Oxidative stress in autism: Increased lipid peroxidation and reduced serum levels of ceruloplasmin and transferrin - the antioxidant proteins

Sex differences in the BTBR idiopathic mouse model of autism spectrum disorders: Behavioural and redox-related hippocampal alterations

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases. Epidemiological data report that males have been diagnosed with autism more frequently than females. However, recent studies hypothesize that females' low incidence might be underestimated due to standard clinical measures of ASD behavioural symptoms, mostly derived from males. Indeed, up to now, ASD mouse models focused mainly on males, considering the prevalence of the diagnosis in that sex. Regarding ASD aetiopathogenesis, it has been recently reported that oxidative stress might be implicated in its onset and development, suggesting an association with ASD typical repetitive behaviours that still need to be disentangled. Here, we investigated possible behavioural and molecular sex-related differences by using the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic ASD. To this aim, animals were exposed to behavioural tests related to different ASD core symptoms and comorbidities, i.e. stereotyped repertoire, social dysfunctions, hyperlocomotion and risk-taking behaviours. Moreover, we analyzed hippocampal levels of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes, together with biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that BTBR females did not display the same patterns for repetitive behaviours as the male counterpart. From a biomolecular point of view, we found an increase in oxidative stress and pro-oxidant enzymes, accompanied by deficient enzymatic anti-oxidant response, only in BTBR males compared to C57BL/6 male mice, while no differences were retrieved in females. Overall, our study suggests that in females there is an urgent need to depict the distinct ASD symptomatology, accompanied by the identification of sex-specific pharmacological targets.

Animal Model of Autism Induced by Valproic Acid Combined with Maternal Deprivation: Sex-Specific Effects on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology probably involves a complex interplay of both genetic and environmental risk factors, which includes pre- and perinatal exposure to environmental stressors. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) combined with maternal deprivation (MD) on behavior, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory state at a central and systemic level in male and female rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to VPA during gestation, and the offspring were submitted to MD. Offspring were tested for locomotor and social behavior; rats were euthanized, where the cerebellum, posterior cortex, prefrontal cortex, and peripheric blood were collected for oxidative stress and inflammatory analysis. It was observed that young rats (25-30 days old) exposed only to VPA presented a lower social approach when compared to the control group. VPA + MD rats did not present the same deficit. Female rats exposed to VPA + MD presented oxidative stress in all brain areas analyzed. Male rats in the VPA and VPA + MD groups presented oxidative stress only in the cerebellum. Regarding inflammatory parameters, male rats exposed only to MD exhibited an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood and in the cortex total. The same was observed in females exposed only to VPA. Animals exposed to VPA + MD showed no alterations in the cytokines analyzed. In summary, gestational (VPA) and perinatal (MD) insults can affect molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation differently depending on the sex and brain area analyzed. Combined exposition to VPA and MD triggers oxidative stress especially in female brains without evoking an inflammatory response.

The multifaceted role of mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder

Normal brain functioning relies on high aerobic energy production provided by mitochondria. Failure to supply a sufficient amount of energy, seen in different brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may have a significant negative impact on brain development and support of different brain functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction, manifested in the abnormal activities of the electron transport chain and impaired energy metabolism, greatly contributes to ASD. The aberrant functioning of this organelle is of such high importance that ASD has been proposed as a mitochondrial disease. It should be noted that aerobic energy production is not the only function of the mitochondria. In particular, these organelles are involved in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, different mechanisms of programmed cell death, autophagy, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) production. Several syndromes originated from mitochondria-related mutations display ASD phenotype. Abnormalities in Ca2+ handling and ATP production in the brain mitochondria affect synaptic transmission, plasticity, and synaptic development, contributing to ASD. ROS and Ca2+ regulate the activity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). The prolonged opening of this pore affects the redox state of the mitochondria, impairs oxidative phosphorylation, and activates apoptosis, ultimately leading to cell death. A dysregulation between the enhanced mitochondria-related processes of apoptosis and the inhibited autophagy leads to the accumulation of toxic products in the brains of individuals with ASD. Although many mitochondria-related mechanisms still have to be investigated, and whether they are the cause or consequence of this disorder is still unknown, the accumulating data show that the breakdown of any of the mitochondrial functions may contribute to abnormal brain development leading to ASD. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted role of mitochondria in ASD from the various aspects of neuroscience.

The neuroprotective effect of Diosgenin in the rat Valproic acid model of autism

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with two core behavioral symptoms restricted/repetitive behavior and social-communication deficit. The unknown etiology of ASD makes it difficult to identify potential treatments. Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant drug with teratogenic effects during pregnancy in humans and rodents. Prenatal exposure to VPA induces autism-like behavior in both humans and rodents. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Diosgenin in prenatal Valproic acid-induced autism in rats.

METHOD

pregnant Wister female rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of VPA (600 mg/kg, i.p.) on gestational day 12.5. The male offspring were given oral Dios (40 mg/kg, p.o.) or Carboxymethyl cellulose (5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days starting from postnatal day 23. On postnatal day 52, behavioral tests were done. Additionally, biochemical assessments for oxidative stress markers were carried out on postnatal day 60. Further, histological evaluations were performed on the prefrontal tissue by Nissl staining and Immunohistofluorescence.

RESULTS

The VPA-exposed rats showed increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM). They also demonstrated repetitive and grooming behaviors in the marble burying test (MBT) and self-grooming test. Social interaction was reduced, and they had difficulty detecting the novel object in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Also, VPA-treated rats have shown higher levels of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) and lower GPX, TAC, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Furthermore, the number of neurons decreased and the ERK signaling pathway upregulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). On the other hand, treatment with Dios restored the behavioral consequences, lowered oxidative stress, and death of neurons, and rescued the overly activated ERK1/2 signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

CONCLUSION

Chronic treatment with Dios restored the behavioral, biochemical, and histological abnormalities caused by prenatal VPA exposure.

Understanding the link between different types of maternal diabetes and the onset of autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Although the exact cause of these disorders remains unknown, it is widely accepted that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to their onset and progression. Recent studies have highlighted the potential negative impact of maternal diabetes on embryonic neurodevelopment, suggesting that intrauterine hyperglycemia could pose an additional risk to early brain development and contribute to the development of ASD. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current research on the relationship between various forms of maternal diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes mellitus, and the likelihood of ASD in offspring. The study elucidates the potential mechanisms through which maternal hyperglycemia affects fetal development, involving metabolic hormones, immune dysregulation, heightened oxidative stress, and epigenetic alterations. The findings of this review offer valuable insights for potential preventive measures and evidence-based interventions targeting ASD.

Metabolomic changes in children with autism

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Metabolomic profiling has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the underlying metabolic dysregulations associated with ASD.

AIM

To comprehensively explore metabolomic changes in children with ASD, integrating findings from various research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, editorials, and a book chapter.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, LISA, and NLM catalog up until January 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed research articles (83), review articles (145), meta-analyses (6), systematic reviews (6), case reports (2), editorials (2), and a book chapter (1) related to metabolomic changes in children with ASD. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the relevance and quality of included studies.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified specific metabolites and metabolic pathways showing consistent differences in children with ASD compared to typically developing individuals. These metabolic biomarkers may serve as objective measures to support clinical assessments, improve diagnostic accuracy, and inform personalized treatment approaches. Metabolomic profiling also offers insights into the metabolic alterations associated with comorbid conditions commonly observed in individuals with ASD.

CONCLUSION

Integration of metabolomic changes in children with ASD holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding personalized treatment approaches, monitoring treatment response, and improving outcomes. Further research is needed to validate findings, establish standardized protocols, and overcome technical challenges in metabolomic analysis. By advancing our understanding of metabolic dysregulations in ASD, clinicians can improve the lives of affected individuals and their families.

