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Farmer AL, Febo M, Wilkes BJ, Lewis MH. Environmental enrichment reduces restricted repetitive behavior by altering gray matter microstructure. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307290. [PMID: 39083450 PMCID: PMC11290697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behaviors are common symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder. Despite being associated with poor developmental outcomes, repetitive behaviors remain poorly understood and have limited treatment options. Environmental enrichment attenuates the development of repetitive behaviors, but the exact mechanisms remain obscure. Using the C58 mouse model of repetitive behavior, we performed diffusion tensor imaging to examine microstructural alterations associated with the development of repetitive behavior and its attenuation by environmental enrichment. The C57BL/6 mouse strain, which displays little or no repetitive behavior, was used as a control group. We observed widespread differences in diffusion metrics between C58 mice and C57BL/6 mice. In juvenile C58 mice, repetitive motor behavior displayed strong negative correlations with fractional anisotropy in multiple gray matter regions, whereas in young adult C58 mice, high repetitive motor behavior was most strongly associated with lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity in the striatum. Environmental enrichment increased fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity throughout gray matter regions in the brains of juvenile C58 mice and overlapped predominantly with cerebellar and sensory regions associated with repetitive behavior. Our results suggest environmental enrichment reduces repetitive behavior development by altering gray matter microstructure in the cerebellum, medial entorhinal cortex, and sensory processing regions in juvenile C58 mice. Under standard laboratory conditions, early pathology in these regions appears to contribute to later striatal and white matter dysfunction in adult C58 mice. Future studies should examine the role these regions play in the development of repetitive behavior and the relationship between sensory processing and cerebellar deficits and repetitive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Farmer
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Bradley J. Wilkes
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mark H. Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Serrada-Tejeda S, May-Benson TA, Bundy A, Santos-Del-Riego SE, Rodríguez-Pérez MP, Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres M. Ideational Praxis, Play, and Playfulness: A Cross-Sectional Study of Autistic Children. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7804185010. [PMID: 38857122 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050397] [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: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Assessment of praxis skills is an essential aspect of understanding autistic children's development of play and playfulness. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship and influence of ideational praxis skills on play skills and playfulness among autistic children. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTINGS Homes, schools, and early care centers across Spain. PARTICIPANTS Children ages 4 yr 6 mo to 6 yr 11 mo (45 typically developing [TP] and 45 with autism spectrum disorder [ASD]). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Student's t tests were used to compare means between the two groups. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used to determine possible effects of ideational skills on play and playfulness. RESULTS Scores for the TP group were significantly higher than those of the ASD group on all play dimensions-space management, t(88) = 4.58; material management, t(88) = 5.86; pretense-symbolism, t(88) = 8.12; and participation, t(88) = 7.31-and on the Test of Playfulness (ToP), t(88) = 10.18, and Test of Ideational Praxis (TIP), t(88) = 4.38 (all ps < .001). Multiple linear regression revealed a statistically significant effect of TIP dimensions-space management, F(3, 41) = 4.83, p < .042; material management, F(3.41) = 8.49. p < .001; pretense-symbolism, F(3, 41) = 5.66. p < .002; and participation, F(3.41) = 7.81. p < .001-and on the ToP, F(3, 41) = 5.96. p < .002. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Ideational praxis skills combined with diagnostic information significantly predicted play skills and playfulness, highlighting the influence of ideation on play. Plain-Language Summary: This article provides data supporting the influence of ideational praxis skills on the play skills and playfulness of autistic children. Understanding how ideational praxis skills affect the ability to recognize and act on object affordances might promote greater possibilities for play interactions among autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Serrada-Tejeda
- Sergio Serrada-Tejeda, PhD, is Professor and Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain;
| | - Teresa A May-Benson
- Teresa A. May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Occupational Therapist, TMB Education, Norristown, PA
| | - Anita Bundy
- Anita Bundy, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Chairperson, Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
| | - Sergio E Santos-Del-Riego
- Sergio E. Santos-Del-Riego, PhD, is Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Member, Health Integration and Promotion Research Unit (INTEGRA SAÚDE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - M Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez
- M. Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez, PhD, is Professor and Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres
- Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, PhD, is Professor and Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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Choi EJ, Vandewouw MM, Taylor MJ, Stevenson RA, Arnold PD, Brian J, Crosbie J, Kelley E, Liu X, Jones J, Lai MC, Schachar RJ, Lerch JP, Anagnostou E. Dorsal Striatal Functional Connectivity and Repetitive Behavior Dimensions in Children and Youths With Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:387-397. [PMID: 38000717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairing repetitive behaviors are one of the core diagnostic symptoms in autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but they also manifest in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Although the dorsal striatal circuit has been implicated in repetitive behaviors, extensive heterogeneity in and cross-diagnostic manifestations of these behaviors have suggested phenotypic and likely neurobiological heterogeneity across neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). METHODS Intrinsic dorsal striatal functional connectivity was examined in 3 NDDs (autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and typically developing control participants in a large single-cohort sample (N = 412). To learn how diagnostic labels and overlapping behaviors manifest in dorsal striatal functional connectivity measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, the main and interaction effects of diagnosis and behavior were examined in 8 models (2 seed functional connectivity [caudate and putamen] × 4 sub-behavioral domains [sameness/ritualistic, self-injury, stereotypy, and compulsions]). RESULTS The obsessive-compulsive disorder group demonstrated distinctive patterns in visual and visuomotor coordination regions compared with the other diagnostic groups. Lower-order repetitive behaviors (self-injury and stereotypy) manifesting across all participants were implicated in regions involved in motor and cognitive control, although the findings did not survive effects of multiple comparisons, suggesting heterogeneity in these behavioral domains. An interaction between self-injurious behavior and an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis were observed on caudate-cerebellum functional connectivity. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirmed high heterogeneity and overlapping behavioral manifestations in NDDs and their complex underlying neural mechanisms. A call for diagnosis-free symptom measures that can capture not only observable symptoms and severity across NDDs but also the underlying functions and motivations of such behaviors across diagnoses is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Choi
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marlee M Vandewouw
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Psychology and Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul D Arnold
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queens' University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xudong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Russell J Schachar
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neurosciences & Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kitchenham L, MacLellan A, Paletta P, Patel A, Choleris E, Mason G. Do housing-induced changes in brain activity cause stereotypic behaviours in laboratory mice? Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114862. [PMID: 38216059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal repetitive stereotypic behaviours (SBs) (e.g. pacing, body-rocking) are common in animals with poor welfare (e.g. socially isolated/in barren housing). But how (or even whether) poor housing alters animals' brains to induce SBs remains uncertain. To date, there is little evidence for environmental effects on the brain that also correlate with individual SB performance. Using female mice from two strains (SB-prone DBA/2s; SB-resistant C57/BL/6s), displaying two forms of SB (route-tracing; bar-mouthing), we investigated how housing (conventional laboratory conditions vs. well-resourced 'enriched' cages) affects long-term neuronal activity as assessed via cytochrome oxidase histochemistry in 13 regions of interest (across cortex, striatum, basal ganglia and thalamus). Conventional housing reduced activity in the cortex and striatum. However, DBA mice had no cortical or striatal differences from C57 mice (just greater basal ganglia output activity, independent of housing). Neural correlates for individual levels of bar-mouthing (positive correlations in the substantia nigra and thalamus) were also independent of housing; while route-tracing levels had no clear neural correlates at all. Thus conventional laboratory housing can suppress cortico-striatal activity, but such changes are unrelated to SB (since not mirrored by congruent individual and strain differences). Furthermore, the neural correlates of SB at individual and strain levels seem to reflect underlying predispositions, not housing-mediated changes. To aid further work, hypothesis-generating model fit analyses highlighted this unexplained housing effect, and also suggested several regions of interest across cortex, striatum, thalamus and substantia nigra for future investigation (ideally with improved power to reduce risks of Type II error).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Kitchenham
- Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare/Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aileen MacLellan
- Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare/Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Council on Animal Care; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; University of Ottawa, Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
| | - Pietro Paletta
- Dept. of Psychology, Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashutosh Patel
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Dept. of Psychology, Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia Mason
- Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare/Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Burton CL, Longaretti A, Zlatanovic A, Gomes GM, Tonini R. Striatal insights: a cellular and molecular perspective on repetitive behaviors in pathology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1386715. [PMID: 38601025 PMCID: PMC11004256 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1386715] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals often behave repetitively and predictably. These repetitive behaviors can have a component that is learned and ingrained as habits, which can be evolutionarily advantageous as they reduce cognitive load and the expenditure of attentional resources. Repetitive behaviors can also be conscious and deliberate, and may occur in the absence of habit formation, typically when they are a feature of normal development in children, or neuropsychiatric disorders. They can be considered pathological when they interfere with social relationships and daily activities. For instance, people affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Huntington's disease and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome can display a wide range of symptoms like compulsive, stereotyped and ritualistic behaviors. The striatum nucleus of the basal ganglia is proposed to act as a master regulator of these repetitive behaviors through its circuit connections with sensorimotor, associative, and limbic areas of the cortex. However, the precise mechanisms within the striatum, detailing its compartmental organization, cellular specificity, and the intricacies of its downstream connections, remain an area of active research. In this review, we summarize evidence across multiple scales, including circuit-level, cellular, and molecular dimensions, to elucidate the striatal mechanisms underpinning repetitive behaviors and offer perspectives on the implicated disorders. We consider the close relationship between behavioral output and transcriptional changes, and thereby structural and circuit alterations, including those occurring through epigenetic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raffaella Tonini
