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Aspragkathou DD, Spilioti MG, Gkampeta A, Dalpa E, Holeva V, Papadopoulou MT, Serdari A, Dafoulis V, Zafeiriou DI, Evangeliou AE. Branched-chain amino acids as adjunctive-alternative treatment in patients with autism: a pilot study. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:73-81. [PMID: 37424284 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523001496] [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] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) is a group of essential amino acids that are involved in maintaining the energy balance of a human being as well as the homoeostasis of GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Disruption of these systems has been associated with the pathophysiology of autism while low levels of these amino acids have been discovered in patients with autism. A pilot open-label, prospective, follow-up study of the use of BCAA in children with autistic behaviour was carried out. Fifty-five children between the ages of 6 and 18 participated in the study from May 2015 to May 2018. We used a carbohydrate-free BCAA-powdered mixture containing 45·5 g of leucine, 30 g of isoleucine and 24·5 g of valine in a daily dose of 0·4 g/kg of body weight which was administered every morning. Following the initiation of BCAA administration, children were submitted to a monthly psychological examination. Beyond the 4-week mark, BCAA were given to thirty-two people (58·18 %). Six of them (10·9 %) discontinued after 4-10 weeks owing to lack of improvement. The remaining twenty-six children (47·27 %) who took BCAA for longer than 10 weeks displayed improved social behaviour and interactions, as well as improvements in their speech, cooperation, stereotypy and, principally, their hyperactivity. There were no adverse reactions reported during the course of the treatment. Although these data are preliminary, there is some evidence that BCAA could be used as adjunctive treatment to conventional therapeutic methods for the management of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina D Aspragkathou
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Efkarpia, 56403Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Martha G Spilioti
- Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Gkampeta
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Efkarpia, 56403Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efterpi Dalpa
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Efkarpia, 56403Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Holeva
- Psychiatric Clinic, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria T Papadopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Efkarpia, 56403Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Thrace University, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vaios Dafoulis
- Psychiatric Clinic of the Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios I Zafeiriou
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios E Evangeliou
- Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Papageorgiou Hospital, Efkarpia, 56403Thessaloniki, Greece
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Lagod PP, Naser SA. The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Altered Microbiota Composition in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17432. [PMID: 38139261 PMCID: PMC10743890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417432] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions, restrictive and repetitive behavior, and a wide range of cognitive impediments. The prevalence of ASD tripled in the last 20 years and now affects 1 in 44 children. Although ASD's etiology is not yet elucidated, a growing body of evidence shows that it stems from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. In recent years, there has been increased focus on the role of gut microbiota and their metabolites, as studies show that ASD patients show a significant shift in their gut composition, characterized by an increase in specific bacteria and elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially propionic acid (PPA). This review aims to provide an overview of the role of microbiota and SCFAs in the human body, as well as possible implications of microbiota shift. Also, it highlights current studies aiming to compare the composition of the gut microbiome of ASD-afflicted patients with neurotypical control. Finally, it highlights studies with rodents where ASD-like symptoms or molecular hallmarks of ASD are evoked, via the grafting of microbes obtained from ASD subjects or direct exposure to PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saleh A. Naser
- Division of Molecular Microbiology, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
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Melillo R, Leisman G, Machado C, Machado-Ferrer Y, Chinchilla-Acosta M, Melillo T, Carmeli E. The Relationship between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Hemispheric Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1147. [PMID: 37626503 PMCID: PMC10452103 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be identified by a general tendency toward a reduction in the expression of low-band, widely dispersed integrative activities, which is made up for by an increase in localized, high-frequency, regionally dispersed activity. The study assessed ASD children and adults all possessing retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) compared with a control group that did not attempt to reduce or remove those RPRs and then examined the effects on qEEG and brain network connectivity. METHODS Analysis of qEEG spectral and functional connectivity was performed, to identify associations with the presence or absence of retained primitive reflexes (RPRs), before and after an intervention based on TENS unilateral stimulation. RESULTS The results point to abnormal lateralization in ASD, including long-range underconnectivity, a greater left-over-right qEEG functional connectivity ratio, and short-range overconnectivity in ASD. CONCLUSIONS Clinical improvement and the absence of RPRs may be linked to variations in qEEG frequency bands and more optimized brain networks, resulting in more developmentally appropriate long-range connectivity links, primarily in the right hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Melillo
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Department of Neurology, University of the Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Calixto Machado
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Yanin Machado-Ferrer
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | | | - Ty Melillo
- Northeast College of the Health Sciences, Seneca Falls, New York, NY 13148, USA
| | - Eli Carmeli
