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Kissel LT, Pochareddy S, An JY, Sestan N, Sanders SJ, Wang X, Werling DM. Sex-Differential Gene Expression in Developing Human Cortex and Its Intersection With Autism Risk Pathways. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100321. [PMID: 38957312 PMCID: PMC11217612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sex-differential biology may contribute to the consistently male-biased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gene expression differences between males and females in the brain can indicate possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, although transcriptomic sex differences during human prenatal cortical development have been incompletely characterized, primarily due to small sample sizes. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of sex-differential expression and co-expression network analysis in 2 independent bulk RNA sequencing datasets generated from cortex of 273 prenatal donors without known neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the intersection between neurotypical sex differences and neuropsychiatric disorder biology, we tested for enrichment of ASD-associated risk genes and expression changes, neuropsychiatric disorder risk genes, and cell type markers within identified sex-differentially expressed genes (sex-DEGs) and sex-differential co-expression modules. Results We identified 101 significant sex-DEGs, including Y-chromosome genes, genes impacted by X-chromosome inactivation, and autosomal genes. Known ASD risk genes, implicated by either common or rare variants, did not preferentially overlap with sex-DEGs. We identified 1 male-specific co-expression module enriched for immune signaling that is unique to 1 input dataset. Conclusions Sex-differential gene expression is limited in prenatal human cortex tissue, although meta-analysis of large datasets allows for the identification of sex-DEGs, including autosomal genes that encode proteins involved in neural development. Lack of sex-DEG overlap with ASD risk genes in the prenatal cortex suggests that sex-differential modulation of ASD symptoms may occur in other brain regions, at other developmental stages, or in specific cell types, or may involve mechanisms that act downstream from mutation-carrying genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee T. Kissel
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sirisha Pochareddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stephan J. Sanders
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Xuran Wang
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Donna M. Werling
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Almanaa TN, Alwetaid MY, Bakheet SA, Attia SM, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Ahmad SF. Aflatoxin B 1 exposure deteriorates immune abnormalities in a BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J mouse model of autism by increasing inflammatory mediators' production in CD19-expressing cells. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 391:578365. [PMID: 38723577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578365] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficiencies in communication, repetitive and stereotyped behavioral patterns, and difficulties in reciprocal social engagement. The presence of immunological dysfunction in ASD has been well established. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in food and feed, causing immune toxicity and hepatotoxicity. AFB1 is significantly elevated in several regions around the globe. Existing research indicates that prolonged exposure to AFB1 results in neurological problems. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, which were used as an autism model, exhibit the primary behavioral traits that define ASD, such as repeated, stereotyped behaviors and impaired social interactions. The main objective of this work was to assess the toxic impact of AFB1 in BTBR mice. This work aimed to examine the effects of AFB1 on the expression of Notch-1, IL-6, MCP-1, iNOS, GM-CSF, and NF-κB p65 by CD19+ B cells in the spleen of the BTBR using flow cytometry. We also verified the impact of AFB1 exposure on the mRNA expression levels of Notch-1, IL-6, MCP-1, iNOS, GM-CSF, and NF-κB p65 in the brain of BTBR mice using real-time PCR. The findings of our study showed that the mice treated with AFB1 in the BTBR group exhibited a substantial increase in the presence of CD19+Notch-1+, CD19+IL-6+, CD19+MCP-1+, CD19+iNOS+, CD19+GM-CSF+, and CD19+NF-κB p65+ compared to the mice in the BTBR group that were treated with saline. Our findings also confirmed that administering AFB1 to BTBR mice leads to elevated mRNA expression levels of Notch-1, IL-6, MCP-1, iNOS, GM-CSF, and NF-κB p65 in the brain, in comparison to BTBR mice treated with saline. The data highlight that exposure to AFB1 worsens immunological abnormalities by increasing the expression of inflammatory mediators in BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- 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
| | - Sabry M Attia
- 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
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Dai H, Jiang Y, Liu S, Li D, Zhang X. Dietary flavonoids modulate the gut microbiota: A new perspective on improving autism spectrum disorder through the gut-brain axis. Food Res Int 2024; 186:114404. [PMID: 38729686 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114404] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an unknown etiology. It is associated with various factors and causes great inconvenience to the patient's life. The gut-brain axis (GBA), which serves as a bidirectional information channel for exchanging information between the gut microbiota and the brain, is vital in studying many neurodegenerative diseases. Dietary flavonoids provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, as well as regulating the structure and function of the gut microbiota. The occurrence and development of ASD are associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Modulation of gut microbiota can effectively improve the severity of ASD. This paper reviews the links between gut microbiota, flavonoids, and ASD, focusing on the mechanism of dietary flavonoids in regulating ASD through the GBA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haochen Dai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Yuhan Jiang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Shuxun Liu
- College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China.
| | - Dandan Li
- Sinograin Chengdu Storage Research Institute Co., Ltd, Chengdu 610091, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China.
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Xie X, Zhou R, Fang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Liu X. Seeing beyond words: Visualizing autism spectrum disorder biomarker insights. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30420. [PMID: 38694128 PMCID: PMC11061761 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study employs bibliometric and visual analysis to elucidate global research trends in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) biomarkers, identify critical research focal points, and discuss the potential integration of diverse biomarker modalities for precise ASD assessment. Methods A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection database until December 31, 2022. Visualization tools, including R, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and gCLUTO, were utilized to examine collaborative networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword associations among countries, institutions, authors, journals, documents, and keywords. Results ASD biomarker research emerged in 2004, accumulating a corpus of 4348 documents by December 31, 2022. The United States, with 1574 publications and an H-index of 213, emerged as the most prolific and influential country. The University of California, Davis, contributed significantly with 346 publications and an H-index of 69, making it the leading institution. Concerning journals, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Autism Research, and PLOS ONE were the top three publishers of ASD biomarker-related articles among a total of 1140 academic journals. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed research hotspots in genetics, imaging, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and eye tracking. Emerging topics included "DNA methylation," "eye tracking," "metabolomics," and "resting-state fMRI." Conclusion The field of ASD biomarker research is dynamically evolving. Future endeavors should prioritize individual stratification, methodological standardization, the harmonious integration of biomarker modalities, and longitudinal studies to advance the precision of ASD diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Rongyi Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Zihan Fang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Yongting Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Xiaomian Liu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
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González-Madrid E, Rangel-Ramírez MA, Opazo MC, Méndez L, Bohmwald K, Bueno SM, González PA, Kalergis AM, Riedel CA. Gestational hypothyroxinemia induces ASD-like phenotypes in behavior, proinflammatory markers, and glutamatergic protein expression in mouse offspring of both sexes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1381180. [PMID: 38752179 PMCID: PMC11094302 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1381180] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has significantly risen in the past three decades, prompting researchers to explore the potential contributions of environmental factors during pregnancy to ASD development. One such factor of interest is gestational hypothyroxinemia (HTX), a frequent condition in pregnancy associated with cognitive impairments in the offspring. While retrospective human studies have linked gestational HTX to autistic traits, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of ASD-like phenotypes remain poorly understood. This study used a mouse model of gestational HTX to evaluate ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring. Methods To induce gestational HTX, pregnant mice were treated with 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMI), a thyroid hormones synthesis inhibitor, in the tap-drinking water from embryonic days (E) 10 to E14. A separate group received MMI along with a daily subcutaneous injection of T4, while the control group received regular tap water during the entire pregnancy. Female and male offspring underwent assessments for repetitive, anxious, and social behaviors from postnatal day (P) 55 to P64. On P65, mice were euthanized for the evaluation of ASD-related inflammatory markers in blood, spleen, and specific brain regions. Additionally, the expression of glutamatergic proteins (NLGN3 and HOMER1) was analyzed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Results The HTX-offspring exhibited anxious-like behavior, a subordinate state, and impaired social interactions. Subsequently, both female and male HTX-offspring displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines in blood, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α, while only males showed reduced levels of IL-10. The spleen of HTX-offspring of both sexes showed increased Th17/Treg ratio and M1-like macrophages. In the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male HTX-offspring, elevated levels of IL-17A and reduced IL-10 were observed, accompanied by increased expression of hippocampal NLGN3 and HOMER1. All these observations were compared to those observed in the Control-offspring. Notably, the supplementation with T4 during the MMI treatment prevents the development of the observed phenotypes. Correlation analysis revealed an association between maternal T4 levels and specific ASD-like outcomes. Discussion This study validates human observations, demonstrating for the first time that gestational HTX induces ASD-like phenotypes in the offspring, highlighting the need of monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique González-Madrid
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ma. Andreina Rangel-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María C. Opazo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Méndez
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Laboratorio de Endocrino-inmunología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Zamstein O, Sheiner E, Binyamin Y, Pariente G, Wainstock T. Examining the relationship between autism spectrum disorder in children whose mother had labour epidural analgesia for their birth: A retrospective cohort study. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2024; 41:282-287. [PMID: 38084085 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children whose mother had labour epidural analgesia for their birth, as the few existing investigations have reported mixed findings. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the possibility of an association in our heterogeneous population. DESIGN A retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING Vaginal deliveries that took place between the years 2005 and 2017 at Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary referral hospital in Israel, and a follow-up on the incidence of ASD in the children. PATIENTS A hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one labouring patients and their offspring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The incidence of children diagnosed with ASD (both hospital and community-based diagnoses) was compared based on whether their mothers had received labour epidural analgesia during their labour. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve compared cumulative incidence of ASD. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for relevant confounders. RESULTS Labour epidural analgesia was administered to 33 315 women. Epidural analgesia was more common among high-risk pregnancy groups (including pregnancies complicated with diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction, and oligohydramnios; P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, the association between epidural analgesia during labour and ASD in the children lost statistical significance following adjustment for confounders such as maternal age, gestational age, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, and ethnicity [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96 to 1.34, P = 0.152]. CONCLUSION In our population, after adjusting for confounders, epidural analgesia is not independently associated with autism spectrum disorder in the children. These findings enhance our knowledge regarding the safety of epidural analgesia and enable patients to make informed decisions about their pain relief techniques during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omri Zamstein
