnancy to environmental pesticides and other associations with the risk of ASD progression in children. PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus (Elsevier) and the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Science were searched using appropriate keywords up to March 2021. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were selected. Most studies reported that ASD increases the risk of offspring after prenatal exposure to environmental pesticides in pregnant mother's residences, against offspring of women from the same region without this exposure. The main potential mechanisms inducing ASD progressions are ROS and prostaglandin E2 synthesis, AChE inhibition, voltage-gated sodium channel disruption, and GABA inhibition. According to the included studies, the highest rates of ASD diagnosis increased relative to organophosphates, and the application of the most common pesticides near residences might enhance the prevalence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Maleki
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Neemat Jaafarzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ahvaz jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Susana Silva Martinez
- Centro de Investigación en Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Av. Universidad, Cuernavaca, MOR, Mexico
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Health Research Institute, Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Kaffashian
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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15
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Akintunde ME, Lin YP, Krakowiak P, Pessah IN, Hertz-Picciotto I, Puschner B, Ashwood P, Van de Water J. Ex vivo exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) selectively affects the immune response in autistic children. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100697. [PMID: 38020477 PMCID: PMC10654005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Children on the autism spectrum have been shown to have immune dysregulation that often correlates with behavioral deficits. The role of the post-natal environment in this dysregulation is an area of active investigation. We examined the association between plasma levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and immune cell function in age-matched autistic children and non-autistic controls. Plasma from children on the autism spectrum (n = 38) and typically developing controls (TD; n = 60) were analyzed for 14 major PBDE congeners. Cytokine/chemokine production was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants with and without ex vivo BDE-49 exposure. Total plasma concentration (∑PBDE14) and individual congener levels were also correlated with T cell function. ∑PBDE14 did not differ between diagnostic groups but correlated with reduced immune function in children on the autism spectrum. In autistic children, IL-2 and IFN-γ production was reduced in association with several individual BDE congeners, especially BDE-49 (p = 0.001). Furthermore, when PBMCs were exposed ex vivo to BDE-49, cells from autistic children produced elevated levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1α and MCP-1 (p < 0.05). Therefore, despite similar plasma levels of PBDE, these data suggest that PBMC function was differentially impacted in the context of several PBDE congeners in autistic children relative to TD children where increased body burden of PBDE significantly correlated with a suppressed immune response in autistic children but not TD controls. Further, acute ex vivo exposure of PBMCs to BDE-49 stimulates an elevated cytokine response in AU cases versus a depressed response in TD controls. These data suggest that exposure to the toxicant BDE-49 differentially impacts immune cell function in autistic children relative to TD children providing evidence for an underlying association between susceptibility to PBDE exposure and immune anomalies in children on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjannie Eloi Akintunde
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Yan-ping Lin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paula Krakowiak
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Isaac N. Pessah
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Birgit Puschner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
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16
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Faraji R, Ganji Z, Zamanpour SA, Nikparast F, Akbari-Lalimi H, Zare H. Impaired white matter integrity in infants and young children with autism spectrum disorder: What evidence does diffusion tensor imaging provide? Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 335:111711. [PMID: 37741094 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111711] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal functional connections are associated with impaired white matter tract integrity in the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising method for evaluating white matter integrity in infants and young children. This work aims to shed light on the location and nature of the decrease in white matter integrity. METHODS Here, the results of 19 studies have been presented that investigated white matter integrity in infants and young children (6 months to 12 years) with autism using diffusion tensor imaging. RESULTS In most of the reviewed studies, an increase in Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and a decrease in Radial Diffusivity (RD) were reported in Corpus Callosum (CC), Uncinate Fasciculus (UF), Cingulum (Cg), Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus (ILF), and Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), and in the Inferior Fronto-Occipital Fasciculus (IFOF) tract, a decrease in FA and an increase in RD were reported. CONCLUSION In the reviewed articles, except for one study, the diffusion indices were different compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Faraji
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Ganji
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Amir Zamanpour
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Nikparast
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Akbari-Lalimi
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hoda Zare
- Medical Physics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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17
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Song Y, Hupfeld KE, Davies-Jenkins CW, Zöllner HJ, Murali-Manohar S, Mumuni AN, Crocetti D, Yedavalli V, Oeltzschner G, Alessi N, Batschelett MA, Puts NAJ, Mostofsky SH, Edden RAE. Brain Glutathione and GABA+ levels in autistic children. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559718. [PMID: 37808813 PMCID: PMC10557661 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Altered neurometabolite levels, including glutathione (GSH) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), have been proposed as potential contributors to the biology underlying ASD. This study investigated whether cerebral GSH or GABA levels differ between a large cohort of children aged 8-12 years with ASD (n=52) and typically developing children (TDC, n=49). A comprehensive analysis of GSH and GABA levels in multiple brain regions, including the primary motor cortex (SM1), thalamus (Thal), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and supplementary motor area (SMA), was conducted using single-voxel HERMES MR spectroscopy at 3T. The results revealed no significant differences in cerebral GSH or GABA levels between the ASD and TDC groups across all examined regions. These findings suggest that the concentrations of GSH (an important antioxidant and neuromodulator) and GABA (a major inhibitory neurotransmitter) do not exhibit marked alterations in children with ASD compared to TDC. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between GABA levels in the SM1 and Thal regions with ADHD inattention scores. No significant correlation was found between metabolite levels and hyper/impulsive scores of ADHD, measures of core ASD symptoms (ADOS-2, SRS-P) or adaptive behavior (ABAS-2). While both GSH and GABA have been implicated in various neurological disorders, the current study provides valuable insights into the specific context of ASD and highlights the need for further research to explore other neurochemical alterations that may contribute to the pathophysiology of this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Song
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen E Hupfeld
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher W Davies-Jenkins
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Helge J Zöllner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Saipavitra Murali-Manohar
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalie Alessi
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mitchell A Batschelett
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard A E Edden
- The Russel H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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18
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Stojsavljević A, Lakićević N, Pavlović S. Does Lead Have a Connection to Autism? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TOXICS 2023; 11:753. [PMID: 37755763 PMCID: PMC10536388 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants, particularly toxic trace metals with neurotoxic potential, have been related to the genesis of autism. One of these metals that stands out, in particular, is lead (Pb). We conducted an in-depth systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies on Pb levels in biological materials retrieved from autistic children (cases) and neurotypical children (controls) in this work. A systematic review was conducted after the careful selection of published studies according to established criteria to gain a broad insight into the higher or lower levels of Pb in the biological materials of cases and controls, and the findings were then strengthened by a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 17 studies (hair), 13 studies (whole blood), and 8 studies (urine). The overall number of controls/cases was 869/915 (hair), 670/755 (whole blood), and 344/373 (urine). This meta-analysis showed significantly higher Pb levels in all three types of biological material in cases than in controls, suggesting a higher body Pb burden in autistic children. Thus, environmental Pb exposure could be related to the genesis of autism. Since no level of Pb can be considered safe, the data from this study undoubtedly point to the importance of regularly monitoring Pb levels in autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- Innovative Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Novak Lakićević
- Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurosurgery, Ljubljanska bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro;
| | - Slađan Pavlović
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia;
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19
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Özel F, Rüegg J. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and implications for neurodevelopment. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:1005-1011. [PMID: 36808586 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Human brain development is a complex multistep process that is partly coordinated by the endocrine system. Any interference with the endocrine system might affect this process and result in deleterious outcomes. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a large group of exogenous chemicals with the capacity of interfering with endocrine functions. In different population-based settings, associations between exposure to EDCs, particularly in prenatal life, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes have been demonstrated. These findings are strengthened by numerous experimental studies. Although mechanisms underlying these associations are not entirely delineated, disruption of thyroid hormone and, to a lesser extent, sex hormone signalling have been shown to be involved. Humans are constantly exposed to mixtures of EDCs, and further research combining epidemiological and experimental settings is required to improve our understanding of the link between real-life exposures to these chemicals and their impact on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan-WOMHER, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Gao CJ, Yang F, Wu B, Liang Y, Qin YY, Guo Y. A pilot study of several environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals in children with autism spectrum disorder in south China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:964. [PMID: 37462787 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11570-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. Evidence has implied that environmental pollutants are important factors related to ASD. In this study, several environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, triclosan and tetrabromobisphenol A were analyzed in blood plasma in ASD children (n = 34) and the control children (n = 28). The results showed that parabens were the most concentrated chemicals (2.18 ng/mL, median value), followed by hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (0.73 ng/mL), benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (0.14 ng/mL), triclosan (0.13 ng/mL) and tetrabromobisphenol A (0.03 ng/mL). ASD children accumulated significantly lower 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone and triclosan but higher 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and tetrabromobisphenol A than the control children (0.02/0.09 ng/mL of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.04/0.07 ng/mL of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.04 ng/mL of 4-hydroxybenzophenone, p < 0.05; 0.13/1.22 ng/mL of triclosan, p < 0.01; 0.03 ng/mL/not detected of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, p < 0.05; 0.03/0.004 ng/mL of tetrabromobisphenol A, p < 0.05). Gender differences in certain environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals were evident, and the differences were more inclined toward boys. Positive associations between 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and triclosan, and tetrabromobisphenol A and 2-hydroxyphenanthrene were found in ASD boys. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio value of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene in ASD boys was 11.0 (1.45-84.0, p < 0.05). This is the first pilot study on multiple environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in children with ASD in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Jing Gao
- College of Biological and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo, 315100, China.
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Feng Yang
- Speech Therapy Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- School of Resources and Environment, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yan-Yan Qin
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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21
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Song AY, Kauffman EM, Hamra GB, Dickerson AS, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Schmidt RJ, Newschaffer CJ, Fallin MD, Lyall K, Volk HE. Associations of prenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants with social traits and cognitive and adaptive function in early childhood: Findings from the EARLI study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115978. [PMID: 37116678 PMCID: PMC10314748 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature suggests that maternal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may influence child neurodevelopment. Evidence linking prenatal POPs and autism spectrum disorder has been inconclusive and few studies have examined the mixture effect of the POPs on autism-related traits. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations between prenatal exposure to a mixture of POPs and autism-related traits in children from the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation study. METHODS Maternal serum concentrations of 17 POPs (11 polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], 4 polybrominated diphenyls [PBDEs], and 2 persistent pesticides) in 154 samples collected during pregnancy were included in this analysis. We examined the independent associations of the natural log-transformed POPs with social, cognitive, and behavioral traits at 36 months of age, including Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Mullen Scales of Early Learning-Early Learning Composite (MSEL-ELC), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) scores, using linear regression models. We applied Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation to examine the joint effect and interactions of the POPs. RESULTS Higher ln-PBDE47 was associated with greater deficits in social reciprocity (higher SRS score) (β = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.12, 11.65) whereas higher ln-p,p'-DDE was associated with lower social deficits (β = -8.34, 95% CI: -15.32, -1.37). Positive associations were observed between PCB180 and PCB187 and cognitive (MSEL-ELC) scores (β = 5.68, 95% CI: 0.18, 11.17; β = 4.65, 95% CI: 0.14, 9.17, respectively). Adaptive functioning (VABS) scores were positively associated with PCB170, PCB180, PCB187, PCB196/203, and p,p'-DDE. In the mixture analyses, we did not observe an overall mixture effect of POPs on the quantitative traits. Potential interactions between PBDE99 and other PBDEs were identified in association with MSEL-ELC scores. CONCLUSIONS We observed independent effects of PCB180, PCB187, PBDE47, and p,p' DDE with ASD-related quantitative traits and potential interactions between PBDEs. Our findings highlight the importance of assessing the effect of POPs as a mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Y Song
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Wendy Klag Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Ghassan B Hamra
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aisha S Dickerson
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, Davis CA and the UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis, Davis CA and the UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Wendy Klag Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Paudel R, Singh S. Selection of Young Animal Models of Autism over Adult: Benefits and Limitations. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2023; 57:697-712. [PMID: 33447895 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-020-09595-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental broad-spectrum disorder characterized by social interaction, and aberrant restrictive and repetitive behavior. The complex pathophysiology and unexplored drug targets make it difficult to standardize and validate the animal models of autism. The review was purposed for determining the benefits of younger animal models over adult models of autism. Similarly, animal models with respect to age, sex, body weight, number of animals used, along with autism inducing agents have been reviewed in this article. The differentiation of behavioral parameters has shown the benefits in the selection of younger animal models. Thus, we conclude that young and adolescence animal models of autism will be supporting for early detection and interventions with significant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Paudel
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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23