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Hernandez-Ruiz E, Qi R, Welsh E, Wampler M, Bradshaw L. Psychological and Neural Differences of Music Processing in Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review. J Music Ther 2022; 59:87-124. [PMID: 34984456 DOI: 10.1093/jmt/thab020] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite abundant research and clinical evidence of the effectiveness of music interventions for people in the autism spectrum, understanding of music processing in this community is limited. We explored whether research evidence of differences in music processing within the autistic community is available. We developed a scoping review to search for literature with the terms "music", "processing," and "autism" (and variants). We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, and Music Index databases for a total of 10,857 articles, with 5,236 duplicates. The remaining 5,621 titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility by a team of four undergraduate and graduate students and the PI. Seventy-five studies were included for data extraction. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics regarding author, study, stimulus, and participant information, and a thematic analysis of outcome and findings. Our findings are preliminary given the emerging nature of the literature, the use of mostly non-musical auditory stimuli, passive listening experiences, and underreported demographics. However, the literature shows some evidence of differences in music processing for autistic individuals, including reduced habituation to non-musical and musical stimuli; truncated, delayed, or divergent developmental trajectories; and possible compensatory higher-order mechanisms that yield similar behavioral responses even in the presence of divergent neural correlates. Music therapists are encouraged to adopt a developmental perspective, not only of general skills, but specifically of music skill development in this community, and to extrapolate these findings with caution, given the current limitations in the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Hernandez-Ruiz
- Music Therapy, School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Ruowen Qi
- Music Therapy, School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Department of Music, Nanjing Normal University of Special Education, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Emily Welsh
- Music Therapy, School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Madelyn Wampler
- Music Therapy, School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Liesel Bradshaw
- Music Therapy, School of Music, Dance and Theatre, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Increased Accuracy of Emotion Recognition in Individuals with Autism-Like Traits after Five Days of Magnetic Stimulations. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:9857987. [PMID: 32714385 PMCID: PMC7355343 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9857987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism-like traits (ALT) belong to a subclinical group with similar social deficits as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Their main social deficits include atypical eye contact and difficulty in understanding facial expressions, both of which are associated with an abnormality of the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (rpSTS). It is still undetermined whether it is possible to improve the social function of ALT individuals through noninvasive neural modulation. To this end, we randomly assigned ALT individuals into the real (n = 16) and sham (n = 16) stimulation groups. All subjects received five consecutive days of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on the rpSTS. Eye tracking data and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired on the first and sixth days. The real group showed significant improvement in emotion recognition accuracy after iTBS, but the change was not significantly larger than that in the sham group. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the rpSTS and the left cerebellum significantly decreased in the real group than the sham group after iTBS. At baseline, rsFC in the left cerebellum was negatively correlated with emotion recognition accuracy. Our findings indicated that iTBS of the rpSTS could improve emotion perception of ALT individuals by modulating associated neural networks. This stimulation protocol could be a vital therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ASD.
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Deb S, Phukan BC, Dutta A, Paul R, Bhattacharya P, Manivasagam T, Thenmozhi AJ, Babu CS, Essa MM, Borah A. Natural Products and Their Therapeutic Effect on Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:601-614. [PMID: 32006376 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is evident in early childhood and can persist throughout the entire life. The disease is basically characterized by hurdles in social interaction where the individuals demonstrate repetitive and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior. A wide number of neuroanatomical studies with autistic patients revealed alterations in brain development which lead to diverse cellular and anatomical processes including atypical neurogenesis, neuronal migration, maturation, differentiation, and degeneration. Special education programs, speech and language therapy, have been employed for the amelioration of behavioral deficits in autism. Although commonly prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and stimulants have revealed satisfactory responses in autistic individuals, adverse side effects and increased risk of several other complications including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, etc. have compelled the researchers to turn their attention toward herbal remedies. Alternative approaches with natural compounds are on continuous clinical trial to confirm their efficacy and to understand their potential in autism treatment. This chapter aims to cover the major plant-based natural products which hold promising outcomes in the field of reliable therapeutic interventions for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Deb
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Banashree Chetia Phukan
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Ankumoni Dutta
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Rajib Paul
- Department of Zoology, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya (PDUAM), Karimganj, Assam, India
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Thamilarasan Manivasagam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arokiasamy Justin Thenmozhi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chidambaram Saravana Babu
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Food and Brain Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anupom Borah
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India.