- Neuromodulation of Cortical and Subcortical Circuits Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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Wilkes BJ, Archer DB, Farmer AL, Bass C, Korah H, Vaillancourt DE, Lewis MH. Cortico-basal ganglia white matter microstructure is linked to restricted repetitive behavior in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2024; 15:6. [PMID: 38254158 PMCID: PMC10804694 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00581-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restricted repetitive behavior (RRB) is one of two behavioral domains required for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuroimaging is widely used to study brain alterations associated with ASD and the domain of social and communication deficits, but there has been less work regarding brain alterations linked to RRB. METHODS We utilized neuroimaging data from the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive to assess basal ganglia and cerebellum structure in a cohort of children and adolescents with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) controls. We evaluated regional gray matter volumes from T1-weighted anatomical scans and assessed diffusion-weighted scans to quantify white matter microstructure with free-water imaging. We also investigated the interaction of biological sex and ASD diagnosis on these measures, and their correlation with clinical scales of RRB. RESULTS Individuals with ASD had significantly lower free-water corrected fractional anisotropy (FAT) and higher free-water (FW) in cortico-basal ganglia white matter tracts. These microstructural differences did not interact with biological sex. Moreover, both FAT and FW in basal ganglia white matter tracts significantly correlated with measures of RRB. In contrast, we found no significant difference in basal ganglia or cerebellar gray matter volumes. LIMITATIONS The basal ganglia and cerebellar regions in this study were selected due to their hypothesized relevance to RRB. Differences between ASD and TD individuals that may occur outside the basal ganglia and cerebellum, and their potential relationship to RRB, were not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS These new findings demonstrate that cortico-basal ganglia white matter microstructure is altered in ASD and linked to RRB. FW in cortico-basal ganglia and intra-basal ganglia white matter was more sensitive to group differences in ASD, whereas cortico-basal ganglia FAT was more closely linked to RRB. In contrast, basal ganglia and cerebellar volumes did not differ in ASD. There was no interaction between ASD diagnosis and sex-related differences in brain structure. Future diffusion imaging investigations in ASD may benefit from free-water estimation and correction in order to better understand how white matter is affected in ASD, and how such measures are linked to RRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Wilkes
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118205, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Derek B Archer
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anna L Farmer
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carly Bass
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Korah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - David E Vaillancourt
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118205, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Neurology, Fixel Center for Neurological Diseases, Program in Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Soghomonian JJ. The cortico-striatal circuitry in autism-spectrum disorders: a balancing act. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1329095. [PMID: 38273975 PMCID: PMC10808402 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1329095] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The basal ganglia are major targets of cortical inputs and, in turn, modulate cortical function via their projections to the motor and prefrontal cortices. The role of the basal ganglia in motor control and reward is well documented and there is also extensive evidence that they play a key role in social and repetitive behaviors. The basal ganglia influence the activity of the cerebral cortex via two major projections from the striatum to the output nuclei, the globus pallidus internus and the substantia nigra, pars reticulata. This modulation involves a direct projection known as the direct pathway and an indirect projection via the globus pallidus externus and the subthalamic nucleus, known as the indirect pathway. This review discusses the respective contribution of the direct and indirect pathways to social and repetitive behaviors in neurotypical conditions and in autism spectrum disorders.
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Gros G, Miranda Marcos R, Latrille A, Saitovitch A, Gollier-Briant F, Fossati P, Schmidt L, Banaschewski T, Barker GJ, Bokde ALW, Desrivières S, Grigis A, Garavan H, Gowland P, Heinz A, Brühl R, Martinot JL, Paillère Martinot ML, Artiges E, Nees F, Papadopoulos Orfanos D, Poustka L, Hohmann S, Holz N, Fröhner JH, Smolka MN, Vaidya N, Walter H, Whelan R, Schumann G, Lemaitre H, Vulser H. Whole-brain gray matter maturation trajectories associated with autistic traits from adolescence to early adulthood. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:15-29. [PMID: 37819410 PMCID: PMC10827811 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
A growing number of evidence supports a continued distribution of autistic traits in the general population. However, brain maturation trajectories of autistic traits as well as the influence of sex on these trajectories remain largely unknown. We investigated the association of autistic traits in the general population, with longitudinal gray matter (GM) maturation trajectories during the critical period of adolescence. We assessed 709 community-based adolescents (54.7% women) at age 14 and 22. After testing the effect of sex, we used whole-brain voxel-based morphometry to measure longitudinal GM volumes changes associated with autistic traits measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) total and sub-scores. In women, we observed that the SRS was associated with slower GM volume decrease globally and in the left parahippocampus and middle temporal gyrus. The social communication sub-score correlated with slower GM volume decrease in the left parahippocampal, superior temporal gyrus, and pallidum; and the social cognition sub-score correlated with slower GM volume decrease in the left middle temporal gyrus, the right ventromedial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex. No longitudinal association was found in men. Autistic traits in young women were found to be associated with specific brain trajectories in regions of the social brain and the reward circuit known to be involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder. These findings support both the hypothesis of an earlier GM maturation associated with autistic traits in adolescence and of protective mechanisms in women. They advocate for further studies on brain trajectories associated with autistic traits in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Gros
- Control-Interoception-Attention Team, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Paris, France
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Centre du Neurodéveloppement Adulte, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 47-83 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Ruben Miranda Marcos
- Control-Interoception-Attention Team, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Paris, France
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Centre du Neurodéveloppement Adulte, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 47-83 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Latrille
- Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, CEA, Université de Bordeaux, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ana Saitovitch
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, INSERM U1299, UMR 1163, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Gollier-Briant
- Unité Diagnostique Autisme Ados-Jeunes Adultes (UD3A), CHU and Universite de Nantes, Fondation FondaMental, Nantes, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Fossati
- Control-Interoception-Attention Team, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Paris, France
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Centre du Neurodéveloppement Adulte, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 47-83 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Liane Schmidt
- Control-Interoception-Attention Team, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Paris, France
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gareth J Barker
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Arun L W Bokde
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sylvane Desrivières
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, SGDP Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Antoine Grigis
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Penny Gowland
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Brühl
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Martinot
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, INSERM U 1299 "Trajectoires Développementales and Psychiatrie", University Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Centre Borelli, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Laure Paillère Martinot
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, INSERM U 1299 "Trajectoires Développementales and Psychiatrie", University Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Centre Borelli, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP. Sorbonne University, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Eric Artiges
- Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale, INSERM U 1299 "Trajectoires Développementales and Psychiatrie", University Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Centre Borelli, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
- Psychiatry Department, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Etampes, France
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Hohmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Holz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Juliane H Fröhner
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nilakshi Vaidya
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Whelan
- School of Psychology and Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute for Science and Technology of Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hervé Lemaitre
- Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, CNRS, CEA, Université de Bordeaux, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hélène Vulser
- Control-Interoception-Attention Team, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière Paris, Brain Institute, Inserm/CNRS/Sorbonne University, UMR 7225/U1127, Paris, France.
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Centre du Neurodéveloppement Adulte, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 47-83 Boulevard de L'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France.
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9
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Baribeau DA, Vigod SN, Pullenayegum E, Kerns CM, Vaillancourt T, Duku E, Smith IM, Volden J, Zwaigenbaum L, Bennett T, Elsabbagh M, Zaidman-Zait A, Richard AE, Szatmari P. Developmental cascades between insistence on sameness behaviour and anxiety symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2109-2118. [PMID: 35871413 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02049-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autistic children experience high rates of anxiety. Insistence on sameness behaviour (IS) is a core feature of autism that appears correlated with anxiety severity. The objective of this study was to examine the longitudinal relations between anxiety and IS in autistic children using a developmental cascade model. A longitudinal cohort of 421 autistic children was followed between 4 and 11 years of age. Anxiety was quantified using items from the Anxiety Problems subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist; sameness behaviours were measured using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised, Ritualistic/sameness subscale (both parent-report measures). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the longitudinal and directional associations between anxiety and IS at four time-points, through cross-lagged panel models (CLPM) with and without a random-intercepts component (RI-CLPM). Both the CLPM and the RI-CLPM had good fit. Significant directional associations were detected whereby elevated or increasing IS preceded elevated or increasing anxiety symptoms 1-2 years later, respectively. Stable baseline tendencies towards anxiety and IS as between-person traits (intercepts) were strongly associated (standardized estimate = 0.69, p < 0.001). The magnitude of the cross-sectional associations between anxiety and IS appeared to lessen with age. IS and anxiety symptoms in autism are closely related. They appear to be shared traits that mirror each other particularly in younger children. Increasing IS may be a sign of emerging future anxiety. Interventions that target IS to reduce or prevent anxiety amongst school-aged autistic children merit further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Baribeau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 123 Edward Street, 12th floor, Room 1210, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E2, Canada.