- From the Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (OZ, ES, GP), Department of Anesthesiology, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (YB) and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (TW)
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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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Zhuang H, Liang Z, Ma G, Qureshi A, Ran X, Feng C, Liu X, Yan X, Shen L. Autism spectrum disorder: pathogenesis, biomarker, and intervention therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e497. [PMID: 38434761 PMCID: PMC10908366 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The heterogeneity of ASD poses great challenges for its research and clinical translation. On the basis of reviewing the heterogeneity of ASD, this review systematically summarized the current status and progress of pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and interventions for ASD. We provided an overview of the ASD molecular mechanisms identified by multi-omics studies and convergent mechanism in different genetic backgrounds. The comorbidities, mechanisms associated with important physiological and metabolic abnormalities (i.e., inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction), and gut microbial disorder in ASD were reviewed. The non-targeted omics and targeting studies of diagnostic markers for ASD were also reviewed. Moreover, we summarized the progress and methods of behavioral and educational interventions, intervention methods related to technological devices, and research on medical interventions and potential drug targets. This review highlighted the application of high-throughput omics methods in ASD research and emphasized the importance of seeking homogeneity from heterogeneity and exploring the convergence of disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and intervention approaches, and proposes that taking into account individuality and commonality may be the key to achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Liang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Guanwei Ma
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Ayesha Qureshi
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Ran
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xi Yan
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research InstitutionsShenzhenP. R. China
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Santos TCD, Obando JMC, Leite PEC, Pereira MR, Leitão MDF, Abujadi C, Pimenta LDFL, Martins RCC, Cavalcanti DN. Approaches of marine compounds and relevant immune mediators in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and challenges. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116153. [PMID: 38277916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social skills, language, communication, and behavioral skills, significantly impacting the individual's quality of life. Recently, numerous works have centered on the connections between the immune and central nervous systems and the influence of neuroinflammation on autism symptomatology. Marine natural products are considered as important alternative sources of different types of compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, sterols, carotenoids, terpenoids and, alkaloids. These compounds present anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities, exhibiting a potential for the treatment of many diseases. Although many studies address the marine compounds in the modulation of inflammatory mediators, there is a gap regarding their use in the regulation of the immune system in ASD. Thus, this review aims to provide a better understanding regarding cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and immune responses in ASD, as well as the potential of bioactive marine compounds in the immune regulation in ASD. We expect that this review would contribute to the development of therapeutic alternatives for controlling immune mediators and inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalisia Cunha Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Johana Marcela Concha Obando
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paulo Emílio Corrêa Leite
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Instituto LisMAPS, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues Pereira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Instituto LisMAPS, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mônica de Freitas Leitão
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-Camp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Abujadi
- Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inclusão (PGCTIn), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Roberto Carlos Campos Martins
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais Walter Mors, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diana Negrão Cavalcanti
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais de Algas Marinha (ALGAMAR), Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Autismo (NEPA), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inclusão (PGCTIn), Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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10
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Li H, Guo W, Li S, Sun B, Li N, Xie D, Dong Z, Luo D, Chen W, Fu W, Zheng J, Zhu J. Alteration of the gut microbiota profile in children with autism spectrum disorder in China. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1326870. [PMID: 38420215 PMCID: PMC10899803 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1326870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species. Purpose Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species. Methods We used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze ASD children (2 to 12 years), HC (2 to 12 years). Results Our findings showed that the α-diversity, composition, and relative abundance of gut microbiota in the ASD group were significantly different from those in the HC groups. Compared with the HC group, the α-diversity in the ASD group was significantly decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of g_Faecalibacterium, g_Blautia, g_Eubacterium_eligens_group, g_Parasutterella, g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and g_Veillonella in ASD group was significantly increased than that in HC groups, while the relative abundance of g_Prevotella 9 and g_Agathobacter was significantly decreased than that in HC groups. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that the microbial functional abnormalities in ASD patients were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid metabolism and aromatic compound metabolism, and were partially involved in neurotransmitter metabolism. Conclusion This study revealed the characteristics of gut microbiota of Chinese children with ASD and provided further evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Stroke Center, Puyang People's Hospital, Puyang, China
| | - Sijie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bishao Sun
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningshan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongjing Xie
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongming Dong
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Neurology, Yunyang People's Hospital, Yunyang, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihua Fu
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Zheng
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingzhen Zhu
- Department of Urology, Urologic Surgery Center, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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11
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Shim S, Ha S, Choi J, Kwon HK, Cheon KA. Alterations in Plasma Cytokine Levels in Korean Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Yonsei Med J 2024; 65:70-77. [PMID: 38288647 PMCID: PMC10827638 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0362] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Numerous studies have supported the role of the immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on plasma cytokine levels in children with ASD in South Korea. In this study, we aimed to analyze the immunological characteristics of Korean children with ASD through plasma cytokine analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples were collected from 94 ASD children (mean age 7.1; 81 males and 13 females) and 48 typically developing children (TDC) (mean age 7.3; 30 males and 18 females). Plasma was isolated from 1 mL of blood by clarifying with centrifugation at 8000 rpm at 4℃ for 10 min. Cytokines in plasma were measured with LEGENDplex HU Th cytokine panel (BioLegend, 741028) and LEGENDplex HU cytokine panel 2 (BioLegend, 740102). RESULTS Among 25 cytokines, innate immune cytokine [interleukin (IL)-33] was significantly decreased in ASD children compared with TDC. In acute phase proteins, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was significantly increased, while IL-6, another inflammation marker, was decreased in ASD children compared with TDC. The cytokines from T cell subsets, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17f, were significantly decreased in ASD children compared to TDC. IL-10, a major anti-inflammatory cytokine, and IL-9, which modulates immune cell growth and proliferation, were also significantly decreased in ASD children compared to TDC. CONCLUSION We confirmed that Korean children with ASD showed altered immune function and unique cytokine expression patterns distinct from TDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjoo Shim
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungji Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Juli Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Ho-Keun Kwon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keun-Ah Cheon
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Albekairi TH, Alanazi MM, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Al-Mazroua HA, Aldossari AA, Almanaa TN, Alwetaid MY, Alqinyah M, Alnefaie HO, Ahmad SF. Cadmium exposure exacerbates immunological abnormalities in a BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J autistic mouse model by upregulating inflammatory mediators in CD45R-expressing cells. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 386:578253. [PMID: 38064869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by behavior, learning, communication, and social interaction abnormalities in various situations. Individuals with impairments usually exhibit restricted and repetitive actions. The actual cause of ASD is yet unknown. It is believed, however, that a mix of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Certain metals have been linked to the development of neurological diseases, and the prevalence of ASD has shown a positive association with industrialization. Cadmium chloride (Cd) is a neurotoxic chemical linked to cognitive impairment, tremors, and neurodegenerative diseases. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) inbred mice are generally used as a model for ASD and display a range of autistic phenotypes. We looked at how Cd exposure affected the signaling of inflammatory mediators in CD45R-expressing cells in the BTBR mouse model of ASD. In this study, we looked at how Cd affected the expression of numerous markers in the spleen, including IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB p65, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Cd exposure on the expression levels of numerous mRNA molecules in brain tissue, including IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB p65, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. The RT-PCR technique was used for this analysis. Cd exposure increased the number of CD45R+IFN-γ+, CD45R+IL-6+, CD45R+NF-κB p65+, CD45R+GM-CSF+, CD45R+GM-CSF+, CD45R+iNOS+, and CD45R+Notch1+ cells in the spleen of BTBR mice. Cd treatment also enhanced mRNA expression in brain tissue for IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. In general, Cd increases the signaling of inflammatory mediators in BTBR mice. This study is the first to show that Cd exposure causes immune function dysregulation in the BTBR ASD mouse model. As a result, our study supports the role of Cd exposure in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamer H Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- 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
| | - Abdullah A Aldossari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, 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
| | - Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alqinyah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajar O Alnefaie
- 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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13
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Jingyi L, Lin W, Yuan C, Lingling Z, Qianqian J, Anlong X, Yansong G. Intravenous transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells improved behavioral deficits and altered fecal microbiota composition of BTBR mice. Life Sci 2024; 336:122330. [PMID: 38065352 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS It is recognized that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly complex neurodevelopmental disorder with communication deficits as well as multiple social barriers. The core symptoms of ASD are not treatable with current therapeutics. Therefore, finding new treatment strategies for ASD is urgently needed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach in previous studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of MSC treatment for ASD through gut microbiota remain unclear and require further investigation. MAIN METHODS BTBR mice were used as ASD model and then randomly assigned to the human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBMMSC) intravenous treatment group or vehicle treatment group. C57BL/6J (C57) mice served as control. Multiple social behavioral tests were performed during the 6-week period and fecal samples were collected at different time points for 16 s rRNA sequencing analysis. KEY FINDINGS The administration of hBMMSC improved social deficits of BTBR mice in the open field test (OFT), light-dark box test (LBT), novel object recognition (NOR), and free social test (FST), while also significantly reducing stereotypic behaviors. Additionally, hBMMSC administration notably reversed the alterations of microbiota abundance in BTBR mice, particularly the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Several specific differential taxa were further selected and showed a correlation with the prognosis and behavioral scores of ASD. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, intravenous treatment with hBMMSC had a beneficial impact on ASD by ameliorating social deficits and modifying microbiota compositions. This outcome indicates that hBMMSC intravenous transplantation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing ASD symptoms improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jingyi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Wang Lin
- Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Chen Yuan
- Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhang Lingling
- Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Jiang Qianqian
- Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xu Anlong
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Gao Yansong
- Jiuzhitang Maker (Beijing) Cell Technology Co., LTD., Beijing 102600, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Quality Attribute of Cell Therapy Products, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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14
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Sreenivas N, Maes M, Padmanabha H, Dharmendra A, Chakkera P, Paul Choudhury S, Abdul F, Mullapudi T, Gowda VK, Berk M, Vijay Sagar Kommu J, Debnath M. Comprehensive immunoprofiling of neurodevelopmental disorders suggests three distinct classes based on increased neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization or IL-1 signaling. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:505-516. [PMID: 37972879 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with commonalities as well as differences in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. Immune dysregulation has surfaced as a major pathway in NDDs. However, it is not known if neurodevelopmental disorders share a common immunopathogenetic mechanism. In this study, we explored the possibility of a shared immune etiology in three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD). A panel of 48 immune pathway-related markers was assayed in 135 children with NDDs, represented by 45 children with ASD, ADHD and IDD in each group, along with 35 typically developing children. The plasma levels of 48 immune markers were analyzed on the Multiplex Suspension Assay platform using Pro Human cytokine 48-plex kits. Based on the cytokine/chemokine/growth factor levels, different immune profiles were computed. The primary characteristics of NDDs are depletion of the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS) (z composite of IL-4, IL-10, sIL-1RA, and sIL-2R), increased interleukin (IL)-1 signaling associated with elevated IL-1α and decreased IL-1-receptor antagonist levels, increased neurogenesis, M1/M2 macrophage polarization and increased IL-4 as well as C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) levels. With a cross-validated sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 94.4%, these aberrations seem specific for NDDs. Many immunological abnormalities are shared by ASD, ADHD and IDD, which are distinguished by minor differences in IL-9, IL-17 and CCL12. In contrast, machine learning reveals that NDD group consists of three immunologically distinct clusters, with enhanced neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization, or IL-1 signaling as the defining features. NDD is characterized by immune abnormalities that have functional implications for neurogenesis, neurotoxicity, and neurodevelopment. Using machine learning, NDD patients could be classified into subgroups with qualitatively distinct immune disorders that may serve as novel drug targets for the treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhitha Sreenivas
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Center, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Korea; 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
| | - Hansashree Padmanabha
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Apoorva Dharmendra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Priyanka Chakkera
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Saptamita Paul Choudhury
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Fazal Abdul
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Thrinath Mullapudi
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Vykuntaraju K Gowda
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, India
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Department of Psychiatry, and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John Vijay Sagar Kommu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Monojit Debnath
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
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15
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Tylek K, Trojan E, Leśkiewicz M, Ghafir El Idrissi I, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M, Basta-Kaim A. Microglia Depletion Attenuates the Pro-Resolving Activity of the Formyl Peptide Receptor 2 Agonist AMS21 Related to Inhibition of Inflammasome NLRP3 Signalling Pathway: A Study of Organotypic Hippocampal Cultures. Cells 2023; 12:2570. [PMID: 37947648 PMCID: PMC10648897 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells have been demonstrated to be significant resident immune cells that maintain homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, prolonged or excessive microglial activation leads to disturbances in the resolution of inflammation (RoI). Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) is a crucial player in the RoI, interacting with various ligands to induce distinct conformational changes and, consequently, diverse biological effects. Due to the poor pharmacokinetic properties of endogenous FPR2 ligands, the aim of our study was to evaluate the pro-resolving effects of a new ureidopropanamide agonist, compound AMS21, in hippocampal organotypic cultures (OHCs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, to assess whether AMS21 exerts its action via FPR2 specifically located on microglial cells, we conducted a set of experiments in OHCs depleted of microglial cells using clodronate. We demonstrated that the protective and anti-inflammatory activity of AMS21 manifested as decreased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), nitric oxide (NO), and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 release evoked by LPS in OHCs. Moreover, in LPS-stimulated OHCs, AMS21 treatment downregulated NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors (CASP1, NLRP3, PYCARD) and this effect was mediated through FPR2 because it was blocked by the FPR2 antagonist WRW4 pre-treatment. Importantly this beneficial effect of AMS21 was only observed in the presence of microglial FPR2, and absent in OHCs depleted with microglial cells using clodronate. Our results strongly suggest that the compound AMS21 exerts, at nanomolar doses, protective and anti-inflammatory properties and an FPR2 receptor located specifically on microglial cells mediates the anti-inflammatory response of AMS21. Therefore, microglial FPR2 represents a promising target for the enhancement of RoI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Tylek
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.T.); (E.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Ewa Trojan
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.T.); (E.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Monika Leśkiewicz
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.T.); (E.T.); (M.L.)
| | - Imane Ghafir El Idrissi
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (I.G.E.I.); (E.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (I.G.E.I.); (E.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcello Leopoldo
- Department of Pharmacy—Drug Sciences, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (I.G.E.I.); (E.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.T.); (E.T.); (M.L.)
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16
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Man MQ, Yang S, Mauro TM, Zhang G, Zhu T. Link between the skin and autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1265472. [PMID: 37920540 PMCID: PMC10619695 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1265472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurological disorder. Although the etiologies of ASD have been widely speculated, evidence also supports the pathogenic role of cutaneous inflammation in autism. The prevalence of ASD is higher in individuals with inflammatory dermatoses than in those without inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammation therapy alleviates symptoms of ASD. Recent studies suggest a link between epidermal dysfunction and ASD. In the murine model, mice with ASD display epidermal dysfunction, accompanied by increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both the skin and the brain. Children with ASD, which develops in their early lifetime, also exhibit altered epidermal function. Interestingly, improvement in epidermal function alleviates some symptoms of ASD. This line of evidence suggests a pathogenic role of cutaneous dysfunction in ASD. Either an improvement in epidermal function or effective treatment of inflammatory dermatoses can be an alternative approach to the management of ASD. We summarize here the current evidence of the association between the skin and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Qiang Man
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center,San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shuyun Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The People’s Hospital of Baoshan, Baoshan, China
| | - Theodora M. Mauro
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center,San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Guoqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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17
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Mesleh A, Ehtewish H, Lennard K, Abdesselem HB, Al-Shaban F, Decock J, Alajez NM, Arredouani A, Emara MM, Albagha O, Stanton LW, Abdulla SA, Blackburnand JM, El-Agnaf OMA. High-throughput autoantibody screening identifies differentially abundant autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1222506. [PMID: 37908488 PMCID: PMC10613655 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1222506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by defects in two core domains, social/communication skills and restricted/repetitive behaviors or interests. There is no approved biomarker for ASD diagnosis, and the current diagnostic method is based on clinical manifestation, which tends to vary vastly between the affected individuals due to the heterogeneous nature of ASD. There is emerging evidence that supports the implication of the immune system in ASD, specifically autoimmunity; however, the role of autoantibodies in ASD children is not yet fully understood. Materials and methods In this study, we screened serum samples from 93 cases with ASD and 28 healthy controls utilizing high-throughput KoRectly Expressed (KREX) i-Ome protein-array technology. Our goal was to identify autoantibodies with differential expressions in ASD and to gain insights into the biological significance of these autoantibodies in the context of ASD pathogenesis. Result Our autoantibody expression analysis identified 29 differential autoantibodies in ASD, 4 of which were upregulated and 25 downregulated. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO) and network analysis showed that the proteins of these autoantibodies are expressed in the brain and involved in axonal guidance, chromatin binding, and multiple metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that these autoantibodies negatively correlate with the age of ASD subjects. Conclusion This study explored autoantibody reactivity against self-antigens in ASD individuals' serum using a high-throughput assay. The identified autoantibodies were reactive against proteins involved in axonal guidance, synaptic function, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and chromatin binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej Mesleh
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan Ehtewish
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Katie Lennard
- Sengenics Corporation, Level M, Plaza Zurich, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Houari B. Abdesselem
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Proteomics Core Facility, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fouad Al-Shaban
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehad M. Alajez
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdelilah Arredouani
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed M. Emara
- Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar Albagha
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lawrence W. Stanton
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara A. Abdulla
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonathan M. Blackburnand
- Sengenics Corporation, Level M, Plaza Zurich, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Omar M. A. El-Agnaf
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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18
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Belica I, Janšáková K, Celušáková H, Kopčíková M, Polónyiová K, Rašková B, Vidošovičová M, Ostatníková D, Babinská K. Plasma cytokine concentrations of children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical siblings. Cytokine 2023; 170:156333. [PMID: 37598479 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156333] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Several studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have shown cytokine dysregulation in children with ASD, leading to a consideration of the immune theory of the ASD etiopathogenesis and a debate about cytokines as potential biomarkers of ASD. However, the results of these studies are still inconsistent. Overall, studies comparing the cytokine levels of children with ASD and neurotypical siblings achieved relatively different results than studies with control groups of non-siblings. The studies suggest that the immune profile of siblings of individuals with ASD serving as control is more similar to children with ASD than the profile of non-siblings. However, there are still only a few studies with control groups including neurotypical siblings of children with ASD. The aim of our study was to determine whether the concentration of plasma cytokine levels may differentiate children with ASD from their neurotypical siblings. The sample consisted of 40 children with ASD (mean age 7.11 years, SD 2.9) and 21 neurotypical siblings (mean age 7.38, SD 3.3). Levels of 20 cytokines were included into the statistical analysis. A multiple logistic regression model using multiple corrections showed that an increase in log-transformed plasma G-CSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) concentration is associated with an increased risk of the child being diagnosed as an ASD case (OR = 4.35, 95% CI 1.77, 10.73). Although the significantly increased concentration of G-CSF suggests a slightly different activity of the immune system of children with ASD, the overall cytokine profile of their siblings appeared to be very similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Belica