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Curtis MA, Dhamsania RK, Branco RC, Guo JD, Creeden J, Neifer KL, Black CA, Winokur EJ, Andari E, Dias BG, Liu RC, Gourley SL, Miller GW, Burkett JP. Developmental pyrethroid exposure causes a neurodevelopmental disorder phenotype in mice. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad085. [PMID: 37113978 PMCID: PMC10129348 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a widespread and growing public health challenge, affecting as many as 17% of children in the United States. Recent epidemiological studies have implicated ambient exposure to pyrethroid pesticides during pregnancy in the risk for NDDs in the unborn child. Using a litter-based, independent discovery-replication cohort design, we exposed mouse dams orally during pregnancy and lactation to the Environmental Protection Agency's reference pyrethroid, deltamethrin, at 3 mg/kg, a concentration well below the benchmark dose used for regulatory guidance. The resulting offspring were tested using behavioral and molecular methods targeting behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism and NDD, as well as changes to the striatal dopamine system. Low-dose developmental exposure to the pyrethroid deltamethrin (DPE) decreased pup vocalizations, increased repetitive behaviors, and impaired both fear conditioning and operant conditioning. Compared with control mice, DPE mice had greater total striatal dopamine, dopamine metabolites, and stimulated dopamine release, but no difference in vesicular dopamine capacity or protein markers of dopamine vesicles. Dopamine transporter protein levels were increased in DPE mice, but not temporal dopamine reuptake. Striatal medium spiny neurons showed changes in electrophysiological properties consistent with a compensatory decrease in neuronal excitability. Combined with previous findings, these results implicate DPE as a direct cause of an NDD-relevant behavioral phenotype and striatal dopamine dysfunction in mice and implicate the cytosolic compartment as the location of excess striatal dopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Curtis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, USA
| | - Rohan K Dhamsania
- College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA
| | - Rachel C Branco
- Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ji-Dong Guo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Justin Creeden
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Kari L Neifer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, USA
| | - Carlie A Black
- Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Schiemer School of Psychology and Biblical Counseling, Truett McConnell University, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
| | - Emily J Winokur
- College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elissar Andari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Brian G Dias
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics Program, The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Robert C Liu
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Gary W Miller
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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24
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Li K, Liang X, Xie X, Tian L, Yan J, Lin B, Liu H, Lai W, Liu X, Xi Z. Role of SHANK3 in concentrated ambient PM2. 5 exposure induced autism-like phenotype. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14328. [PMID: 36938421 PMCID: PMC10018567 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal air pollution plays an important role in the development of autism. However, research on the pathogenic mechanism remains limited. In this study, the model of systemic inhalation of concentrated approximately 8-fold the level (mean concentration was 224 μg/m3) reported in ambient outdoor air of PM2.5 (particulate matters that are 2.5 μm or less in diameter)in early-postnatal male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established. Through a series of autism-related behavioral tests, it was identified that young rats (postnatal day 1-day21, named PND1-PND21) exposed to PM2.5 exhibited typical autistic phenotypes, such as impaired language communication, abnormal repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and impaired social skills. Moreover, synaptic abnormalities have been found in the brain tissues of young rats exposed to PM2.5. In terms of the molecular mechanism, we found that the levels of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) expression and key molecular proteins in the downstream signaling pathways were decreased in the brain tissues of the exposed rats. Finally, at the epigenetic level, SHANK3 methylation levels were increased in young rats exposed to PM2.5. In conclusion, the study revealed that PM2.5 exposure might induce the early postnatal autism through the SHANK3 signaling pathway by affecting the SHANK3 methylation levels and reducing the SHANK3 expression levels. The study could provide new ideas for autism etiology and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of autism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Xie
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, 300050, China
- Binzhou Medical College, Yantai, 264000, China
- Corresponding author. Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, No. 1, Dali Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300050, PR China.
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25
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Shiani A, Sharafi K, Omer AK, Kiani A, Karamimatin B, Massahi T, Ebrahimzadeh G. A systematic literature review on the association between exposures to toxic elements and an autism spectrum disorder. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159246. [PMID: 36220469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors. There have been many previous studies of toxic metals in ASD. Therefore, the priority of this study is to review the relationships between exposure to toxic metals and ASD. MATERIALS & METHODS This study was based on a comprehensive search of international databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, for all works related to the subject under discussion from 1982 to 2022. We further summarize published data linked to this topic and discuss with clarifying evidence that agrees and conflicts with the association between exposure to toxic metals, including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and aluminum (Al) and ASD. RESULTS 40 out of 63 papers met the requirements for meta-analysis. Blood Pb levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.81; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.36-1.25), blood Hg (SMD = 0.90; CI: 0.30-1.49), hair Pb (SMD = 1.47; CI: 0.03-2.92), urine As (SMD = 0.65; CI: 0.22-1.09), and urine Al levels (SMD = 0.85; CI: 0.40-1.29) in autistic individuals were significantly higher than those of healthy control (HC). Whereas, blood As levels (SMD = 1.33; CI: -1.32-3.97), hair As (SMD = 0.55; CI: -0.14-1.24), hair Cd (SMD = 0.60; CI: -0.31-1.51), hair Hg (SMD = 0.41; CI: -0.30-1.12), hair Al (SMD = 0.87; CI: -0.02-1.77), urine Pb (SMD = -0.68; CI: -2.55-1.20), urine Cd (SMD = -0.26; CI: -0.94-0.41), and urine Hg levels (SMD = 0.47; CI: -0.09-1.04) in autistic individuals were significantly lower than those of HC. CONCLUSION Toxic metal content significantly differed between individuals with ASD and HC in the current meta-analysis. The results assist in clarifying the significance of toxic metals as environmental factors in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shiani
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Clinical Research Development Center, Taleghani and Imam Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Abdullah Khalid Omer
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Razga Company, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
| | - Amir Kiani
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center (RMRC), Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behzad Karamimatin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Tooraj Massahi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
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26
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Amen NE, Eqani SAMAS, Bilal K, Ali N, Rajeh N, Adelman D, Shen H, Lohmann R. Molecularly tracing of children exposure pathways to environmental organic pollutants and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120381. [PMID: 36228862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Organic pollutants (OPs) including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have showed neuro-damaging effects, but studies concerning the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk are limited. A case-control study with ASD (n = 125) and healthy control (n = 125) children was conducted on the different land use settings across Punjab, Pakistan. Serum concentrations of 26 OCPs, 29 PCB congeners, 11 PBDEs and 32 PAHs were measured. Serum PCB77 (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.18), PCB118 (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.00), PCB128 (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.91), PCB153 (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.55, 1.93) were significantly higher, but PCB187 (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.49) was significantly lower in the ASD cases when compared to the controls. Serum BDE99 (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.89) was significantly higher in the healthy controls than in the ASD cases. Among the analyzed OCPs, p,p'-DDE (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.85) was significantly elevated in the ASD cases with comparison in the controls. For PAHs, serum dibenzothiophene (AOR = 7.30; 95% CI: 1.49, 35.85) was significantly higher in the ASD, while perylene (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06, 1.10) and fluorene (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.72) were significantly higher in the controls. In addition, many of the serum pollutants were significantly associated with GSTT1, GSTM1 (null/present polymorphism) and presented the genotypic variation to respond xenobiotics in children. The children living in proximity to urban and industrial areas had a greater exposure to most of the studied pollutants when compared to the rural children, however children residing in rural areas showed higher exposure to OCPs. This comprehensive study documents an association between environmental exposure risk of several organic pollutants (OPs) from some contaminated environmental settings with ASD risk in children from Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabgha-E Amen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan; Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
| | - Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah Eqani
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, PR China.
