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Hofsink N, Groenink L, Plösch T. The fetal programming effect of maternal immune activation (MIA) on the offspring's immune system. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:14. [PMID: 39212791 PMCID: PMC11364800 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The first 1000 days of life is a critical period of development in which adverse circumstances can have long-term consequences for the child's health. Maternal immune activation is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the child. Aberrant immune responses have been reported in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, lasting effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring's immune system have been reported. Taken together, this indicates that the effect of maternal immune activation is not limited to the central nervous system. Here, we explore the impact of maternal immune activation on the immune system of the offspring. We first describe the development of the immune system and provide an overview of reported alterations in the cytokine profiles, immune cell profiles, immune cell function, and immune induction in pre-clinical models. Additionally, we highlight recent research on the impact of maternal COVID-19 exposure on the neonatal immune system and the potential health consequences for the child. Our review shows that maternal immune activation alters the offspring's immune system under certain conditions, but the reported effects are conflicting and inconsistent. In general, epigenetic modifications are considered the mechanism for fetal programming. The available data was insufficient to identify specific pathways that may contribute to immune programming. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, more research now focuses on the possible health effects of maternal immune activation on the offspring. Future research addressing the offspring's immune response to maternal immune activation can elucidate specific pathways that contribute to fetal immune programming and the long-term health effects for the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hofsink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Department of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg School VI - School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, Section of Neonatology, and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Oldenburg, Germany
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Nezamuldeen L, Jafri MS. Boolean Modeling of Biological Network Applied to Protein-Protein Interaction Network of Autism Patients. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:606. [PMID: 39194544 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Cellular molecules interact with one another in a structured manner, defining a regulatory network topology that describes cellular mechanisms. Genetic mutations alter these networks' pathways, generating complex disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Boolean models have assisted in understanding biological system dynamics since Kauffman's 1969 discovery, and various analytical tools for regulatory networks have been developed. This study examined the protein-protein interaction network created in our previous publication of four ASD patients using the SPIDDOR R package, a Boolean model-based method. The aim is to examine how patients' genetic variations in INTS6L, USP9X, RSK4, FGF5, FLNA, SUMF1, and IDS affect mTOR and Wnt cell signaling convergence. The Boolean network analysis revealed abnormal activation levels of essential proteins such as β-catenin, MTORC1, RPS6, eIF4E, Cadherin, and SMAD. These proteins affect gene expression, translation, cell adhesion, shape, and migration. Patients 1 and 2 showed consistent patterns of increased β-catenin activity and decreased MTORC1, RPS6, and eIF4E activity. However, patient 2 had an independent decrease in Cadherin and SMAD activity due to the FLNA mutation. Patients 3 and 4 have an abnormal activation of the mTOR pathway, which includes the MTORC1, RPS6, and eIF4E genes. The shared mTOR pathway behavior in these patients is explained by a shared mutation in two closely related proteins (SUMF1 and IDS). Diverse activities in β-catenin, MTORC1, RPS6, eIF4E, Cadherin, and SMAD contributed to the reported phenotype in these individuals. Furthermore, it unveiled the potential therapeutic options that could be suggested to these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nezamuldeen
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohsin Saleet Jafri
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Benazzato C, Lojudice F, Pöehlchen F, Leite PEC, Manucci AC, Van der Linden V, Jungmann P, Sogayar MC, Bruni-Cardoso A, Russo FB, Beltrão-Braga P. Zika virus vertical transmission induces neuroinflammation and synapse impairment in brain cells derived from children born with Congenital Zika Syndrome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18002. [PMID: 39097642 PMCID: PMC11297915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65392-8] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first reported in 2015 in Brazil as causing microcephaly and other developmental abnormalities in newborns, leading to the identification of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Viral infections have been considered an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders outcome, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Moreover, not only the infection per se, but maternal immune system activation during pregnancy, has been linked to fetal neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the impact of ZIKV vertical infection on brain development, we derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from Brazilian children born with CZS, some of the patients also being diagnosed with ASD. Comparing iPSC-derived neurons from CZS with a control group, we found lower levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins and reduced functional synapses by puncta co-localization. Furthermore, neurons and astrocytes derived from the CZS group showed decreased glutamate levels. Additionally, the CZS group exhibited elevated levels of cytokine production, one of which being IL-6, already associated with the ASD phenotype. These preliminary findings suggest that ZIKV vertical infection may cause long-lasting disruptions in brain development during fetal stages, even in the absence of the virus after birth. These disruptions could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders manifestations such as ASD. Our study contributes with novel knowledge of the CZS outcomes and paves the way for clinical validation and the development of potential interventions to mitigate the impact of ZIKV vertical infection on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Benazzato
- Microbiology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-II), University of São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1374, 2Nd Floor, Room 235, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernando Lojudice
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Felizia Pöehlchen
- Microbiology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-II), University of São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1374, 2Nd Floor, Room 235, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Paulo Emílio Corrêa Leite
- Clinical Research Unit of the Antonio Pedro Hospital, Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, 24220-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Manucci
- Biochemistry Department, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Jungmann
- Pathology Department, University of Pernambuco, Recife, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, 01246-903, Brazil
- Biochemistry Department, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Bruni-Cardoso
- Biochemistry Department, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Fabiele B Russo
- Microbiology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-II), University of São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1374, 2Nd Floor, Room 235, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
| | - Patricia Beltrão-Braga
- Microbiology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB-II), University of São Paulo, Av. Prof Lineu Prestes, 1374, 2Nd Floor, Room 235, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
- Institute Pasteur of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lucio Martins Rodrigues 370, A-Building, 4Th Floor, São Paulo-SP, 05508-020, Brazil.
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Alwetaid MY, Almanaa TN, Bakheet SA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Hussein MH, Attia MSM, Ahmad SF. Aflatoxin B 1 exposure exacerbates chemokine receptor expression in the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J Mouse Model, unveiling insights into autism spectrum disorder: A focus on brain and spleen. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108599. [PMID: 38679149 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108599] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repeated stereotypic behaviour. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent and well-known mycotoxin in various food sources. Despite its propensity to generate significant biochemical and structural changes in human and animal tissues, the influence of AFB1 on ASD has yet to be thoroughly studied. Mounting evidence indicates that chemokine receptors play a crucial function in the central nervous system and are implicated in developing several neuroinflammatory disorders. Chemokine receptors in individuals with ASD were elevated in the anterior cingulate gyrus astrocytes, cerebellum, and brain. METHODS The BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are inbred strains that exhibit strong and consistently observed deficits in social interactions, characterized by excessive self-grooming and limited vocalization in social contexts. We examined the impact of AFB1 on CCR3-, CCR7-, CCR9-, CXCR3-, CXCR4-, and CXCR6-expressing I-A/I-E+ cells in the spleen of the BTBR mouse model of autism. We evaluated the mRNA levels of CCR3, CCR7, CCR9, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR6 chemokine receptors in the brain. RESULTS The exposure to AFB1 in BTBR mice resulted in a significant rise in the number of I-A/I-E+CCR3+, I-A/I-E+CCR7+, I-A/I-E+CCR9+, I-A/I-E+CXCR3+, I-A/I-E+CXCR4+, and I-A/I-E+CXCR6+ cells. Furthermore, exposure to AFB1 increased mRNA expression levels of CCR3, CCR7, CCR9, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR6 in the brain. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that AFB1 exposure increases the expression of chemokine receptors in BTBR mice, indicating the necessity for further research into AFB1's role in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, 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
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- 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
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S M Attia
- 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.