Determination of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Antioxidant Capacity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutrient intake and dietary antioxidant capacity of children and adolescents with ASD. The study included 38 children and adolescents with ASD aged 6-18 years and 38 gender and age-matched peers without ASD. Caregivers of participants who met inclusion criteria completed a questionnaire form, three-day food consumption record and antioxidant nutrient questionnaire. There were 26 (68.4%) boys and 12 (31.6%) girls in both groups and mean age of participants with and without ASD was 10.9 ± 4.03 years versus 11.1 ± 4.09 years, respectively. The average intake of carbohydrates, vitamin D, calcium, sodium and selenium was lower in participants with ASD than in participants without ASD (p < 0.05). In both groups, dietary fiber, vitamin D, potassium, calcium and selenium intake insufficiency were high, and there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of carbohydrate, omega 3, vitamin D and sodium intake insufficiency. Considering the antioxidant intakes of the participants, the median value of dietary antioxidant capacity from food consumption record of participants with and without ASD was 3.2 (1.9) mmol versus 4.3 (1.9) mmol, respectively, whereas the dietary antioxidant capacity from antioxidant nutrient questionnaire was 3.5 (2.9) mmol versus 4.8 (2.7) mmol, respectively (p < 0.05). It is predicted that providing nutritional counseling and regulation of diet, especially keeping the antioxidant capacity of diets high, may be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of ASD.

Seeing beyond words: Visualizing autism spectrum disorder biomarker insights

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.

Impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response post weaning time

Milk is a whitish liquid that is secreted from mammary glands; and considered as the primary source of nutrition for newborns since they are not able to digest solid food. However, it contains primary nutrients, as well as growth and immune factors. Early weaning is a critical issue that face women and their babies in developing countries. To avoid infant malnutrition, they tend to use other milk types instead of baby formula. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response in male and female Sprague Dawley rats post weaning time. The amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins in the tested milk types were evaluated. Animals were divided into 5 groups (control, cow, buffalo, goat and camel milk administrated groups) (10 rats/group); each animal was administrated by 3.4 ml/day. Rats were administered with milk for 6 weeks; at the end of the 5th week, five animals of each group were isolated and the remaining five animals were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and kept for another week to mount immune response. The effect of different milk types on rats' immune response towards SRBCs was evaluated through pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, ESR and CRP measurement; together, with the histopathological examination of spleen samples and hemagglutination assay. Camel milk consumption reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in spleen that resulted from SRBCs immunization; in addition to, B cell stimulation that was apparent from the high level of anti-SRBCs antibodies. Camel milk is recommended for newborn consumption, due to its high-water content, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin C, as well as low lactose and fat content.

Sex-dependent alterations of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and histopathology of the brain-gut axis in a VPA-induced autistic-like model of rats

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to investigate the inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and histopathological consequences of the brain-gut axis in male and female rats prenatally exposed to VPA.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. The animals received saline, and valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, i.p.) on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). All offspring were weaned on postnatal day 21, and the experiments were done in male and female rats on day 60. The brain and intestine tissues were extracted to assess histopathology, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

RESULTS

An increase of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and a decrease of interleukin-10 (IL-10) were observed in the two sexes and two tissues of the autistic rats. In the VPA-exposed animals, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) increased in the brain of both sexes and the intestines of only the males. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) significantly decreased in both tissues of male and female autistic groups. Histopathological evaluation showed that the %apoptosis of the cortex in the autistic male and female groups was more than in controls whereas this parameter in the CA1 and CA3 was significant only in the male rats. In the intestine, histopathologic changes were seen only in the male autistic animals.

CONCLUSION

The inflammatory and antioxidant factors were in line in the brain-gut axis in male and female rats prenatally exposed to VPA. Histopathological consequences were more significant in the VPA-exposed male animals.

Validation of plasma protein glycation and oxidation biomarkers for the diagnosis of autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. It is currently diagnosed by behaviour-based assessments made by observation and interview. In 2018 we reported a discovery study of a blood biomarker diagnostic test for ASD based on a combination of four plasma protein glycation and oxidation adducts. The test had 88% accuracy in children 5-12 years old. Herein, we present an international multicenter clinical validation study (N = 478) with application of similar biomarkers to a wider age range of 1.5-12 years old children. Three hundred and eleven children with ASD (247 male, 64 female; age 5.2 ± 3.0 years) and 167 children with typical development (94 male, 73 female; 4.9 ± 2.4 years) were recruited for this study at Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals, Qatar, and Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Spain. For subjects 5-12 years old, the diagnostic algorithm with features, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs)-Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), Nω-carboxymethylarginine (CMA) and 3-deoxyglucosone-derived hydroimidazolone (3DG-H), and oxidative damage marker, o,o'-dityrosine (DT), age and gender had accuracy 83% (CI 79 - 89%), sensitivity 94% (CI 90-98%), specificity 67% (CI 57-76%) and area-under-the-curve of receiver operating characteristic plot (AUROC) 0.87 (CI 0.84-0.90). Inclusion of additional plasma protein glycation and oxidation adducts increased the specificity to 74%. An algorithm with 12 plasma protein glycation and oxidation adduct features was optimum for children of 1.5-12 years old: accuracy 74% (CI 70-79%), sensitivity 75% (CI 63-87%), specificity 74% (CI 58-90%) and AUROC 0.79 (CI 0.74-0.84). We conclude that ASD diagnosis may be supported using an algorithm with features of plasma protein CML, CMA, 3DG-H and DT in 5-12 years-old children, and an algorithm with additional features applicable for ASD screening in younger children. ASD severity, as assessed by ADOS-2 score, correlated positively with plasma protein glycation adducts derived from methylglyoxal, hydroimidazolone MG-H1 and Nε(1-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL). The successful validation herein may indicate that the algorithm modifiable features are mechanistic risk markers linking ASD to increased lipid peroxidation, neuronal plasticity and proteotoxic stress.

Associations between oxidative stress biomarkers during pregnancy and infant cognition at 7.5 months

Oxidative stress has been identified as an important biological pathway leading to neurodevelopmental delay. However, studies assessing the effects of oxidative stress on cognitive outcomes during infancy, a critical period of neurodevelopment, are limited. Our analysis included a subset of those enrolled in the Illinois Kids Development Study (N = 144). Four oxidative stress biomarkers (8-isoprostane-PGF2α , 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-8-iso-PGF2α , 2,3-dinor-8-iso-PGF2α , and prostaglandin-F2α ) were measured in second and third trimesters urine and were averaged. Infant cognition was measured using a visual recognition memory task consisting of five blocks, each with one familiarization trial (two identical stimuli) and two test trials (one familiar and one novel stimulus). Outcomes measured included average run duration (a measure of information processing speed), novelty preference (a measure of recognition memory), time to reach familiarization, and shift rate (measures of attention). Linear regression was used to estimate associations between individual oxidative stress biomarkers and each outcome. Increasing 8-isoprostane-PGF2α , 2,3-dinor-8-iso-PGF2α , and prostaglandin-F2α were associated with a decrease in novelty preference (β = -0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.03, 0.00; β = -0.02, 95% CI = -0.04, 0.00; β = -0.01, 95% CI = -0.02, 0.00, respectively), as well as a modest increase in shift rate. These findings suggest that oxidative stress may be associated with poorer recognition memory in early infancy.

Hepatic Alterations in a BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J Mouse Model of Autism and Improvement Using Melatonin via Mitigation Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Ferroptosis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder, and its etiology is not well understood. It is known that genetic and nongenetic factors determine alterations in several organs, such as the liver, in individuals with this disorder. The aims of the present study were to analyze morphological and biological alterations in the liver of an autistic mouse model, BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, and to identify therapeutic strategies for alleviating hepatic impairments using melatonin administration. We studied hepatic cytoarchitecture, oxidative stress, inflammation and ferroptosis in BTBR mice and used C57BL6/J mice as healthy control subjects. The mice were divided into four groups and then treated and not treated with melatonin, respectively. BTBR mice showed (a) a retarded development of livers and (b) iron accumulation and elevated oxidative stress and inflammation. We demonstrated that the expression of ferroptosis markers, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NFR2), was upregulated, and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) was downregulated in BTBR mice. Then, we evaluated the effects of melatonin on the hepatic alterations of BTBR mice; melatonin has a positive effect on liver cytoarchitecture and metabolic functions.