| | | | - Nadeem Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisreen Rajeh
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College, King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Adelman
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, China
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, R.I., USA
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27
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Shan Q. Trend analysis of the association of urinary metals and obesity in children and adolescents. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135617. [PMID: 35820478 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Based on data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this study investigated whether the association between urinary trace metals and obesity changes with age. A multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between metals and obesity. We built models based on rolling window data with a seven-year time interval to investigate the trend of odd ratios (ORs) in metals. Finally, an application was built to show the trend of the ORs of metals with age. We found that obesity was positively associated with barium but negatively associated with cobalt, cadmium, and lead among children and adolescents. The trend analysis shows that different metals have different trends. Both barium and cobalt showed an age-related trend, and the younger the age, the greater the effect; the former and the latter were positively and negatively correlated with obesity, respectively. Lead showed no trend. The length of the confidence interval of barium's ORs decreased with age, whereas the confidence interval lengths for cobalt's OR values did not show significant changes across age groups. Our results indicate that: 1. The body mass index (BMI) of younger children is more susceptible to certain metals. 2. Barium's effect on young children is highly volatile. 3. The effects of cobalt on children of different ages are less volatile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Shan
- Department of Statistics, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang, 330013, Jiangxi, China.
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28
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Yu T, Chang KC, Kuo PL. Paternal and maternal psychiatric disorders associated with offspring autism spectrum disorders: A case-control study. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 151:469-475. [PMID: 35609363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A family history of psychiatric diseases was suggested as one risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Our aim was to assess the association of paternal and maternal diagnosis of psychiatric disorders with the risk of ASD in offspring in Taiwan. We conducted a population-based case-control study. Using several linked national databases, we obtained 1,000,939 singleton birth records born between 2004 and 2008. We followed these children up to 2015 for cases of ASD, using diagnostic codes in the National Health Insurance databases. There were 8,933 ASD cases and each case was matched to ten controls by sex and year of birth. We extracted their parental diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and performed conditional logistic regression models to assess the association of interest. Our sample included 8,933 cases and 89,330 controls. Eighty-six percent of the sample were boys. After adjustment for parental age, family income, and urbanization, we found that parental psychiatric diseases were significantly associated with ASD, including schizophrenic and psychotic disorders, mood, anxiety and personality disorders, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.32 to 2.39. Notably, the effect estimates were all larger for maternal diagnosis than paternal diagnosis when stratified by mothers or fathers. Cases of ASD are more likely to be born to parents with psychiatric disorders than their counterparts. Maternal psychiatric diagnosis seems to have a larger influence than paternal diagnosis. Both genetics and maternal environmental factors may contribute to the association observed between parental psychiatric diseases and child ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung Yu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., East Dist, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Chia Chang
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, 539 Yuzhong Rd, Rende Dist., Tainan, 717204, Taiwan; Department of Natural Biotechnology, Nan Hua University, 55, Sec. 1, Nanhua Rd, Dalin Township, Chiayi, 622301, Taiwan.
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Rd., East Dist, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan
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Air Quality, Pollution and Sustainability Trends in South Asia: A Population-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127534. [PMID: 35742785 PMCID: PMC9224398 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Worsening air quality and pollution lead to numerous environmental health and sustainability issues in the South Asia region. This study analyzes India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal for air quality data trends and sustainability indicators. Methodology: By using a population-based study design, six South Asian countries were analyzed using a step-wise approach. Data were obtained from government websites and publicly available repositories for region dynamics and key variables. Results: Between 1990 and 2020, air quality data indicated the highest rise in CO2 emissions in India (578.5 to 2441.8 million tons) (MT), Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Greenhouse gas emissions, from 1990 to 2018, nearly tripled in India (1990.4 to 3346.6 MT of CO2-equivalents), Nepal (20.6 to 54.6 MT of CO2-equivalents), and Pakistan, and doubled in Bangladesh. Methane emissions rose the highest in Pakistan (70.4 to 151 MT of CO2-equivalents), followed by Nepal (17 to 31 MT of CO2-equivalents) and India (524.8 to 669.3 MT of CO2-equivalents). Nitrous oxide nearly doubled in Bangladesh (16.5 to 29.3 MT of CO2-equivalents), India (141.6 to 256.9 MT of CO2-equivalents), Nepal (17 to 31 MT of CO2-equivalents), and more than doubled in Pakistan (27 to 61 MT of CO2-equivalents). On noting particulate matter 2,5 annual exposure, India saw the highest rise from 81.3 µg/m3 (in 1990) to 90.9 µg/m3 (2017), whereas trends were steady in Pakistan (60.34 to 58.3 µg/m3). The highest rise was noted in Nepal (87.6 to 99.7 µg/m3) until 2017. During the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic, the pre-and post-pandemic changes between 2018 and 2021 indicated the highest PM2.5 concentration in Bangladesh (76.9 µg/m3), followed by Pakistan (66.8 µg/m3), India (58.1 µg/m3), Nepal (46 µg/m3) and Sri Lanka (17.4 µg/m3). Overall, South Asian countries contribute to the worst air quality and sustainability trends regions worldwide. Conclusions: Air pollution is prevalent across a majority of South Asia countries. Owing to unsustainable industrial practices, pollution trends have risen to hazardous levels. Economic, environmental, and human health impacts have manifested and require urgent, concerted efforts by governing bodies in the region.