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Direito B, Lima J, Simões M, Sayal A, Sousa T, Lührs M, Ferreira C, Castelo-Branco M. Targeting dynamic facial processing mechanisms in superior temporal sulcus using a novel fMRI neurofeedback target. Neuroscience 2019; 406:97-108. [PMID: 30825583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The superior temporal sulcus (STS) encompasses a complex set of regions involved in a wide range of cognitive functions. To understand its functional properties, neuromodulation approaches such brain stimulation or neurofeedback can be used. We investigated whether the posterior STS (pSTS), a core region in the face perception and imagery network, could be specifically identified based on the presence of dynamic facial expressions (and not just on simple motion or static face signals), and probed with neurofeedback. Recognition of facial expressions is critically impaired in autism spectrum disorder, making this region a relevant target for future clinical neurofeedback studies. We used a stringent localizer approach based on the contrast of dynamic facial expressions against static neutral faces plus moving dots. The target region had to be specifically responsive to dynamic facial expressions instead of mere motion and/or the presence of a static face. The localizer was successful in selecting this region across subjects. Neurofeedback was then performed, using this region as a target, with two novel feedback rules (mean or derivative-based, using visual or auditory interfaces). Our results provide evidence that a facial expression-selective cluster in pSTS can be identified and may represent a suitable target for neurofeedback approaches, aiming at social and emotional cognition. These findings highlight the presence of a highly selective region in STS encoding dynamic aspects of facial expressions. Future studies should elucidate its role as a mechanistic target for neurofeedback strategies in clinical disorders of social cognition such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Direito
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Lima
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marco Simões
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Sayal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Sousa
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Systems and Robotics (ISR-UC), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Michael Lührs
- Maastricht University, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Carlos Ferreira
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC.IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Qasem H, Al-Ayadhi L, Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, El-Ansary A. Impaired lipid metabolism markers to assess the risk of neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:1141-1153. [PMID: 29569150 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial disorder caused by an interaction between environmental risk factors and a genetic background. It is characterized by impairment in communication, social interaction, repetitive behavior, and sensory processing. The etiology of ASD is still not fully understood, and the role of neuroinflammation in autism behaviors needs to be further investigated. The aim of the present study was to test the possible association between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), prostaglandin PGE2 EP2 receptors and nuclear kappa B (NF-κB) and the severity of cognitive disorders, social impairment, and sensory dysfunction. PGE2, COX-2, mPGES-1, PGE2-EP2 receptors and NF-κB as biochemical parameters related to neuroinflammation were determined in the plasma of 47 Saudi male patients with ASD, categorized as mild to moderate and severe as indicated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) or the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) or the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and compared to 46 neurotypical controls. The data indicated that ASD patients have remarkably higher levels of the measured parameters compared to neurotypical controls, except for EP2 receptors that showed an opposite trend. While the measured parameter did not correlate with the severity of social and cognitive dysfunction, PGE2, COX-2, and mPGES-1 were remarkably associated with the dysfunction in sensory processing. NF-κB was significantly increased in relation to age. Based on the discussed data, the positive correlation between PGE2, COX-2, and mPGES-1 confirm the role of PGE2 pathway and neuroinflammation in the etiology of ASD, and the possibility of using PGE2, COX-2 and mPGES-1 as biomarkers of autism severity. NF-κB as inflammatory inducer showed an elevated level in plasma of ASD individuals. Receiver operating characteristic analysis together with predictiveness diagrams proved that the measured parameters could be used as predictive biomarkers of biochemical correlates to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Qasem
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Physiology Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurological and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Central laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Therapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Guiza, Egypt.