The tryptophan catabolite or kynurenine pathway in autism spectrum disorder; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and interaction, as well as rigid and unchanging interests and behaviors. Several studies have reported that activated immune-inflammatory and nitro-oxidative pathways are accompanied by depletion of plasma tryptophan (TRP), increased competing amino acid (CAAs) levels, and activation of the TRP catabolite (TRYCAT) pathway. This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyze data on peripheral TRP, CAAs, TRYCAT pathway activity, and individual TRYCATs, including kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KA) levels, in the blood and urine of ASD patients. After extensively searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder, a total of 25 full-text papers were included in the analysis, with a total of 6653 participants (3557 people with ASD and 3096 healthy controls). Our results indicate that blood TRP and the TRP/CAAs ratio were not significantly different between ASD patients and controls (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.227, 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.540; 0.085, and SMD = 0.158, 95% CI: -0.042; 0.359), respectively. The KYN/TRP ratio showed no significant difference between ASD and controls (SMD = 0.001, 95% CI: -0.169; 0.171). Blood KYN and KA levels were not significantly changed in ASD. Moreover, there were no significant differences in urine TRP, KYN, and KA levels between ASD and controls. We could not establish increases in neurotoxic TRYCATs in ASD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates no abnormalities in peripheral blood TRP metabolism, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme (IDO) activity, or TRYCAT production in ASD. Reduced TRP availability and elevated neurotoxic TRYCAT levels are not substantial contributors to ASD's pathophysiology.

Alterations in Antioxidant Status and Erythrocyte Properties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Erythrocytes are responsible for the transport of oxygen within the organism, which is particularly important for nerve tissues. Erythrocyte quality has been shown to be deteriorated in oxidative stress conditions. In this study, we measured the same series of oxidative stress markers in plasma and erythrocytes to compare the differences between neurotypical children (controls) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also focused on erythrocyte properties including their deformability, osmotic resistance, Na,K-ATPase activity, nitric oxide levels and free radical levels in children with ASD and controls. Greater oxidative damage to proteins and lipids was observed in the erythrocytes than in the plasma of ASD subjects. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes were more active in plasma samples from ASD children than in their erythrocytes. Significantly higher nitric oxide level and Na,K-ATPase enzyme activity were detected in erythrocytes of ASD individuals in comparison with the controls. Changes in oxidative status could at least partially contribute to the deterioration of erythrocyte morphology, as more frequent echinocyte formation was detected in ASD individuals. These alterations are most probably responsible for worsening the erythrocyte deformability observed in children with ASD. We can conclude that abnormalities in antioxidant status and erythrocyte properties could be involved in the pathomechanisms of ASD and eventually contribute to its clinical manifestations.

Iron metabolism in autism spectrum disorder; inference through single nucleotide polymorphisms in key iron metabolism genes

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental problems with various genetic and environmental components. The ASD diagnosis is based on symptom expression without reliance on any biomarkers. The genetic contributions in ASD remain elusive. Various studies have linked ASD with iron. Since iron plays a crucial role in brain development, neurotransmitter synthesis, neuronal myelination and mitochondrial function, we hypothesized that iron dysregulation in the brain could play a role and contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. In this study, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms in ASD in various iron metabolism genes, including the Transferrin Receptor (TFRC) gene (rs11915082), the Solute Carrier Family 11 Member 2 (SLC11A2) gene (rs1048230 and rs224589), the Solute Carrier Family 40 Member 1 (SLC40A1) gene (rs1439816), and hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP) gene (rs10421768). We recruited 48 patients with ASD and 88 matched non-ASD controls. Our results revealed a significant difference between ASD and controls in the G allele of the TFRC gene rs11915082, and in the C allele of the SLC40A1 gene rs1439816. In silico analysis demonstrated potential positive role of the indicated genetic variations in ASD development and pathogenesis. These results suggest that specific genetic variations in iron metabolism genes may represent part of early genetic markers for early diagnosis of ASD. A significant effect of SNPs, groups (ASD/control) as well as interaction between SNPs and groups was revealed. Follow-up post hoc tests showed a significant difference between the ASD and control groups in rs11915082 (TFRC gene) and rs1439816 (SLC40A1 gene). Backward conditional logistic regression using both the genotype and allele data showed similar ability in detecting ASD using allel model (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.350 p = 0.967; Variables: rs1439816, rs11915082) compared to genotype model (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.347, p = 0.430; Variables: rs1439816 G, rs1439816 C, rs10421768 A). ROC curve showed 54% sensitivity in detecting ASD compared to 47% for the genotype model. Both models differentiated controls with high accuracy; the allele model had a specificity of 91% compared to 92% for the genotype model. In conclusion, our findings suggest that specific genetic variations in iron metabolism may represent early biomarkers for a diagnosis of ASD. Further research is needed to correlate these markers with specific blood iron indicators and their contribution to brain development and behavior.

Positive effects of physical activity in autism spectrum disorder: how influences behavior, metabolic disorder and gut microbiota

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interactions and communication skills impairments that include intellectual disabilities, communication delays and self-injurious behaviors; often are present systemic comorbidities such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, in recent years has emerged a link between alterations in the intestinal microbiota and neurobehavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. Recently, physical activity and exercise interventions are known to be beneficial for improving communication and social interaction and the composition of microbiota. In our review we intend to highlight how different types of sports can help to improve communication and social behaviors in children with autism and also show positive effects on gut microbiota composition.

A Proteomics Investigation of Salivary Profiles as Potential Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1/68 children, with a more recent study suggesting numbers as high as 1/36. According to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the etiology of ASD is unknown and diagnosis of this disorder is behavioral. There is currently no biomarker signature for ASD, however, identifying a biomarker signature is crucial as it would aid in diagnosis, identifying treatment targets, monitoring treatments, and identifying the etiology of the disorder. Here we used nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to investigate the saliva from individuals with ASD and matched controls in a 14 vs 14 study. We found numerous proteins to have statistically significant dysregulations, including lactotransferrin, transferrin, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, Ig A L, Ig J chain, mucin 5 AC, and lipocalin 1 isoform X1. These findings are consistent with previous studies by our lab, and others, and point to dysregulations in the immune system, lipid metabolism and/or transport, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which are common and reoccurring topics in ASD research.

A Novel Mutation in the MAP7D3 Gene in Two Siblings with Severe Intellectual Disability and Autistic Traits: Concurrent Assessment of BDNF Functional Polymorphism, X-Inactivation and Oxidative Stress to Explain Disease Severity

Intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by extreme genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. However, understanding this heterogeneity is difficult due to the intricate interplay among multiple interconnected genes, epigenetic factors, oxidative stress, and environmental factors. Employing next-generation sequencing (NGS), we revealed the genetic cause of ID and autistic traits in two patients from a consanguineous family followed by segregation analysis. Furthermore, in silico prediction methods and 3D modeling were conducted to predict the effect of the variants. To establish genotype-phenotype correlation, X-chromosome inactivation using Methylation-specific PCR and oxidative stress markers were also investigated. By analyzing the NGS data of the two patients, we identified a novel frameshift mutation c.2174_2177del (p.Thr725MetfsTer2) in the MAP7D3 gene inherited from their mother along with the functional BDNF Val66Met polymorphism inherited from their father. The 3D modeling demonstrated that the p.Thr725MetfsTer2 variant led to the loss of the C-terminal tail of the MAP7D3 protein. This change could destabilize its structure and impact kinesin-1's binding to microtubules via an allosteric effect. Moreover, the analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers revealed an elevated oxidative stress in the two patients compared to the controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing severe ID and autistic traits in familial cases with novel frameshift mutation c.2174_2177del in the MAP7D3 gene co-occurring with the functional polymorphism Val66M in the BDNF gene. Besides, our study underlines the importance of investigating combined genetic variations, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) patterns, and oxidative stress markers for a better understanding of ID and autism etiology.

