1
|
Higa GSV, Viana FJC, Francis-Oliveira J, Cruvinel E, Franchin TS, Marcourakis T, Ulrich H, De Pasquale R. Serotonergic neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110036. [PMID: 38876308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity constitutes a fundamental process in the reorganization of neural networks that underlie memory, cognition, emotional responses, and behavioral planning. At the core of this phenomenon lie Hebbian mechanisms, wherein frequent synaptic stimulation induces long-term potentiation (LTP), while less activation leads to long-term depression (LTD). The synaptic reorganization of neuronal networks is regulated by serotonin (5-HT), a neuromodulator capable of modify synaptic plasticity to appropriately respond to mental and behavioral states, such as alertness, attention, concentration, motivation, and mood. Lately, understanding the serotonergic Neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity has become imperative for unraveling its impact on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. Through a comparative analysis across three main forebrain structures-the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, this review discusses the actions of 5-HT on synaptic plasticity, offering insights into its role as a neuromodulator involved in emotional and cognitive functions. By distinguishing between plastic and metaplastic effects, we provide a comprehensive overview about the mechanisms of 5-HT neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity and associated functions across different brain regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - José Francis-Oliveira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Emily Cruvinel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thainá Soares Franchin
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto De Pasquale
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Elbeltagi R. Metabolomic changes in children with autism. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:92737. [DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.92737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Metabolomic profiling has emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the underlying metabolic dysregulations associated with ASD.
AIM To comprehensively explore metabolomic changes in children with ASD, integrating findings from various research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, editorials, and a book chapter.
METHODS A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, LISA, and NLM catalog up until January 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed research articles (83), review articles (145), meta-analyses (6), systematic reviews (6), case reports (2), editorials (2), and a book chapter (1) related to metabolomic changes in children with ASD. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the relevance and quality of included studies.
RESULTS The systematic review identified specific metabolites and metabolic pathways showing consistent differences in children with ASD compared to typically developing individuals. These metabolic biomarkers may serve as objective measures to support clinical assessments, improve diagnostic accuracy, and inform personalized treatment approaches. Metabolomic profiling also offers insights into the metabolic alterations associated with comorbid conditions commonly observed in individuals with ASD.
CONCLUSION Integration of metabolomic changes in children with ASD holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding personalized treatment approaches, monitoring treatment response, and improving outcomes. Further research is needed to validate findings, establish standardized protocols, and overcome technical challenges in metabolomic analysis. By advancing our understanding of metabolic dysregulations in ASD, clinicians can improve the lives of affected individuals and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama, Bahrain, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Chest Disease, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
- Department of Chest Disease, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martz J, Shelton MA, Geist L, Seney ML, Kentner AC. Sex differences in offspring risk and resilience following 11β-hydroxylase antagonism in a rodent model of maternal immune activation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1078-1090. [PMID: 38007547 PMCID: PMC11109257 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) puts offspring at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders associated with impaired social behavior. While it is known that immune signaling through maternal, placental, and fetal compartments contributes to these phenotypical changes, it is unknown to what extent the stress response to illness is involved and how it can be harnessed for potential interventions. To this end, on gestational day 15, pregnant rat dams were administered the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide (LPS; to induce MIA) alongside metyrapone, a clinically available 11β-hydroxylase (11βHSD) inhibitor used to treat hypercortisolism in pregnant, lactating, and neonatal populations. Maternal, placental, and fetal brain levels of corticosterone and placental 11βHSD enzymes type 1 and 2 were measured 3-hrs post treatment. Offspring social behaviors were evaluated across critical phases of development. MIA was associated with increased maternal, placental, and fetal brain corticosterone concentrations that were diminished with metyrapone exposure. Metyrapone protected against reductions in placental 11βHSD2 in males only, suggesting that less corticosterone was inactivated in female placentas. Behaviorally, metyrapone-exposure attenuated MIA-induced social disruptions in juvenile, adolescent, and adult males, while females were unaffected or performed worse. Metyrapone-exposure reversed MIA-induced transcriptional changes in monoamine-, glutamate-, and GABA-related genes in adult male ventral hippocampus, but not in females. Taken together, these findings illustrate that MIA-induced HPA responses act alongside the immune system to produce behavioral deficits. As a clinically available drug, the sex-specific benefits and constraints of metyrapone should be investigated further as a potential means of reducing neurodevelopmental risks due to gestational MIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martz
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Micah A Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Laurel Geist
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Amanda C Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sakaguchi K, Tawata S. Giftedness and atypical sexual differentiation: enhanced perceptual functioning through estrogen deficiency instead of androgen excess. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1343759. [PMID: 38752176 PMCID: PMC11094242 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1343759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum conditions (ASC), such as Klinefelter syndrome, also manifest hypogonadism. Compared to the popular Extreme Male Brain theory, the Enhanced Perceptual Functioning model explains the connection between ASC, savant traits, and giftedness more seamlessly, and their co-emergence with atypical sexual differentiation. Overexcitability of primary sensory inputs generates a relative enhancement of local to global processing of stimuli, hindering the abstraction of communication signals, in contrast to the extraordinary local information processing skills in some individuals. Weaker inhibitory function through gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors and the atypicality of synapse formation lead to this difference, and the formation of unique neural circuits that process external information. Additionally, deficiency in monitoring inner sensory information leads to alexithymia (inability to distinguish one's own emotions), which can be caused by hypoactivity of estrogen and oxytocin in the interoceptive neural circuits, comprising the anterior insular and cingulate gyri. These areas are also part of the Salience Network, which switches between the Central Executive Network for external tasks and the Default Mode Network for self-referential mind wandering. Exploring the possibility that estrogen deficiency since early development interrupts GABA shift, causing sensory processing atypicality, it helps to evaluate the co-occurrence of ASC with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and schizophrenia based on phenotypic and physiological bases. It also provides clues for understanding the common underpinnings of these neurodevelopmental disorders and gifted populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kikue Sakaguchi