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Simone N Vigod
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Women's College Hospital and Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eleanor Pullenayegum
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joanne Volden
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Teresa Bennett
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anat Zaidman-Zait
- Department of School Counseling and Special Education at the Constantiner School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annie E Richard
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Klein RM, Motomura VN, Debiasi JD, Moreira EG. Gestational paracetamol exposure induces core behaviors of neurodevelopmental disorders in infant rats and modifies response to a cannabinoid agonist in females. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 99:107279. [PMID: 37391024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol (PAR) is an over-the-counter analgesic/antipyretic used during pregnancy worldwide. Epidemiological studies have been associating gestational PAR exposure with neurobehavioral alterations in the progeny resembling autism spectrum disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. The endocannabinoid (eCB) dysfunction was previously hypothesized as one of the modes of action by which PAR may harm the developing nervous system. We aimed to evaluate possible effects of gestational exposure to PAR on male and female rat's offspring behavior and if an acute injection of WIN 55,212-2 (WIN, 0.3 mg/kg), a non-specific cannabinoid agonist, prior to behavioral tests, would induce different effects in PAR exposed and non-exposed animals. Pregnant Wistar rats were gavaged with PAR (350 mg/kg/day) or water from gestational day 6 until delivery. Nest-seeking, open field, apomorphine-induced stereotypy, marble burying and three-chamber tests were conducted in 10-, 24-, 25- or 30-days-old rats, respectively. PAR exposure resulted in increased apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and time spent in the central area of the open field in exposed female pups. Additionally, it induced hyperactivity in the open field and increased marble burying behavior in both male and female pups. WIN injection modified the behavioral response only in the nest seeking test, and opposite effects were observed in control and PAR-exposed neonate females. Reported alterations are relevant for the neurodevelopmental disorders that have been associated with maternal PAR exposure and suggest that eCB dysfunction may play a role in the action by which PAR may harm the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Moreno Klein
- Graduation Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Diosti Debiasi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil
| | - Estefânia Gastaldello Moreira
- Graduation Program in Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR 86047-610, Brazil.
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11
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Farmer AL, Lewis MH. Reduction of restricted repetitive behavior by environmental enrichment: Potential neurobiological mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105291. [PMID: 37353046 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB) are one of two diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and common in other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The term restricted repetitive behavior refers to a wide variety of inflexible patterns of behavior including stereotypy, self-injury, restricted interests, insistence on sameness, and ritualistic and compulsive behavior. However, despite their prevalence in clinical populations, their underlying causes remain poorly understood hampering the development of effective treatments. Intriguingly, numerous animal studies have demonstrated that these behaviors are reduced by rearing in enriched environments (EE). Understanding the processes responsible for the attenuation of repetitive behaviors by EE should offer insights into potential therapeutic approaches, as well as shed light on the underlying neurobiology of repetitive behaviors. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the relationship between EE and RRB and discusses potential mechanisms for EE's attenuation of RRB based on the broader EE literature. Existing gaps in the literature and future directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Farmer
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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12
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Uljarević M, Spackman EK, Whitehouse AJO, Frazier TW, Billingham W, Condron P, Hardan A, Leekam SR. Arriving at the empirically based conceptualization of restricted and repetitive behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analytic examination of factor analyses. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102286. [PMID: 37269778 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An empirically based understanding of the factor structure of the restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) domain is a prerequisite for interpreting studies attempting to understand the correlates and mechanisms underpinning RRB and for measurement development. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RRB factor analytic studies. Sets of meta-analyses were performed to examine (a) the factor structure of individual RRB instruments, (b) associations between RRB subdomains across instruments, and (c) the association between RRB factors and other variables. Searches for peer-reviewed articles evaluating the factor structure of the RRB domain were performed in PsycINFO (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), and Embase (Ovid). No age, measurement, or informant-type limits were imposed. Quality and risk of bias for individual studies were assessed using relevant COSMIN sections. Among the 53 studies retained for review, 41 examined RRB factor structures among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 12 among non-ASD samples. Meta-analysis of factor correlations provided evidence that the RRB domain encompasses the following eight specific factors: repetitive motor behaviors, insistence on sameness, restricted interests, unusual interests, sensory sensitivity, and repetitive, stereotyped language. Although interrelated, RRB factors were distinct, showing a unique pattern of associations with demographic, cognitive, and clinical correlates. Meta-analyses of the associations between RRB factors and specific correlates, specifically adaptive functioning and communication impairments, should be considered preliminary due to the limited number of studies. Despite limitations, this review provides important insights into the factor structure of the RRB domain and highlights critical conceptual, measurement, and methodological limitations of the current research that will need to be addressed in order to improve our understanding of RRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | - Emily K Spackman
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas W Frazier
- Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, USA
| | - Wesley Billingham
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patrick Condron
- University Library, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3010, Australia
| | - Antonio Hardan
- University Library, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3010, Australia
| | - Susan R Leekam
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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13
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Paudel R, Singh S. Selection of Young Animal Models of Autism over Adult: Benefits and Limitations. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2023; 57:697-712. [PMID: 33447895 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-020-09595-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental broad-spectrum disorder characterized by social interaction, and aberrant restrictive and repetitive behavior. The complex pathophysiology and unexplored drug targets make it difficult to standardize and validate the animal models of autism. The review was purposed for determining the benefits of younger animal models over adult models of autism. Similarly, animal models with respect to age, sex, body weight, number of animals used, along with autism inducing agents have been reviewed in this article. The differentiation of behavioral parameters has shown the benefits in the selection of younger animal models. Thus, we conclude that young and adolescence animal models of autism will be supporting for early detection and interventions with significant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Paudel
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India.
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14
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Buch AM, Vértes PE, Seidlitz J, Kim SH, Grosenick L, Liston C. Molecular and network-level mechanisms explaining individual differences in autism spectrum disorder. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:650-663. [PMID: 36894656 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01259-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood. Using a large neuroimaging dataset, we identified three latent dimensions of functional brain network connectivity that predicted individual differences in ASD behaviors and were stable in cross-validation. Clustering along these three dimensions revealed four reproducible ASD subgroups with distinct functional connectivity alterations in ASD-related networks and clinical symptom profiles that were reproducible in an independent sample. By integrating neuroimaging data with normative gene expression data from two independent transcriptomic atlases, we found that within each subgroup, ASD-related functional connectivity was explained by regional differences in the expression of distinct ASD-related gene sets. These gene sets were differentially associated with distinct molecular signaling pathways involving immune and synapse function, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, protein synthesis and other processes. Collectively, our findings delineate atypical connectivity patterns underlying different forms of ASD that implicate distinct molecular signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Buch
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Petra E Vértes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jakob Seidlitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - So Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, USA
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Logan Grosenick
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Conor Liston
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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15
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Li C, Chen W, Li X, Li T, Chen Y, Zhang C, Ning M, Wang X. Gray matter asymmetry atypical patterns in subgrouping minors with autism based on core symptoms. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1077908. [PMID: 36760800 PMCID: PMC9905125 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1077908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal gray matter (GM) asymmetry has been verified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by high heterogeneity. ASD is distinguished by three core symptom domains. Previous neuroimaging studies have offered support for divergent neural substrates of different core symptom domains in ASD. However, no previous study has explored GM asymmetry alterations underlying different core symptom domains. This study sought to clarify atypical GM asymmetry patterns underlying three core symptom domains in ASD with a large sample of 230 minors with ASD (ages 7-18 years) and 274 matched TD controls from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) repository. To this end, the scores of the revised autism diagnostic interview (ADI-R) subscales were normalized for grouping ASD into three core-symptom-defined subgroups: social interaction (SI), verbal communication (VA), and restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB). We investigated core-symptom-related GM asymmetry alterations in ASD resulting from advanced voxel-based morphometry (VBM) by general linear models. We also examined the relationship between GM asymmetry and age and between GM asymmetry and symptom severity assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). We found unique GM asymmetry alterations underlying three core-symptom-defined subgroups in ASD: more rightward asymmetry in the thalamus for SI, less rightward asymmetry in the superior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate and caudate for VA, and less rightward asymmetry in the middle and inferior frontal gyrus for RRB. Furthermore, the asymmetry indexes in the thalamus were negatively associated with ADOS_SOCIAL scores in the general ASD group. We also showed significant correlations between GM asymmetry and age in ASD and TD individuals. Our results support the theory that each core symptom domain of ASD may have independent etiological and neurobiological underpinnings, which is essential for the interpretation of heterogeneity and the future diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxiong Chen
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Li
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunling Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingmin Ning
- Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Mingmin Ning,
| | - Ximing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,Ximing Wang,
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16