Involvement of brain metabolism in neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect a significant portion of the global population and have a substantial social and economic impact worldwide. Most NDDs manifest in early childhood and are characterized by deficits in cognition, communication, social interaction and motor control. Due to a limited understanding of the etiology of NDDs, current treatment options primarily focus on symptom management rather than on curative solutions. Moreover, research on NDDs is problematic due to its reliance on a neurocentric approach. However, recent studies are broadening the scope of research on NDDs, to include dysregulations within a diverse network of brain cell types, including vascular and glial cells. This review aims to summarize studies from the past few decades on potential new contributions to the etiology of NDDs, with a special focus on metabolic signatures of various brain cells. In particular, we aim to convey how the metabolic functions are intimately linked to the onset and/or progression of common NDDs such as autism spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome and Down syndrome.

Dietary pattern in autism increases the need for probiotic supplementation: A comprehensive narrative and systematic review on oxidative stress hypothesis

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are associated with specific dietary habits, including limited food selection and gastrointestinal problems, resulting in an altered gut microbiota. Autistic patients have an elevated abundance of certain gut bacteria associated with increased oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation has been shown to decrease oxidative stress in a simulated gut model, but the antioxidant effects of probiotics on the oxidative stress of the gut in autistic patients have not been directly studied. However, it is speculated that probiotic supplementation may help decrease oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract of autistic patients due to their specific dietary habits altering the microbiota. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar were searched up to May 2023. This systematic-narrative review aims to present the latest evidence regarding the changes in eating habits of autistic children which may further increase the gut microbiota induced oxidative stress. Additionally, this review will assess the available literature on the effects of probiotic supplementation on oxidative stress parameters.

Plasma zinc, copper and serum ceruloplasmin levels of autism spectrum disorder children in Bangladesh

Neural and cognitive processes require zinc and copper homeostasis and a normal zinc/copper ratio. Ceruloplasmin, an intrinsic antioxidant protein, maintains copper homeostasis, which might also influence autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD children are frequently reported with altered levels of these elements with wide geographical variations. This study evaluated any alteration in plasma zinc, copper, zinc/copper ratio and serum ceruloplasmin levels in Bangladeshi ASD children with respect to healthy controls. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 67 children aged 2 to 9 years of both sexes. Among them, 35 had ASD, while 32 were age, sex and body mass index (BMI) matched apparently healthy children. Plasma zinc and copper levels were estimated by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Serum ceruloplasmin levels were estimated by the immunoturbidimetric method. Zinc and zinc/copper ratio in the 2-9 years old ASD children group were significantly lower (p=0.032 and p=0.002 respectively). On the other hand, copper (p=0.020) and ceruloplasmin (p = 0.045) levels were significantly higher than those of apparently healthy children. ASD was significantly associated with zinc deficiency (p=0.000) and copper toxicity (p=0.05). All children were again divided into 2-5 and 6-9 years age groups according to laboratory reference values for zinc and copper. Copper toxicity was significantly associated with ASD in the 2-5 years old age group (p=0.011), with a significant difference in plasma copper levels (p=0.009) and zinc/copper ratio (p=0.001) but not serum ceruloplasmin levels (p=0.110) compared to healthy controls. Serum ceruloplasmin was positively associated with plasma copper in ASD children of all age groups. This study shows that ASD in Bangladesh can be associated with low plasma zinc and high plasma copper and serum ceruloplasmin levels.

Exposure to Methylmercury at Juvenile Stage Worsens Autism-like Symptoms in Adult BTBR T+tf/J Mice Due to Lack of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 Signaling Upregulation in Periphery and Brain

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition that first appears in infancy. The condition is characterized by recurrent patterns in behavior and impairments in social and vocalization abilities. Methylmercury is a toxic environmental pollutant, and its derivatives are the major source of organic mercury to human beings. Inorganic mercury, which is released from a variety of pollutants into oceans, rivers, and streams, is transformed into methylmercury by bacteria and plankton in the water, which later builds up in fish and shellfish, and then enters humans through the consumption of fish and shellfish and increases the risk of developing ASD by disturbing the oxidant-antioxidant balance. However, there has been no prior research to determine the effect of juvenile exposure of methylmercury chloride on adult BTBR mice. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of methylmercury chloride administered during the juvenile stage on autism-like behavior (three-chambered sociability, marble burying, self-grooming tests) and oxidant-antioxidant balance (specifically Nrf2, HO-1, SOD-1, NF-kB, iNOS, MPO, and 3-nitrotyrosine) in the peripheral neutrophils and cortex of adult BTBR and C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Our results show that exposure to methylmercury chloride at a juvenile stage results in autism-like symptoms in adult BTBR mice which are related to a lack of upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway as demonstrated by no significant changes in the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD-1 in the periphery and cortex. On the other hand, methylmercury chloride administration at a juvenile stage increased oxidative inflammation as depicted by a significant increase in the levels of NF-kB, iNOS, MPO, and 3-nitrotyrosine in the periphery and cortex of adult BTBR mice. This study suggests that juvenile exposure to methylmercury chloride contributes to the worsening of autism-like behavior in adult BTBR mice through the disruption of the oxidant-antioxidant balance in the peripheral compartment and CNS. Strategies that elevate Nrf2 signaling may be useful to counteract toxicant-mediated worsening of ASD and may improve quality of life.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) selective agonist G1 attenuates the neurobehavioral, molecular and biochemical alterations induced in a valproic acid rat model of autism

AIMS

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising prevalence in boys rather than girls. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation by its agonist G1 showed a neuroprotective effect, similar to estradiol. The present study aimed to examine the potential of the selective GPER agonist G1 therapy on the behavioral, histopathological, biochemical, and molecular alterations induced in a valproic acid (VPA)-rat model of autism.

MAIN METHODS

VPA (500 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to female Wistar rats (on gestational day 12.5) to induce the VPA-rat model of autism. The male offspring were intraperitoneally administered with G1 (10 and 20 μg/kg) for 21 days. After the treatment process, rats performed behavioral assessments. Then, sera and hippocampi were collected for biochemical and histopathological examinations and gene expression analysis.

KEY FINDINGS

GPER agonist G1 attenuated behavioral deficits, including hyperactivity, declined spatial memory and social preferences, anxiety, and repetitive behavior in VPA rats. G1 improved neurotransmission and reduced oxidative stress and histological alteration in the hippocampus. G1 reduced serum free T levels and interleukin-1β and up-regulated GPER, RORα, and aromatase gene expression levels in the hippocampus.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present study suggests that activation of GPER by its selective agonist G1 altered the derangements induced in a VPA-rat model of autism. G1 normalized free T levels via up-regulation of hippocampal RORα and aromatase gene expression. G1 provoked estradiol neuroprotective functions via up-regulation of hippocampal GPER expression. The G1 treatment and GPER activation provide a promising therapeutic approach to counteract the autistic-like symptoms.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a translational model for neuro-immune interactions in the enteric nervous system in autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% of the population and are strongly associated with gastrointestinal diseases creating shortcomings in quality of life. Multiple factors contribute to the development of ASD and although neurodevelopmental deficits are central, the pathogenesis of the condition is complex and the high prevalence of intestinal disorders is poorly understood. In agreement with the prominent research establishing clear bidirectional interactions between the gut and the brain, several studies have made it evident that such a relation also exists in ASD. Thus, dysregulation of the gut microbiota and gut barrier integrity may play an important role in ASD. However, only limited research has investigated how the enteric nervous system (ENS) and intestinal mucosal immune factors may impact on the development of ASD-related intestinal disorders. This review focuses on the mechanistic studies that elucidate the regulation and interactions between enteric immune cells, residing gut microbiota and the ENS in models of ASD. Especially the multifaceted properties and applicability of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for the study of ASD pathogenesis are assessed in comparison to studies conducted in rodent models and humans. Advances in molecular techniques and in vivo imaging, combined with genetic manipulation and generation of germ-free animals in a controlled environment, appear to make zebrafish an underestimated model of choice for the study of ASD. Finally, we establish the research gaps that remain to be explored to further our understanding of the complexity of ASD pathogenesis and associated mechanisms that may lead to intestinal disorders.