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Katsarou A, Moshé SL, Galanopoulou AS. INTERNEURONOPATHIES AND THEIR ROLE IN EARLY LIFE EPILEPSIES AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:284-306. [PMID: 29062978 PMCID: PMC5650248 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic interneurons control the neural circuitry and network activity in the brain. The advances in genetics have identified genes that control the development, maturation and integration of GABAergic interneurons and implicated them in the pathogenesis of epileptic encephalopathies or neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, mutations of the Aristaless-Related homeobox X-linked gene (ARX) may result in defective GABAergic interneuronal migration in infants with epileptic encephalopathies like West syndrome (WS), Ohtahara syndrome or X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG). The concept of "interneuronopathy", i.e. impaired development, migration or function of interneurons, has emerged as a possible etiopathogenic mechanism for epileptic encephalopathies. Treatments that enhance GABA levels, may help seizure control but do not necessarily show disease modifying effect. On the other hand, interneuronopathies can be seen in other conditions in which epilepsy may not be the primary manifestation, such as autism. In this review, we plan to outline briefly the current state of knowledge on the origin, development, and migration and integration of GABAergic interneurons, present neurodevelopmental conditions, with or without epilepsy, that have been associated with interneuronopathies and discuss the evidence linking certain types of interneuronal dysfunction with epilepsy and/or cognitive or behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna‐Maria Katsarou
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
| | - Solomon L. Moshé
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of NeuroscienceMontefiore/Einstein Epilepsy CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Department of PediatricsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
| | - Aristea S. Galanopoulou
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of NeuroscienceMontefiore/Einstein Epilepsy CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
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de Lacy N, Doherty D, King BH, Rachakonda S, Calhoun VD. Disruption to control network function correlates with altered dynamic connectivity in the wider autism spectrum. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 15:513-524. [PMID: 28652966 PMCID: PMC5473646 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a common developmental condition with a wide, variable range of co-occurring neuropsychiatric symptoms. Contrasting with most extant studies, we explored whole-brain functional organization at multiple levels simultaneously in a large subject group reflecting autism's clinical diversity, and present the first network-based analysis of transient brain states, or dynamic connectivity, in autism. Disruption to inter-network and inter-system connectivity, rather than within individual networks, predominated. We identified coupling disruption in the anterior-posterior default mode axis, and among specific control networks specialized for task start cues and the maintenance of domain-independent task positive status, specifically between the right fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular networks and default mode network subsystems. These appear to propagate downstream in autism, with significantly dampened subject oscillations between brain states, and dynamic connectivity configuration differences. Our account proposes specific motifs that may provide candidates for neuroimaging biomarkers within heterogeneous clinical populations in this diverse condition. Presents the first network-based treatment of dynamic connectivity in autism Analyzes whole-brain functional organization at multiple levels simultaneously Examines motifs in a large subject group reflecting autism's clinical diversity Utilizes a high-order model to delineate a more complete set of brain networks Uncovers significant coupling differences among control networks in autism
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Affiliation(s)
- N de Lacy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - D Doherty
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Developmental and Genetic Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - B H King
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - S Rachakonda
- The Mind Research Network & LBERI, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - V D Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network & LBERI, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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11
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El-Ansary A, Hassan WM, Qasem H, Das UN. Identification of Biomarkers of Impaired Sensory Profiles among Autistic Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164153. [PMID: 27824861 PMCID: PMC5100977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that displays significant heterogeneity. Comparison of subgroups within autism, and analyses of selected biomarkers as measure of the variation of the severity of autistic features such as cognitive dysfunction, social interaction impairment, and sensory abnormalities might help in understanding the pathophysiology of autism. METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS In this study, two sets of biomarkers were selected. The first included 7, while the second included 6 biomarkers. For set 1, data were collected from 35 autistic and 38 healthy control participants, while for set 2, data were collected from 29 out of the same 35 autistic and 16 additional healthy subjects. These markers were subjected to a principal components analysis using either covariance or correlation matrices. Moreover, libraries composed of participants categorized into units were constructed. The biomarkers used include, PE (phosphatidyl ethanolamine), PS (phosphatidyl serine), PC (phosphatidyl choline), MAP2K1 (Dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1), IL-10 (interleukin-10), IL-12, NFκB (nuclear factor-κappa B); PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), PGE2-EP2, mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin synthase E-1), cPLA2 (cytosolic phospholipase A2), 8-isoprostane, and COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2). RESULTS While none of the studied markers correlated with CARS and SRS as measure of cognitive and social impairments, six markers significantly correlated with sensory profiles of autistic patients. Multiple regression analysis identifies a combination of PGES, mPGES-1, and PE as best predictors of the degree of sensory profile impairment. Library identification resulted in 100% correct assignments of both autistic and control participants based on either set 1 or 2 biomarkers together with a satisfactory rate of assignments in case of sensory profile impairment using different sets of biomarkers. CONCLUSION The two selected sets of biomarkers were effective to separate autistic from healthy control subjects, demonstarting the possibility to accurately predict the severity of autism using the selected biomarkers. The effectiveness of the identified libraries lied in the fact that they were helpful in correctly assigning the study population as control or autistic patients and in classifying autistic patients with different degree of sensory profile impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Center for Female Scientific and Medical Colleges, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Therapuetic Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wail M. Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Hanan Qasem
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Undurti N. Das
- UND Life Sciences, 2020 S 360 St, # K-202, Federal Way, Washington, 98003, United States of America
- BioScience Research Centre, GVP College of Engineering Campus, Visakhapatnam-530048, India
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Qasem H, Al-Ayadhi L, El-Ansary A. Cysteinyl leukotriene correlated with 8-isoprostane levels as predictive biomarkers for sensory dysfunction in autism. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:130. [PMID: 27530350 PMCID: PMC4988023 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that clinically presented as cognitive deficits, social impairments and sensory dysfunction. An increasing body of evidence has shown that oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of autism. Recording biomarkers as measure of the severity of autistic features might help in understanding the pathophysiology of autism. Methods This study investigates the plasma levels of 8-isoprostane and Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in 44 autistic children and 40 healthy controls. The recruited autistic patients were assessed for behavior, cognitive and sensory deficits by using different autism severity rating scales, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS), Social responsiveness scale (SRS) and Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis (ROC) of the obtained data was performed to measure the predictive value of 8-isoprostane and Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) as oxidative stress- related parameters. Pearson’s correlations between the measured parameters was also performed. Results The concentrations of 8-isoprostane and CysLTs in autistic patients were significantly higher than those in controls. While cognitive and social impairments did not show any significant differences, the SSP results were strongly correlated with the levels of both of the biomarkers assessed. However, autistic children showed improvements in oxidative stress status (as determined by 8-isoprostane levels) at increasing ages. Conclusion This study indicates that 8-isoprostane and CysLTs can be used as markers for the early recognition of autistic patients through sensory deficits phenotypes which might help early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Qasem
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, King Saud University, Riyadh, KSA, Saudi Arabia. .,Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Medicinal Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
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Rizzo R, Pavone P. Aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability and aggression in children and adolescents affected by autism spectrum disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:867-74. [PMID: 27388494 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1211007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of irritability and aggression in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with autism spectrum disorder. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss the drug profile as well as available studies of aripiprazole in individuals with autism spectrum disorder as documented in prospective randomized controlled trials. Expert commentary: The heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder has implications for assessing the effectiveness and safety of aripiprazole as it may not produce the same results in two individuals with the same diagnosis but different etiologies. Subgrouping of patients according to their overall presentation of symptoms may therefore be warranted. In addition, consideration should be given to the potential causes of irritability and aggression, such as coexisting medical conditions and environmental factors including inappropriate intervention of parents and teachers. In these cases, the identification of the underlying cause is important because the appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Rizzo
- a Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- b Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency , University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele," , Catania , Italy
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DuBois D, Ameis SH, Lai M, Casanova MF, Desarkar P. Interoception in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A review. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 52:104-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Denise DuBois
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Rehabilitation Science InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Stephanie H. Ameis
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Research Imaging CentreCampbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, The Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthTorontoOntarioCanada