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Wu N, Yu H, Xu M. Alteration of brain nuclei in obese children with and without Prader-Willi syndrome. Front Neuroinform 2022; 16:1032636. [PMID: 36465689 PMCID: PMC9716021 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2022.1032636] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic imprinting disorder mainly characterized by hyperphagia and childhood obesity. Extensive structural alterations are expected in PWS patients, and their influence on brain nuclei should be early and profound. To date, few studies have investigated brain nuclei in children with PWS, although functional and structural alterations of the cortex have been reported widely. Methods: In the current study, we used T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to investigate alterations in brain nuclei by three automated analysis methods: shape analysis to evaluate the shape of 14 cerebral nuclei (bilateral thalamus, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens), automated segmentation methods integrated in Freesurfer 7.2.0 to investigate the volume of hypothalamic subregions, and region of interest-based analysis to investigate the volume of deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN). Twelve age- and sex-matched children with PWS, 18 obese children without PWS (OB) and 18 healthy controls participated in this study. Results: Compared with control and OB individuals, the PWS group exhibited significant atrophy in the bilateral thalamus, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, right caudate, bilateral hypothalamus (left anterior-inferior, bilateral posterior, and bilateral tubular inferior subunits) and bilateral DCN (dentate, interposed, and fastigial nuclei), whereas no significant difference was found between the OB and control groups. Discussion: Based on our evidence, we suggested that alterations in brain nuclei influenced by imprinted genes were associated with clinical manifestations of PWS, such as eating disorders, cognitive disability and endocrine abnormalities, which were distinct from the neural mechanisms of obese children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Yanjing Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Yu
- Department of Radiology, Liangxiang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingze Xu
- Center for MRI Research, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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17
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Transcriptional Profile of the Developing Subthalamic Nucleus. eNeuro 2022; 9:9/5/ENEURO.0193-22.2022. [PMID: 36257692 PMCID: PMC9581575 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0193-22.2022] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a small, excitatory nucleus that regulates the output of basal ganglia motor circuits. The functions of the STN and its role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease are now well established. However, some basic characteristics like the developmental origin and molecular phenotype of neuronal subpopulations are still being debated. The classical model of forebrain development attributed the origin of STN within the diencephalon. Recent studies of gene expression patterns exposed shortcomings of the classical model. To accommodate these findings, the prosomeric model was developed. In this concept, STN develops within the hypothalamic primordium, which is no longer a part of the diencephalic primordium. This concept is further supported by the expression patterns of many transcription factors. It is interesting to note that many transcription factors involved in the development of the STN are also involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, the study of neurodevelopmental disorders could provide us with valuable information on the roles of these transcription factors in the development and maintenance of STN phenotype. In this review, we summarize historical theories about the developmental origin of the STN and interpret the gene expression data within the prosomeric conceptual framework. Finally, we discuss the importance of neurodevelopmental disorders for the development of the STN and its potential role in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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18
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Michetti C, Falace A, Benfenati F, Fassio A. Synaptic genes and neurodevelopmental disorders: From molecular mechanisms to developmental strategies of behavioral testing. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105856. [PMID: 36070836 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptopathies are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by modification in genes coding for synaptic proteins. These proteins oversee the process of neurotransmission, mainly controlling the fusion and recycling of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal, the expression and localization of receptors at the postsynapse and the coupling between the pre- and the postsynaptic compartments. Murine models, with homozygous or heterozygous deletion for several synaptic genes or knock-in for specific pathogenic mutations, have been developed. They have proved to be extremely informative for understanding synaptic physiology, as well as for clarifying the patho-mechanisms leading to developmental delay, epilepsy and motor, cognitive and social impairments that are the most common clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the onset of these disorders emerges during infancy and adolescence while the behavioral phenotyping is often conducted in adult mice, missing important information about the impact of synaptic development and maturation on the manifestation of the behavioral phenotype. Here, we review the main achievements obtained by behavioral testing in murine models of synaptopathies and propose a battery of behavioral tests to improve classification, diagnosis and efficacy of potential therapeutic treatments. Our aim is to underlie the importance of studying behavioral development and better focusing on disease onset and phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Falace
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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19
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Quantitative trait locus analysis for endophenotypes reveals genetic substrates of core symptom domains and neurocognitive function in autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:407. [PMID: 36153334 PMCID: PMC9509384 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders and is largely attributable to genetic risk factors. Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of ASD have been well-recognized; however, genetic substrates for endophenotypes that constitute phenotypic heterogeneity are not yet known. In the present study, we compiled data from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, which contains the demographic and detailed phenotype information of 11,961 individuals. Notably, the whole-genome sequencing data available from MSSNG and iHART for 3833 individuals in this dataset was used to perform an endophenotype-wide association study. Using a linear mixed model, genome-wide association analyses were performed for 29 endophenotype scores and 0.58 million common variants with variant allele frequency ≥ 5%. We discovered significant associations between 9 genetic variants and 6 endophenotype scores comprising neurocognitive development and severity scores for core symptoms of ASD at a significance threshold of p < 5 × 10-7. Of note, the Stereotyped Behaviors and Restricted Interests total score in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Module 3 was significantly associated with multiple variants in the VPS13B gene, a causal gene for Cohen syndrome and a candidate gene for syndromic ASD. Our findings yielded loci with small effect sizes due to the moderate sample size and, thus, require validation in another cohort. Nonetheless, our endophenotype-wide association analysis extends previous candidate gene discovery in the context of genotype and endophenotype association. As a result, these candidate genes may be responsible for specific traits that constitute core symptoms and neurocognitive function of ASD rather than the disorder itself.
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20
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Seng GJ, Lai MC, Goh JOS, Tseng WYI, Gau SSF. Gray matter volume alteration is associated with insistence on sameness and cognitive flexibility in autistic youth. Autism Res 2022; 15:1209-1221. [PMID: 35491911 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies suggest that insistence on sameness (IS) characterized as higher-order RRBs may be a promising subgrouping variable for ASD. Cognitive inflexibility may underpin IS behaviors. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of IS and associated cognitive functions remain unclear. We analyzed data from 140 autistic youth and 124 typically developing (TD) youth (mean age = 15.8 years). Autistic youth were stratified by median-split based on three current IS items in the autism diagnostic interview-revised into two groups (high, HIS, n = 70, and low, LIS, n = 70). Differences in cognitive flexibility were assessed by the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB). T1-weighted brain structural images were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify differences in gray matter (GM) volume among the three groups. GM volume of regions showing group differences was then correlated with cognitive flexibility. The HIS group showed decreased GM volumes in the left supramarginal gyrus compared to the LIS group and increased GM volumes in the vermis VIII and left cerebellar lobule VIII compared to TD individuals. We did not find significant correlations between regional GM volumes and extra-dimensional shift errors. IS may be a unique RRB component and a potentially valuable stratifier of ASD. However, the neurocognitive underpinnings require further clarification. LAY SUMMARY: The present study found parietal, temporal and cerebellar gray matter volume alterations in autistic youth with greater insistence on sameness. The findings suggest that insistence on sameness may be a useful feature to parse the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum yet further research investigating the underlying neurocognitive mechanism is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joshua Oon Soo Goh
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yih Issac Tseng
- College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Tian J, Gao X, Yang L. Repetitive Restricted Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Mechanism to Development of Therapeutics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:780407. [PMID: 35310097 PMCID: PMC8924045 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.780407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive restricted behaviors (RRBs). It is usually detected in early childhood. RRBs are behavioral patterns characterized by repetition, inflexibility, invariance, inappropriateness, and frequent lack of obvious function or specific purpose. To date, the classification of RRBs is contentious. Understanding the potential mechanisms of RRBs in children with ASD, such as neural connectivity disorders and abnormal immune functions, will contribute to finding new therapeutic targets. Although behavioral intervention remains the most effective and safe strategy for RRBs treatment, some promising drugs and new treatment options (e.g., supplementary and cell therapy) have shown positive effects on RRBs in recent studies. In this review, we summarize the latest advances of RRBs from mechanistic to therapeutic approaches and propose potential future directions in research on RRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Yang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), Beijing, China
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22
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Tonna M, Ottoni R, Pellegrini C, Mora L, Gambolo L, Di Donna A, Parmigiani S, Marchesi C. The motor profile of obsessive-compulsive rituals: psychopathological and evolutionary implications. CNS Spectr 2022; 28:1-9. [PMID: 35184763 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852922000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies investigating obsessive-compulsive disorder from an ethological approach have highlighted a specific motor pattern of compulsive rituals with respect to corresponding ordinary behaviors. Particularly, compulsive motor profile is built through the repetition of acts, with prevalence of nonfunctional ones and redirection of attention to its basic structural units. These formal features would characterize ritual behavior throughout evolution, from nonhuman animals to human cultures. However, no study to date has investigated a possible relationship between such motor profile and underlying psychopathology. Therefore, the first objective of the study was to confirm previous findings on a larger sample size of obsessive patients; the second objective was to elucidate whether motor profile might be associated with obsessive-compulsive psychopathology and/or prepsychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. METHODS Twenty-one obsessive-compulsive outpatients provided a videotape of their rituals. An equal number of healthy controls, matched for sex and age, were registered for corresponding ordinary acts. Obsessive patients were administered the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire. RESULTS The results of the present study confirm that ritual compulsions present a specific motor structure characterized by repetition of both functional and nonfunctional acts and their longer duration. Such a motor pattern is independent from obsessive-compulsive psychopathology, whereas it results specifically associated with prepsychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS We argue that this association may reflect the adaptive significance of ritual behavior across evolution, that is, its homeostatic function in conditions of unpredictability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tonna
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rebecca Ottoni
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Mora
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Gambolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Di Donna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Unit of Behavioral Biology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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23