Thiol disulfide homeostasis in psychiatric disorders: A comprehensive review

Thiol-disulfide couple maintains an intracellular redox status. Dynamic thiol-disulfide homeostasis acts crucial parts in metabolic processes involving signal mechanisms, inflammation, antioxidant defense. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis have been implicated in numerous diseases. In this comprehensive review we identified the studies that examined the thiol-disulfide homeostasis in psychiatric disorders. Most cases demonstrated alterations in thiol-disulfide homeostasis and in most of them the thiol-disulfide balance tended to change direction to the disulfide side, that is, to the oxidative side. Currently, the fact that N-acetylcysteine, a thiol-containing compound, is of great interest as a new treatment approach in psychiatric disorders and the role of glutathione, the most abundant thiol, in the brain highlights the importance of evaluating the thiol-disulfide balance in psychiatric disorders.

Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and hyperesthesia/hypesthesia caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In recent years, inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we discuss the inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of ASD, particularly focusing on maternal immune activation (MIA). MIA is a one of the common environmental risk factors for the onset of ASD during pregnancy. It induces an immune reaction in the pregnant mother’s body, resulting in further inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain. These negative factors cause neurodevelopmental impairments in the developing fetal brain and subsequently cause behavioral symptoms in the offspring. In addition, we also discuss the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in basic studies on animals and clinical studies of ASD. Our review provides the latest findings and new insights into the involvements of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Preventive effect of quercetin-Loaded nanophytosome against autistic-like damage in maternal separation model: The possible role of Caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 and Nrf2

The autism is an abnormality in the neuronal advance which starts before age 3 recognized by defective behaviors. This study aimed to make quercetin-loaded nanophytosomes (QNP) on behavioral deficits, cerebellar oxidative stress and apoptosis in an autistic-like model caused by maternal separation (MS). The newborn rats are randomly categorized into seven groups, including control, positive control, disease, and diseases treated with quercetin (10 and 40 mg/kg) and QNP (10 and 40 mg/kg). Pups exposed to MS for 3 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 showed behavioral impairment in adult rats compared to control group. The oral administration of quercetin and QNP was constantly started after the lactation period (21 postnatal days) for three weeks. Autistic-like behaviors, antioxidant parameters, and Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 expressions were surveyed in the cerebellum. Quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated improved some behavioral disorders. Also, the improvement of oxidative stress parameters, Nrf2 and apoptotic factors gene expression was observed in the cerebellum of quercetin (40 mg/kg) treated (p < 0.01). QNP treatment (10 and 40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated anxiety-like behaviors, line crossing, and grooming index (p < 0.001), lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), and increased catalase (CAT) (p < 0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (p < 0.001) activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, QNP significantly reduced Caspase-3 and Bax expression (p < 0.001), but increased Bcl-2, and Nrf2 expressions (p < 0.001). These findings indicated that QNP due to its high bioavailability was more effective than quercetin can be reduced autistic-like behavior, oxidative and apoptotic damages in the model of MS rats.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress and reproductive complications

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The assessment of biological redox status is performed by the use of oxidative stress biomarkers. An oxidative stress biomarker is defined as any physical structure or process or chemical compound that can be assessed in a living being (in vivo) or in solid or fluid parts thereof (in vitro), the determination of which is a reproducible and reliable indicator of oxidative stress. The use of oxidative stress biomarkers allows early identification of the risk of developing diseases associated with this process and also opens up possibilities for new treatments. At the end of the last century, interest in oxidative stress biomarkers began to grow, due to evidence of the association between the generation of free radicals and various pathologies. Up to now, a significant number of studies have been carried out to identify and apply different oxidative stress biomarkers in clinical practice. Among the most important oxidative stress biomarkers, it can be mentioned the products of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and uric acid as well as the measurement of the total antioxidant capacity of fluids in the human body. In this review, we aim to present recent advances and current knowledge on the main biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the discovery of new biomarkers, with emphasis on the various reproductive complications associated with variations in oxidative stress levels.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in cognitive neurodevelopmental disorders: Cause or effect?

Mitochondria have a crucial role in brain development and neurogenesis, both in embryonic and adult brains. Since the brain is the highest energy consuming organ, it is highly vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction. This has been implicated in a range of brain disorders including, neurodevelopmental conditions, psychiatric illnesses, and neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and nuclear DNA encoding mitochondrial proteins, have been associated with several cognitive disorders. However, it is not yet clear whether mitochondrial dysfunction is a primary cause of these conditions or a secondary effect. Our review article deals with this topic, and brings out recent advances in mitochondria-oriented therapies. Mitochondrial dysfunction could be involved in the pathogenesis of a subset of disorders involving cognitive impairment. In these patients, mitochondrial dysfunction could be the cause of the condition, rather than the consequence. There are vast areas in this topic that remains to be explored and elucidated.

Investigation of Phospholipid Differences in Valproic Acid-Induced Autistic Mouse Model Brain Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder for which the cause and treatment have yet not been determined. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels change rapidly in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid of autistic children and PUFAs are closely related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This finding suggests that changes in lipid metabolism are associated with ASD and result in an altered distribution of phospholipids in cell membranes. To further understand ASD, it is necessary to analyze phospholipids in organs consisting of nerve cells, such as the brain. In this study, we investigated the phospholipid distribution in the brain tissue of valproic acid-induced autistic mice using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). Phospholipids including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylserine were identified in each brain region and exhibited differences between the ASD and control groups. These phospholipids contain docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, which are important PUFAs for cell signaling and brain growth. We expect that the differences in phospholipids identified in the brain tissue of the ASD model with MALDI-MSI, in conjunction with conventional biological fluid analysis, will help to better understand changes in lipid metabolism in ASD.

The role of selenoproteins in neurodevelopment and neurological function: Implications in autism spectrum disorder

Selenium and selenoproteins play a role in many biological functions, particularly in brain development and function. This review outlines the role of each class of selenoprotein in human brain function. Most selenoproteins play a large antioxidant role within the brain. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been shown to correlate with increased oxidative stress, and the presumption of selenoproteins as key players in ASD etiology are discussed. Further, current literature surrounding selenium in ASD and selenium supplementation studies are reviewed. Finally, perspectives are given for future directions of selenoprotein research in ASD.

TF and TCF4 gene polymorphisms are linked to autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Although the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, appropriate diagnosis and prevention strategies are still lacking. This case-control study was designed to explore the association between ASD and the rs1867503 and rs9951150 polymorphisms of the TF and TCF4 genes, respectively.

METHODS

Ninety-six children with ASD and 118 healthy children were recruited and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was applied for genotyping.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the mutant allele G were 48% and 44% for the rs1867503 and rs9951150 polymorphisms, respectively. In our analysis, both TF and TCF4 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of developing ASD. AG heterozygotes (OR = 3.18), GG mutant homozygotes (OR = 2.62), AG + GG combined genotypes (OR = 2.98), and G mutant alleles of TF rs1867503 (OR = 1.94) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of ASD. Likewise, AG heterozygotes (OR = 2.92), GG mutant homozygotes (OR = 2.36), AG + GG combined genotypes (OR = 2.72), and G minor alleles of TCF4 rs9951150 (OR = 1.92) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that TF rs1867503 and TCF4 rs9951150 polymorphisms may be strongly associated with the development of ASD in Bangladeshi children.