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Amnuaylojaroen T, Parasin N, Saokaew S. Exploring the association between early-life air pollution exposure and autism spectrum disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108582. [PMID: 38556115 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108582] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between air pollution and the vulnerability of children to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A thorough examination and analysis of data obtained from a compilation of 14 studies was undertaken, with a particular emphasis on investigating the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxide of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on individuals diagnosed with ASD. The findings demonstrate a moderate association between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ASD, as indicated by a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.13 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) spanning from 0.77 to 1.549. O3 shows a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.82, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.49 to 1.14. NOx shows a moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 75.9%, p = 0.002), suggesting that the impact of NOx on the risk of ASD. There is a statistically significant relationship between exposure to O3 and ASD, although the strength of this relationship is diminished. The findings demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 and the occurrence of ASD. The study found a significant correlation, in relation to PM2.5, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.11 to 1.34. The findings have significant implications for the formulation of programs aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen
- School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change Research Units, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.
| | - Nichapa Parasin
- School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and Integration (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:229-241. [PMID: 38680981 PMCID: PMC11046725 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.24022004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation. Appeared originally in Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - R J Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - P Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
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7
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Salari Z, Moslemizadeh A, Tezerji SS, Sabet N, Parizi AS, Khaksari M, Sheibani V, Jafari E, Shafieipour S, Bashiri H. Sex-dependent alterations of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and histopathology of the brain-gut axis in a VPA-induced autistic-like model of rats. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2310. [PMID: 38563145 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2310] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this study, we aimed to investigate the inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and histopathological consequences of the brain-gut axis in male and female rats prenatally exposed to VPA. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. The animals received saline, and valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). All offspring were weaned on postnatal day 21, and the experiments were done in male and female rats on day 60. The brain and intestine tissues were extracted to assess histopathology, inflammation, and oxidative stress. RESULTS An increase of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and a decrease of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were observed in the two sexes and two tissues of the autistic rats. In the VPA-exposed animals, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) increased in the brain of both sexes and the intestines of only the males. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) significantly decreased in both tissues of male and female autistic groups. Histopathological evaluation showed that the %apoptosis of the cortex in the autistic male and female groups was more than in controls whereas this parameter in the CA1 and CA3 was significant only in the male rats. In the intestine, histopathologic changes were seen only in the male autistic animals. CONCLUSION The inflammatory and antioxidant factors were in line in the brain-gut axis in male and female rats prenatally exposed to VPA. Histopathological consequences were more significant in the VPA-exposed male animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Salari
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Sara Sheibani Tezerji
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center for Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nazanin Sabet
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Saeidpour Parizi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khaksari
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Jafari
- Pathology and Stem Cells Research Center, Department of Pathology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Shafieipour
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamideh Bashiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Kovacheva E, Gevezova M, Maes M, Sarafian V. Mast Cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder-The Enigma to Be Solved? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2651. [PMID: 38473898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052651] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disturbance of neurodevelopment with a complicated pathogenesis and unidentified etiology. Many children with ASD have a history of "allergic symptoms", often in the absence of mast cell (MC)-positive tests. Activation of MCs by various stimuli may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, contributing to the development of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge on the relationship between MCs and ASD by discussing key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Cytokines, essential marker molecules for MC degranulation and therapeutic targets, are also highlighted. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, are the main points contributing to solving the enigma. Key molecules, associated with MCs, may provide new insights to the discovery of drug targets for modeling inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Fitness and Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Suprunowicz M, Tomaszek N, Urbaniak A, Zackiewicz K, Modzelewski S, Waszkiewicz N. Between Dysbiosis, Maternal Immune Activation and Autism: Is There a Common Pathway? Nutrients 2024; 16:549. [PMID: 38398873 PMCID: PMC10891846 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040549] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Growing evidence highlights an important role of the gut-brain-microbiome axis in the pathogenesis of ASD. Research indicates an abnormal composition of the gut microbiome and the potential involvement of bacterial molecules in neuroinflammation and brain development disruptions. Concurrently, attention is directed towards the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and impaired intestinal tightness. This comprehensive review emphasizes the potential impact of maternal gut microbiota changes on the development of autism in children, especially considering maternal immune activation (MIA). The following paper evaluates the impact of the birth route on the colonization of the child with bacteria in the first weeks of life. Furthermore, it explores the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-17a and mother's obesity as potentially environmental factors of ASD. The purpose of this review is to advance our understanding of ASD pathogenesis, while also searching for the positive implications of the latest therapies, such as probiotics, prebiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation, targeting the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation. This review aims to provide valuable insights that could instruct future studies and treatments for individuals affected by ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Modzelewski
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok, pl. Wołodyjowskiego 2, 15-272 Białystok, Poland; (M.S.); (N.T.); (A.U.); (K.Z.); (N.W.)
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10
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Tamayo JM, Osman HC, Schwartzer JJ, Ashwood P. The influence of asthma on neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment: From epidemiology to basic models. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:218-228. [PMID: 38070621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a highly heterogeneous inflammatory disease that can have a significant effect on both the respiratory system and central nervous system. Population based studies and animal models have found asthma to be comorbid with a number of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this article, we review the most current epidemiological studies of asthma that identify links to neurological conditions, both as it relates to individuals that suffer from asthma and the impacts asthma during pregnancy may have on offspring neurodevelopment. We also discuss the relevant animal models investigating these links, address the gaps in knowledge, and explore the potential future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Tamayo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hadley C Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jared J Schwartzer
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and the M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA 95817, USA.
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11
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Ali M, Kamran M, Talha M, Shad MU. Adiponectin blood levels and autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:88. [PMID: 38297246 PMCID: PMC10832114 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the relationship between adiponectin levels and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children. BACKGROUND ASDs are associated with pervasive social interaction and communication abnormalities. Researchers have studied various pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ASDs to identify predictors for an early diagnosis to optimize treatment outcomes. Immune dysfunction, perhaps mediated by a decrease in anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin, along with changes in other adipokines, may play a central role in increasing the risk for ASDs. However, other factors, such as low maternal vitamin D levels, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, cardio-metabolic diseases, preterm delivery, and oxytocin gene polymorphism may also contribute to increased risk for ASDs. METHODS Searches on the database; PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane using keywords; adiponectin, adipokines, ASD, autism, autistic disorder, included English-language studies published till September 2022. Data were extracted on mean differences between adiponectin levels in children with and without ASDs. RESULTS The search yielded six studies providing data on adiponectin levels in young patients with ASDs. As can be seen from Table 1, four of the six studies were positive for an inverse correlation between ASD and adiponectin levels. In addition, two of the four positive and one negative studies found low adiponectin levels associated with and the severity of autistic symptoms. However, results from one reviewed study were insignificant. CONCLUSION Most studies reviewed yielded lower adiponectin levels in children with ASDs as well as the severity of autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsan Ali
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Maha Kamran
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Talha
- Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical college and institute of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mujeeb U Shad
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- The Valley Health System, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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12
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Butera A, De Simone R, Potenza RL, Sanchez M, Armida M, Campanile D, Di Carlo N, Trenta F, Boirivant M, Ricceri L. Effects of a gut-selective integrin-targeted therapy in male mice exposed to early immune activation, a model for the study of autism spectrum disorder. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:89-100. [PMID: 37793488 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To clarify the role of gut mucosal immunity in ASD, we evaluated, in the early-life immune activation (EIA) mouse model, the effects of administration of a monoclonal antibody directed against the integrin alpha4 beta7 (α4β7 mAb), blocking the leukocyte homing into the gut mucosa. EIA is a double-hit variant of the maternal immune-activation (MIA) model, including both prenatal (Poly I:C) and postnatal (LPS) immune challenges. In C57BL6/J EIA male adult offspring mice, IL-1β and IL-17A mRNA colonic tissue content increased when compared with controls. Cytofluorimetric analyses of lymphocytes isolated from mesenteric lymph-nodes (MLN) and spleens of EIA mice show increased percentage of total and CD4+α4β7+, unstimulated and stimulated IL-17A+ and stimulated IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in MLN and CD4+α4β7+ unstimulated and stimulated IL-17A+ and stimulated IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in the spleen. Treatment with anti-α4β7 mAb in EIA male mice was associated with colonic tissue IL-1β, and IL-17A mRNA content and percentage of CD4+ IL-17A+ and IFN-γ+ lymphocytes in MLN and spleens comparable to control mice. The anti-α4β7 mAb treatment rescue social novelty deficit showed in the three-chamber test by EIA male mice. Increased levels of IL-6 and IL-1β and decreased CD68 and TGF-β mRNAs were also observed in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of EIA male mice together with a reduction of BDNF mRNA levels in all brain regions examined. Anti-α4β7 mAb treatment restored the expression of BDNF, TGF-β and CD68 in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Improvement of the gut inflammatory status, obtained by a pharmacological agent acting exclusively at gut level, ameliorates some ASD behavioral features and the neuroinflammatory status. Data provide the first preclinical indication for a therapeutic strategy against gut-immune activation in ASD subjects with peripheral increase of gut-derived (α4β7+) lymphocytes expressing IL-17A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Butera