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia; Research Institute for Child Psychology and Pathopsychology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Janšáková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hana Celušáková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Kopčíková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Polónyiová
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Rašková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Vidošovičová
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Babinská
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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19
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Syed OA, Tsang B, Gerlai R. The zebrafish for preclinical psilocybin research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105381. [PMID: 37689090 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the possible utility of zebrafish in research on psilocybin, a psychedelic drug whose recreational use as well as possible clinical application are gaining increasing interest. First, we review behavioral tests with zebrafish, focussing on anxiety and social behavior, which have particular relevance in the context of psilocybin research. Next, we briefly consider methods of genetic manipulations with which psilocybin's phenotypical effects and underlying mechanisms may be investigated in zebrafish. We briefly review the known mechanisms of psilocybin, and also discuss what we know about its safety and toxicity profile. Last, we discuss examples of how psilocybin may be employed for testing treatment efficacy in preclinical research for affective disorders in zebrafish. We conclude that zebrafish has a promising future in preclinical research on psychedelic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer A Syed
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
| | - Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
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20
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Carpita B, Massoni L, Battaglini S, Palego L, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell'Osso L. IL-6, homocysteine, and autism spectrum phenotypes: an investigation among adults with autism spectrum disorder and their first-degree relatives. CNS Spectr 2023; 28:620-628. [PMID: 36690583 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852923000019] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of recognizing different kinds of autism spectrum presentations among adults, including subthreshold forms and the broad autism phenotype (BAP), has been increasingly highlighted in recent studies. Meanwhile, the possible involvement of immune system deregulation and altered methylation/trans-sulfuration processes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is gaining growing attention, but studies in this field are mainly focused on children. In this framework, the aim of this study was to compare plasmatic concentrations of IL-6 and homocysteine (HCY) among adults with ASD, their first-degree relatives, and healthy controls (CTLs), investigating also possible correlations with specific autism symptoms. METHODS Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and HCY were measured in a group of adult subjects with ASD, their first-degree relatives (BAP group), and healthy controls (CTL). All participants were also evaluated with psychometric instruments. RESULTS IL-6 and HCY concentrations were significantly higher in the ASD group than in CTLs, while BAP subjects reported intermediate results. Significant correlations were reported between biochemical parameters and psychometric scales, particularly for the dimension of ruminative thinking. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis of a key involvement of HCY-related metabolism and immune system alteration in autism spectrum pathophysiology. HCY and IL-6 seem to show different associations with specific autism dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ivan M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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21
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Carter SA, Rahman MM, Lin JC, Chow T, Yu X, Martinez MP, Levitt P, Chen Z, Chen JC, Eckel SP, Schwartz J, Lurmann FW, Kleeman MJ, McConnell R, Xiang AH. Maternal exposure to aircraft emitted ultrafine particles during pregnancy and likelihood of ASD in children. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108061. [PMID: 37454628 PMCID: PMC10472925 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108061] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence for adverse health effects associated with aircraft-emitted particulate matter (PM) exposures, which are largely in the ultrafine (PM0.1) size fraction, but no previous study has examined neurodevelopmental outcomes. OBJECTIVE To assess associations between maternal exposure to aircraft ultrafine particles (UFP) during pregnancy and offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. METHODS This large, representative cohort study included 370,723 singletons born in a single healthcare system. Demographic data, maternal health information, and child's ASD diagnosis by age 5 were extracted from electronic medical records. Aircraft exposure estimates for PM0.1 were generated by the University of California Davis/California Institute of Technology Source Oriented Chemical Transport model. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess associations between maternal exposure to aircraft PM0·1 in pregnancy and ASD diagnosis, controlling for covariates. RESULTS Over the course of follow-up, 4,554 children (1.4 %) were diagnosed with ASD. Increased risk of ASD was associated with maternal exposure to aircraft PM0.1 [hazard ratio, HR: 1.02, (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.03) per IQR = 0.02 µg/m3 increase during pregnancy. Associations were robust to adjustment for total PM0.1 and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), near-roadway air pollution, and other covariates. Noise adjustment modestly attenuated estimates of UFP effects, which remained statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results strengthen the emerging evidence that maternal particulate matter exposure during pregnancy is associated with offspring ASD diagnosis and identify aircraft-derived PM0.1 as novel targets for further study and potential regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Carter
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Md Mostafijur Rahman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jane C Lin
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ting Chow
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Xin Yu
- Spatial Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mayra P Martinez
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Keck School of Medicine, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Michael J Kleeman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anny H Xiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Zhu J, Meng H, Li Y. Identification of target hub genes and construction of a novel miRNA regulatory network in autism spectrum disorder by integrated analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34420. [PMID: 37478258 PMCID: PMC10662836 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034420] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing year by year in children. The aim of the study was to find possible biomarkers for ASD diagnosis as well as examine MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures and crucial pathways. We conducted a two-stage study to explore potential target genes and functional miRNAs. Peripheral blood samples of children with ASD were enrolled and performed RNA sequencing analysis. The overlapped candidate genes were further screened in combination with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GSE77103 datasets. STRING established a protein-protein interaction network comprising DEGs. The hub genes were filtered out using the CytoHubba. Then, we set up a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Correlational analyses between hub genes and immune cells associated with ASD were carried out using the CIBERSORT software to assess the diversity of immune cell types in ASD. RNA-sequencing analysis was used to confirm the differential expression of 3 hub genes. Briefly, after blood samples were sequenced interrogating 867 differential genes in our internal screening dataset. After screening GEO databases, 551 DEGs obtained from GSE77103. Fourteen common genes were overlapped through DEGs of GEO datasets and internal screening dataset. Among protein-protein interaction network, 10 hub genes with high degree algorithm were screened out and 3 hub genes of them - ADIPOR1, LGALS3, and GZMB - that were thought to be most associated with the emergence of ASD. Then, we developed a network of miRNA-mRNA regulatory interactions by screening miRNAs (such as hsa-miR-20b-5p, hsa-miR-17-5p, and hsa-miR-216b-5p) that were closely associated to 3 hub genes. Additionally, we discovered 18 different immune cell types associated with ASD using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and we discovered that mononuclear macrophages differed considerably between the 2 groups. Overall, 3 hub genes (ADIPOR1, LGALS3, and GZMB) and 15 candidates miRNAs-target 3 genes regulatory pathways representing potentially novel biomarkers of ASD diseases were revealed. These findings could enhance our knowledge of ASD and offer possible therapeutic targets of ASD patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haoran Meng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
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23
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Barzegari A, Mahdirejei HA, Hanani M, Esmaeili MH, Salari AA. Adolescent swimming exercise following maternal valproic acid treatment improves cognition and reduces stress-related symptoms in offspring mice: Role of sex and brain cytokines. Physiol Behav 2023; 269:114264. [PMID: 37295664 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) treatment during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder, cognitive deficits, and stress-related disorders in children. No effective therapeutic strategies are currently approved to treat or manage core symptoms of autism. Active lifestyles and physical activity are closely associated with health and quality of life during childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate whether swimming exercise during adolescence can prevent the development of cognitive dysfunction and stress-related disorders in prenatally VPA-exposed mice offspring. Pregnant mice received VPA, afterwards, offspring were subjected to swimming exercise. We assessed neurobehavioral performances and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-(IL)6, tumor-necrosis-factor-(TNF)α, interferon-(IFN)γ, and IL-17A) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of offspring. Prenatal VPA treatment increased anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior and decreased social behavior in male and female offspring. Prenatal VPA exposure also increased behavioral despair and reduced working and recognition memory in male offspring. Although prenatal VPA increased hippocampal IL-6 and IFN-γ, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in males, it only increased hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in female offspring. Adolescent exercise made VPA-treated male and female offspring resistant to anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior in adulthood, whereas it only made VPA-exposed male offspring resistant to behavioral despair, social and cognitive deficits in adulthood. Exercise reduced hippocampal IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in VPA-treated male offspring, whereas it reduced hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in VPA-treated female offspring. This study suggests that adolescent exercise may prevents the development of stress-related symptoms, cognitive deficits, and neuroinflammation in prenatally VPA-exposed offspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Barzegari
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Hanani
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran
| | | | - Ali-Akbar Salari
- Salari Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders (SICBD), Karaj, Alborz, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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24
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Tsai SJ, Hsu JW, Huang KL, Bai YM, Su TP, Chen TJ, Chen MH. Autism spectrum disorder and periodontitis risk: A cohort study of 38,203 adolescents. J Am Dent Assoc 2023; 154:479-485. [PMID: 37097276 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.02.020] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have poor oral health status because they often experience challenges with daily oral hygiene and have inadequate access to oral health care services. This study explored periodontitis risk in adolescents with ASD compared with those who did not have a diagnosis of ASD. METHODS Data from 2001 through December 31, 2011 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database on 3,473 adolescents with ASD and 34,730 age- and sex-matched people who did not have a diagnosis of ASD were obtained, and subsequent periodontitis was identified from enrollment through December 31, 2011. RESULTS Adolescents with ASD (hazard ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.84 to 2.20) were more likely to develop periodontitis at follow-up than those who did not have a diagnosis of ASD. Findings remained consistent in subanalyses stratified by sex and intellectual disability. People with ASD had periodontitis onset at an earlier mean (SD) age than those who did not have a diagnosis of ASD (17.97 [3.12] vs 21.86 [2.28] years; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS ASD is an independent risk factor for subsequent periodontitis development. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Oral health should be closely monitored in adolescents with ASD. Future investigation of the common pathogenesis between periodontitis and ASD is warranted.