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick ChildrenDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Meng‐Chuan Lai
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick ChildrenDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Autism Research CentreDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of PsychiatryNational Taiwan University Hospital and College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Pushpal Desarkar
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Services, Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Machado C, Rodríguez R, Estévez M, Leisman G, Melillo R, Chinchilla M, Portela L. Anatomic and Functional Connectivity Relationship in Autistic Children During Three Different Experimental Conditions. Brain Connect 2015; 5:487-96. [PMID: 26050707 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2014.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A group of 21 autistic children were studied for determining the relationship between the anatomic (AC) versus functional (FC) connectivity, considering short-range and long-range brain networks. AC was assessed by the DW-MRI technique and FC by EEG coherence calculation, in three experimental conditions: basal, watching a popular cartoon with audio (V-A), and with muted audio track (VwA). For short-range connections, basal records, statistical significant correlations were found for all EEG bands in the left hemisphere, but no significant correlations were found for fast EEG frequencies in the right hemisphere. For the V-A condition, significant correlations were mainly diminished for the left hemisphere; for the right hemisphere, no significant correlations were found for the fast EEG frequency bands. For the VwA condition, significant correlations for the rapid EEG frequencies mainly disappeared for the right hemisphere. For long-range connections, basal records showed similar correlations for both hemispheres. For the right hemisphere, significant correlations incremented to all EEG bands for the V-A condition, but these significant correlations disappeared for the fast EEG frequencies in the VwA condition. It appears that in a resting-state condition, AC is better associated with functional connectivity for short-range connections in the left hemisphere. The V-A experimental condition enriches the AC and FC association for long-range connections in the right hemisphere. This might be related to an effective connectivity improvement due to full video stimulation (visual and auditory). An impaired audiovisual interaction in the right hemisphere might explain why significant correlations disappeared for the fast EEG frequencies in the VwA experimental condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calixto Machado
- 1 Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery , Havana, Cuba
| | - Rafael Rodríguez
- 2 International Center for Neurological Restoration , Havana, Cuba
| | - Mario Estévez
- 1 Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery , Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerry Leisman
- 3 The National Institute for Brain & Rehabilitation Sciences , Nazareth, Israel .,4 Biomechanics Laboratory, O.R.T.-Braude College of Engineering , Karmiel, Israel .,5 Facultad Manuel Fajardo, University of the Medical Sciences , Havana, Cuba
| | - Robert Melillo
- 6 Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Science , Gilbert, Arizona
| | - Mauricio Chinchilla
- 1 Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery , Havana, Cuba
| | - Liana Portela
- 1 Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery , Havana, Cuba
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QEEG spectral and coherence assessment of autistic children in three different experimental conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:406-24. [PMID: 24048514 PMCID: PMC4309919 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We studied autistics by quantitative EEG spectral and coherence analysis during three experimental conditions: basal, watching a cartoon with audio (V–A), and with muted audio band (VwA). Significant reductions were found for the absolute power spectral density (PSD) in the central region for delta and theta, and in the posterior region for sigma and beta bands, lateralized to the right hemisphere. When comparing VwA versus the V–A in the midline regions, we found significant decrements of absolute PSD for delta, theta and alpha, and increments for the beta and gamma bands. In autistics, VwA versus V–A tended to show lower coherence values in the right hemisphere. An impairment of visual and auditory sensory integration in autistics might explain our results.
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Brigandi SA, Shao H, Qian SY, Shen Y, Wu BL, Kang JX. Autistic children exhibit decreased levels of essential Fatty acids in red blood cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:10061-76. [PMID: 25946342 PMCID: PMC4463632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160510061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential nutrients for brain development and function. However, whether or not the levels of these fatty acids are altered in individuals with autism remains debatable. In this study, we compared the fatty acid contents between 121 autistic patients and 110 non-autistic, non-developmentally delayed controls, aged 3–17. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of red blood cell (RBC) membrane phospholipids showed that the percentage of total PUFA was lower in autistic patients than in controls; levels of n-6 arachidonic acid (AA) and n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were particularly decreased (p < 0.001). In addition, plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory AA metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were higher in a subset of the autistic participants (n = 20) compared to controls. Our study demonstrates an alteration in the PUFA profile and increased production of a PUFA-derived metabolite in autistic patients, supporting the hypothesis that abnormal lipid metabolism is implicated in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Brigandi
- Laboratory of Lipid Medicine and Technology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Hong Shao
- Genetics Diagnostic Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Steven Y Qian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA.