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Lakatošová S, Janšáková K, Babková J, Repiská G, Belica I, Vidošovičová M, Ostatníková D. The Relationship of Steroid Hormones, Genes Related to Testosterone Metabolism and Behavior in Boys With Autism in Slovakia. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:73-84. [PMID: 35042285 PMCID: PMC8898604 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Purpose of the study was to identify the relationship among actual plasmatic levels of steroid hormones and behavioral manifestations in boys with autism and to assess the genetic contribution to these manifestations. METHODS 172 boys with autism under 10 years of age and 135 neurotypical boys attended the study. ADI-R and ADOS-2 were used to evaluate the core symptom severities. Problem behavior was assessed using BPI-01 questionnaire. Levels of testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in plasma of autistic boys. Three SNPs (in ESR1, SHBG, SRD5A2 genes) and one STR in AR gene (number of CAG repeats in first exon) were assessed. Hormonal levels and number of CAG repeats in AR gene were used for correlation analysis with behavioral measures. Genotype and allelic frequencies were compared among autistic and neurotypical boys. RESULTS We found negative relationship among SHBG levels and restricted, repetitive behaviors (measured by ADOS-2) and positive relationship among actual testosterone levels and frequency of stereotyped behavior (measured by BPI-01). CONCLUSION Actual levels of SHBG and testosterone are related to severities of restricted and repetitive behaviors in boys with autism. Mechanisms of action of these hormones in brain require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lakatošová
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Janšáková
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Babková
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Repiská
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Belica
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mária Vidošovičová
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Comenius University in Bratislava Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Bratislava, Slovakia
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24
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Romero C, Uddin LQ. Bilingualism, Executive Function, and the Brain: Implications for Autism. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2021; 2:513-531. [PMID: 37214624 PMCID: PMC10158561 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with marked heterogeneity with respect to the development of executive function abilities. The bilingual advantage refers to the observation that individuals who speak two languages perform better on executive function tasks than monolinguals under some circumstances. There is not yet consensus, however, as to whether this advantage can be reliably demonstrated, nor is there consensus regarding under which conditions it emerges. Bilingual and monolingual children with ASD have comparable developmental outcomes, particularly in the areas of core ASD symptoms, cognitive function, and language. Still, despite the potential advantages that bilingualism may confer, clinicians commonly advise against providing a bilingual environment for children with ASD. The purpose of the present review is to provide an up-to-date assessment of the limited literature on bilingualism in children with ASD in order to inform evidence-based practice. Studies suggest a potential bilingual advantage in ASD in the areas of nonverbal intelligence quotient, adaptive functioning, and expressive vocabulary. A limited yet growing literature provides preliminary evidence for enhanced executive function ability in some children with ASD. Taken together, current evidence suggests that although a bilingual advantage may not be universally present in typical development, it may manifest under specific circumstances, conferring advantage for populations in which executive function is compromised. Further work is needed to develop consistent, evidence-based guidelines around language recommendations for families of children with ASD and to better understand the cognitive and brain mechanisms giving rise to the bilingual advantage in clinical developmental populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Romero
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Lucina Q. Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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25
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Srivastava S, Condy E, Carmody E, Filip-Dhima R, Kapur K, Bernstein JA, Berry-Kravis E, Powell CM, Soorya L, Thurm A, Buxbaum JD, Sahin M, Kolevzon AL. Parent-reported measure of repetitive behavior in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:53. [PMID: 34740315 PMCID: PMC8570010 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Phelan McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurogenetic condition associated with a high prevalence of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study provides a more comprehensive and quantitative profile of repetitive behaviors within the context of ID seen with the condition. Methods Individuals age 3–21 years with a confirmed PMS diagnosis participated in a multicenter observational study evaluating the phenotype and natural history of the disorder. We evaluated data collected from this study pertaining to repetitive behaviors from the Repetitive Behavior Scales-Revised (RBS-R). Results There were n = 90 participants who were part of this analysis. Forty-seven percent (n = 42/90) were female, and the average age at baseline evaluation was 8.88 ± 4.72 years. The mean best estimate IQ of the cohort was 26.08 ± 17.67 (range = 3.4–88), with n = 8 with mild ID (or no ID), n = 20 with moderate ID, and n = 62 with severe-profound ID. The RBS-R total overall score was 16.46 ± 13.9 (compared to 33.14 ± 20.60 reported in previous studies of ASD) (Lam and Aman, 2007), and the total number of items endorsed was 10.40 ± 6.81 (range = 0–29). After statistical correction for multiple comparisons, IQ correlated with the RBS-R stereotypic behavior subscale score (rs = − 0.33, unadjusted p = 0.0014, adjusted p = 0.01) and RBS-R stereotypic behavior total number of endorsed items (rs = − 0.32, unadjusted p = 0.0019, adjusted p = 0.01). IQ did not correlate with any other RBS-R subscale scores. Conclusions The RBS-R total overall score in a PMS cohort appears milder compared to individuals with ASD characterized in previous studies. Stereotypic behavior in PMS may reflect cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emma Condy
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erin Carmody
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rajna Filip-Dhima
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Craig M Powell
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Latha Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Lexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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26
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Jacobs B, Rally H, Doyle C, O'Brien L, Tennison M, Marino L. Putative neural consequences of captivity for elephants and cetaceans. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:439-465. [PMID: 34534428 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present review assesses the potential neural impact of impoverished, captive environments on large-brained mammals, with a focus on elephants and cetaceans. These species share several characteristics, including being large, wide-ranging, long-lived, cognitively sophisticated, highly social, and large-brained mammals. Although the impact of the captive environment on physical and behavioral health has been well-documented, relatively little attention has been paid to the brain itself. Here, we explore the potential neural consequences of living in captive environments, with a focus on three levels: (1) The effects of environmental impoverishment/enrichment on the brain, emphasizing the negative neural consequences of the captive/impoverished environment; (2) the neural consequences of stress on the brain, with an emphasis on corticolimbic structures; and (3) the neural underpinnings of stereotypies, often observed in captive animals, underscoring dysregulation of the basal ganglia and associated circuitry. To this end, we provide a substantive hypothesis about the negative impact of captivity on the brains of large mammals (e.g., cetaceans and elephants) and how these neural consequences are related to documented evidence for compromised physical and psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob Jacobs
- Laboratory of Quantitative Neuromorphology, Neuroscience Program, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA
| | - Heather Rally
- Foundation to Support Animal Protection, Norfolk, VA, 23510, USA
| | - Catherine Doyle
- Performing Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 849, Galt, CA, 95632, USA
| | - Lester O'Brien
- Palladium Elephant Consulting Inc., 2408 Pinewood Dr. SE, Calgary, AB, T2B1S4, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Tennison
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lori Marino
- Whale Sanctuary Project, Kanab, UT, 84741, USA
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27
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Varga TG, de Toledo Simões JG, Siena A, Henrique E, da Silva RCB, Dos Santos Bioni V, Ramos AC, Rosenstock TR. Haloperidol rescues the schizophrenia-like phenotype in adulthood after rotenone administration in neonatal rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2569-2585. [PMID: 34089344 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05880-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disturbances that encompass several hypotheses, including changes in neurodevelopment. It is known that brain development disturbances during early life can predict psychosis in adulthood. As we have previously demonstrated, rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, could induce psychiatric-like behavior in 60-day-old rats after intraperitoneal injections from the 5th to the 11th postnatal day. Because mitochondrial deregulation is related to psychiatric disorders and the establishment of animal models is a high-value preclinical tool, we investigated the responsiveness of the rotenone (Rot)-treated newborn rats to pharmacological agents used in clinical practice, haloperidol (Hal), and methylphenidate (MPD). Taken together, our data show that Rot-treated animals exhibit hyperlocomotion, decreased social interaction, and diminished contextual fear conditioning response at P60, consistent with positive, negative, and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia (SZ), respectively, that were reverted by Hal, but not MPD. Rot-treated rodents also display a prodromal-related phenotype at P35. Overall, our results seem to present a new SZ animal model as a consequence of mitochondrial inhibition during a critical neurodevelopmental period. Therefore, our study is crucial not only to elucidate the relevance of mitochondrial function in the etiology of SZ but also to fulfill the need for new and trustworthy experimentation models and, likewise, provide possibilities to new therapeutic avenues for this burdensome disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Garcia Varga
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Siena
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Ed. Biomédicas I, 2º andar, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Elisandra Henrique
- Department of Physiological Science, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aline Camargo Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Rosado Rosenstock
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524 - Ed. Biomédicas I, 2º andar, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil. .,Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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28
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Uljarević M, Frazier TW, Rached G, Busch RM, Klaas P, Srivastava S, Martinez-Agosto JA, Sahin M, Eng C, Hardan AY. Toward better characterization of restricted and repetitive behaviors in individuals with germline heterozygous PTEN mutations. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 185:3401-3410. [PMID: 34423884 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62458] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to further our understanding of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) among individuals with germline pathogenic mutations in PTEN by providing multimethod characterization and comparison of key RRB subdomains across individuals with PTEN mutations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (PTEN-ASD), with PTEN mutations without ASD (PTEN-No ASD) and with ASD and macrocephaly but without PTEN mutations (Macro-ASD). Of 86 total research participants, 38 had PTEN-ASD (Mage = 8.93 years, SDage = 4.75), 25 Macro-ASD (Mage = 11.99 years; SDage = 5.15), and 23 PTEN-No ASD (Mage = 8.94 years; SDage = 4.85). The Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were used as measures of distinct RRB domains. There were significant group differences in the RBS-R repetitive motor behaviors (RMB; F = 4.52, p = 0.014, ω2 = 0.08), insistence on sameness (IS; F = 4.11, p = 0.02, ω2 = 0.05), and circumscribed interests (CI; F = 7.80, p = 0.001, ω2 = 0.14) scales. Post hoc comparisons showed that the PTEN-No ASD group had significantly lower RMB, IS, and CI scores compared to both PTEN-ASD and Macro-ASD groups. Importantly, PTEN-No ASD group still showed elevated RRB levels. Furthermore, there was a portion of individuals in PTEN-No ASD group whose Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) was >70 that did not show floor level scores in the RMB domain. After adjusting for age and FSIQ scores, group differences were no longer statistically significant. RMB, IS, and CI domains showed distinct association patterns with sex, age, and FSIQ. This investigation provides the largest and most comprehensive characterization of distinct RRB domains in individuals with PTEN mutations to date. Despite the limitations, our findings have important assessment and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas W Frazier
- Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio, USA.,Autism Speaks, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Robyn M Busch
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Patricia Klaas
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julian A Martinez-Agosto
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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29
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Pan X, Liu F, Song Y, Wang H, Wang L, Qiu H, Price M, Li J. Motor Stereotypic Behavior Was Associated With Immune Response in Macaques: Insight From Transcriptome and Gut Microbiota Analysis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:644540. [PMID: 34394017 PMCID: PMC8360393 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.644540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor stereotypic behaviors (MSBs) are common in captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and human with psychiatric diseases. However, large gaps remain in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate this behavior and whether there are similarities between human and non-human primates that exhibit this behavior, especially at gene expression and gut microbiota levels. The present study combined behavior, blood transcriptome, and gut microbiota data of two groups of captive macaques to explore this issue (i.e., MSB macaques with high MSB exhibition and those with low: control macaques). Observation data showed that MSB macaques spent the most time on MSB (33.95%), while the CONTROL macaques allocated more time to active (30.99%) and general behavior (30.0%), and only 0.97% of their time for MSB. Blood transcriptome analysis revealed 382 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, with 339 upregulated genes significantly enriched in inflammation/immune response-related pathway. We also identified upregulated pro-inflammatory genes TNFRSF1A, IL1R1, and IL6R. Protein–protein interaction network analysis screened nine hub genes that were all related to innate immune response, and our transcriptomic results were highly similar to findings in human psychiatric disorders. We found that there were significant differences in the beta-diversity of gut microbiota between MSB and CONTROL macaques. Of which Phascolarctobacterium, the producer of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), was less abundant in MSB macaques. Meanwhile, PICRUSTs predicted that SCFAs intermediates biosynthesis and metabolic pathways were significantly downregulated in MSB macaques. Together, our study revealed that the behavioral, gene expression levels, and gut microbiota composition in MSB macaques was different to controls, and MSB was closely linked with inflammation and immune response. This work provides valuable information for future in-depth investigation of MSB and human psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Song
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongrun Wang
- Development and Application of Human Major Disease Monkey Model Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Hengshu Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Yibin, China
| | - Lingyun Wang
- Development and Application of Human Major Disease Monkey Model Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Hengshu Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Yibin, China
| | - Hong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Megan Price
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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McCracken JT, Anagnostou E, Arango C, Dawson G, Farchione T, Mantua V, McPartland J, Murphy D, Pandina G, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Drug development for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Progress, challenges, and future directions. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 48:3-31. [PMID: 34158222 PMCID: PMC10062405 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, facing lack of progress and failures encountered in targeted drug development for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders, the ISCTM with the ECNP created the ASD Working Group charged to identify barriers to progress and recommending research strategies for the field to gain traction. Working Group international academic, regulatory and industry representatives held multiple in-person meetings, teleconferences, and subgroup communications to gather a wide range of perspectives on lessons learned from extant studies, current challenges, and paths for fundamental advances in ASD therapeutics. This overview delineates the barriers identified, and outlines major goals for next generation biomedical intervention development in ASD. Current challenges for ASD research are many: heterogeneity, lack of validated biomarkers, need for improved endpoints, prioritizing molecular targets, comorbidities, and more. The Working Group emphasized cautious but unwavering optimism for therapeutic progress for ASD core features given advances in the basic neuroscience of ASD and related disorders. Leveraging genetic data, intermediate phenotypes, digital phenotyping, big database discovery, refined endpoints, and earlier intervention, the prospects for breakthrough treatments are substantial. Recommendations include new priorities for expanded research funding to overcome challenges in translational clinical ASD therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T McCracken
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States.
| | | | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Univesitario Gregorio Maranon, and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Tiffany Farchione
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Valentina Mantua
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Gahan Pandina
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Pennington, New Jersey, United States
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31
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Supekar K, Ryali S, Mistry P, Menon V. Aberrant dynamics of cognitive control and motor circuits predict distinct restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3537. [PMID: 34112791 PMCID: PMC8192778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a defining clinical feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). RRBs are highly heterogeneous with variable expression of circumscribed interests (CI), insistence of sameness (IS) and repetitive motor actions (RM), which are major impediments to effective functioning in individuals with ASD; yet, the neurobiological basis of CI, IS and RM is unknown. Here we evaluate a unified functional brain circuit model of RRBs and test the hypothesis that CI and IS are associated with aberrant cognitive control circuit dynamics, whereas RM is associated with aberrant motor circuit dynamics. Using task-free fMRI data from 96 children, we first demonstrate that time-varying cross-network interactions in cognitive control circuit are significantly reduced and inflexible in children with ASD, and predict CI and IS symptoms, but not RM symptoms. Furthermore, we show that time-varying cross-network interactions in motor circuit are significantly greater in children with ASD, and predict RM symptoms, but not CI or IS symptoms. We confirmed these results using cross-validation analyses. Moreover, we show that brain-clinical symptom relations are not detected with time-averaged functional connectivity analysis. Our findings provide neurobiological support for the validity of RRB subtypes and identify dissociable brain circuit dynamics as a candidate biomarker for a key clinical feature of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Supekar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Srikanth Ryali
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Percy Mistry
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford Neuroscience Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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32
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Keller R, Costa T, Imperiale D, Bianco A, Rondini E, Hassiotis A, Bertelli MO. Stereotypies in the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Can We Rely on an Ethological Model? Brain Sci 2021; 11:762. [PMID: 34201177 PMCID: PMC8230333 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotypic behaviour can be defined as a clear behavioural pattern where a specific function or target cannot be identified, although it delays on time. Nonetheless, repetitive and stereotypical behaviours play a key role in both animal and human behaviour. Similar behaviours are observed across species, in typical human developmental phases, and in some neuropsychiatric conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability. This evidence led to the spread of animal models of repetitive behaviours to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional behaviours and to gain better insight into their role and origin within ASD and other disorders. This, in turn, could lead to new treatments of those disorders in humans. METHOD This paper maps the literature on repetitive behaviours in animal models of ASD, in order to improve understanding of stereotypies in persons with ASD in terms of characterization, pathophysiology, genomic and anatomical factors. RESULTS Literature mapping confirmed that phylogenic approach and animal models may help to improve understanding and differentiation of stereotypies in ASD. Some repetitive behaviours appear to be interconnected and mediated by common genomic and anatomical factors across species, mainly by alterations of basal ganglia circuitry. A new distinction between stereotypies and autotypies should be considered. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenic approach and studies on animal models may support clinical issues related to stereotypies in persons with ASD and provide new insights in classification, pathogenesis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Tatiana Costa
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Turin, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Bianco
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisa Rondini
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Angela Hassiotis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK;
| | - Marco O. Bertelli
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
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33
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Kitchenham L, Mason GJ. The neurobiology of environmentally induced stereotypic behaviours in captive animals: assessing the basal ganglia pathways and cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuitry hypotheses. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The neurobiology of environmentally induced stereotypic behaviours (SBs) (e.g., pacing in zoo carnivores, crib-biting in horses, tail chasing in dogs) is hypothesized to involve altered functioning within the basal ganglia (‘Basal Ganglia (BG) Pathways Hypotheses’) and/or between the basal ganglia and cortex (‘Cortico-Striatal-Thalamo-Cortical (CSTC) Circuits Hypotheses’). We review four decades of relevant studies, critically assessing support for both hypotheses. Currently no BG Pathways or CSTC Circuits hypothesis is fully supported. While some results are partially consistent with some hypotheses (decreased subthalamic nucleus activity in deer mice and C58 mice); others (nucleus accumbens activity in mink and C57 mice) seem to reflect individual differences in SB, but not environmental effects. Yet others can be tentatively rejected: neither elevated striatal dopamine nor the cortico-striatal connection of the sensorimotor circuit seem to be involved for most species studied to date. Further research is now important for understanding the impact of captivity on animals’ functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Kitchenham
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Georgia J. Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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34
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Volumetric magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging of C58/J mice: neural correlates of repetitive behavior. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:2084-2096. [PMID: 31342238 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00158-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behavior (RRB) involves sequences of responding with little variability and no obvious function. RRB is diagnostic for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a significant feature in several neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite its clinical importance, relatively little is known about how RRB is mediated by broader neural circuits. In this study, we employed ultra-high field (17.6 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the C58/J mouse model of RRB. We determined alterations in brain morphology and connectivity of C58/J mice and their relationship to repetitive motor behavior using structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Compared to the genetically similar C57BL/6 control mouse strain, C58/J mice showed evidence of structural alterations in basal ganglia and cerebellar networks. In particular, C58/J mice exhibited reduced volumes of key cortical and basal ganglia regions that have been implicated in repetitive behavior, including motor cortex, striatum, globus pallidus, and subthalamic nucleus, as well as volume differences in the cerebellum. Moreover, DTI revealed differences in fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity in cerebellar white matter of C58/J mice. Importantly, we found that RRB exhibited by C58/J mice was correlated with volume of the striatum, subthalamic nucleus, and crus II of the cerebellum. These regions are key nodes in circuits connecting the basal ganglia and cerebellum and our findings implicate their role in RRB, particularly the indirect pathway.