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta De Simone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Sanchez
- Cytometry Unit-Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Campanile
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Di Carlo
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Trenta
- Center for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Boirivant
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Lv S, He E, Luo J, Liu Y, Liang W, Xu S, Zhang K, Yang Y, Wang M, Song Y, Wu Y, Cai X. Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neurons on Microelectrode Arrays to Model Neurological Disease: A Review. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301828. [PMID: 37863819 PMCID: PMC10667858 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301828] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In situ physiological signals of in vitro neural disease models are essential for studying pathogenesis and drug screening. Currently, an increasing number of in vitro neural disease models are established using human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived neurons (hiPSC-DNs) to overcome interspecific gene expression differences. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) can be readily interfaced with two-dimensional (2D), and more recently, three-dimensional (3D) neural stem cell-derived in vitro models of the human brain to monitor their physiological activity in real time. Therefore, MEAs are emerging and useful tools to model neurological disorders and disease in vitro using human iPSCs. This is enabling a real-time window into neuronal signaling at the network scale from patient derived. This paper provides a comprehensive review of MEA's role in analyzing neural disease models established by hiPSC-DNs. It covers the significance of MEA fabrication, surface structure and modification schemes for hiPSC-DNs culturing and signal detection. Additionally, this review discusses advances in the development and use of MEA technology to study in vitro neural disease models, including epilepsy, autism spectrum developmental disorder (ASD), and others established using hiPSC-DNs. The paper also highlights the application of MEAs combined with hiPSC-DNs in detecting in vitro neurotoxic substances. Finally, the future development and outlook of multifunctional and integrated devices for in vitro medical diagnostics and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Enhui He
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- The State Key Lab of Brain‐Machine IntelligenceZhejiang UniversityHangzhou321100China
| | - Jinping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Wei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Shihong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Mixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yilin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Yirong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Xinxia Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer TechnologyAerospace Information Research InstituteChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
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14
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Al-Ayadhi L, Abualnaja A, AlZarroug A, Alharbi T, Alhowikan AM, Halepoto DM, Al-Mazidi S. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Protein 8 (ADAM 8) in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to Neuroinflammation. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:1771-1780. [PMID: 37601825 PMCID: PMC10438429 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s408554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Converging lines of evidence confirmed neuroinflammation's role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiological pathway. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) play major roles in inflammatory and allergic processes in various diseases. Aim This study aimed to investigate ADAM8 plasma levels in autistic children compared to healthy controls. Also, to discover the association between ADAM8, disease severity, and neuroinflammation in ASD. Methodology This case-control study included children with ASD (n=40) and aged-matched healthy controls (n=40). The plasma levels of the ADAM 8 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The assessment of ASD severity and social and sensory behaviors were categorized as mild, moderate and severe. Correlations among ADAM8 plasma levels and ASD severity scores [Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Short Sensory Profile (SSP)] were obtained by Spearman correlation coefficient (r). Results ASD children (n=40), including severe autism (n=21) and mild-to-moderate autism (n=19), showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower plasma levels of ADAM8 [4683 (2885-5229); 4663 (4060-5000); 4632 (2885-5229)], respectively, than those of healthy controls [5000 (4047-5000)] [median (IQR) pg/mL]. However, there was no significant difference between the ADAM8 levels of children with severe and mild-to-moderate autism (p = 0.71). Moreover, ADAM8 plasma levels were not significantly correlated with the severity of ASD measured by behavioral scales [CARS (r= -0.11, p=0.55), SRS (r=0.11, p= 0.95), SSP (r=-0.23, p=0.23)]. Conclusion The low ADAM8 plasma levels in children with ASD possibly indicated that ADAM8 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD but not in the severity of the disease. These results should be interpreted with caution until additional studies are carried out with larger populations to decide whether the reduction in plasma ADAM8 levels is a mere consequence of ASD or if it plays a pathogenic role in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Abualnaja
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah AlZarroug
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman M Alhowikan
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dost M Halepoto
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Al-Mazidi
- College of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia
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15
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McCanlies EC, Gu JK, Kashon M, Yucesoy B, Ma CC, Sanderson WT, Kim K, Ludeña-Rodriguez YJ, Hertz-Picciotto I. Parental occupational exposure to solvents and autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory look at gene-environment interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115769. [PMID: 37004853 PMCID: PMC10273405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin C McCanlies
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Ja Kook Gu
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Michael Kashon
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Berran Yucesoy
- Former Affiliate of Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Claudia C Ma
- Former Affiliate of Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | | | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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16
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Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil A, Anjan Sawale R, Claude Vanwalleghem G. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00142-3. [PMID: 37301234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Inge Schytz Andersen-Civil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Rajlakshmi Anjan Sawale
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gilles Claude Vanwalleghem
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience - DANDRITE, Nordic-EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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17
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Cao W, Luo C, Fan Z, Lei M, Cheng X, Shi Z, Mao F, Xu Q, Fu Z, Zhang Q. Analysis of potential biomarkers and immune infiltration in autism based on bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33340. [PMID: 37171362 PMCID: PMC10174422 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by both environmental and genetic factors. However, its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to establish an immune-related diagnostic model for ASD using bioinformatics methods and to identify ASD biomarkers. Two ASD datasets, GSE18123 and GSE29691, were integrated into the gene expression Database to eliminate batch effects. 41 differentially expressed genes were identified by microarray data linear model (limma package). Based on the results of the immune infiltration analysis, we speculated that neutrophils, B cells naive, CD8+ T cells, and Tregs are potential core immune cells in ASD and participate in the occurrence of ASD. Finally, the differential genes and immune infiltration in ASD and non-ASD patients were compared, and the most relevant genes were selected to construct the first immune correlation prediction model of ASD. After the calculation, the model exhibited better accuracy. The calculations show that the model has good accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Cao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenghan Luo
- Orthopeadics Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaohan Fan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Lei
- Health Care Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinru Cheng
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zanyang Shi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengxia Mao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qianya Xu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaoqin Fu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Clinical Treatment and Follow-up Center for High-risk Newborns of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Developmental Disorders, Zhengzhou, China
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Alomar HA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Mazroua HA, Hussein MH, Alqarni SA, Ahmad SF. A potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist improves neuroimmune dysregulation through the inhibition of NF-κB and notch inflammatory signaling in the BTBR mouse model of autism. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 377:578069. [PMID: 36931207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism comprises a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Chemokine receptor CXCR2 is expressed on neurons and is upregulated in neurological disorders. BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model for autism that shows the core features of ASD. Here, we studied the anti-inflammatory effect of a potent and selective CXCR2 antagonist SB332235 in the BTBR mice. The CXCR2 antagonist represents a promising therapeutic agent for several neuroinflammatory disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of SB332235 administration on NF-κB-, Notch-1-, Notch-3-, GM-CSF-, MCP-1-, IL-6-, and IL-2- and TGF-β1-expressing CD40+ cells in BTBR and C57BL/6 (C57) mice in the spleen cells by flow cytometry. We further assessed the effect of SB332235 treatment on NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2 mRNA expression levels in the brain tissue by RT-PCR. We also explored the effect of SB332235 administration on NF-κB, GM-CSF, IL-6, and TGF-β1 protein expression levels in the brain tissue by western blotting. The SB332235-treated BTBR mice significantly decreases in CD40 + NF-κB+, CD40 + Notch-1+, CD40 + Notch-3+, CD40 + GM-CSF+, CD40 + MCP-1+, CD40 + IL-6+, and CD40 + IL-2+, and increases in CD40 + TGF-β1+ in the spleen cells. Our results further demonstrated that BTBR mice treated with SB332235 effectively decreased NF-κB, Notch-1, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-2, increasing TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression levels in the brain tissue. In conclusion, these results indicate that SB332235 elicits an anti-inflammatory response by downregulating the inflammatory mediators and NF-κB/Notch inflammatory signaling in BTBR mice. This could represent a promising novel therapeutic target for autism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatun A Alomar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- 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
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haneen A Al-Mazroua
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqarni
- 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.