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Yang X, Man YB, Wong MH, Owen RB, Chow KL. Environmental health impacts of microplastics exposure on structural organization levels in the human body. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154025. [PMID: 35202683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous prevalence of microplastics pollution has raised concerns about microplastics' potential risks and impacts on the global environment. However, the potential human health risks and impacts of microplastics remain largely unexplored. By providing an overview regarding the interaction of microplastics and human health, this review extends current knowledge on the potential impacts of microplastics pollution on humans from an environmental health perspective. The paper firstly presents the characteristics of microplastics as well as the status of global microplastics pollution. As for human health, the potential hazards of microplastics are reflected by toxic chemical components, vectors of contaminants, and physical damage. Extensive microplastic pollution on ecosystems due to human activities leads to inevitable human exposure, which may occur by dietary, inhalation and/or skin contact. Accordingly, microplastics exposure is closely associated with human health. This study explores the potential interactions of microplastics with the biological organization at various levels, including chemical, cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. The review concludes by highlighting five urgent perspectives and implications for future research on microplastics: 1) Developing a standard terminology and research methods; 2) Reinforcing microplastics pollution governance; 3) Exploring innovative strategies and technologies; 4) Engaging the public and change behaviour; and 5) Adopting a transdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies (LEWI), Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Yu Bon Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Richard Bernhart Owen
- David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies (LEWI), Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China; Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Ka Lai Chow
- Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Therapeutic Effect of Finasteride through its Antiandrogenic and Antioxidant Role in a Propionic acid-induced Autism Model: Demonstrated by Behavioral tests, Histological Findings and MR Spectroscopy’. Neurosci Lett 2022; 779:136622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Xu H, Jia Y, Sun Z, Su J, Liu QS, Zhou Q, Jiang G. Environmental pollution, a hidden culprit for health issues. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:31-45. [PMID: 38078200 PMCID: PMC10702928 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2023]
Abstract
The environmental and health impacts from the massive discharge of chemicals and subsequent pollution have been gaining increasing public concern. The unintended exposure to different pollutants, such as heavy metals, air pollutants and organic chemicals, may cause diverse deleterious effects on human bodies, resulting in the incidence and progression of different diseases. The article reviewed the outbreak of environmental pollution-related public health emergencies, the epidemiological evidence on certain pollution-correlated health effects, and the pathological studies on specific pollutant exposure. By recalling the notable historical life-threatening disasters incurred by local chemical pollution, the damning evidence was presented to criminate certain pollutants as the main culprit for the given health issues. The epidemiological data on the prevalence of some common diseases revealed a variety of environmental pollutants to blame, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), fine particulate matters (PMs) and heavy metals. The retrospection of toxicological studies provided illustrative clues for evaluating ambient pollutant-induced health risks. Overall, environmental pollution, as the hidden culprit, should answer for the increasing public health burden, and more efforts are highly encouraged to strive to explore the cause-and-effect relationships through extensive epidemiological and pathological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yang Jia
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Zhendong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Jiahui Su
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian S. Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Qunfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
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Islam GMR, Rahman MM, Hasan MI, Tadesse AW, Hamadani JD, Hamer DH. Hair, serum and urine chromium levels in children with cognitive defects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case control studies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133017. [PMID: 34813844 PMCID: PMC8792285 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Environmental chromium exposure may cause impaired development of children. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched to identify case-control studies that reported childhood Cr exposure and cognitive development. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to ensure the quality of the included studies. Cr levels were compared in cases and controls, and a random effect meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 16. Twelve of 61 studies identified in the literature search were eligible for this analysis. Hair, serum and urine Cr measurements were reported by seven, two and one studies, respectively. In addition, one study reported both serum and hair Cr exposure and another reported urine and hair Cr exposure. The pooled standard mean differences (SMD) showed that hair Cr levels were non-significantly lower among children with cognitive defects (-0.01 μg/g, 95% CI: -0.04, 00, p = 0.27). In serum and urine, the pooled SMD was higher in children with cognitive deficits compared with healthy control children (0.32 μg/g, 95% CI: -0.78, 1.42, p = 0.56 and 0.64 μg/g, CI: -0.07,1.36, p = 0.08; respectively). In summary, this systematic review found no significant differences in hair, serum and urine Cr levels between children with cognitive deficits and healthy control children when all study data were pooled in the meta-analysis. Larger studies using standardized criteria and longitudinal assessment of cognitive development are needed to determine whether there is a dose response effect of childhood Cr exposure on cognitive development of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Rabiul Islam
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA; Department of Food Engineering and Tea Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Mohammed Imrul Hasan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Amare Worku Tadesse
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, SOAS University of London, UK
| | - Jena Derakhshani Hamadani
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Center for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, Al-Harbi NO, Al-Ayadhi LY, Alanazi MM, Alfardan AS, Attia SM, Algahtani M, Bakheet SA. Dysregulated Nrf2 signaling in response to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in neutrophils of children with autism. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108619. [PMID: 35183033 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by constellation of impaired behaviors that include deficits in social interaction/communication and the presence of restricted/repetitive behavioral patterns. Both genetic component and environmental factors are thought to play a key role in the initiation and progression of ASD. Several environmental factors such as heavy metals and plasticizers are known to affect the progression of ASD. One of the most common pollutants in the environment today is di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is utilized as a plasticizer in several household and office materials which range from medical devices to plastic toys. Children usually get exposed to DEHP at an early age through use of plastic toys and other plastic materials. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-relatedfactor-2 (Nrf2) is a master redox regulator as it controls transcription of several antioxidant genes. DEHP has been reported to cause dysregulation in Nrf2 signaling in vitro/in vivo and ASD subjects also exhibit oxidant-antioxidant imbalance.Therefore, this study attempted to delineate the effect of DEHP on Nrf2 signaling in neutrophils of ASD and typically developing healthy children (TDC) in vitro. Our data display that neutrophils of ASD subjects have dysregulated Nrf2 and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression as compared to TDC subjects. DEHP treatment leads to elevation of oxidant stress in neutrophils of both ASD and TDC subjects, however TDC neutrophils have better antioxidant response to mitigate oxidative stress. This is depicted by enhancement of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in TDC neutrophils in response to DEHP whereas ASD neutrophils fail to do so. These results suggest that plasticizer, DEHP may cause further dysregulation in Nrf2 signaling which may promote progression of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alfardan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Algahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Ramírez V, Gálvez-Ontiveros Y, González-Domenech PJ, Baca MÁ, Rodrigo L, Rivas A. Role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in children's neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111890. [PMID: 34418446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stressors, like endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), are