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25
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Gigase FAJ, Smith E, Collins B, Moore K, Snijders GJLJ, Katz D, Bergink V, Perez-Rodriquez MM, De Witte LD. The association between inflammatory markers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1502-1515. [PMID: 37055513 PMCID: PMC10266485 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammatory processes have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurological diseases. Studies on this topic often rely on analysis of inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood. Unfortunately, the extent to which these peripheral markers reflect inflammatory processes in the central nervous system (CNS) is unclear. METHODS We performed a systematic review and found 29 studies examining the association between inflammatory marker levels in blood and cerebrospinal (CSF) samples. We performed a random effects meta-analysis of 21 studies (pooled n = 1679 paired samples) that reported the correlation of inflammatory markers in paired blood-CSF samples. RESULTS A qualitative review revealed moderate to high quality of included studies with the majority of studies reporting no significant correlation of inflammatory markers between paired blood-CSF. Meta-analyses revealed a significant low pooled correlation between peripheral and CSF biomarkers (r = 0.21). Meta-analyses of individual cytokines revealed a significant pooled correlation for IL-6 (r = 0.26) and TNFα (r = 0.3) after excluding outlier studies, but not for other cytokines. Sensitivity analyses showed that correlations were highest among participants with a median age above 50 (r = 0.46) and among autoimmune disorder patients (r = 0.35). CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed poor correlation between peripheral and central inflammatory markers in paired blood-CSF samples, with increased correlations in certain study populations. Based on the current findings, peripheral inflammatory markers are a poor reflection of the neuroinflammatory profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederieke A J Gigase
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.
- Department of Clinical and Medical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Emma Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Brett Collins
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Kendall Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Gijsje J L J Snijders
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Katz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Veerle Bergink
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Lotje D De Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA.
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26
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Arteaga-Henríquez G, Gisbert L, Ramos-Quiroga JA. Immunoregulatory and/or Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Management of Core and Associated Symptoms in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:215-229. [PMID: 36913130 PMCID: PMC10024667 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-00993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a so far poorly understood underlying pathogenesis, and few effective therapies for core symptoms. Accumulating evidence supports an association between ASD and immune/inflammatory processes, arising as a possible pathway for new drug intervention. However, current literature on the efficacy of immunoregulatory/anti-inflammatory interventions on ASD symptoms is still limited. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize and discuss the latest evidence on the use of immunoregulatory and/or anti-inflammatory agents for the management of this condition. During the last 10 years, several randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the effectiveness of (add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), sulforaphane (SFN), and/or omega-3 fatty acids have been performed. Overall, a beneficial effect of prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, and/or omega-3 fatty acids on several core symptoms, such as stereotyped behavior, was found. (Add-on) treatment with prednisolone, pregnenolone, celecoxib, minocycline, NAC, SFN, and/or omega-3 fatty acids was also associated with a significantly higher improvement in other symptoms, such as irritability, hyperactivity, and/or lethargy when compared with placebo. The mechanisms by which these agents exert their action and improve symptoms of ASD are not fully understood. Interestingly, studies have suggested that all these agents may suppress microglial/monocyte proinflammatory activation and also restore several immune cell imbalances (e.g., T regulatory/T helper-17 cell imbalances), decreasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and/or IL-17A, both in the blood and in the brain of individuals with ASD. Although encouraging, the performance of larger randomized placebo-controlled trials, including more homogeneous populations, dosages, and longer periods of follow-up, are urgently needed in order to confirm the findings and to provide stronger evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gara Arteaga-Henríquez
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- NCRR-The National Center for Register-Based Research, Aahrus University, Aahrus, Denmark
| | - Laura Gisbert
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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27
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Boksha IS, Prokhorova TA, Tereshkina EB, Savushkina OK, Burbaeva GS. Differentiated Approach to Pharmacotherapy of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Biochemical Aspects. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:303-318. [PMID: 37076279 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923030021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders caused by a complex interaction of numerous genetic and environmental factors and leading to deviations in the nervous system formation at the very early developmental stages. Currently, there are no accepted pharmacological treatments for the so-called core symptoms of ASD, such as social communication disorders and restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. Lack of knowledge about biological basis of ASD, absence of the clinically significant biochemical parameters reflecting abnormalities in the signaling cascades controlling the nervous system development and functioning, and lack of methods for selection of clinically and biologically homogeneous subgroups are considered as causes for the failure of clinical trials of ASD pharmacotherapy. This review considers the possibilities of applying differentiated clinical and biological approaches to the targeted search for ASD pharmacotherapy with emphasis on biochemical markers associated with ASD and attempts to stratify patients by biochemical parameters. The use of such approach as "the target-oriented therapy and assessment of the target status before and during the treatment to identify patients with a positive response to treatment" is discussed using the published results of clinical trials as examples. It is concluded that identification of biochemical parameters for selection of the distinct subgroups among the ASD patients requires research on large samples reflecting clinical and biological diversity of the patients with ASD, and use of unified approaches for such studies. An integrated approach, including clinical observation, clinical-psychological assessment of the patient behavior, study of medical history and description of individual molecular profiles should become a new strategy for stratifying patients with ASD for clinical pharmacotherapeutic trials, as well as for evaluating their efficiency.
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Xiong Y, Chen J, Lv M, Wang F, Zhang H, Tang B, Li Y. Thymol improves autism-like behaviour in VPA-induced ASD rats through the Pin1/p38 MAPK pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109885. [PMID: 36842231 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109885] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thymol is a bioactive monoterpene isolated from Thymus vulgaris that has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful in neurodevelopmental disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thymol on autism-like behaviours in rats with VPA-induced ASD and to assess the related molecular mechanisms. In the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of the valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rat model, the levels of Pin1, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were increased, and the levels of PSD95 and synaptophysin (SYP) decreased. After thymol treatment (30 mg/kg), the VPA-induced autism-like behaviours were alleviated. Moreover, thymol also rescued the dysregulated levels of Pin1, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, IL-1β, TNF-α, PSD95, and SYP. In addition, immunofluorescence experiments showed that thymol treatment decreased the correlation between Pin1 and phosphorylated p38 MAPK. Mechanistically, Pin1 knockdown by RNA interference confirmed that Pin1 promotes inflammation via phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the VPA exposure rat model. In conclusion, thymol improved autism-like behaviours in VPA-induced ASD rats by reducing inflammation and improving neurodevelopment. This effect was mediated by the Pin1/p38 MAPK pathway. These results experimentally provide the potential for thymol in new therapeutic avenues for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xiong
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingqi Lv
- Experimental Teaching Management Center of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hanhong Zhang
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Boyi Tang
- The Second Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between atopic dermatitis and atopic diseases such as food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in terms of co-occurrence, underlying mechanisms, and therapy is well documented. There is increasing evidence that atopic dermatitis is associated with non-atopic comorbidities such as cardiac, autoimmune, and neuropsychological comorbidities, as well as cutaneous and extracutaneous infections, establishing atopic dermatitis as a systemic disease. AREAS COVERED The authors reviewed evidence on atopic and non-atopic comorbidities of atopic dermatitis. A literature search was conducted in PubMed for peer-reviewed articles published until October 2022. EXPERT OPINION Atopic and non-atopic diseases coexist with atopic dermatitis more often than would be expected by chance. The effect of biologics and small molecules on atopic and non-atopic comorbidities may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between atopic dermatitis and its comorbidities. Their relationship needs to be explored further to dismantle the underlying mechanism and move toward an atopic dermatitis endotype-based therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gewiss
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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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: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [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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Runge K, Fiebich BL, Kuzior H, Rausch J, Maier SJ, Dersch R, Nickel K, Domschke K, Tebartz van Elst L, Endres D. Altered cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of adult patients with autism spectrum disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 158:134-142. [PMID: 36584491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.032] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intensive research, the etiological causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. Immunological mechanisms have recently been studied more frequently in the context of maternal autoantibodies and infections, as well as altered cytokine profiles. For the detection of immunological processes in the central nervous system, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are advantageous due to its proximity to the brain. However, cytokine studies in the CSF of ASD patients are sparse. METHODS CSF was collected from a patient sample of 24 adults (m = 16, f = 8, age: 30.3 ± 11.6 years) with ASD and compared to a previously published mentally healthy control sample of 39 neurological patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A magnetic bead multiplexing immunoassay was used to measure multiple cytokines in CSF. RESULTS Significantly decreased interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (p = 0.001) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.041) levels as well as significantly higher interleukin-8 levels (p = 0.041) were detected in patients with ASD compared with the control group. CONCLUSION The main finding of this study is an altered cytokine profile in adult patients with ASD compared to the control group. This may indicate immune dysregulation in a subgroup of adult ASD patients. Further studies in larger cohorts that examine a broader spectrum of chemokines and cytokines in general are needed to detect possible specific immune signatures in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Runge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd L Fiebich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Kuzior