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Preliminary Findings of Elevated Inflammatory Plasma Cytokines in Children with Autism Who Have Co-Morbid Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020436. [PMID: 36830973 PMCID: PMC9952966 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (AU) is present in approximately 2% of the population and is often associated with co-morbidities that can impact quality of life. One of the most common co-morbidities in autism is the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms consisting of irregular bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habit. Evidence of immune infiltration and immune activation has been shown in the ileum and colon of children with AU with GI symptoms. Moreover, immune dysfunction is a contributing factor in many GI diseases, and we hypothesize that it would be more apparent in children with AU that exhibit GI symptoms than those who do not present with GI symptoms. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine whether there are altered cytokine levels in plasma in children with AU with GI symptoms compared with children with AU without GI symptoms, typically developing (TD) children with GI symptoms and TD children without GI symptoms, from the same population-based cohort. Plasma cytokine levels were assessed by multiplex assays. No differences in plasma cytokines were observed in TD controls with or without GI symptoms; however, many innate (IL-1α, TNFα, GM-CSF, IFNα) and adaptive cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-12p70) were increased in AU children with GI symptoms compared with children with AU with no GI symptoms. The mucosal relevant cytokine IL-15 was increased in AU with GI symptoms compared with all groups. In contrast, the regulatory cytokine IL-10, was reduced in AU with GI symptoms and may suggest an imbalance in pro-inflammatory/regulatory signals. These data suggest that children with AU and GI symptoms have an imbalance in their immune response that is evident in their circulating plasma cytokine levels. A finding that could point to potential therapeutic and/or monitoring strategies for GI issues in AU.
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Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254. [PMID: 36494048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation.
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21
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Breach MR, Lenz KM. Sex Differences in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Key Role for the Immune System. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 62:165-206. [PMID: 35435643 PMCID: PMC10286778 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are prominent defining features of neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding the sex biases in these disorders can shed light on mechanisms leading to relative risk and resilience for the disorders, as well as more broadly advance our understanding of how sex differences may relate to brain development. The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders is increasing, and the two most common neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit male-biases in prevalence rates and sex differences in symptomology. While the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and their sex differences remain to be fully understood, increasing evidence suggests that the immune system plays a critical role in shaping development. In this chapter we discuss sex differences in prevalence and symptomology of ASD and ADHD, review sexual differentiation and immune regulation of neurodevelopment, and discuss findings from human and rodent studies of immune dysregulation and perinatal immune perturbation as they relate to potential mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. This chapter will give an overview of how understanding sex differences in neuroimmune function in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders could lend insight into their etiologies and better treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela R Breach
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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22
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Nour-Eldine W, Ltaief SM, Abdul Manaph NP, Al-Shammari AR. In search of immune cellular sources of abnormal cytokines in the blood in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of case-control studies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950275. [PMID: 36268027 PMCID: PMC9578337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal cytokine levels in circulating blood have been repeatedly reported in autism; however, the underlying cause remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate cytokine levels in peripheral blood compartments and identify their potential immune cellular sources in subjects with autism through comparison with controls. We conducted an electronic database search (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest Central, Ovid, SAGE Journals, and Wiley Online Library) from inception (no time limits) to July 9, 2020, and identified 75 relevant articles. Our qualitative data synthesis focused on results consistently described in at least three independent studies, and we reported the results according to the PRISMA protocol. We found that compared with controls, in subjects with autism, cytokines IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased in the plasma and serum. We also identified monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4+ T cells as potential sources of these elevated cytokines in autism. Cytokines IFN-γ, TGF-β, RANTES, and IL-8 were increased in the plasma/serum of subjects with autism, and IFN-γ was likely produced by CD4+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, although conflicting evidence is present for IFN-γ and TGF-β. Other cytokines-IL-13, IL-10, IL-5, and IL-4-were found to be unaltered in the plasma/serum and post-stimulated blood immune cells in autistic individuals as compared with controls. The frequencies of T cells, monocytes, B cells, and NK cells were unchanged in subjects with autism as opposed to controls, suggesting that abnormal cytokines were unlikely due to altered cell numbers but might be due to altered functioning of these cells in autism. Our results support existing studies of abnormal cytokines in autism and provide comprehensive evidence of potential cellular sources of these altered cytokines in the context of autism. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020205224, identifier [CRD42020205224].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abeer R. Al-Shammari
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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23
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The Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Bacterial Metabolite p-Cresol Derails the Neuroimmune Response of Microglial Cells Partially via Reduction of ADAM17 and ADAM10. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911013. [PMID: 36232346 PMCID: PMC9570133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial metabolite 4-methylphenol (para-cresol or p-cresol) and its derivative p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) are elevated in the urine and feces of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been shown that p-cresol administration induces social behavior deficits and repetitive behavior in mice. However, the mechanisms of p-cresol, specifically its metabolite pCS that can reach the brain, in ASD remain to be investigated. The pCS has been shown to inhibit LPS-stimulated inflammatory response. A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) are thought to regulate microglial immune response by cleaving membrane-bound proteins. In the present study, a neuroinflammation model of LPS-activated BV2 microglia has been used to unveil the potential molecular mechanism of pCS in ASD pathogenesis. In microglial cells pCS treatment decreases the expression or maturation of ADAM10 and ADAM17. In addition, pCS treatment attenuates TNF-α and IL-6 releases as well as phagocytosis activity of microglia. In in vitro ADAM10/17 inhibition experiments, either ADAM10 or ADAM17 inhibition reduces constitutive and LPS-activated release of TNF-α, TNFR-1 and IL-6R by microglial cells, while it increases constitutive and LPS-activated microglial phagocytotic activity. The in vivo results further confirm the involvement of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in ASD pathogenesis. In in utero VPA-exposed male mice, elevated concentration in serum of p-cresol-associated metabolites pCS and p-cresyl glucuronide (pCG) is associated with a VPA-induced increased ADAM10 maturation, and a decreased ADAM17 maturation that is related with attenuated levels of soluble TNF-α and TGF-β1 in the mice brain. Overall, the present study demonstrates a partial role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the derailed innate immune response of microglial cells associated with pCS-induced ASD pathogenesis.
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24
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The Antiepileptic Drug and Toxic Teratogen Valproic Acid Alters Microglia in an Environmental Mouse Model of Autism. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070379. [PMID: 35878284 PMCID: PMC9319720 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070379] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition affecting approximately 1 in 44 children in North America, is thought to be a connectivity disorder. Valproic acid (VPA) is a multi-target drug widely used to treat epilepsy. It is also a toxic teratogen as well as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and fetal exposure to VPA increases the risk of ASD. While the VPA model has been well-characterized for behavioral and neuronal deficits including hyperconnectivity, microglia, the principal immune cells of CNS that regulate dendrite and synapse formation during early brain development, have not been well-characterized and may provide potential hints regarding the etiology of this disorder. Therefore, in this study, we determined the effect of prenatal exposure to VPA on microglial numbers during early postnatal brain development. We found that prenatal exposure to VPA causes a significant reduction in the number of microglia in the primary motor cortex (PMC) during early postnatal brain development, particularly at postnatal day 6 (P6) and postnatal day 10 (P10) in male mice. The early microglial reduction in the VPA model coincides with active cortical synaptogenesis and is significant because it may potentially play a role in mediating impaired connectivity in ASD.
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25
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Li Q, Zhang L, Shan H, Yu J, Dai Y, He H, Li WG, Langley C, Sahakian BJ, Yao Y, Luo Q, Li F. The immuno-behavioural covariation associated with the treatment response to bumetanide in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:228. [PMID: 35660740 PMCID: PMC9166783 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bumetanide, a drug being studied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may act to restore gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function, which may be modulated by the immune system. However, the interaction between bumetanide and the immune system remains unclear. Seventy-nine children with ASD were analysed from a longitudinal sample for a 3-month treatment of bumetanide. The covariation between symptom improvements and cytokine changes was calculated and validated by sparse canonical correlation analysis. Response patterns to bumetanide were revealed by clustering analysis. Five classifiers were used to test whether including the baseline information of cytokines could improve the prediction of the response patterns using an independent test sample. An immuno-behavioural covariation was identified between symptom improvements in the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the cytokine changes among interferon (IFN)-γ, monokine induced by gamma interferon and IFN-α2. Using this covariation, three groups with distinct response patterns to bumetanide were detected, including the best (21.5%, n = 17; Hedge's g of improvement in CARS = 2.16), the least (22.8%, n = 18; g = 1.02) and the medium (55.7%, n = 44; g = 1.42) responding groups. Including the cytokine levels significantly improved the prediction of the best responding group before treatment (the best area under the curve, AUC = 0.832) compared with the model without the cytokine levels (95% confidence interval of the improvement in AUC was [0.287, 0.319]). Cytokine measurements can help in identifying possible responders to bumetanide in ASD children, suggesting that immune responses may interact with the mechanism of action of bumetanide to enhance the GABA function in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyang Li
- Department of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidi Shan
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Juehua Yu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Center for Experimental Studies and Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 650032, Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua He
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Christelle Langley
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB21TN, UK
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB21TN, UK
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Yao
- Department of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, 200433, Shanghai, China.