considered important contributors to the increased rates of neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. Considering the cumulative research on adverse neurodevelopmental effects associated with prenatal exposure to EDC, the purpose of this study was to review the available limited literature about the effects of postnatal exposure to EDC on child neurodevelopment and behaviour. Despite widespread children's exposure to EDC, there are a limited number of epidemiological studies on the association of this exposure with neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular in the postnatal period. The available research suggests that postnatal EDC exposure is related to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children; however the underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Timing of exposure is a key factor determining potential neurodevelopmental consequences, hence studying the impact of multiple EDC co-exposure in different vulnerable life periods could guide the identification of sensitive subpopulations. Most of the reviewed studies did not take into account sex differences in the EDC effects on children neurodevelopment. We believe that the inclusion of sex in the study design should be considered as the role of EDC on children neurodevelopment are likely sex-specific and should be taken into consideration when determining susceptibility and potential mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Ramírez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gálvez-Ontiveros
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo José González-Domenech
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Lourdes Rodrigo
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Ana Rivas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
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Williams LA, LaSalle JM. Future Prospects for Epigenetics in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:569-579. [PMID: 35962910 PMCID: PMC9626414 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of investigation into the genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a current consensus in the field persists that ASD risk is too heterogeneous to be diagnosed by a single set of genetic variants. As such, ASD research has broadened to include assessment of other molecular biomarkers implicated in the condition that may be reflective of environmental exposures or gene by environment interactions. Epigenetic variance, and specifically differential DNA methylation, have emerged as areas of particularly high interest to ASD, as the epigenetic markers from specific chromatin loci collectively can reflect influences of multiple genetic and environmental factors and can also result in differential gene expression patterns. This review examines recent studies of the ASD epigenome, detailing common gene pathways found to be differentially methylated in people with ASD, and considers how these discoveries may inform our understanding of ASD etiology. We also consider future applications of epigenetics in ASD research and clinical practice, focusing on substratification, biomarker development, and experimental preclinical models of ASD that test causality. In combination with other -omics approaches, epigenomics allows an improved conceptualization of the multifactorial nature of ASD, and opens future lines of inquiry for both basic research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan A. Williams
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
| | - Janine M. LaSalle
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA ,grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Genome Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA USA
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RamanaRao G. Dr DS Raju oration award-andhra pradesh psychiatry conference 2021-2022. ARCHIVES OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/amh.amh_61_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Zhang X, Huang J, Zheng G, Liang J, Hu B, Lou Z, Li A, Ding Y. Prenatal exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate causes autism-like behavior through inducing Nischarin expression in the mouse offspring. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 585:29-35. [PMID: 34781058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence has suggested a relationship between di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) prenatal exposure and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the underlying mechanisms are still at large unknown. In this study, pregnant mice were intragastrically administered with DEHP once a day from GD 3 to GD 17 and the neurobehavioral changes of offspring were evaluated. In addition to the repetitive stereotyped behaviors, DEHP at the concentration of 50 mg/kg/day and above significantly impaired the sociability of the offspring (P < 0.05) and decreased the density of dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (P < 0.05). At the same time, the expression of Nischarin protein in prefrontal lobe increased (P < 0.05). Similarly, after 12-h incubation of DEHP at the concentration of 100 nM, the total spine density, especially the mushroom and stubby spine populations, significantly decreased in the primary cultured prefrontal cortical neurons (P < 0.05). However, the inhibitory effect of DEHP were reversed by knockdown of Nischarin expression. Collectively, these results suggest that prenatal DEHP exposure induces Nischarin expression, causes dendritic spine loss, and finally leads to autism-like behavior in mouse offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guofen Zheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Jianghong Liang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Boyang Hu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Zhangqi Lou
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Aiqing Li
- Gastroenterology Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yuemin Ding
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
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Sarrouilhe D, Defamie N, Mesnil M. Is the Exposome Involved in Brain Disorders through the Serotoninergic System? Biomedicines 2021; 9:1351. [PMID: 34680468 PMCID: PMC8533279 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101351] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a biogenic monoamine acting as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), local mediator in the gut, and vasoactive agent in the blood. It has been linked to a variety of CNS functions and is implicated in many CNS and psychiatric disorders. The high comorbidity between some neuropathies can be partially understood by the fact that these diseases share a common etiology involving the serotoninergic system. In addition to its well-known functions, serotonin has been shown to be a mitogenic factor for a wide range of normal and tumor cells, including glioma cells, in vitro. The developing CNS of fetus and newborn is particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of neurotoxic substances in our environment, and perinatal exposure could result in the later development of diseases, a hypothesis known as the developmental origin of health and disease. Some of these substances affect the serotoninergic system and could therefore be the source of a silent pandemic of neurodevelopmental toxicity. This review presents the available data that are contributing to the appreciation of the effects of the exposome on the serotoninergic system and their potential link with brain pathologies (neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, neurobehavioral disorders, and glioblastoma).
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 Rue de la Milétrie, Bât D1, TSA 51115, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 Rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (N.D.); (M.M.)
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 Rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (N.D.); (M.M.)
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Alampi JD, Lanphear BP, Braun JM, Chen A, Takaro TK, Muckle G, Arbuckle TE, McCandless LC. Association Between Gestational Exposure to Toxicants and Autistic Behaviors Using Bayesian Quantile Regression. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1803-1813. [PMID: 33779718 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by impaired social communication and stereotypic behaviors, affects 1%-2% of children. Although prenatal exposure to toxicants has been associated with autistic behaviors, most studies have been focused on shifts in mean behavior scores. We used Bayesian quantile regression to assess the associations between log2-transformed toxicant concentrations and autistic behaviors across the distribution of behaviors. We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study, a pan-Canadian cohort (2008-2011). We measured metal, pesticide, polychlorinated biphenyl, phthalate, bisphenol-A, and triclosan concentrations in blood or urine samples collected during the first trimester of pregnancy. Using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), in which higher scores denote more autistic-like behaviors, autistic behaviors were assessed in 478 children aged 3-4 years old. Lead, cadmium, and most phthalate metabolites were associated with mild increases in SRS scores at the 90th percentile of the SRS distribution. Manganese and some pesticides were associated with mild decreases in SRS scores at the 90th percentile of the SRS distribution. We identified several monotonic trends in which associations increased in magnitude from the bottom to the top of the SRS distribution. These results suggest that quantile regression can reveal nuanced relationships and, thus, should be more widely used by epidemiologists.