| | - Yiping Shen
- Genetics Diagnostic Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Bai-Lin Wu
- Genetics Diagnostic Lab, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Jing X Kang
- Laboratory of Lipid Medicine and Technology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
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Abstract
Although accumulated evidence has demonstrated that autism is found with many varied brain dysfunctions, researchers have tried to find a single brain dysfunction that would provide neurobiological validity for autism. However, unitary models of autism brain dysfunction have not adequately addressed conflicting evidence, and efforts to find a single unifying brain dysfunction have led the field away from research to explore individual variation and micro-subgroups. Autism must be taken apart in order to find neurobiological treatment targets. Three research changes are needed. The belief that there is a single defining autism spectrum disorder brain dysfunction must be relinquished. The noise caused by the thorny brain-symptom inference problem must be reduced. Researchers must explore individual variation in brain measures within autism.
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Samsam M, Ahangari R, Naser SA. Pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders: Revisiting gastrointestinal involvement and immune imbalance. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:9942-9951. [PMID: 25110424 PMCID: PMC4123375 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i29.9942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a group of neurodevelopmental abnormalities that begin in early childhood and are characterized by impairment of social communication and behavioral problems including restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Several genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, most of them are involved in neuronal synaptogenesis. A number of environmental factors and associated conditions such as gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities and immune imbalance have been linked to the pathophysiology of ASD. According to the March 2012 report released by United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of ASD has sharply increased during the recent years and one out of 88 children suffers now from ASD symptoms. Although there is a strong genetic base for the disease, several associated factors could have a direct link to the pathogenesis of ASD or act as modifiers of the genes thus aggravating the initial problem. Many children suffering from ASD have GI problems such as abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, and intestinal infections. A number of studies focusing on the intestinal mucosa, its permeability, abnormal gut development, leaky gut, and other GI problem raised many questions but studies were somehow inconclusive and an expert panel of American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly recommended further investigation in these areas. GI tract has a direct connection with the immune system and an imbalanced immune response is usually seen in ASD children. Maternal infection or autoimmune diseases have been suspected. Activation of the immune system during early development may have deleterious effect on various organs including the nervous system. In this review we revisited briefly the GI and immune system abnormalities and neuropeptide imbalance and their role in the pathophysiology of ASD and discussed some future research directions.
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Wei H, Alberts I, Li X. The apoptotic perspective of autism. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:13-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongen Wei
- Central LaboratoryShanxi Provincial People's HospitalAffiliate of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Ian Alberts
- Department of Natural SciencesLaGuardia CC, CUNYNew YorkNY11101USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of NeurochemistryNY State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental DisabilitiesNew YorkNY10314USA
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van Steijn DJ, Oerlemans AM, de Ruiter SW, van Aken MAG, Buitelaar JK, Rommelse NNJ. Are parental autism spectrum disorder and/or attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder symptoms related to parenting styles in families with ASD (+ADHD) affected children? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2013; 22:671-81. [PMID: 23564208 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-013-0408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
An understudied and sensitive topic nowadays is that even subthreshold symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in parents may relate to their parenting styles. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of (the combined) effect of child diagnosis (ASD or ASD + ADHD affected/unaffected children) and parental ASD and/or ADHD on parenting styles. Ninety-six families were recruited with one child with a clinical ASD (+ADHD) diagnosis, and one unaffected sibling. Parental ASD and ADHD symptoms were assessed using self-report. The Parenting Styles Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) self- and spouse-report were used to measure the authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles. Fathers and mothers scored significantly higher than the norm data of the PSDQ on the permissive style regarding affected children, and lower on the authoritative and authoritarian parenting style for affected and unaffected children. Self- and spouse-report correlated modestly too strongly. Higher levels of paternal (not maternal) ADHD symptoms were suboptimally related to the three parenting styles. Further, two parent-child pathology interaction effects were found, indicating that fathers with high ADHD symptoms and mothers with high ASD symptoms reported to use a more permissive parenting style only towards their unaffected child. The results highlight the negative effects of paternal ADHD symptoms on parenting styles within families with ASD (+ADHD) affected offspring and the higher permissiveness towards unaffected offspring specifically when paternal ADHD and/or maternal ASD symptoms are high. Parenting training in these families may be beneficial for the well-being of all family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne J van Steijn