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Computational Psychiatry, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired, Research Institute of Intelligent Complex Systems, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200092, Shanghai, China.
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26
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In vivo imaging translocator protein (TSPO) in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1421-1427. [PMID: 35383319 PMCID: PMC9117200 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01306-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence points to the significant involvement of the immune system in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Positron emission tomography (PET) can quantify translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a marker with increased expression mainly in microglia and, to some extent astroglia during neuropsychiatric diseases with inflammation. This preliminary analysis explored, for the first time, whether TSPO binding was altered in male and female participants with ASD in vivo using full kinetic quantification. Thirteen individuals with ASD (IQ > 70 [n = 12], IQ = 62 [n = 1]), 5 F, 25 ± 5 years) were scanned with [18F]FEPPA PET. Data from 13 typically developing control participants with matching age and TSPO rs6971 polymorphism (9 F, age 24 ± 5 years) were chosen from previous studies for comparison. The two tissue compartment model (2TCM) was used to determine the total volume of distribution ([18F]FEPPA VT) in four previously identified regions of interest (ROI): prefrontal, temporal, cerebellar, and anterior cingulate cortices. We observe no significant difference in [18F]FEPPA VT relative to controls (F(1,26)= 1.74, p = 0.20). However, 2 ASD participants with higher VT had concurrent major depressive episodes (MDE), which has been consistently reported during MDE. After excluding those 2 ASD participants, in a post-hoc analysis, our results show lower [18F]FEPPA VT in ASD participants compared to controls (F(1,24)= 6.62, p = 0.02). This preliminary analysis provides evidence suggesting an atypical neuroimmune state in ASD.
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27
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Immune Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know about It? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063033. [PMID: 35328471 PMCID: PMC8955336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a wide and variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including deficits in social communication, narrow and restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The immune hypothesis is considered to be a major factor contributing to autism pathogenesis, as well as a way to explain the differences of the clinical phenotypes and comorbidities influencing disease course and severity. Evidence highlights a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits in autism from several types of evidence found in both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood and their utility to identify autistic subgroups with specific immunophenotypes; underlying behavioral symptoms are also shown. This review summarizes current insights into immune dysfunction in ASD, with particular reference to the impact of immunological factors related to the maternal influence of autism development; comorbidities influencing autism disease course and severity; and others factors with particular relevance, including obesity. Finally, we described main elements of similarities between immunopathology overlapping neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, taking as examples autism and Parkinson Disease, respectively.
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28
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Increased Monocyte Production of IL-6 after Toll-like Receptor Activation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Is Associated with Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020220. [PMID: 35203983 PMCID: PMC8870658 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has starkly increased, instigating research into risk factors for ASD. This research has identified immune risk factors for ASD, along with evidence of immune dysfunction and excess inflammation frequently experienced by autistic individuals. Increased innate inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, are seen repeatedly in ASD; however, the origin of excess IL-6 in ASD has not been identified. Here we explore specific responses of circulating monocytes from autistic children. We isolated CD14+ monocytes from whole blood and stimulated them for 24 h under three conditions: media alone, lipoteichoic acid to activate TLR2, and lipopolysaccharide to activate TLR4. We then measured secreted cytokine concentrations in cellular supernatant using a human multiplex bead immunoassay. We found that after TLR4 activation, CD14+ monocytes from autistic children produce increased IL-6 compared to monocytes from children with typical development. IL-6 concentration also correlated with worsening restrictive and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest dysfunctional activation of myeloid cells, and may indicate that other cells of this lineage, including macrophages, and microglia in the brain, might have a similar dysfunction. Further research on myeloid cells in ASD is warranted.
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29
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Makris G, Agorastos A, Chrousos GP, Pervanidou P. Stress System Activation in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:756628. [PMID: 35095389 PMCID: PMC8793840 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.756628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mission of the human stress system is the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived, acute or chronic stressors. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are the stress system-related neuroendocrine pathways. There is abundant evidence that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may exhibit atypical function within the HPA axis and the ANS both at the resting state and during the presence of social and/or non-social stressors. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the findings regarding stress system alterations in children and adolescents with ASD. We focus on the variations of stress hormones circadian rhythms, specifically cortisol and alpha-amylase (i.e., a surrogate index of epinephrine/norepinephrine secretion), and on the alterations of stress system responsivity to different stressors. Also, we present imaging and immunological findings that have been associated with stress system dysregulation in children and adolescents with ASD. Finally, we review the pivotal role of HPA axis-ANS coordination, the developmental trajectory of the stress system in ASD, and the possible role of early life stress in the dysregulation of the stress system demonstrated in children and adolescents with ASD. This synthesis will hopefully provide researchers with a foundation for an integrated approach to future research into stress system variations in children and adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Makris
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Gerasimos Makris,
| | - Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry II, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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30
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De Giacomo A, Gargano CD, Simone M, Petruzzelli MG, Pedaci C, Giambersio D, Margari L, Ruggieri M. B and T Immunoregulation: A New Insight of B Regulatory Lymphocytes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:732611. [PMID: 34776843 PMCID: PMC8581677 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.732611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a complex pathogenesis, by impairment social communication and interaction, and may also manifest repetitive patterns of behavior. Many studies have recognized an alteration of the immune response as a major etiological component in ASDs. Despite this, it is still unclear the variation of the function of the immune response. Aim: Our aim is to investigate the levels of immunological markers in peripheral blood of children with ASD such as: regulatory B and T cells, memory B and natural killer (NK) cells. Materials and Methods: We assessed various subsets of immune cells in peripheral blood (regulatory B and T cells, B-cell memory and natural killer cells) by multi-parametric flow cytometric analysis in 26 ASD children compared to 16 healthy controls (HCs) who matched age and gender. Results: No significant difference was observed between B-cell memory and NK cells in ASDs and HCs. Instead, regulatory B cells and T cells were decreased (p < 0.05) in ASD subjects when compared to HCs. Discussion: Regulatory B and T cells have a strategic role in maintaining the immune homeostasis. Their functions have been associated with the development of multiple pathologies especially in autoimmune diseases. According to our study, the immunological imbalance of regulatory B and T cells may play a pivotal role in the evolution of the disease, as immune deficiencies could be related to the severity of the ongoing disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Giacomo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Domenica Gargano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Marta Simone
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Pedaci
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Donatella Giambersio
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ruggieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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31
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O'Connor TG, Ciesla AA. Maternal Immune Activation Hypotheses for Human Neurodevelopment: Some Outstanding Questions. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 7:471-479. [PMID: 34688920 PMCID: PMC9021321 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) hypothesis is a leading model for understanding prenatal influences on individual differences in, and clinical syndromes of, neurodevelopment. Experimental animal and human research has proliferated in recent years, and there is now a sizable research base. Several meta-analyses demonstrate general support for an association between prenatal immune activation and neurodevelopment in human research. However, questions remain about the nature of the immune activation, the network of underlying mechanisms involved, and the breadth of impact across behavioral phenotypes. Complementing recent reviews of results, the current review places particular emphasis on how advances in understanding mechanisms may be improved with greater attention to addressing the methodological variation and limitations of existing studies, and identifies areas for further clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester; Department of Psycholog, University of Rochestery; Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester; Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester.