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Krentzel AA, Kimble LC, Dorris DM, Horman BM, Meitzen J, Patisaul HB. FireMaster® 550 (FM 550) exposure during the perinatal period impacts partner preference behavior and nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neuron electrophysiology in adult male and female prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster. Horm Behav 2021; 134:105019. [PMID: 34182292 PMCID: PMC8403633 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
One of the most widely used flame retardant (FR) mixtures in household products is Firemaster 550 (FM 550). FM 550 leaches from items such as foam-based furniture and infant products, resulting in contamination of the household environment and biota. Previous studies indicate sex-specific behavioral deficits in rodents and zebrafish in response to developmental FM 550 exposure. These deficits include impacts on social and attachment behaviors in a prosocial rodent: the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). The prairie vole is a laboratory-acclimated rodent that exhibits spontaneous attachment behaviors including pair bonding. Here we extend previous work by addressing how developmental exposure to FM 550 impacts pair bonding strength via an extended-time partner preference test, as well as neuron electrophysiological properties in a region implicated in pair bond behavior, the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) core. Dams were exposed to vehicle or 1000 μg of FM 550 via subcutaneous injections throughout gestation, and female and male pups were directly exposed beginning the day after birth until weaning. Pair bond behavior of adult female and male offspring was assessed using a three hour-long partner preference test. Afterwards, acute brain slices of the NAcc core were produced and medium spiny neuron electrophysiological attributes recorded via whole cell patch-clamp. Behavioral impacts were sex-specific. Partner preference behavior was increased in exposed females but decreased in exposed males. Electrophysiological impacts were similar between sexes and specific to attributes related to input resistance. Input resistance was decreased in neurons recorded from both sexes exposed to FM 550 compared to vehicle. This study supports the hypothesis that developmental exposure to FM 550 impacts attachment behaviors and demonstrates a novel FM 550 effect on neural electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Krentzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Laney C Kimble
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - David M Dorris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Brian M Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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42
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Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ahmad SF, Alhazzani K, Attia SM, Alsanea S, Alhoshani A, Mahmood HM, Alfardan AS, Bakheet SA. Exposure to the plasticizer, Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during juvenile period exacerbates autism-like behavior in adult BTBR T + tf/J mice due to DNA hypomethylation and enhanced inflammation in brain and systemic immune cells. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110249. [PMID: 33497755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are known to play a crucial role in the behavioral modifications through regulation of gene expression. Environmental factors are known to regulate genetic transcription through DNA methylation which is one of the mechanisms of epigenetic modification. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most abundant phthalate plasticizers in day-to-day products. Prenatal/postnatal DEHP administration has been reported to cause inflammation as well as behavioral dysregulation, however it is not known if exposure to DEHP during juvenile stage affects peripheral/neuronal inflammation and autism-like symptoms in BTBR mice at adulthood. This study investigated effect of DEHP exposure during juvenile period on DNA methylation (global DNA methylation/DNMT1 expression) and inflammation (IL-17A, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α) in CD4 + T cells/CD11c + DCs and cortex, and autism-like symptoms (three-chambered sociability test, self-grooming and marble burying test) in asocial BTBR and social C57 mice at adulthood. Our data reveal that BTBR mice exposed to DEHP during juvenile period have hypomethylated DNA/DNMT1 expression in CD11c + DCs and cortex as compared to vehicle-exposed BTBR mice. It was associated with upregulated inflammation in periphery [plasma IL-6/IL-17A, CD11c + DCs (IL-6/MCP-1/TNF-α), and CD4+ T cells (IL-17A)] and cortex (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α), and aggravation in autism-like symptoms in DEHP-treated BTBR mice. These data propose that exposure of DEHP during juvenile period may affect autism-like behavior and inflammation in BTBR mice at adulthood through epigenetic regulation. Therefore, underlying genetic predisposition may play a crucial role in worsening of autistic symptoms in ASD subjects in adulthood if they are exposed to environmental pollutants such as DEHP during juvenile period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alhoshani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz M Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alfardan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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43
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The Association of Prenatal Vitamins and Folic Acid Supplement Intake with Odds of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a High-Risk Sibling Cohort, the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2801-2811. [PMID: 34110557 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05110-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
We examined maternal prenatal vitamin use or supplemental folic acid intake during month one of pregnancy for association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation, an enriched-risk pregnancy cohort. Total folic acid intake was calculated from monthly prenatal vitamins, multivitamins, and other supplement reports. Clinical assessments through age 3 years classified children as ASD (n = 38) or non-ASD (n = 153). In pregnancy month one, prenatal vitamin use (59.7%) was not significantly associated with odds of ASD (OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.32, 1.53). Sample size was limited and residual confounding was possible. Given the estimated effect sizes in this and previous work, prenatal vitamin intake during early pregnancy could be a clinically useful preventative measure for ASD.
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Chua RXY, Tay MJY, Ooi DSQ, Siah KTH, Tham EH, Shek LPC, Meaney MJ, Broekman BFP, Loo EXL. Understanding the Link Between Allergy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Current Review of Factors and Mechanisms. Front Neurol 2021; 11:603571. [PMID: 33658968 PMCID: PMC7917177 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that not only impact on the quality of life and but also result in substantial economic burden. Immune dysregulation and inflammation are typical hallmarks in both allergic and neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting converging pathophysiology. Epidemiological studies provided convincing evidence for the link between allergy and neurodevelopmental diseases such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Possible factors influencing the development of these disorders include maternal depression and anxiety, gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal allergic status, diet, exposure to environmental pollutants, microbiome dysbiosis, and sleep disturbances that occur early in life. Moreover, apart from inflammation, epigenetics, gene expression, and mitochondrial dysfunction have emerged as possible underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of these conditions. The exploration and understanding of these shared factors and possible mechanisms may enable us to elucidate the link in the comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regena Xin Yi Chua
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michelle Jia Yu Tay
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Delicia Shu Qin Ooi
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kewin Tien Ho Siah
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth Huiwen Tham
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Birit F P Broekman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Psychiatry, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis and Amsterdam University Medical Centre, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
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45