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Reinier Postlaan 12, 6525 GC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
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Lenroot RK, Yeung PK. Heterogeneity within Autism Spectrum Disorders: What have We Learned from Neuroimaging Studies? Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:733. [PMID: 24198778 PMCID: PMC3812662 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) display significant heterogeneity. Although most neuroimaging studies in ASD have been designed to identify commonalities among affected individuals, rather than differences, some studies have explored variation within ASD. There have been two general types of approaches used for this in the neuroimaging literature to date: comparison of subgroups within ASD, and analyses using dimensional measures to link clinical variation to brain differences. This review focuses on structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that have used these approaches to begin to explore heterogeneity between individuals with ASD. Although this type of data is yet sparse, recognition is growing of the limitations of behaviorally defined categorical diagnoses for understanding neurobiology. Study designs that are more informative regarding the sources of heterogeneity in ASD have the potential to improve our understanding of the neurobiological processes underlying ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhoshel K Lenroot
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Neuroscience Research Australia , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Abstract
Using data of the current prevalence of autism as 200:10,000 and a 1:2000 incidence of definite mitochondrial (mt) disease, if there was no linkage of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mt disease, it would be expected that 1 in 110 subjects with mt disease would have ASD and 1 in 2000 individuals with ASD would have mt disease. The co-occurrence of autism and mt disease is much higher than these figures, suggesting a possible pathogenetic relationship. Such hypothesis was initially suggested by the presence of biochemical markers of abnormal mt metabolic function in patients with ASD, including elevation of lactate, pyruvate, or alanine levels in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or brain; carnitine level in plasma; and level of organic acids in urine, and by demonstrating impaired mt fatty acid β-oxidation. More recently, mtDNA genetic mutations or deletions or mutations of nuclear genes regulating mt function have been associated with ASD in patients or in neuropathologic studies on the brains of patients with autism. In addition, the presence of dysfunction of the complexes of the mt respiratory chain or electron transport chain, indicating abnormal oxidative phosphorylation, has been reported in patients with ASD and in the autopsy samples of brains. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms linking mt dysfunction and ASD include mt activation of the immune system, abnormal mt Ca(2+) handling, and mt-induced oxidative stress. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of brain development may also be disrupted by mt dysfunction, including mt-induced oxidative stress. The role of the purinergic system linking mt dysfunction and ASD is currently under investigation. In summary, there is genetic and biochemical evidence for a mitochondria (mt) role in the pathogenesis of ASD in a subset of children. To determine the prevalence and type of genetic and biochemical mt defects in ASD, there is a need for further research using the latest genetic technology such as next-generation sequencing, microarrays, bioinformatics, and biochemical assays. Because of the availability of potential therapeutic options for mt disease, successful research results could translate into better treatment and outcome for patients with mt-associated ASD. This requires a high index of suspicion of mt disease in children with autism who are diagnosed early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Legido
- Section of Neurology, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Reena Jethva
- Section of Neurology, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael J Goldenthal
- Section of Neurology, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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Yang Y, Higashimori H, Morel L. Developmental maturation of astrocytes and pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:22. [PMID: 23988237 PMCID: PMC3765765 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have implicated potentially significant roles for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Astrocytes undergo a dramatic maturation process following early differentiation from which typical morphology and important functions are acquired. Despite significant progress in understanding their early differentiation, very little is known about how astrocytes become functionally mature. In addition, whether functional maturation of astrocytes is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders and the consequences of this disruption remains essentially unknown. In this review, we discuss our perspectives about how astrocyte developmental maturation is regulated, and how disruption of the astrocyte functional maturation process, especially alterations in their ability to regulate glutamate homeostasis, may alter synaptic physiology and contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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