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32
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Bairwa SC, Shaw CA, Kuo M, Yoo J, Tomljenovic L, Eidi H. Cytokines profile in neonatal and adult wild-type mice post-injection of U. S. pediatric vaccination schedule. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 15:100267. [PMID: 34589773 PMCID: PMC8474652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100267] [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: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A recent study from our laboratory demonstrated a number of neurobehavioral abnormalities in mice colony injected with a mouse-weight equivalent dose of all vaccines that are administered to infants in their first 18 months of life according to the U. S. pediatric vaccination schedule. Cytokines have been studied extensively as blood immune and inflammatory biomarkers, and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the importance of cytokines in early neurodevelopment, we aimed to investigate the potential post-administration effects of the U. S. pediatric vaccines on circulatory cytokines in a mouse model. In the current study, cytokines have been assayed at early and late time points in mice vaccinated early in postnatal life and compared with placebo controls. Materials and methods Newborn mouse pups were divided into three groups: i) vaccine (V1), ii) vaccine × 3 (V3) and iii) placebo control. V1 group was injected with mouse weight-equivalent of the current U. S. pediatric vaccine schedule. V3 group was injected with same vaccines but at triple the dose and the placebo control was injected with saline. Pups were also divided according to the sampling age into two main groups: acute- and chronic-phase group. Blood samples were collected at postnatal day (PND) 23, two days following vaccine schedule for the acute-phase group or at 67 weeks post-vaccination for the chronic-phase groups. Fifteen cytokines were analyzed: GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, MCP-1, TNF-α, and VEGF-A. Wilcoxon Rank Sum test or unpaired Student's t-test was performed where applicable. Results IL-5 levels in plasma were significantly elevated in the V1 and V3 group compared with the control only in the acute-phase group. The elevation of IL-5 levels in the two vaccine groups were significant irrespective of whether the sexes were combined or analyzed separately. Other cytokines (VEGF-A, TNF-α, IL-10, MCP-1, GM-CSF, IL-6, and IL-13) were also impacted, although to a lesser extent and in a sex-dependent manner. In the acute-phase group, females showed a significant increase in IL-10 and MCP-1 levels and a decrease in VEGF-A levels in both V1 and V3 group compared to controls. In the acute-phase, a significant increase in MCP-1 levels in V3 group and CM-CSF levels in V1 and V3 group and decrease in TNF-α levels in V1 group were observed in treated males as compared with controls. In chronic-phase females, levels of VEGF-A in V1 and V3 group, TNF-α in V3 group, and IL-13 in V1 group were significantly decreased in contrast with controls. In chronic-phase males, TNF-α levels were significantly increased in V1 group and IL-6 levels decreased in V3 group in comparison to controls. The changes in levels of most tested cytokines were altered between the early and the late postnatal assays. Conclusions IL-5 levels significantly increased in the acute-phase of the treatment in the plasma of both sexes that were subjected to V1 and V3 injections. These increases had diminished by the second test assayed at week 67. These results suggest that a profound, albeit transient, effect on cytokine levels may be induced by the whole vaccine administration supporting our recently published observations regarding the behavioral abnormalities in the same mice. These observations support the view that the administration of whole pediatric vaccines in a neonatal period may impact at least short-term CNS functions in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Bairwa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - C A Shaw
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Program in Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Yoo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L Tomljenovic
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H Eidi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV) - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), Fougères, France
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Comparan-Meza M, Vargas de la Cruz I, Jauregui-Huerta F, Gonzalez-Castañeda RE, Gonzalez-Perez O, Galvez-Contreras AY. Biopsychological correlates of repetitive and restricted behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2341. [PMID: 34472728 PMCID: PMC8553330 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by alterations in social interaction and communication, as well as patterns of restrictive and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). RRBs are defined as broad behaviors that comprise stereotypies, insistence on sameness, and attachment to objects or routines. RRBs can be divided into lower-level behaviors (motor, sensory, and object-manipulation behaviors) and higher-level behaviors (restrictive interests, insistence on sameness, and repetitive language). According to the DSM-5, the grade of severity in ASD partially depends on the frequency of RRBs and their consequences for disrupting the life of patients, affecting their adaptive skills, and increasing the need for parental support. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to examine the biopsychological correlates of the symptomatic domains of RRBs according to the type of RRBs (lower- or higher-level). We searched for articles from the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) using the terms: autism spectrum disorders, ASD, and autism-related to executive functions, inhibitory control, inflexibility, cognitive flexibility, hyper or hypo connectivity, and behavioral approaches. For describing the pathophysiological mechanism of ASD, we also included animal models and followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one articles were analyzed to explain the etiology, continuance, and clinical evolution of these behaviors observed in ASD patients throughout life. CONCLUSIONS Biopsychological correlates involved in the origin of RRBs include alterations in a) neurotransmission system, b) brain volume, c) inadequate levels of growth factors, d) hypo- or hyper-neural connectivity, e) impairments in behavioral inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and monitoring and f) non-stimulating environments. Understanding these lower- and higher-level of RRBs can help professionals to improve or design novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Comparan-Meza
- Maestría en Neuropsicología, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
| | - Ivette Vargas de la Cruz
- Unidad de Atención en Neurociencias, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
| | - Fernando Jauregui-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Microscopia de Alta Resolución, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
| | - Rocio E Gonzalez-Castañeda
- Laboratorio de Microscopia de Alta Resolución, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Colima, Colima, COL, Mexico
| | - Alma Y Galvez-Contreras
- Unidad de Atención en Neurociencias, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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35
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Increased Serum Concentrations of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060478. [PMID: 34198762 PMCID: PMC8228126 DOI: 10.3390/children8060478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been suggested to be involved in the immune dysfunction and inflammation reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aimed to assess HMGB1 serum concentrations (SCs) in high-functioning ASD children compared to typically developing (TD) controls and to explore their associations with the autism spectrum quotient (AQ), the empathy quotient (EQ), and the systemizing quotient (SQ). The study involved 42 ASD children and 38 TD children, all-male, aged between 6.1 and 13.3 years old. HMGB1 SCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Groups were comparable regarding age, general IQ, birth weight, and maternal age at birth. ASD children showed significantly higher HMGB1 SCs compared to TD children (1.25 ± 0.84 ng/mL versus 1.13 ± 0.79 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.039). The Spearman’s rho revealed that HMGB1 SCs were positively correlated with the AQ attention to detail subscale (rs = 0.46, p = 0.045) and with the SQ total score (rs = 0.42, p = 0.04) in the ASD group. These results show that HMGB1 serum concentrations are altered in ASD children, and suggest that inflammatory processes mediated by HMGB1 may be associated with specific cognitive features observed in ASD.