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, Al-Harbi NO, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Alsanea S, Ali N, Albekairi TH, Alsaleh NB. Aggravation of autism-like behavior in BTBR T+tf/J mice by environmental pollutant, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate: Role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and oxidative enzymes in innate immune cells and cerebellum. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 91:107323. [PMID: 33385713 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in early childhood and is distinguished by recurring behavioral patterns, and dysfunction in social/communication skills. Ubiquitous environmental pollutant, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most frequently used plasticizers in various industrial products, e.g. vinyl flooring, plastic toys, and medical appliances. DEHP gets easily released into the environment and leads to human exposure through various routes. DEHP has been described to be linked with oxidative stress in various organs in animal/human studies. Increased concentration of DEHP has also been detected in ASD children which indicates an association between phthalates exposure and ASD. However, effect of DEHP on autism-like behavior has not been investigated previously. Therefore, this study probed the effect of DEHP on autism-like behavior (marble burying, self-grooming and sociability) and innate immune cells (dendritic cells/neutrophils)/cerebellar oxidant-antioxidant balance (NFkB, iNOS, NADPH oxidase, nitrotyrosine, lipid peroxides, Nrf2, SOD, GPx) in BTBR and C57 mice. Our data show that DEHP treatment causes worsening of autism-like behavior in BTBR mice which is associated with enhancement of oxidative stress in innate immune cells and cerebellum with concomitant lack of antioxidant protection. DEHP also causes oxidative stress in C57 mice in both innate immune cells and cerebellar compartment, however there is Nrf2-mediated induction of enzymatic antioxidants which protects them from upregulated oxidative stress. This proposes the notion that ubiquitous environmental pollutants such as DEHP may be involved in the pathogenesis/progression of ASD through dysregulation of antioxidant-antioxidant balance in innate immune cells and cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser B Alsaleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Hogberg HT, de Cássia da Silveira E Sá R, Kleensang A, Bouhifd M, Cemiloglu Ulker O, Smirnova L, Behl M, Maertens A, Zhao L, Hartung T. Organophosphorus flame retardants are developmental neurotoxicants in a rat primary brainsphere in vitro model. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:207-228. [PMID: 33078273 PMCID: PMC7811506 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to regulatory bans and voluntary substitutions, halogenated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (FR) are increasingly substituted by mainly organophosphorus FR (OPFR). Leveraging a 3D rat primary neural organotypic in vitro model (rat brainsphere), we compare developmental neurotoxic effects of BDE-47-the most abundant PBDE congener-with four OPFR (isopropylated phenyl phosphate-IPP, triphenyl phosphate-TPHP, isodecyl diphenyl phosphate-IDDP, and tricresyl phosphate (also known as trimethyl phenyl phosphate)-TMPP). Employing mass spectroscopy-based metabolomics and transcriptomics, we observe at similar human-relevant non-cytotoxic concentrations (0.1-5 µM) stronger developmental neurotoxic effects by OPFR. This includes toxicity to neurons in the low µM range; all FR decrease the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA (except BDE-47 and TPHP). Furthermore, n-acetyl aspartate (NAA), considered a neurologic diagnostic molecule, was decreased by all OPFR. At similar concentrations, the FR currently in use decreased plasma membrane dopamine active transporter expression, while BDE-47 did not. Several findings suggest astrogliosis induced by the OPFR, but not BDE-47. At the 5 µM concentrations, the OPFR more than BDE-47 interfered with myelination. An increase of cytokine gene and receptor expressions suggests that exposure to OPFR may induce an inflammatory response. Pathway/category overrepresentation shows disruption in 1) transmission of action potentials, cell-cell signaling, synaptic transmission, receptor signaling, (2) immune response, inflammation, defense response, (3) cell cycle and (4) lipids metabolism and transportation. Taken together, this appears to be a case of regretful substitution with substances not less developmentally neurotoxic in a primary rat 3D model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Rita de Cássia da Silveira E Sá
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mounir Bouhifd
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ozge Cemiloglu Ulker
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Maertens
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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47
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
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48
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Alzghoul L, Al-Eitan LN, Aladawi M, Odeh M, Abu Hantash O. The Association Between Serum Vitamin D3 Levels and Autism Among Jordanian Boys. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3149-3154. [PMID: 30993503 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04017-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study assesses the correlation between vitamin-D deficiency and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jordan. We performed a case-controlled cross-sectional analysis to assess vitamin D levels in 83 children with ASD aged less than 8 years old compared to 106 healthy controls. In addition, the association between vitamin D deficiencies and gastrointestinal (GI) complains and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities commonly found in children with ASD was investigated. Vitamin D levels in ASD patients were significantly lower. Also, Vitamin D levels in ASD patients had significant correlation with GI complains, but no correlation between vitamin D levels and Ca2+or EEG abnormalities was detected. These data suggest a possible role for vitamin D deficiency in the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Alzghoul
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
| | - Laith N Al-Eitan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Maher Odeh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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49
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Bjørklund G, Tinkov AA, Hosnedlová B, Kizek R, Ajsuvakova OP, Chirumbolo S, Skalnaya MG, Peana M, Dadar M, El-Ansary A, Qasem H, Adams JB, Aaseth J, Skalny AV. The role of glutathione redox imbalance in autism spectrum disorder: A review. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 160:149-162. [PMID: 32745763 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of glutathione in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is emerging as a major topic, due to its role in the maintenance of the intracellular redox balance. Several studies have implicated glutathione redox imbalance as a leading factor in ASD, and both ASD and many other neurodevelopmental disorders involve low levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), high levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and abnormalities in the expressions of glutathione-related enzymes in the blood or brain. Glutathione metabolism, through its impact on redox environment or redox-independent mechanisms, interferes with multiple mechanisms involved in ASD pathogenesis. Glutathione-mediated regulation of glutamate receptors [e.g., N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor], as well as the role of glutamate as a substrate for glutathione synthesis, may be involved in the regulation of glutamate excitotoxicity. However, the interaction between glutathione and glutamate in the pathogenesis of brain diseases may vary from synergism to antagonism. Modulation of glutathione is also associated with regulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) and downstream signaling (proinflammatory cytokines and inducible enzymes), thus providing a significant impact on neuroinflammation. Mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as neuronal apoptosis, may also provide a significant link between glutathione metabolism and ASD. Furthermore, it has been recently highlighted that glutathione can affect and modulate DNA methylation and epigenetics. Review analysis including research studies meeting the required criteria for analysis showed statistically significant differences between the plasma GSH and GSSG levels as well as GSH:GSSG ratio in autistic patients compared with healthy individuals (P = 0.0145, P = 0.0150 and P = 0.0202, respectively). Therefore, the existing data provide a strong background on the role of the glutathione system in ASD pathogenesis. Future research is necessary to investigate the role of glutathione redox signaling in ASD, which could potentially also lead to promising therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo I Rana, Norway.
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems, Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
| | - Božena Hosnedlová
- Department of Human Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; CONEM Metallomics Nanomedicine Research Group (CMNRG), Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rene Kizek
- Department of Human Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; CONEM Metallomics Nanomedicine Research Group (CMNRG), Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Pharmacy with Division of Laboratory Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga P Ajsuvakova
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems, Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
| | - Margarita G Skalnaya
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems, Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
| | | | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; CONEM Saudi Autism Research Group, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Qasem
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; CONEM Saudi Autism Research Group, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - James B Adams
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems, Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia
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de Abreu MS, Genario R, Giacomini AC, Demin KA, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Fontana BD, Parker MO, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish as a Model of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 445:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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