The causal association between iron status and the risk of autism: A Mendelian randomization study

Emerging evidence indicates a connection between serum iron levels and autism, but the underlying causal association is yet unclear. Thus, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causal link between iron status on autism, using genetic instruments (p < 5E-08) strongly associated with iron status (N = 48,972), including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin levels, and transferrin saturation. Summary statistics of autism was obtained from two independent studies conducted by Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC, Ncases = 5,305, Ncontrols = 5,305) and FinnGen Consortium (FC, Round six, Ncases = 344, Ncontrols = 258,095), respectively. Using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, the combined results of PGC and FC demonstrated that genetically determined serum transferrin level was significantly associated with an increased risk of autism [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.30, p = 0.013]. There was no significant causal effect of serum iron (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.72-1.37, p = 0.951), ferritin (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.47-1.64, p = 0.676), and transferrin saturation (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.72-1.09, p = 0.252) on autism. No obvious pleiotropy was found in this MR study. Taken together, our findings highlight that elevation of serum transferrin level might be associated with a high risk of autism, suggesting a potential role of iron deficiency in autism development. Future studies are warranted to clarify the underlying mechanism, which will pave a new path for the prevention and treatment of autism.

Evaluation of antineuronal antibodies and 8-OHdG in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to investigated the anti-Yo, anti-Hu, anti-Ri, anti-amphiphysin antibody levels and 8-OHdG in mothers of children with autism.

METHODS

This study included 60 participants, 33 of whom were healthy mothers of 3-12-year-old children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the 27 others who constituted the control group, were healthy mothers with age-matched healthy children. Two groups were examined for plasma anti-Yo, anti-Hu, anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri antibodies and, 8-OHdG levels. The participants were asked to accomplish a sociodemographic data form. The severity of ASD symptoms was evaluated according to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

RESULTS

Anti-amphiphysin antibody levels and anti-Ri antibody positivity were significantly higher in the case group (p = 0.001; p = 0.027, respectively). The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of anti-Yo and anti-Hu antibody levels and in terms of 8-OHdG levels (p = 0.065; p = 0.099; p = 0.490, respectively). The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of sociodemographic data (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the our study, maternal antineuronal antibodies, such as anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri, may contribute to the risk of childhood autism. Studies with larger samples are needed.KEY POINTSMaternal factors associated with autism should be investigated in order to create early diagnosis and treatment opportunities for autism.Based on the importance of immunological and cerebellar pathologies in autism aetiology, we aimed to investigate antineuronal antibodies in mothers of children with autism.Maternal antineuronal antibodies, such as anti-amphiphysin and anti-Ri, may contribute to the risk of childhood autism.High anti-amphiphysin antibody levels in mothers of children with autism may also occur against the amphiphysin in the structure of the SrGAP3 gene, which is associated with autism.

Identifying genetic determinants of inflammatory pain in mice using a large-scale gene-targeted screen

ABSTRACT

Identifying the genetic determinants of pain is a scientific imperative given the magnitude of the global health burden that pain causes. Here, we report a genetic screen for nociception, performed under the auspices of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium. A biased set of 110 single-gene knockout mouse strains was screened for 1 or more nociception and hypersensitivity assays, including chemical nociception (formalin) and mechanical and thermal nociception (von Frey filaments and Hargreaves tests, respectively), with or without an inflammatory agent (complete Freund's adjuvant). We identified 13 single-gene knockout strains with altered nocifensive behavior in 1 or more assays. All these novel mouse models are openly available to the scientific community to study gene function. Two of the 13 genes (Gria1 and Htr3a) have been previously reported with nociception-related phenotypes in genetically engineered mouse strains and represent useful benchmarking standards. One of the 13 genes (Cnrip1) is known from human studies to play a role in pain modulation and the knockout mouse reported herein can be used to explore this function further. The remaining 10 genes (Abhd13, Alg6, BC048562, Cgnl1, Cp, Mmp16, Oxa1l, Tecpr2, Trim14, and Trim2) reveal novel pathways involved in nociception and may provide new knowledge to better understand genetic mechanisms of inflammatory pain and to serve as models for therapeutic target validation and drug development.

Loss of neurexin-1 in Drosophila melanogaster results in altered energy metabolism and increased seizure susceptibility

Although autism is typically characterized by differences in language, social interaction and restrictive, repetitive behaviors, it is becoming more well known in the field that alterations in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function are comorbid disorders in autism. The synaptic cell adhesion molecule, neurexin-1 (NRXN1), has previously been implicated in autism, and here we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, the homologue of NRXN1, called Nrx-1, regulates energy metabolism and nutrient homeostasis. First, we show that Nrx-1-null flies exhibit decreased resistance to nutrient deprivation and heat stress compared to controls. Additionally, Nrx-1 mutants exhibit a significantly altered metabolic profile characterized by decreased lipid and carbohydrate stores. Nrx-1-null Drosophila also exhibit diminished levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), an important coenzyme in major energy metabolism pathways. Moreover, loss of Nrx-1 resulted in striking abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology in the flight muscle of Nrx-1-null Drosophila and impaired flight ability in these flies. Further, following a mechanical shock Nrx-1-null flies exhibited seizure-like activity, a phenotype previously linked to defects in mitochondrial metabolism and a common symptom of patients with NRXN1 deletions. The current studies indicate a novel role for NRXN1 in the regulation of energy metabolism and uncover a clinically relevant seizure phenotype in Drosophila lacking Nrx-1.

Altered Blood Brain Barrier Permeability and Oxidative Stress in Cntnap2 Knockout Rat Model

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three core symptoms, specifically impaired social behavior, stereotypic/repetitive behaviors, and sensory/communication deficits. Although the exact pathophysiology of ASD is still unknown, host genetics, oxidative stress, and compromised blood brain barrier (BBB) have been implicated in predisposition to ASD. With regards to genetics, mutations in the genes such as CNTNAP2 have been associated with increased susceptibility of developing ASD. Although some studies observed conflicting results suggesting no association of CNTNAP2 with ASD, other investigations correlated this gene with autism. In addition, CNTNAP2 mediated signaling is generally considered to play a role in neurological disorders due to its critical role in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. In this investigation, we studied BBB integrity and oxidative stress in Cntnap2^−/− rats. We observed that the BBB permeability was significantly increased in Cntnap2^−/− rats compared to littermate wild-type (WT) animals as determined by FITC-dextran and Evans blue assay. High levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lower amounts of reduced glutathione were observed in brain homogenates of Cntnap2^−/− rats, suggesting oxidative stress. Brain sections from Cntnap2^−/− rats showed intense inducible nitric oxide synthase immunostaining, which was undetectable in WT animals. Quantification of nitric oxide in brain homogenates revealed significantly high levels in Cntnap2^−/− rats compared to the control group. As increased permeability of the BBB and oxidative stress have been observed in ASD individuals, our results suggest that Cntnap2^−/− rats have a high construct and face validity and can be explored to develop effective therapeutic modalities.