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Yoon S, Parnell E, Penzes P. TGF-β-Induced Phosphorylation of Usp9X Stabilizes Ankyrin-G and Regulates Dendritic Spine Development and Maintenance. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107685. [PMID: 32460012 PMCID: PMC7324065 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling by the cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been implicated in a multitude of biological functions; however, TGF-β signaling, particularly in the CNS, remains largely unexplored. ANK3 variants (encoding ankyrin-G) are associated with bipolar disorder, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder, while mutations in USP9X, which encodes a deubiquitinase, are associated with X-linked intellectual disability and autism in humans. Here, we show that TGF-β signaling promotes Usp9X phosphorylation, which enhances its interaction with ankyrin-G and stabilizes ankyrin-G in spines, leading to spine enlargement. Using in situ proximity ligation combined with structured illumination superresolution microscopy, we characterize the postsynaptic spatial organization of phosphorylation-dependent regulation of Usp9X/ankyrin-G interactions in dendrites and its quantitative relationship with spine morphology and number. These data reveal a cytokine-mediated mechanism regulating protein stability in spines and suggest a role for deubiquitination and TGF-β signaling in neurodevelopmental disorder pathogenesis and treatment. Yoon et al. show that phosphorylation of a deubiquitinating enzyme by a cytokine enhances the stabilization of synaptic scaffolding protein during dendritic spine development, and its alterations result in deficient synaptic structural maintenance, with relevance for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyoun Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Euan Parnell
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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37
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Baranova J, Dragunas G, Botellho MCS, Ayub ALP, Bueno-Alves R, Alencar RR, Papaiz DD, Sogayar MC, Ulrich H, Correa RG. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signaling Pathways and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:619-649. [PMID: 32468442 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Baranova
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dragunas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mayara C S Botellho
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa P Ayub
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Bueno-Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca R Alencar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Debora D Papaiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100 (Edifício NUCEL), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Correa
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Horiuchi F, Yoshino Y, Kumon H, Hosokawa R, Nakachi K, Kawabe K, Iga JI, Ueno SI. Identification of aberrant innate and adaptive immunity based on changes in global gene expression in the blood of adults with autism spectrum disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:102. [PMID: 33931079 PMCID: PMC8086363 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and one of the main hypotheses regarding its cause is genetic factors. A previous meta-analysis of seven microarray studies and one RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) study using the blood of children with ASD identified dysregulation of gene expressions relevant to the immune system. In this study, we explored changes in global gene expression as the phenotype of ASD in the blood of adults with ASD. Methods We recruited an RNA-seq cohort (ASD vs. control; n = 6 each) and a replication cohort (ASD vs. control; n = 19 each) and conducted RNA-seq to explore changes in global gene expression. We then subjected the significantly up- and downregulated genes to gene ontology (GO) and core analyses. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed with all 11,617 genes detected in RNA-seq to identify the ASD-specific gene network. Results In total, 117 significantly up- and 83 significantly downregulated genes were detected in the ASD compared with the control group, respectively (p < 0.05 and q < 0.05). GO analysis revealed that the aberrant innate and adaptive immunity were more obvious in the 117 upregulated than in the 83 downregulated genes. WGCNA with core analysis revealed that one module including many immune-related genes was associated with the natural killer cell signaling pathway. In the results for the replication cohort, significant changes with same trend found in RNA-seq data were confirmed for MAFB (p = 0.046), RPSAP58 (p = 0.030), and G2MK (p = 0.004). Limitations The sample size was relatively small in both the RNA-seq and replication cohorts. This study examined the mRNA expression level, so the interaction between mRNA and protein remains unclear. The expression changes between children and adults with ASD were not compared because only adults with ASD were targeted. Conclusions The dysregulated gene expressions confirmed in the blood of adults with ASD were relevant to the dysfunction of innate and adaptive immunity. These findings may aid in understanding the pathogenesis of ASD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02154-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumie Horiuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yuta Yoshino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kumon
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Rie Hosokawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kiwamu Nakachi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kawabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Iga
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Shu-Ichi Ueno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
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Somekh J. Model-based pathway enrichment analysis applied to the TGF-beta regulation of autophagy in autism. J Biomed Inform 2021; 118:103781. [PMID: 33839306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2021.103781] [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] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To differentiate between conditions of health and disease, current pathway enrichment analysis methods detect the differential expression of distinct biological pathways. System-level model-driven approaches, however, are lacking. Here we present a new methodology that uses a dynamic model to suggest a unified subsystem to better differentiate between diseased and healthy conditions. Our methodology includes the following steps: 1) detecting connections between relevant differentially expressed pathways; 2) construction of a unified in silico model, a stochastic Petri net model that links these distinct pathways; 3) model execution to predict subsystem activation; and 4) enrichment analysis of the predicted subsystem. We apply our approach to the TGF-beta regulation of the autophagy system implicated in autism. Our model was constructed manually, based on the literature, to predict, using model simulation, the TGF-beta-to-autophagy active subsystem and downstream gene expression changes associated with TGF-beta, which go beyond the individual findings derived from literature. We evaluated the in silico predicted subsystem and found it to be co-expressed in the normative whole blood human gene expression data. Finally, we show our subsystem's gene set to be significantly differentially expressed in two independent datasets of blood samples of ASD (autistic spectrum disorders) individuals as opposed to controls. Our study demonstrates that dynamic pathway unification can define a new refined subsystem that can significantly differentiate between disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Somekh
- Department of Information Systems, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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Marine Natural Products: Promising Candidates in the Modulation of Gut-Brain Axis towards Neuroprotection. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19030165. [PMID: 33808737 PMCID: PMC8003567 DOI: 10.3390/md19030165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, several neuroprotective agents have been provided in combating neuronal dysfunctions; however, no effective treatment has been found towards the complete eradication of neurodegenerative diseases. From the pathophysiological point of view, growing studies are indicating a bidirectional relationship between gut and brain termed gut-brain axis in the context of health/disease. Revealing the gut-brain axis has survived new hopes in the prevention, management, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, introducing novel alternative therapies in regulating the gut-brain axis seems to be an emerging concept to pave the road in fighting neurodegenerative diseases. Growing studies have developed marine-derived natural products as hopeful candidates in a simultaneous targeting of gut-brain dysregulated mediators towards neuroprotection. Of marine natural products, carotenoids (e.g., fucoxanthin, and astaxanthin), phytosterols (e.g., fucosterol), polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidan, chitosan, alginate, and laminarin), macrolactins (e.g., macrolactin A), diterpenes (e.g., lobocrasol, excavatolide B, and crassumol E) and sesquiterpenes (e.g., zonarol) have shown to be promising candidates in modulating gut-brain axis. The aforementioned marine natural products are potential regulators of inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative stress mediators towards a bidirectional regulation of the gut-brain axis. The present study aims at describing the gut-brain axis, the importance of gut microbiota in neurological diseases, as well as the modulatory role of marine natural products towards neuroprotection.
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Lyall K, Ames JL, Pearl M, Traglia M, Weiss LA, Windham GC, Kharrazi M, Yoshida CK, Yolken R, Volk HE, Ashwood P, Van de Water J, Croen LA. A profile and review of findings from the Early Markers for Autism study: unique contributions from a population-based case-control study in California. Mol Autism 2021; 12:24. [PMID: 33736683 PMCID: PMC7977191 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study is a population-based case-control study designed to learn more about early biologic processes involved in ASD. METHODS Participants were drawn from Southern California births from 2000 to 2003 with archived prenatal and neonatal screening specimens. Across two phases, children with ASD (n = 629) and intellectual disability without ASD (ID, n = 230) were ascertained from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), with diagnoses confirmed according to DSM-IV-TR criteria based on expert clinical review of abstracted records. General population controls (GP, n = 599) were randomly sampled from birth certificate files and matched to ASD cases by sex, birth month and year after excluding individuals with DDS records. EMA has published over 20 papers examining immune markers, endogenous hormones, environmental chemicals, and genetic factors in association with ASD and ID. This review summarizes the results across these studies, as well as the EMA study design and future directions. RESULTS EMA enabled several key contributions to the literature, including the examination of biomarker levels in biospecimens prospectively collected during critical windows of neurodevelopment. Key findings from EMA include demonstration of elevated cytokine and chemokine levels in maternal mid-pregnancy serum samples in association with ASD, as well as aberrations in other immune marker levels; suggestions of increased odds of ASD with prenatal exposure to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals, though not in mixture analyses; and demonstration of maternal and fetal genetic influence on prenatal chemical, and maternal and neonatal immune marker and vitamin D levels. We also observed an overall lack of association with ASD and measured maternal and neonatal vitamin D, mercury, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. LIMITATIONS Covariate and outcome data were limited to information in Vital Statistics and DDS records. As a study based in Southern California, generalizability for certain environmental exposures may be reduced. CONCLUSIONS Results across EMA studies support the importance of the prenatal and neonatal periods in ASD etiology, and provide evidence for the role of the maternal immune response during pregnancy. Future directions for EMA, and the field of ASD in general, include interrogation of mechanistic pathways and examination of combined effects of exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Suite 560, 3020 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Ames
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Pearl
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Michela Traglia
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - Cathleen K Yoshida
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Robert Yolken
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Judy Van de Water
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