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jördis Rausch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon J Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Nickel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Xu XJ, Lang JD, Yang J, Long B, Liu XD, Zeng XF, Tian G, You X. Differences of gut microbiota and behavioral symptoms between two subgroups of autistic children based on γδT cells-derived IFN-γ Levels: A preliminary study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1100816. [PMID: 36875075 PMCID: PMC9975759 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1100816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are defined as a group of pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders, and the heterogeneity in the symptomology and etiology of ASD has long been recognized. Altered immune function and gut microbiota have been found in ASD populations. Immune dysfunction has been hypothesized to involve in the pathophysiology of a subtype of ASD. Methods A cohort of 105 ASD children were recruited and grouped based on IFN-γ levels derived from ex vivo stimulated γδT cells. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed with a metagenomic approach. Comparison of autistic symptoms and gut microbiota composition was made between subgroups. Enriched KEGG orthologues markers and pathogen-host interactions based on metagenome were also analyzed to reveal the differences in functional features. Results The autistic behavioral symptoms were more severe for children in the IFN-γ-high group, especially in the body and object use, social and self-help, and expressive language performance domains. LEfSe analysis of gut microbiota revealed an overrepresentation of Selenomonadales, Negatiyicutes, Veillonellaceae and Verrucomicrobiaceae and underrepresentation of Bacteroides xylanisolvens and Bifidobacterium longum in children with higher IFN-γ level. Decreased metabolism function of carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid in gut microbiota were found in the IFN-γ-high group. Additional functional profiles analyses revealed significant differences in the abundances of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes between the two groups. And enriched phenotypes related to infection and gastroenteritis and underrepresentation of one gut-brain module associated with histamine degradation were also found in the IFN-γ-High group. Results of multivariate analyses revealed relatively good separation between the two groups. Conclusions Levels of IFN-γ derived from γδT cell could serve as one of the potential candidate biomarkers to subtype ASD individuals to reduce the heterogeneity associated with ASD and produce subgroups which are more likely to share a more similar phenotype and etiology. A better understanding of the associations among immune function, gut microbiota composition and metabolism abnormalities in ASD would facilitate the development of individualized biomedical treatment for this complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Jie Xu
- Medical Science Research Center, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Scientific Research, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Dong Lang
- Precision Medicine Center, Geneis Beijing Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Long
- Medical Science Research Center, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Scientific Research, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Dong Liu
- Medical Science Research Center, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Scientific Research, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Beijing, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Precision Medicine Center, Geneis Beijing Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xin You
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Beijing, China.,Autism Special Fund, Peking Union Medical Foundation, Beijing, China
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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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Parellada M, Andreu-Bernabeu Á, Burdeus M, San José Cáceres A, Urbiola E, Carpenter LL, Kraguljac NV, McDonald WM, Nemeroff CB, Rodriguez CI, Widge AS, State MW, Sanders SJ. In Search of Biomarkers to Guide Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:23-40. [PMID: 36475375 PMCID: PMC10123775 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21100992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to catalog and evaluate response biomarkers correlated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms to improve clinical trials. METHODS A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was conducted in April 2020. Seven criteria were applied to focus on original research that includes quantifiable response biomarkers measured alongside ASD symptoms. Interventional studies or human studies that assessed the correlation between biomarkers and ASD-related behavioral measures were included. RESULTS A total of 5,799 independent records yielded 280 articles for review that reported on 940 biomarkers, 755 of which were unique to a single publication. Molecular biomarkers were the most frequently assayed, including cytokines, growth factors, measures of oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, and hormones, followed by neurophysiology (e.g., EEG and eye tracking), neuroimaging (e.g., functional MRI), and other physiological measures. Studies were highly heterogeneous, including in phenotypes, demographic characteristics, tissues assayed, and methods for biomarker detection. With a median total sample size of 64, almost all of the reviewed studies were only powered to identify biomarkers with large effect sizes. Reporting of individual-level values and summary statistics was inconsistent, hampering mega- and meta-analysis. Biomarkers assayed in multiple studies yielded mostly inconsistent results, revealing a "replication crisis." CONCLUSIONS There is currently no response biomarker with sufficient evidence to inform ASD clinical trials. This review highlights methodological imperatives for ASD biomarker research necessary to make definitive progress: consistent experimental design, correction for multiple comparisons, formal replication, sharing of sample-level data, and preregistration of study designs. Systematic "big data" analyses of multiple potential biomarkers could accelerate discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Álvaro Andreu-Bernabeu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Mónica Burdeus
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Antonia San José Cáceres
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Elena Urbiola
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Nina V Kraguljac
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - William M McDonald
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Carolyn I Rodriguez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Alik S Widge
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid (Parellada, Andreu-Bernabeu, Burdeus, San José Cáceres, Urbiola); CIBERSAM, Spain (Parellada, Burdeus, San José Cáceres); School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid (Parellada); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Butler Hospital, Providence, R.I. (Carpenter); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (Kraguljac); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta (McDonald); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin (Nemeroff); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford (Rodriguez); Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif. (Rodriguez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (Widge); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco (State, Sanders)
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Elbandy M. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Marine Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential as Functional Food Ingredients in the Prevention and Treatment of Neuroinflammatory Disorders. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010002. [PMID: 36615197 PMCID: PMC9822486 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Functional foods include enhanced, enriched, fortified, or whole foods that impart health benefits beyond their nutritional value, particularly when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis at effective levels. Marine sources can serve as the sources of various healthy foods and numerous functional food ingredients with biological effects can be derived from these sources. Microalgae, macroalgae, crustaceans, fungi, bacteria fish, and fish by-products are the most common marine sources that can provide many potential functional food ingredients including phenolic compounds, proteins and peptides, and polysaccharides. Neuroinflammation is closely linked with the initiation and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Activation of astrocytes and microglia is a defense mechanism of the brain to counter damaged tissues and detrimental pathogens, wherein their chronic activation triggers neuroinflammation that can further exacerbate or induce neurodegeneration. Currently, available therapeutic agents only provide symptomatic relief from these disorders and no therapies are available to stop or slow down the advancement of neurodegeneration. Thereffore, natural compounds that can exert a protective effect against these disorders have therapeutic potential. Numerous chemical compounds, including bioactive peptides, fatty acids, pigments, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, have already been isolated from marine sources that show anti-inflammatory properties, which can be effective in the treatment and prevention of neuroinflammatory disorders. The anti-inflammatory potential of marine-derived compounds as functional food ingredients in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders is covered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elbandy
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Science, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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The Role of Oxytocin in Abnormal Brain Development: Effect on Glial Cells and Neuroinflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233899. [PMID: 36497156 PMCID: PMC9740972 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal period is critical for brain development and determinant for long-term brain trajectory. Yet, this time concurs with a sensitivity and risk for numerous brain injuries following perinatal complications such as preterm birth. Brain injury in premature infants leads to a complex amalgam of primary destructive diseases and secondary maturational and trophic disturbances and, as a consequence, to long-term neurocognitive and behavioral problems. Neuroinflammation is an important common factor in these complications, which contributes to the adverse effects on brain development. Mediating this inflammatory response forms a key therapeutic target in protecting the vulnerable developing brain when complications arise. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the perinatal period, and its importance for lactation and social bonding in early life are well-recognized. Yet, novel functions of OT for the developing brain are increasingly emerging. In particular, OT seems able to modulate glial activity in neuroinflammatory states, but the exact mechanisms underlying this connection are largely unknown. The current review provides an overview of the oxytocinergic system and its early life development across rodent and human. Moreover, we cover the most up-to-date understanding of the role of OT in neonatal brain development and the potential neuroprotective effects it holds when adverse neural events arise in association with neuroinflammation. A detailed assessment of the underlying mechanisms between OT treatment and astrocyte and microglia reactivity is given, as well as a focus on the amygdala, a brain region of crucial importance for socio-emotional behavior, particularly in infants born preterm.
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Activation of the Monocyte/Macrophage System and Abnormal Blood Levels of Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214329. [PMID: 36430805 PMCID: PMC9699353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a so far unknown etiology. Increasing evidence suggests that a state of systemic low-grade inflammation may be involved in the pathophysiology of this condition. However, studies investigating peripheral blood levels of immune cells, and/or of immune cell activation markers such as neopterin are lacking and have provided mixed findings. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, blood levels of lymphocyte subpopulations and of neopterin between individuals with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls (PROSPERO registration number: CRD CRD42019146472). Online searches covered publications from 1 January 1994 until 1 March 2022. Out of 1170 publication records identified, 25 studies were finally included. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out, and sensitivity analyses were performed to control for potential moderators. Results: Individuals with ASD showed a significantly higher WBC count (k = 10, g = 0.29, p = 0.001, I2 = 34%), significantly higher levels of neutrophils (k = 6, g = 0.29, p = 0.005, I2 = 31%), monocytes (k = 11, g = 0.35, p < 0.001, I2 = 54%), NK cells (k = 7, g = 0.36, p = 0.037, I2 = 67%), Tc cells (k = 4, g = 0.73, p = 0.021, I2 = 82%), and a significantly lower Th/Tc cells ratio (k = 3, g = −0.42, p = 0.008, I2 = 0%), compared to TD controls. Subjects with ASD were also characterized by a significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (k = 4, g = 0.69, p = 0.040, I2 = 90%), and significantly higher neopterin levels (k = 3, g = 1.16, p = 0.001, I2 = 97%) compared to TD controls. No significant differences were found with respect to the levels of lymphocytes, B cells, Th cells, Treg cells, and Th17 cells. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the findings for monocyte and neutrophil levels were robust, and independent of other factors, such as medication status, diagnostic criteria applied, and/or the difference in age or sex between subjects with ASD and TD controls. Taken together, our findings suggest the existence of a chronically (and systemically) activated inflammatory response system in, at least, a subgroup of individuals with ASD. This might have not only diagnostic, but also, therapeutic implications. However, larger longitudinal studies including more homogeneous samples and laboratory assessment methods and recording potential confounding factors such as body mass index, or the presence of comorbid psychiatric and/or medical conditions are urgently needed to confirm the findings.