Plasma and red blood cell n3 fatty acids correlate positively with the WISC-R verbal and full-scale intelligence quotients and inversely with Conner's parent-rated ADHD index t-scores in children with high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome

Findings of the fatty acid status of people with autism spectrum disorders have been incongruent perhaps because of the diversity of the condition. A cross-sectional design study was used to  investigated fatty acid levels and relationships between fatty acids, and cognition and behaviour in a homogenous group of children with autism spectrum disorder. Children with Asperger's syndrome (AS) /high functioning autism (n = 44) and healthy siblings (n = 17) were recruited from the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Centre for Children with Autism, Warsaw, Poland. In the AS group, plasma phosphatidylcholine 22:5n3 correlated positively with verbal (r = 0.357, p = 0.019) and full scale (r = 0.402, p = 0.008) IQs, red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 22:5n3 with verbal (r = 0.308, p = 0.044), performance (r = 0.304, p = 0.047) and full scale (r = 0.388, p = 0.011) IQs and red blood cell phosphatidylethanolamine 22:5n3 with verbal (r = 0.390, p = 0.010) and full scale (r = 0.370, p = 0.016) IQs. Whilst, plasma phosphatidycholine 20:5n3 (r = -0.395, p = 0.009), 22:6n3 (r = -0.402, p = 0.007) and total n3 fatty acids (r = -425, p = 0.005), red blood cell phosphatidlycholine 20:5n3 (r = -0.321, p = 0.036) and red blood cell phosphatidylethanolamine 20:5n3 (r = -0.317, p = 0.038), 22:6n3 (r = -0.297, p = 0.05) and total n3 fatty acids (r = -0.306, p = 0.046) correlated inversly with ADHD index. Similarly, inattention was negatively related with plasma phosphatidylcholine 22:6n3 (r = -0.335, p = 0.028), and total n3 fatty acids (r = -0.340, p = 0.026), oppositional with plasma phosphatidylcholine 18:3n3 (r = -0.333, p = 0.029), 20:5n3 (r = -0.365, p = 0.016), total n3 fatty acids (r = -0.293, p < 0.05), red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 18:3n3 (r = -0.337, p = 0.027) and red blood cell ethanolamine 18:3n3 (r = - 0.333, p = 0.029), 20:5n3 (r = -0.328, p = 0.032), 22:6n3 (r = 0.362, p = 0.017) and total n-3 fatty acids (r = -0.298, p < 0.05) and hyperactivity with plasma phosphatidylcholine 22:6n3 (r = -0.320, p = 0.039). In contrast, there were inverse correlations between red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 18:2n6 and performance (r = -0.358, p = 0.019) and full scale (r = -0.320, p = 0.039) IQs, and direct correlations between red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 22:4n6 (r = 0.339, p = 0.026) and 22:5n6 (r = 0.298, p < 0.05) and ADHD index, between red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 22:4n6 (r = 0.308, p = 0.044) and inattention, between plasma phosphatidylcholine 22:4n6 (r = 0.341, p = 0.025), red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 20:4n6 (r = 0.314, p = 0.041) and total n6 fatty acids (r = 0.336, p = 0.028) and oppositional and plasma phosphatidylcholine 20:3n6 (r = 0.362, p = 0.018) and red blood cell phosphatidylcholine 20:3n6 (r = 0.401, p = 0.009) and hyperactivity. The findings of the ethnically homogenous children with Asperger's syndrome/high functioning autism study revealed positive associations between 22:5n3 and cognition, and negative relationships between 20:5n3 and 22:6n3 and behavioural problem. In contrast, cognitive ability and behavioural problems were negatively and positively associated with n6 fatty acids. Further investigation is required to establish whether there a cause and effect relationship. Regardless, it would be prudent to ensure that children with the conditions have optimum n3 PUFA intake.

Sleep deficiency as a driver of cellular stress and damage in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders encompass an extremely broad range of conditions, including those that present early in development and those that progress slowly or manifest with advanced age. Although these disorders have distinct underlying etiologies, the activation of shared pathways, e.g., integrated stress response (ISR) and the development of shared phenotypes (sleep deficits) may offer clues toward understanding some of the mechanistic underpinnings of neurologic dysfunction. While it is incontrovertibly complex, the relationship between sleep and persistent stress in the brain has broad implications in understanding neurological disorders from development to degeneration. The convergent nature of the ISR could be a common thread linking genetically distinct neurological disorders through the dysregulation of a core cellular homeostasis pathway.

Efficacy and Safety of Q10 Ubiquinol With Vitamins B and E in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Retrospective Chart Review

Increased oxidative stress and defective mitochondrial functioning are shared features among many brain disorders. The aim of this study was to verify retrospectively the clinical efficacy and safety of a metabolic support therapy with Q10 ubiquinol, vitamin E and complex-B vitamins in various neurodevelopmental disorders. This retrospective chart review study included 59 patients (mean age 10.1 ± 1.2 y.o., range 2.5-39 years; M:F = 2.47:1), diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (n = 17), Autism Spectrum Disorder with co-morbid Intellectual Disability (n = 19), Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delay (n = 15), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (n = 3) and Intellectual Disability in Phelan-McDermid syndrome due to chr. 22q13.33 deletion (n = 5). After a minimum of 3 months of therapy, a positive outcome was recorded in 45/59 (76.27%) patients, with Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores ranging between 1 ("very much improved") and 3 ("minimally improved"). The most widespread improvements were recorded in cognition (n = 26, 44.1%), adaptative functioning (n = 26, 44.1%) and social motivation (n = 19, 32.2%). Improvement rates differed by diagnosis, being observed most consistently in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (5/5, 100%), followed by Intellectual Disability/Global Developmental Delay (13/15, 86.7%), Autism Spectrum Disorder with co-morbid Intellectual Disability (15/19, 78.9%), Autism Spectrum Disorder (11/17, 64.7%) and ADHD (1/3, 33.3%). No significant adverse event or side effect leading to treatment discontinuation were recorded. Mild side effects were reported in 18 (30.5%) patients, with the most frequent being increased hyperactivity (9/59, 15.3%). This retrospective chart review suggests that metabolic support therapy with Q10 ubiquinol, vitamin E and complex-B vitamins is well tolerated and produces some improvement in the majority of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, especially in the presence of intellectual disability. Randomized controlled trials for each single neurodevelopmental disorder are now warranted to conclusively demonstrate the efficacy of these mitochondrial bioenergetic and antioxidant agents and to estimate their therapeutic effect size.

Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorder-Current Progress of Mechanisms and Biomarkers

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that has been diagnosed in an increasing number of children around the world. Existing data suggest that early diagnosis and intervention can improve ASD outcomes. However, the causes of ASD remain complex and unclear, and there are currently no clinical biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder. More mechanisms and biomarkers of autism have been found with the development of advanced technology such as mass spectrometry. Many recent studies have found a link between ASD and elevated oxidative stress, which may play a role in its development. ASD is caused by oxidative stress in several ways, including protein post-translational changes (e.g., carbonylation), abnormal metabolism (e.g., lipid peroxidation), and toxic buildup [e.g., reactive oxygen species (ROS)]. To detect elevated oxidative stress in ASD, various biomarkers have been developed and employed. This article summarizes recent studies about the mechanisms and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Potential biomarkers identified in this study could be used for early diagnosis and evaluation of ASD intervention, as well as to inform and target ASD pharmacological or nutritional treatment interventions.

Association of Oxidative Stress with Neurological Disorders

BACKGORUND

Oxidative stress is one of the main contributing factors involved in cerebral biochemical impairment. The higher susceptibility of the central nervous system to reactive oxygen species mediated damage could be attributed to several factors. For example, neurons use a greater quantity of oxygen, many parts of the brain have higher concentraton of iron, and neuronal mitochondria produce huge content of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, neuronal membranes have polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are predominantly vulnerable to oxidative stress (OS). OS is the imbalance between reactive oxygen species generation and cellular antioxidant potential. This may lead to various pathological conditions and diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we explored the involvement of OS in neurodegenerative diseases.

METHODS

We used different search terms like "oxidative stress and neurological disorders" "free radicals and neurodegenerative disorders" "oxidative stress, free radicals, and neurological disorders" and "association of oxidative stress with the name of disorders taken from the list of neurological disorders. We tried to summarize the source, biological effects, and physiologic functions of ROS.

RESULTS

Finally, it was noted that more than 190 neurological disorders are associated with oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

More elaborated studies in the future will certainly help in understanding the exact mechanism involved in neurological diseases and provide insight into revelation of therapeutic targets.