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Briuglia S, Calabrò M, Capra AP, La Rosa MA, Crisafulli C. CNVs inform the biological network of Autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 297:113729. [PMID: 33524775 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113729] [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: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition linked to an anomalous neurodevelopment. Although the underlying causes of ASD are not well described, literature data strongly suggests a genetic component, with a complex inheritance pattern. It has recently been observed that CNVs (copy number variation) may play an important role in ASD manifestation and partially explain the complex heritability of this tract. Another factor That adds another level of complexity to ASD is its potential genetic heterogeneity. In this paper, we hypothesize that the different patterns of alteration within individuals with ASD may converge towards the same function. We genotyped a sample of 107 individuals through aCGH analysis for CNVs that were related (by localization) to approximately 1400 genes. The genes were tested for functional interactions and clustered in functional groups. We highlighted a functional genetic cluster of 256 genes potentially related to ASD. These altered genes may contribute to the same function, alterations of which increase the risk of ASD. After testing our functional cluster for biological functions, processes related to oxidative stress, immune system and energy metabolism are the pathways potentially involved with the biological alterations underlying ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Briuglia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Calabrò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Angela La Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Crisafulli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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Pekala M, Doliwa M, Kalita K. Impact of maternal immune activation on dendritic spine development. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:524-545. [PMID: 33382515 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small dendritic protrusions that harbor most excitatory synapses in the brain. The proper generation and maturation of dendritic spines are crucial for the regulation of synaptic transmission and formation of neuronal circuits. Abnormalities in dendritic spine density and morphology are common pathologies in autism and schizophrenia. According to epidemiological studies, one risk factor for these neurodevelopmental disorders is maternal infection during pregnancy. This review discusses spine alterations in animal models of maternal immune activation in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders. We describe potential mechanisms that might be responsible for prenatal infection-induced changes in the dendritic spine phenotype and behavior in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Pekala
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Doliwa
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kalita
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Zhao H, Zhang H, Liu S, Luo W, Jiang Y, Gao J. Association of Peripheral Blood Levels of Cytokines With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:670200. [PMID: 34276441 PMCID: PMC8283413 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.670200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although increasing evidence suggests an association between alterations in peripheral cytokines and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a consensus is lacking. To determine whether abnormal cytokine profiles in peripheral blood were associated with ASD, we performed this systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through the Embase, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases up to 4 June 2020. Clinical studies exploring the aberration of peripheral cytokines of autistic patients and controls were included in our meta-analysis. We pooled extracted data using fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity tests with Comprehensive Meta-analysis software. We converted standardized mean differences to Hedges' g statistic to obtain the effect sizes adjusted for sample size. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, meta-regression, and publication bias tests were also carried out. Results: Sixty-one articles (326 studies) were included to assess the association between 76 cytokines and ASD. We conducted our meta-analysis based on 37 cytokines with 289 studies. Since there were fewer than three studies on any of the other 39 cytokines, we only provided basic information for them. The levels of peripheral IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p70, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), eotaxin-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, IL-7, IL-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-17, and IL-4 were defined as abnormal cytokines in the peripheral blood of ASD patients compared with controls. The other 24 cytokines did not obviously change in ASD patients compared with the controls. Conclusions: The findings of our meta-analysis strengthen the evidence for an abnormal cytokine profile in ASD. These abnormal cytokines may be potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of ASD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing City, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fuling Central Hospital of Chongqing City, Chongqing, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Wulin Luo
- Department of Medical Psychology and Neurology, The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Yongfeng Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The 947th Hospital of Army, Kashi, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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YOUSEFI J, KHAKZAD MR, HOJATI M, EBRAHIMI SA, HOSSEINPOUR M, AKHONDIAN J. Is Serum TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels Correlated to Children with Autism Intensity? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY 2021; 15:57-67. [PMID: 36213156 PMCID: PMC9376023 DOI: 10.22037/ijcn.v15i1.21826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objective Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a group of multifunctional growth factors, plays an important role in the neuron survival and neurodevelopmental functions. Some studies have evaluated the correlation between TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 abnormalities and autism spectrum disorders. In this study, we compared the TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels between autistic and intellectually normal individuals. Materials & Methods The study population consisted of 39 autistic and 30 age-matched intellectually normal individuals (control group). Blood samples were taken from all individuals, and all patients were divided into 2 groups (mild-to-moderate and severe) according to the childhood autism rating scale. The cytokines levels were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results The mean concentration of TGF-β1 was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in children with autism compared to the control group (25.3 ± 6.5 versus 35.1 ± 9.4 ng/mL, respectively). Also, the mean concentration of TGF-β2 in children with autism (32.35± 7.75 ng/ mL) was higher compared to those in the control group (30.47± 4.36 ng/mL); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.21). A positive correlation was observed between TGF-β1 concentration and autism severity (r = 0.41; P = 0.02), whereas a negative correlation was found between TGF-β2 concentration and autism severity (r = -0.41; P = 0.02). severity (r = 0.41; P = 0.02), whereas a negative correlation was found between TGF-β2 concentration and autism severity (r = -0.41; P = 0.02). Conclusion The results of the present investigation suggest that there is a decrease in the levels of TGF-β1 in the serum of patients with autism and this cytokine may be effective in the treatment of the pathophysiological aspects of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid YOUSEFI
- Department of Pediatrics, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza KHAKZAD
- Innovated Medical Research Center& Department of Immunology, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam HOJATI
- Noor Hedayat, Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali EBRAHIMI
- Student Research Committee, Medical Faculty, Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mitra HOSSEINPOUR
- 15 Khordad Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad AKHONDIAN
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Ghaem hospital, Mashhad University of Medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zheng Y, Verhoeff TA, Perez Pardo P, Garssen J, Kraneveld AD. The Gut-Brain Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Focus on the Metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010118. [PMID: 33374371 PMCID: PMC7796333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by problems in social interaction and repetitive behavior. The disease is thought to develop from changes in brain development at an early age, although the exact mechanisms are not known yet. In addition, a significant number of people with ASD develop problems in the intestinal tract. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteases (ADAMs) include a group of enzymes that are able to cleave membrane-bound proteins. ADAM10 and ADAM17 are two members of this family that are able to cleave protein substrates involved in ASD pathogenesis, such as specific proteins important for synapse formation, axon signaling and neuroinflammation. All these pathological mechanisms are involved in ASD. Besides the brain, ADAM10 and ADAM17 are also highly expressed in the intestines. ADAM10 and ADAM17 have implications in pathways that regulate gut permeability, homeostasis and inflammation. These metalloproteases might be involved in microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions in ASD through the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract. In this review, the potential roles of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the pathology of ASD and as targets for new therapies will be discussed, with a focus on the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpeng Zheng
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Tessa A. Verhoeff
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Paula Perez Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research B.V., 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aletta D. Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (Y.Z.); (T.A.V.); (P.P.P.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)3-02534509
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Wang L, Shen W, Yao H, Zheng R, Chen W, Zhang W. Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Food Allergy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis. Autism Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | | | - Hao Yao
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Rongying Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
| | - Wenshu Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Central Hospital Wenzhou China
| | - Weixi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou China
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Kutuk MO, Tufan E, Gokcen C, Kilicaslan F, Karadag M, Mutluer T, Yektas C, Coban N, Kandemir H, Buber A, Coskun S, Acikbas U, Guler G, Topal Z, Celik F, Altintas E, Giray A, Aka Y, Kutuk O. Cytokine expression profiles in Autism spectrum disorder: A multi-center study from Turkey. Cytokine 2020; 133:155152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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50
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Farajzadeh Valilou S, Alavi A, Pashaei M, Ghasemi Firouzabadi S, Shafeghati Y, Nozari A, Hadipour F, Hadipour Z, Maghsoodlou Estrabadi B, Gholamreza Noorazar S, Banihashemi S, Karimian J, Fattahi M, Behjati F. Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Three Candidate Homozygous Variants in a Consanguineous Iranian Family with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Skeletal Problems. Mol Syndromol 2020; 11:62-72. [PMID: 32655337 DOI: 10.1159/000506530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by 3 core symptoms with impaired social communication, repetitive behavior, and/or restricted interests in early childhood. As a complex neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), the phenotype and severity of autism are extremely heterogeneous. Genetic factors have a key role in the etiology of autism. In this study, we investigated an Azeri Turkish family with 2 ASD-affected individuals to identify probable ASD-causing variants. First, the affected individuals were karyotyped in order to exclude chromosomal abnormalities. Then, whole-exome sequencing was carried out in one affected sibling followed by cosegregation analysis for the candidate variants in the family. In addition, SNP genotyping was carried out in the patients to identify possible homozygosity regions. Both proband and sibling had a normal karyotype. We detected 3 possible causative variants in this family: c.5443G>A; p.Gly1815Ser, c.1027C>T; p.Arg343Trp, and c.382A>G; p.Lys128Glu, which are in the FBN1, TF, and PLOD2 genes, respectively. All of the variants cosegregated in the family, and SNP genotyping revealed that these 3 variants are located in the homozygosity regions. This family serves as an example of a multimodal polygenic risk for a complex developmental disorder. Of these 3 genes, confluence of the variants in FBN1 and PLOD2 may contribute to the autistic features of the patient in addition to skeletal problems. Our study highlights the genetic complexity and heterogeneity of NDDs such as autism. In other words, in some patients with ASD, multiple rare variants in different loci rather than a monogenic state may contribute to the development of phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Farajzadeh Valilou
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afagh Alavi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdiyeh Pashaei
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yousef Shafeghati
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics and Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Womens' Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahoura Nozari
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hadipour
- Department of Medical Genetics and Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Womens' Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hadipour
- Department of Medical Genetics and Sarem Cell Research Center (SCRC), Sarem Womens' Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Gholamreza Noorazar
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Susan Banihashemi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Karimian
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Fattahi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Behjati
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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