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Adıgüzel E, Çiçek B, Ünal G, Aydın MF, Barlak-Keti D. Probiotics and prebiotics alleviate behavioral deficits, inflammatory response, and gut dysbiosis in prenatal VPA-induced rodent model of autism. Physiol Behav 2022; 256:113961. [PMID: 36100109 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by social interaction and communication disorders and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. These disorders are also accompanied by an inflammatory status. Bidirectional communication between microbiome, gut, and brain has been discovered as a major mechanism influencing core symptoms and biomarkers of autism. Therefore, the modulation of the gut microbiota in autism has recently attracted interest. In this study, probiotic- and prebiotic-mediated modulation of the gut microbiota was compared in terms of different symptoms and findings in an experimental autism model. Valproic acid (VPA) (500 mg/kg) was administered to Wistar rats (on prenatal day 12.5) to induce autistic-like behaviors. Based on the supply of probiotics and prebiotics, animals were grouped as control (saline), autistic-like (prenatal VPA), probiotic (prenatal VPA + 22.5 × 109 cfu/day probiotic), prebiotic (prenatal VPA + 100 mg/day prebiotic), and combined treatment (prenatal VPA + 22.5 × 109 cfu/day probiotic + 100 mg/day prebiotic). After the treatment process, behavioral tests (social behaviors, anxiety, stereotypical behavior, sensorimotor gating, and behavioral despair) and biochemical analyses (serum and brain tissue) were conducted, and the quantities of some phyla and genera were determined in stool samples. Significant positive effects of probiotic and combined treatments were observed on the sociability, social interaction, and anxiety parameters. In addition, all three treatments had positive effects on stereotypical behavior. However, the treatments did not affect sensorimotor gating deficits and behavioral despair. Further, probiotic treatment reversed the VPA-induced increase and decrease in serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels, respectively. Combined treatment also significantly increased the IL-10 levels. Prenatal VPA exposure decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the prefrontal cortex of the brain; however, combined treatment reversed this decrease. Prenatal VPA exposure also caused a decrease in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut microbiota, while the probiotic treatment significantly increased this ratio. These findings indicate that probiotic- and prebiotic-mediated microbial modulation may represent a new therapeutic approach to alleviate autistic-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Adıgüzel
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, İbrahim Öktem Street, Karaman 70200, Turkey.
| | - Betül Çiçek
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Gökhan Ünal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Fatih Aydın
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey,.
| | - Didem Barlak-Keti
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
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Voinsky I, Zoabi Y, Shomron N, Harel M, Cassuto H, Tam J, Rose S, Scheck AC, Karim MA, Frye RE, Aran A, Gurwitz D. Blood RNA Sequencing Indicates Upregulated BATF2 and LY6E and Downregulated ISG15 and MT2A Expression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179843. [PMID: 36077244 PMCID: PMC9456089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in over 100 genes are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DNA SNPs, CNVs, and epigenomic modifications also contribute to ASD. Transcriptomics analysis of blood samples may offer clues for pathways dysregulated in ASD. To expand and validate published findings of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) studies, we performed RNA-seq of whole blood samples from an Israeli discovery cohort of eight children with ASD compared with nine age- and sex-matched neurotypical children. This revealed 10 genes with differential expression. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we compared RNAs from whole blood samples of 73 Israeli and American children with ASD and 26 matched neurotypical children for the 10 dysregulated genes detected by RNA-seq. This revealed higher expression levels of the pro-inflammatory transcripts BATF2 and LY6E and lower expression levels of the anti-inflammatory transcripts ISG15 and MT2A in the ASD compared to neurotypical children. BATF2 was recently reported as upregulated in blood samples of Japanese adults with ASD. Our findings support an involvement of these genes in ASD phenotypes, independent of age and ethnicity. Upregulation of BATF2 and downregulation of ISG15 and MT2A were reported to reduce cancer risk. Implications of the dysregulated genes for pro-inflammatory phenotypes, immunity, and cancer risk in ASD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Voinsky
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yazeed Zoabi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Moria Harel
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel
| | | | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Adrienne C. Scheck
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Mohammad A. Karim
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
| | - Adi Aran
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 91031, Israel
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (D.G.)
| | - David Gurwitz
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (D.G.)
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Döhne N, Falck A, Janach GMS, Byvaltcev E, Strauss U. Interferon-γ augments GABA release in the developing neocortex via nitric oxide synthase/soluble guanylate cyclase and constrains network activity. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:913299. [PMID: 36035261 PMCID: PMC9401097 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.913299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a cytokine with neuromodulatory properties, has been shown to enhance inhibitory transmission. Because early inhibitory neurotransmission sculpts functional neuronal circuits, its developmental alteration may have grave consequences. Here, we investigated the acute effects of IFN-γ on γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA)ergic currents in layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex of rats at the end of the first postnatal week, a period of GABA-dependent cortical maturation. IFN-γ acutely increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous/miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (s/mIPSC), and this could not be reversed within 30 min. Neither the increase in amplitude nor frequency of IPSCs was due to upregulated interneuron excitability as revealed by current clamp recordings of layer 5 interneurons labeled with VGAT-Venus in transgenic rats. As we previously reported in more mature animals, IPSC amplitude increase upon IFN-γ activity was dependent on postsynaptic protein kinase C (PKC), indicating a similar activating mechanism. Unlike augmented IPSC amplitude, however, we did not consistently observe an increased IPSC frequency in our previous studies on more mature animals. Focusing on increased IPSC frequency, we have now identified a different activating mechanism-one that is independent of postsynaptic PKC but is dependent on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In addition, IFN-γ shifted short-term synaptic plasticity toward facilitation as revealed by a paired-pulse paradigm. The latter change in presynaptic function was not reproduced by the application of a nitric oxide donor. Functionally, IFN-γ-mediated alterations in GABAergic transmission overall constrained early neocortical activity in a partly nitric oxide-dependent manner as revealed by microelectrode array field recordings in brain slices analyzed with a spike-sorting algorithm. In summary, with IFN-γ-induced, NO-dependent augmentation of spontaneous GABA release, we have here identified a mechanism by which inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) plausibly modulates neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Döhne
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Falck
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriel M. S. Janach
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Egor Byvaltcev
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State, University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ulf Strauss
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sharma A, Bhalla S, Mehan S. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling inhibitor chrysophanol ameliorates neurobehavioural and neurochemical defects in propionic acid-induced experimental model of autism in adult rats. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1909-1929. [PMID: 35687217 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social and communication deficits as well as repetitive behaviour. Several studies have found that overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathways during brain development plays a significant role in autism pathogenesis. Overexpression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway causes neurological disorders by increasing cell death, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Chrysophanol, also known as chrysophanic acid, is a naturally occurring chemical obtained from the plant Rheum palmatum. This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of CPH on neurobehavioral, molecular, neurochemical, and gross pathological alterations in ICV-PPA induced experimental model of autism in adult rats. The effects of ICV-PPA on PI3K/AKT/mTOR downregulation in the brain were studied in autism-like rats. Furthermore, we investigated how CPH affected myelin basic protein (MBP) levels in rat brain homogenate and apoptotic biomarkers such as caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels in rat brain homogenate and blood plasma samples. Rats were tested for behavioural abnormalities such as neuromuscular dysfunction using an actophotometer, motor coordination using a beam crossing task (BCT), depressive behaviour using a forced swim test (FST), cognitive deficiency, and memory consolidation using a Morris water maze (MWM) task. In PPA-treated rats, prolonged oral CPH administration from day 12 to day 44 of the experimental schedule reduces autistic-like symptoms. Furthermore, in rat brain homogenates, blood plasma, and CSF samples, cellular, molecular, and cell death markers, neuroinflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitter levels, and oxidative stress indicators were investigated. The recent findings imply that CPH also restores abnormal neurochemical levels and may prevent autism-like gross pathological alterations, such as demyelination volume, in the rat brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Sharma
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Sonalika Bhalla
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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Maltsev D, Stefanyshyn V. The efficacy of combined immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin in adult patients with genetic deficiency of the folate cycle and selective deficiency of NK and NKT cells. Immunol Suppl 2022; 167:443-450. [PMID: 35866691 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of combination immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin in GDFC adults with NK and/or NKT cell deficiency. METHODS This single-center, retrospective, controlled, non-randomized clinical trial analyzed medical records of 212 adult GDFC patients aged 19 to 50 years (study group, SG). SG received Propes at a dose of 2 mL intramuscularly every other day at night for 3 consecutive months and Inflamafertin at a dose of 2 mL IM every other day at night for 3 consecutive months in rotation with Propes. The control group involved 34 patients with GDFC who followed the same age and gender distribution pattern but did not receive immunotherapy. RESULTS The number of NK cells reached the lower limit of normal in 95 out of 131 patients (72% of cases) with baseline deficiency of these lymphocytes. The average number of NK cells in the blood of SG patients almost doubled during the 3-month course of immunotherapy (p ˂ 0.05; Z ˂ Z0.05 ). However, it almost returned to initial levels 2 months following discontinuation of the immunotherapeutic agents (p ˃ 0.05; Z ˃ Z0.05 ). CONCLUSION Combination immunotherapy with Propes and Inflamafertin is an effective strategy for the treatment of immunodeficiency caused by GDFC in adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Maltsev
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
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Alachkar A, Lee J, Asthana K, Vakil Monfared R, Chen J, Alhassen S, Samad M, Wood M, Mayer EA, Baldi P. The hidden link between circadian entropy and mental health disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:281. [PMID: 35835742 PMCID: PMC9283542 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The high overlapping nature of various features across multiple mental health disorders suggests the existence of common psychopathology factor(s) (p-factors) that mediate similar phenotypic presentations across distinct but relatable disorders. In this perspective, we argue that circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is a common underlying p-factor that bridges across mental health disorders within their age and sex contexts. We present and analyze evidence from the literature for the critical roles circadian rhythmicity plays in regulating mental, emotional, and behavioral functions throughout the lifespan. A review of the literature shows that coarse CRD, such as sleep disruption, is prevalent in all mental health disorders at the level of etiological and pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical phenotypical manifestations. Finally, we discuss the subtle interplay of CRD with sex in relation to these disorders across different stages of life. Our perspective highlights the need to shift investigations towards molecular levels, for instance, by using spatiotemporal circadian "omic" studies in animal models to identify the complex and causal relationships between CRD and mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Justine Lee
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Kalyani Asthana