Oxidative stress indices in ASD children in Sub-Sahara Africa

Background

The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains a medical challenge even in the developed world. Although genetics and epigenetic factors have been variously indicted as major causes of the disorder, development of oxidative stress especially in the formative years of children has equally gained prominence as an etiological basis of the disorder. Oxidative stress is characterized by the production of excessive amounts of free radicals, decreased levels of antioxidants with the attendant imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant ratio. This study was designed to determine the levels of essential metals [magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] and toxic metal, lead (Pb), and generation of oxidative stress by their abnormal interaction.

Method

Twenty-five children clinically diagnosed for ASD according to DSM-IV-TR and 25 neuro-typical (NT) children (controls), (aged 5.96 ± 1.40 years and 6.18 ± 2.59 years respectively) were recruited for this study. Essential and toxic metals were analyzed using induction-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), total plasma peroxidase (TPP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] were determined using appropriate biochemical methods. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

Results

The levels of TPP and TAC were significantly reduced while MDA was higher in ASD compared to NT. Although OSI was higher in ASD, the difference was not significant. Pb (lead) concentration was significantly increased while Mg, Zn, and Cu levels were reduced significantly in ASD compared to NT. A significant negative correlation between Mg and OSI (r = − 0.438; p = 0.029) was observed in NT.

Conclusion

Reduction in Zn and Mg levels with a concurrent increase in Pb in children with ASD in this study may be the basis of inadequate TAC manifesting as increased MDA and reduced TPP levels. The attendant imbalance in oxidant/antioxidant ratio may result in abnormality in neuronal transduction leading to the abnormal cognitive and speech functions characteristic of ASD.

Circ-USP9X Inhibition Reduces Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein-induced Endothelial Cell Injury via the microRNA 599/Chloride Intracellular Channel 4 Axis

ABSTRACT

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the common pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Circular RNA circ-USP9X (hsa_circ_0090231) has been discovered to be upregulated in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but the role of circ-USP9X in ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury is indistinct. The purpose of the research was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of circ-USP9X in ox-LDL--induced endothelial cell injury. Expression of circ-USP9X was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Loss-of-function experiments were performed to assess the impacts of circ-USP9X inhibition on viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and tube formation, inflammation, and oxidative stress of ox-LDL-induced HUVEC. The regulatory mechanism of circ-USP9X predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter or RNA immunoprecipitation assays. We observed that circ-USP9X was upregulated in AS patients' serum and ox-LDL-induced HUVEC. Inhibition of circ-USP9X elevated viability, promoted cell cycle progression and angiopoiesis, and decreased apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress of ox-LDL-induced HUVEC. Mechanically, circ-USP9X regulated chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) messenger RNA expression by sponging microRNA (miR)-599. Furthermore, miR-599 inhibitor overturned circ-USP9X silencing-mediated influence on ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury. Also, CLIC4 overexpression reversed miR-599 elevation-mediated effect on ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury. In conclusion, circ-USP9X silencing decreased ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury via the miR-599/CLIC4 axis, which offered a novel molecular mechanism to comprehend the pathology of AS.

Associations of Maternal Diabetes During Pregnancy With Psychiatric Disorders in Offspring During the First 4 Decades of Life in a Population-Based Danish Birth Cohort

IMPORTANCE

Maternal diabetes has been suggested as a risk factor for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism in offspring, but evidence on its association with the full spectrum of psychiatric disorders remains lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between maternal diabetes diagnosed before or during pregnancy and 10 types of psychiatric disorders in offspring during the first 4 decades of life.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This population-based cohort study used data from several Danish nationwide medical and administrative registries in Denmark on all 2 413 335 live births from 1978 to 2016. Data were analyzed between October 1, 2019, and July 15, 2021.

EXPOSURES

Any maternal diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy (56 206 offspring [2.3%]) and 3 diabetes subtypes (pregestational type 1 diabetes, 22 614 offspring [1.0%]; pregestational type 2 diabetes, 6713 offspring [0.3%]; and gestational diabetes, 26 879 offspring [1.1%]).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcomes included 10 types of psychiatric disorders: any psychiatric disorder, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, intellectual disorders, developmental disorders, and behavioral disorders. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were computed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Covariates included maternal and paternal history of any psychiatric disorder, offspring sex, calendar period of birth, singleton status, and several maternal characteristics during pregnancy (ie, age, parity, educational level, smoking, cohabitation, residence, and body mass index). Sibship design and competing risk analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 2 413 335 individuals (1 239 148 male participants [51%]; age range, 1-39 years; median age, 19.0 years [IQR, 5.8-20.8 years]) were included in this study. During the 39-year follow-up time, 151 208 offspring (6.4%) received a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. Offspring born to mothers with any diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy were at increased risk of developing any psychiatric disorder (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10-1.20), schizophrenia (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15-2.08), anxiety disorders (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09-1.36), intellectual disabilities (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1.50), developmental disorders (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.30), and behavioral disorders (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.27) compared with offspring born to mothers without a diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy. No association was observed for substance use disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study shows a pattern that suggests that prenatal exposure to maternal diabetes during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of psychiatric disorders overall and most specific psychiatric disorders in offspring in their first 4 decades of life.

Nano-Drug Design Based on the Physiological Properties of Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is involved in and regulates important physiological functions of the body as an essential antioxidant. GSH plays an important role in anti-oxidation, detoxification, anti-aging, enhancing immunity and anti-tumor activity. Herein, based on the physiological properties of GSH in different diseases, mainly including the strong reducibility of GSH, high GSH content in tumor cells, and the NADPH depletion when GSSH is reduced to GSH, we extensively report the design principles, effect, and potential problems of various nano-drugs in diabetes, cancer, nervous system diseases, fluorescent probes, imaging, and food. These studies make full use of the physiological and pathological value of GSH and develop excellent design methods of nano-drugs related to GSH, which shows important scientific significance and prominent application value for the related diseases research that GSH participates in or responds to.

Criss-crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post-natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder: Trace elements imbalances and the pathogenesis and severity of autistic symptoms

The identification of biomarkers as diagnostic tools and predictors of response to treatment of neurological developmental disorders (NDD) such as schizophrenia (SZ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), still remains an important challenge for clinical medicine. Metallomic profiles of ASD patients cover, besides essential elements such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, also toxic metals burden of: aluminum, arsenic, mercury, lead, beryllium, nickel, cadmium. Performed studies indicate that children with ASD present a reduced ability of eliminating toxic metals, which leads to these metals' accumulation and aggravation of autistic symptoms. Extensive metallomic studies allow a better understanding of the importance of trace elements as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. Even though a mineral imbalance is a fact in ASD, we are still expecting relevant tests and the elaboration of reference levels of trace elements as potential biomarkers useful in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ASD.

Curcumin Potentiates α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Alleviates Autistic-Like Social Deficits and Brain Oxidative Stress Status in Mice

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and cognitive deficit, restricted repetitive behaviors, altered immune responses, and imbalanced oxidative stress status. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), specifically α7-nAChRs, in the CNS. Influence of agonists for α7-nAChRs on the cognitive behavior, learning, and memory formation has been demonstrated in neuro-pathological condition such as ASD and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Curcumin (CUR), the active compound of the spice turmeric, has been shown to act as a positive allosteric modulator of α7-nAChRs. Here we hypothesize that CUR, acting through α7-nAChRs, influences the neuropathology of ASD. In patch clamp studies, fast inward currents activated by choline, a selective agonist of α7-nAChRs, were significantly potentiated by CUR. Moreover, choline induced enhancement of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents was markedly increased in the presence of CUR. Furthermore, CUR (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) ameliorated dose-dependent social deficits without affecting locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors of tested male Black and Tan BRachyury (BTBR) mice. In addition, CUR (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated oxidative stress status by restoring the decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the hippocampus and the cerebellum of treated mice. Collectively, the observed results indicate that CUR potentiates α7-nAChRs in native central nervous system neurons, mitigates disturbed oxidative stress, and alleviates ASD-like features in BTBR mice used as an idiopathic rodent model of ASD, and may represent a promising novel pharmacological strategy for ASD treatment.