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35
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Abstract
Cognitive and behavioural flexibility permit the appropriate adjustment of thoughts and behaviours in response to changing environmental demands. Brain mechanisms enabling flexibility have been examined using non-invasive neuroimaging and behavioural approaches in humans alongside pharmacological and lesion studies in animals. This work has identified large-scale functional brain networks encompassing lateral and orbital frontoparietal, midcingulo-insular and frontostriatal regions that support flexibility across the lifespan. Flexibility can be compromised in early-life neurodevelopmental disorders, clinical conditions that emerge during adolescence and late-life dementias. We critically evaluate evidence for the enhancement of flexibility through cognitive training, physical activity and bilingual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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36
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Lidstone DE, Rochowiak R, Mostofsky SH, Nebel MB. A Data Driven Approach Reveals That Anomalous Motor System Connectivity is Associated With the Severity of Core Autism Symptoms. Autism Res 2021:10.1002/aur.2476. [PMID: 33484109 PMCID: PMC8931705 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether disruptions in connectivity involving regions critical for learning, planning, and executing movements are relevant to core autism symptoms. Spatially constrained ICA was performed using resting-state fMRI from 419 children (autism spectrum disorder (ASD) = 105; typically developing (TD) = 314) to identify functional motor subdivisions. Comparing the spatial organization of each subdivision between groups, we found voxels that contributed significantly less to the right posterior cerebellar component in children with ASD versus TD (P <0.001). Next, we examined the effect of diagnosis on right posterior cerebellar connectivity with all other motor subdivisions. The model was significant (P = 0.014) revealing that right posterior cerebellar connectivity with bilateral dorsomedial primary motor cortex was, on average, stronger in children with ASD, while right posterior cerebellar connectivity with left-inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral dorsolateral premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area was stronger in TD children (all P ≤0.02). We observed a diagnosis-by-connectivity interaction such that for children with ASD, elevated social-communicative and excessive repetitive-behavior symptom severity were both associated with right posterior cerebellar-left-IPL hypoconnectivity (P ≤0.001). Right posterior cerebellar and left-IPL are strongly implicated in visuomotor processing with dysfunction in this circuit possibly leading to anomalous development of skills, such as motor imitation, that are crucial for effective social-communication. LAY SUMMARY: This study examines whether communication between various brain regions involved in the control of movement are disrupted in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We show communication between the right posterior cerebellum and left IPL, a circuit important for efficient visual-motor integration, is disrupted in children with ASD and associated with the severity of ASD symptoms. These results may explain observations of visual-motor integration impairments in children with ASD that are associated with ASD symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Lidstone
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Rochowiak
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stewart H. Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Beth Nebel
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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37
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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38
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Iwabuchi T, Takahashi N, Nishimura T, Rahman MS, Harada T, Okumura A, Kuwabara H, Takagai S, Nomura Y, Matsuzaki H, Ozaki N, Tsuchiya KJ. Associations Among Maternal Metabolic Conditions, Cord Serum Leptin Levels, and Autistic Symptoms in Children. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:816196. [PMID: 35185642 PMCID: PMC8851349 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.816196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Accumulating evidence has shown that maternal metabolic conditions, such as pre-pregnancy overweight, diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are potential risk factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it remains unclear how these maternal conditions lead to neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring, including autistic symptoms. Leptin, an adipokine that has pro-inflammatory effects and affects fetal neurodevelopment, is a candidate mediator of the association between maternal metabolic factors and an increased risk of ASD. However, whether prenatal exposure to leptin mediates the association between maternal metabolic conditions and autistic symptoms in children has not been investigated yet. METHODS This study investigated the associations between mothers' metabolic conditions (pre-pregnancy overweight, diabetes mellitus during or before pregnancy, and HDP), leptin concentrations in umbilical cord serum, and autistic symptoms among 762 children from an ongoing cohort study, using generalized structural equation modeling. We used the Social Responsive Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) at 8-9 years old to calculate total T-scores. Additionally, we used the T-scores for two subdomains: Social Communication and Interaction (SCI) and Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior (RRB). RESULTS Umbilical cord leptin levels were associated with pre-pregnancy overweight [coefficient = 1.297, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.081-1.556, p = 0.005] and diabetes mellitus (coefficient = 1.574, 95% CI 1.206-2.055, p = 0.001). Furthermore, leptin levels were significantly associated with SRS-2 total T-scores (coefficient = 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.004, p = 0.023), SCI scores (coefficient = 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.004, p = 0.020), and RRB scores (coefficient = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000-1.003, p = 0.044) in children. Associations between maternal metabolic factors and autistic symptoms were not significant. DISCUSSION The present study uncovered an association between cord leptin levels and autistic symptoms in children, while maternal metabolic conditions did not have an evident direct influence on the outcome. These results imply that prenatal pro-inflammatory environments affected by maternal metabolic conditions may contribute to the development of autistic symptoms in children. The findings warrant further investigation into the role of leptin in the development of autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiki Iwabuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Nagahide Takahashi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Md Shafiur Rahman
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Taeko Harada
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Akemi Okumura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shu Takagai
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Queens College and Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenji J Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,United Graduate School of Child Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Ning M, Li C, Gao L, Fan J. Core-Symptom-Defined Cortical Gyrification Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:619367. [PMID: 33959045 PMCID: PMC8093770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.619367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by abnormalities in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Structural brain imaging has identified significant cortical folding alterations in ASD; however, relatively less known is whether the core symptoms are related to neuroanatomical differences. In this study, we aimed to explore core-symptom-anchored gyrification alterations and their developmental trajectories in ASD. We measured the cortical vertex-wise gyrification index (GI) in 321 patients with ASD (aged 7-39 years) and 350 typically developing (TD) subjects (aged 6-33 years) across 8 sites from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) repository and a longitudinal sample (14 ASD and 7 TD, aged 9-14 years in baseline and 12-18 years in follow-up) from ABIDE II. Compared with TD, the general ASD patients exhibited a mixed pattern of both hypo- and hyper- and different developmental trajectories of gyrification. By parsing the ASD patients into three subgroups based on the subscores of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) scale, we identified core-symptom-specific alterations in the reciprocal social interaction (RSI), communication abnormalities (CA), and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior (RRSB) subgroups. We also showed atypical gyrification patterns and developmental trajectories in the subgroups. Furthermore, we conducted a meta-analysis to locate the core-symptom-anchored brain regions (circuits). In summary, the current study shows that ASD is associated with abnormal cortical folding patterns. Core-symptom-based classification can find more subtle changes in gyrification. These results suggest that cortical folding pattern encodes changes in symptom dimensions, which promotes the understanding of neuroanatomical basis, and clinical utility in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingmin Ning
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuicui Li
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingyi Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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40
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Bury SM, Hedley D, Uljarević M, Gal E. The autism advantage at work: A critical and systematic review of current evidence. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 105:103750. [PMID: 32810716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite difficulties entering the workforce, people on the autism spectrum are often successful. Furthermore, they are suggested to bring unique abilities (e.g., attention to detail, tolerance for repetitive tasks) related to the repetitive and restrictive behaviours and interests (RRBI) diagnostic domain, that may be advantageous in employment. AIMS This critical and systematic review examined evidence supporting the superior workplace performance of employees on the autism spectrum, particularly regarding the RRBI domain. METHOD AND PROCEDURES A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) evaluated empirical peer-reviewed studies that assess employees on the autism spectrum's performance in the workplace or on work-specific tasks. Nine databases were searched, with additional papers identified from reference lists and consultation. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Two quantitative and four qualitative papers met criteria. Results reflect themes; attention to detail, tolerance of repetitive tasks, special/circumscribed interests, other RRBI related advantages/concerns. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Due to the nature and quality of the identified studies there is currently no strong evidence supporting or negating a workplace autism advantage. This review highlights the need for more research and urges constraint in utilising stereotypes that may not apply to all on the autism spectrum, arguing an individual differences approach to supporting autism strengths at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Bury
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Darren Hedley
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Stanford Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, CA, USA; University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eynat Gal
- University of Haifa, Department of Occupational Therapy, Haifa, Israel
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41
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Muehlmann AM, Maletz S, King MA, Lewis MH. Pharmacological targeting of striatal indirect pathway neurons improves subthalamic nucleus dysfunction and reduces repetitive behaviors in C58 mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112708. [PMID: 32461129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive behaviors (e.g., stereotypic movements, compulsions, rituals) are common features of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders. Clinical and animal model studies point to the importance of cortical-basal ganglia circuitry in the mediation of repetitive behaviors. In the current study, we tested whether a drug cocktail (dopamine D2 receptor antagonist + adenosine A2A receptor agonist + glutamate mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator) designed to activate the indirect basal ganglia pathway would reduce repetitive behavior in C58 mice after both acute and sub-chronic administration. In addition, we hypothesized that sub-chronic administration (i.e. 7 days of twice-daily injections) would increase the functional activation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key node of the indirect pathway. Functional activation of STN was indexed by dendritic spine density, analysis of GABA, glutamate, and synaptic plasticity genes, and cytochrome oxidase activity. The drug cocktail used significantly reduced repetitive motor behavior in C58 mice after one night as well as seven nights of twice-nightly injections. These effects did not reflect generalized motor behavior suppression as non-repetitive motor behaviors such as grooming, digging and eating were not reduced relative to vehicle. Sub-chronic drug treatment targeting striatopallidal neurons resulted in significant changes in the STN, including a four-fold increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression as well as a significant increase in dendritic spine density. The present findings are consistent with, and extend, our prior work linking decreased functioning of the indirect basal ganglia pathway to expression of repetitive motor behavior in C58 mice and suggest novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael A King
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, United States
| | - Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, United States.
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Itahashi T, Fujino J, Hashimoto RI, Tachibana Y, Sato T, Ohta H, Nakamura M, Kato N, Eickhoff SB, Cortese S, Aoki YY. Transdiagnostic subtyping of males with developmental disorders using cortical characteristics. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 27:102288. [PMID: 32526684 PMCID: PMC7284124 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Overlapping diagnosis and within-diagnosis heterogeneity was often reported in ASD. ASD and ADHD were subtyped regardless of diagnosis using cortical characteristics. The analysis revealed the number of subtypes as two. The boundary of the subtypes did not match the diagnostic boundary. The membership of subtypes was robust against the choice of an atlas.