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Computer Science, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Roudabeh Vakil Monfared
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Sammy Alhassen
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Muntaha Samad
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Computer Science, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Marcelo Wood
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Emeran A. Mayer
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718G. Oppenheimer Center of Neurobiology of Stress & Resilience and Goldman Luskin Microbiome Center, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Pierre Baldi
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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44
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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45
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Guiducci L, Vassalle C, Prosperi M, Santocchi E, Morales MA, Muratori F, Calderoni S. Vitamin D Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Determinants and Effects of the Response to Probiotic Supplementation. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070611. [PMID: 35888736 PMCID: PMC9317442 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070611] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A relationship between the presence of clinical symptoms and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances associated with nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency, has been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim was to evaluate 25(OH)D levels according to the annual rhythm cycle, gender, the severity of autism, nutritional or clinical status, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers, GI symptoms, and the clinical response to probiotic/placebo supplementation in preschooler children with ASD. Eighty-one ASD preschoolers (67 males) were assessed with standardized tools for ASD severity (ADOS score) and GI symptoms (by GI-Index at six-items and at nine-items, the latter defined as the Total GI-Index). The 25(OH)D levels were compared among different ASD subgroups according to metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (leptin, insulin, resistin, PAI-1, MCP-1, TNF-alfa, and IL-6), gender, and the presence or absence of: (i) GI symptoms, (ii) the response to probiotic supplementation (the improvement of GI symptomatology), (iii) the response to probiotic supplementation (improvement of ASD severity). Only 25% of the ASD children presented an adequate 25(OH)D status (≥30 ng/mL according to the Endocrine Society guidelines). All the 25(OH)D levels falling in the severe deficiency range (<10 ng/mL) were observed in the male subgroup. A significant inverse correlation between 25(OH)D and leptin was observed (R = −0.24, p = 0.037). An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and the GI Index 6-Items and Total GI-Index (R = −0.25, p = 0.026; −0.27, = 0.009) and a direct relationship with the probiotic response (R = 0.4, p = 0.05). The monitoring of 25(OH)D levels and the co-administration of 25(OH)D and probiotic supplementation could be considered in ASD from early ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.A.M.)
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55032 Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy;
| | | | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (M.P.); (F.M.); (S.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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46
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Zuniga-Kennedy M, Davoren M, Shuffrey LC, Luna RA, Savidge T, Prasad V, Anderson GM, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Williams KC. Intestinal Predictors of Whole Blood Serotonin Levels in Children With or Without Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:3780-3789. [PMID: 35726077 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hyperserotonemia, or elevated levels of whole blood serotonin (WB5-HT), was the first biomarker linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite numerous studies investigating the etiology of hyperserotonemia, results have been inconsistent. Recent findings suggest a relationship between the immune system and hyperserotonemia. The current study investigated whether intestinal 5-HT levels, 5-HT gene expression, or intestinal cell types predict WB5-HT. Participants included thirty-one males aged 3-18 who were classified into one of three groups: ASD and functional GI issues, typically developing with GI issues, and typically developing without GI issues. Samples from a lower endoscopy were analyzed to examine the pathways in predicting WB-5HT. Results demonstrated an association between T-Lymphocytes and WB5-HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Zuniga-Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Micah Davoren
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Lauren C Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Luna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, 1102 Bates Avenue, Suite 955, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tor Savidge
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, 1102 Bates Avenue, Suite 955, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Division of Pathology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - George M Anderson
- Departments of Child Psychiatry and Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA. .,, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY, 10025, USA.
| | - Kent C Williams
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 555 S 18th Street, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
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47
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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] [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
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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 ,grid.414902.a0000 0004 1771 3912Center for Experimental Studies and Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 650032 Kunming, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200025 Shanghai, China
| | - Christelle Langley
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB21TN UK
| | - Barbara J. Sahakian
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department 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 ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB21TN UK ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443National 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
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 200438 Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Human 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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48
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Özkul B, Urfalı FE, Sever İH, Bozkurt MF, Söğüt İ, Elgörmüş ÇS, Erdogan MA, Erbaş O. Demonstration of Ameliorating Effect of Vardenafil Through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Properties in Autism Spectrum Disorder Induced by Propionic Acid on Rat Model. Int J Neurosci 2022; 132:1150-1164. [PMID: 35584252 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2079507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. In this study, we aimed to determine the ameliorating effects of vardenafil in the ASD rat model induced by propionic acid (PPA) in terms of neurobehavioral changes and also support these effects with histopathological changes, brain biochemical analysis and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) findings.Materials and Methods: Twenty-one male rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 (control, 7 rats) did not receive treatment. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were given PPA at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 5 days. After PPA administration, animals in group 2 (PPAS, 7 rats) were given saline and animals in group 3 (PPAV, 7 rats) were given vardenafil. Behavioral tests were performed between the 20th and 24th days of the study. The rats were taken for MRS on the 25th day. At the end of the study, brain levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, nerve growth factor, cGMP and lactate levels were measured. In the cerebellum and the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, counts of neurons and Purkinje cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein (associated with gliosis) were evaluated histologically.Results: Three chamber sociability and passive avoiding test, histopathological results, lactate levels derived from MRS, and biochemical biomarkers revealed significant differences among the PPAV and PPAS groups.Conclusion: We concluded that vardenafil improves memory and social behaviors and prevent loss of neuronal and Purkinje cell through its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahattin Özkul
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Furkan Ertürk Urfalı
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kutahya Saglık Bilimleri, Kutahya, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Halil Sever
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fatih Bozkurt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Söğüt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Serdar Elgörmüş
- Department of Emergency, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mumin Alper Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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49
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Xie X, Li L, Wu X, Hou F, Chen Y, Shi L, Liu Q, Zhu K, Jiang Q, Feng Y, Xiao P, Zhang J, Gong J, Song R. Alteration of the fecal microbiota in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:996-1007. [PMID: 35403356 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with altered gut microbiota. However, there has been little consensus on the altered bacterial species and studies have had small sample sizes. We aimed to identify the taxonomic composition and evaluate the changes in the fecal microbiota in Chinese children with ASD by using a relatively large sample size. We conducted a case-control study of 101 children with ASD and 103 healthy controls in China. Demographic information and fecal samples were collected, and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were sequenced. The alpha and beta diversities between the two groups were significantly different. After correcting for multiple comparisons, at the phylum level the relative abundances of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The relative abundance of the Escherichia-Shigella genus in the case group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the relative abundance of Blautia and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae in the control group were higher than that of the case group. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States analysis showed that children with ASD may have disturbed functional pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, and the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. This study revealed the characteristics of the intestinal flora of Chinese children with ASD and provided further evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: This study characterized the gut microbiota composition of 101 children with ASD and 103 healthy controls in China. The altered gut microbiota may contribute significantly to the risk of ASD, including significant increases in the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Escherichia-Shigella and significant decrease of Blautia and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae. This study provided further evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xie
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Li
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Hou
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liuwei Shi
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiheng Zhu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Feng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jianhua Gong
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ranran Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and MOE (Ministry of Education) Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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50
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Maternal levels of acute phase proteins in early pregnancy and risk of autism spectrum disorders in offspring. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:148. [PMID: 35393396 PMCID: PMC8989993 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research supports a contribution of early-life immune disturbances in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Biomarker studies of the maternal innate (non-adaptive) immune status related to ASD risk have focused on one of the acute phase proteins (APP), C-reactive protein (CRP), with conflicting results. We evaluated levels of eight different APP in first-trimester maternal serum samples, from 318 mothers to ASD cases and 429 mothers to ASD-unaffected controls, nested within the register-based Stockholm Youth Cohort. While no overall associations between high levels of APP and ASD were observed, associations varied across diagnostic sub-groups based on co-occurring conditions. Maternal levels of CRP in the lowest compared to the middle tertile were associated with increased risk of ASD without ID or ADHD in offspring (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.08-3.42). Further, levels of maternal ferritin in the lowest (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.18-2.69) and highest (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.11-2.43) tertiles were associated with increased risk of any ASD diagnosis in offspring, with stronger associations still between the lowest (OR = 3.81, 95% CI 1.91-7.58) and highest (OR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.73-6.53) tertiles of ferritin and risk of ASD with ID. The biological interpretation of lower CRP levels among mothers to ASD cases is not clear but might be related to the function of the maternal innate immune system. The finding of aberrant levels of ferritin conferring risk of ASD-phenotypes indicates a plausibly important role of iron during neurodevelopment.
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