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are biologically heterogeneous and often co-occur. As within-diagnosis heterogeneity and overlapping diagnoses are challenging for researchers and clinicians, identifying biologically homogenous subgroups, independent of diagnosis, is an urgent need. Methods MRI data from 148 adult males with developmental disorders (99 primary ASD, mean age = 31.7 ± 8.0, 49 primary ADHD; mean age = 31.7 ± 9.6) and 105 neurotypical controls (NTC; mean age = 30.6 ± 6.8) were analyzed. We extracted mean cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) values using a functional atlas. Then, we conducted HeterogeneitY through DiscRiminant Analysis (HYDRA) to transdiagnostically cluster and classify individuals. Differences in diagnostic likelihood and clinical symptoms between subtypes were tested. Sensitivity analyses tested the stability of the number of subtypes and their membership by excluding 13 participants diagnosed with both ASD and ADHD and by using a different atlas. Results In relation to both CT and SA, HYDRA identified two subtypes. The likelihood of ASD or ADHD was not significantly different from the chance of belonging to any of these two subtypes. Clinical characteristics did not differ between subtypes in either CT or SA based analyses. The high consistency in membership was replicated when utilizing a different atlas or excluding people with dual diagnoses in CT (dice coefficients > 0.94) and in SA (>0.88). Conclusion Although the brain-derived subtypes do not match diagnostic groups, individuals with developmental disorders were successfully and stably subtyped using either CT or SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Itahashi
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junya Fujino
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryu-Ichiro Hashimoto
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Language Sciences, Graduate School of Humanities, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tachibana
- Division of Infant and Toddler Mental Health, Department of Psychosocial Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Sato
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Ohta
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoaki Nakamura
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Kato
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Samuele Cortese
- New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA; Center for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Yuta Y Aoki
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Díez-León M, Kitchenham L, Duprey R, Bailey CDC, Choleris E, Lewis M, Mason G. Neurophysiological correlates of stereotypic behaviour in a model carnivore species. Behav Brain Res 2019; 373:112056. [PMID: 31288059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stereotypic behaviour (SB) is common in animals housed in farm, zoo or laboratory conditions, including captive Carnivora (e.g. wild ursids and felids). Neurobiological data on housing-induced SBs come from four species (macaques, two rodent species, and horses), and suggest basal ganglia (BG) dysfunction. We investigated whether similar patterns occur in Carnivora via a model, American mink, because their SB is distinctive in form and timing. We raised 32 males in non-enriched (NE) or enriched (E) cages for 2 years, and assessed two forms of SB: 1) Carnivora-typical locomotor-and-whole-body ('loco') SBs (e.g. pacing, weaving); 2) scrabbling with the forepaws. Neuronal activity was analysed via cytochrome oxidase (CO) staining of the dorsal striatum (caudate; putamen), globus pallidus (externus, GPe; internus, GPi), STN, and nucleus accumbens (NAc); and the GPe:GPi ratio (GPr) calculated to assess relative activation of direct and indirect pathways. NE mink stereotyped more, and had lower GPr CO-staining indicating relatively lower indirect pathway activation. However, no single BG area was affected by housing and nor did GPr values covary with SB. Independent of housing, elevated NAc CO-staining predicted more loco SB, while scrabbling, probably because it negatively correlated with loco SB, negatively covaried with NAc CO-staining in NE subjects. These results thus implicate the NAc in individual differences in mink SB. However, because they cannot explain why NE subjects showed more SB, they provide limited support for the BG dysfunction hypothesis for this species' housing-induced SB. More research is therefore needed to understand how barren housing causes SB in captive Carnivora.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Díez-León
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK.
| | - L Kitchenham
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - R Duprey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, USA
| | - C D C Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - E Choleris
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - M Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, USA
| | - G Mason
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Canada
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Lewis MH, Rajpal H, Muehlmann AM. Reduction of repetitive behavior by co-administration of adenosine receptor agonists in C58 mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 181:110-116. [PMID: 31054946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive behaviors are diagnostic for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and commonly observed in other neurodevelopmental disorders. Currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for repetitive behavior in these clinical conditions. This is due to the lack of information about the specific neural circuitry that mediates the development and expression of repetitive behavior. Our previous work in mouse models has linked repetitive behavior to decreased activation of the subthalamic nucleus, a brain region in the indirect and hyperdirect pathways in the basal ganglia circuitry. The present experiments were designed to further test our hypothesis that pharmacological activation of the indirect pathway would reduce repetitive behavior. We used a combination of adenosine A1 and A2A receptor agonists that have been shown to alter the firing frequency of dorsal striatal neurons within the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia. This drug combination markedly and selectively reduced repetitive behavior in both male and female C58 mice over a six-hour period, an effect that required both A1 and A2A agonists as neither alone reduced repetitive behavior. The adenosine A1 and A2A receptor agonist combination also significantly increased the number of Fos transcripts and Fos positive cells in dorsal striatum. Fos induction was found in both direct and indirect pathway neurons suggesting that the drug combination restored the balance of activation across these complementary basal ganglia pathways. The adenosine A1 and A2A receptor agonist combination also maintained its effectiveness in reducing repetitive behavior over a 7-day period. These findings point to novel potential therapeutic targets for development of drug therapies for repetitive behavior in clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, United States of America
| | - Hemangi Rajpal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, United States of America
| | - Amber M Muehlmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, United States of America.
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Abnormal repetitive behaviors in zebrafish and their relevance to human brain disorders. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:101-110. [PMID: 30926483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs) are a prominent symptom of numerous human brain disorders and are commonly seen in rodent models as well. While rodent studies of ARBs continue to dominate the field, mounting evidence suggests that zebrafish (Danio rerio) also display ARB-like phenotypes and may therefore be a novel model organism for ARB research. In addition to clear practical research advantages as a model species, zebrafish share high genetic and physiological homology to humans and rodents, including multiple ARB-related genes and robust behaviors relevant to ARB. Here, we discuss a wide spectrum of stereotypic repetitive behaviors in zebrafish, data on their genetic and pharmacological modulation, and the overall translational relevance of fish ARBs to modeling human brain disorders. Overall, the zebrafish is rapidly emerging as a new promising model to study ARBs and their underlying mechanisms.
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Tonna M, Marchesi C, Parmigiani S. The biological origins of rituals: An interdisciplinary perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:95-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Srivastava S, Scherrer B, Prohl AK, Filip-Dhima R, Kapur K, Kolevzon A, Buxbaum JD, Berry-Kravis E, Soorya L, Thurm A, Powell CM, Bernstein JA, Warfield SK, Sahin M. Volumetric Analysis of the Basal Ganglia and Cerebellar Structures in Patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 90:37-43. [PMID: 30396833 PMCID: PMC6309632 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phelan-McDermid syndrome is caused by haploinsufficiency of SHANK3 on terminal chromosome 22. Knowledge about altered neuroanatomic circuitry in Phelan-McDermid syndrome comes from mouse models showing striatal hypertrophy in the basal ganglia, and from humans with evidence of cerebellar atrophy. To date, no studies have performed volumetric analysis on Phelan-McDermid syndrome patients. METHODS We performed volumetric analysis of baseline brain MRIs of Phelan-McDermid syndrome patients (ages three to 21 years) enrolled in a prospective natural history study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02461420). Using MRI segmentations carried out with PSTAPLE algorithm, we measured relative volumes (volume of the structure divided by the volume of the brain parenchyma) of basal ganglia and cerebellar structures. We compared these measurements to those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls part of another study. Among the patients, we performed linear regression of each relative volume using Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised total score and Aberrant Behavior Checklist stereotypy score. Eleven patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (six females, five males) and 11 healthy controls were in this analysis. RESULTS At time of MRI, the mean age of the patients and controls was 9.24 (5.29) years and 9.00 (4.49) years, respectively (P = 0.66). Compared to controls, patients had decreased caudate (P ≤ 0.013), putamen (P ≤ 0.026), and left pallidum (P = 0.033) relative volumes. Relative volume of cerebellar vermal lobules I to V (beta coefficient = -17119, P = 0.017) decreased with increasing Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised total score. CONCLUSIONS The volumes of the striatum and left pallidum are decreased in individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Cerebellar vermis volume may predict repetitive behavior severity in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. These findings warrant further investigation in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,USA,F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benoit Scherrer
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna K. Prohl
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rajna Filip-Dhima
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,USA
| | - Kush Kapur
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,USA
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph D. Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA,Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Latha Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Craig M. Powell
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Simon K. Warfield
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Cai J, Hu X, Guo K, Yang P, Situ M, Huang Y. Increased Left Inferior Temporal Gyrus Was Found in Both Low Function Autism and High Function Autism. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:542. [PMID: 30425664 PMCID: PMC6218606 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous neuroimaging studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have focused on subjects with IQ > 70 or ASD without considering IQ levels. It remains unclear whether differences in brain anatomy in this population are associated with variations in clinical phenotype. In this study, 19 children with low functioning autism (LFA) and 19 children with high functioning autism (HFA) were compared with 27 healthy controls (HC). We found increased gray matter volume (GMV) in the left inferior temporal gyrus in subjects with both HFA and LFA and increased GMV of left middle temporal gyrus BA21 was found only in the LFA group. A significant negative correlation was found between the left inferior temporal gyrus (LITG) and the score of repetitive behavior in the HFA group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cai
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuifang Guo
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pingyuan Yang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingjing Situ
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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