- Research Department, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Tawata
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ishikawa M, Yamamoto Y, Wulaer B, Kunisawa K, Fujigaki H, Ando T, Kimura H, Kushima I, Arioka Y, Torii Y, Mouri A, Ozaki N, Nabeshima T, Saito K. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 deficiency associates with autism-like behavior via dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction. FEBS J 2024; 291:945-964. [PMID: 38037233 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17019] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2) is an enzyme of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway that is constitutively expressed in the brain. To provide insight into the physiological role of IDO2 in the brain, behavioral and neurochemical analyses in IDO2 knockout (KO) mice were performed. IDO2 KO mice showed stereotyped behavior, restricted interest and social deficits, traits that are associated with behavioral endophenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). IDO2 was colocalized immunohistochemically with tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in dopaminergic neurons. In the striatum and amygdala of IDO2 KO mice, decreased dopamine turnover was associated with increased α-synuclein level. Correspondingly, levels of downstream dopamine D1 receptor signaling molecules such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and c-Fos positive proteins were decreased. Furthermore, decreased abundance of ramified-type microglia resulted in increased dendritic spine density in the striatum of IDO2 KO mice. Both chemogenetic activation of dopaminergic neurons and treatment with methylphenidate, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, ameliorated the ASD-like behavior of IDO2 KO mice. Sequencing analysis of exon regions in IDO2 from 309 ASD samples identified a rare canonical splice site variant in one ASD case. These results suggest that the IDO2 gene is, at least in part, a factor closely related to the development of psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ishikawa
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yasuko Yamamoto
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kunisawa
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidetsugu Fujigaki
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ando
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Youta Torii
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Mouri
- Department of Regulatory Science for Evaluation & Development of Pharmaceuticals & Devices, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Laboratory of Health and Medical Science Innovation, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Science, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Department of Advanced Diagnostic System Development, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake, Japan
- Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pearson DA, Hendren RL, Heil MF, McIntyre WR, Raines SR. Pancreatic Replacement Therapy for Maladaptive Behaviors in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344136. [PMID: 38032645 PMCID: PMC10690476 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance There is an urgent unmet need for a treatment addressing the core symptoms and associated maladaptive symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially in preschool populations. Objectives To evaluate whether treatment of children with ASD aged 3 to 6 years treated with high-protease pancreatic therapy produces long- and short-term improvements in autism-associated maladaptive behaviors. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study at 32 sites across the US used a double-blind parallel group, delayed-start design comprising a 2-week blinded placebo run-in, and a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled segment (12 weeks). Children were recruited into the study in 2015, with data collection continuing until 2021. The analyses were completed from June 2021 to February 2022. Interventions All participants were randomly assigned to receive either 900 mg high-protease pancreatic replacement therapy or placebo with food 3 times a day for 12 weeks, followed by all receiving 900 mg high-protease pancreatic replacement therapy for 24 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the irritability/agitation subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-I). All potential participants were screened using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) with diagnosis confirmed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) for ASD and the Autism Diagnostic Inventory-Revised (ADI-R). Outcomes were measured at the conclusion of the 12-week double-blind segment and at the conclusion of the 24-week open-label segment (total 36 weeks). Results A total of 190 participants (150 male [79%]), aged 3 to 6 (mean [SD] age, 4.5 [0.8]) years were randomized. Mixed model for repeated measures analysis performed on ABC-I demonstrated statistically significant differences of -2.49 (95% CI, -4.66 to -0.32; Cohen d = 0.364; P = .03) at the 12-week timepoint and -3.07 (95% CI, -5.81 to -0.33; Cohen d = 0.516; P = .03) at 36-week timepoint. No convergence was noted. Our high-protease pancreatic replacement (CM-AT) was well tolerated with no emergent safety concerns or related serious adverse events noted. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study of preschool children sustained cumulative reduction in the maladaptive behavior of irritability in autism. This delayed-start analysis, used to demonstrate disease and condition modification, may prove to be an important tool to evaluate treatments for ASD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02410902 and NCT02649959.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A. Pearson
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Robert L. Hendren
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Weill Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ma T, Huang W, Li Y, Jin H, Kwok LY, Sun Z, Zhang H. Probiotics alleviate constipation and inflammation in late gestating and lactating sows. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:70. [PMID: 37741814 PMCID: PMC10517943 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00434-z] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Constipation and systemic inflammation are common in late pregnant and lactating sows, which cause health problems like uteritis, mastitis, dystocia, or even stillbirth, further influencing piglets' survival and growth. Probiotic supplementation can improve such issues, but the beneficial mechanism of relieving constipation and enhancing gut motility remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of probiotic supplementation in drinking water to late pregnant sows on constipation, inflammation, and piglets' growth performance. Seventy-four sows were randomly allocated to probiotic (n = 36) and control (n = 38) groups. Probiotic treatment significantly relieved sow constipation, enhanced serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels while reducing serum IL-1β, IL-12p40, and TNF-α levels, and increased piglet daily gain and weaning weight. Furthermore, probiotic administration reshaped the sow gut bacteriome and phageome structure/diversity, accompanied by increases in some potentially beneficial bacteria. At 113 days of gestation, the probiotic group was enriched in several gut microbial bioactive metabolites, multiple carbohydrate-active enzymes that degrade pectin and starch, fecal butyrate and acetate, and some serum metabolites involved in vitamin and amino acid metabolism. Our integrated correlation network analysis revealed that the alleviation of constipation and inflammation was associated with changes in the sow gut bacteriome, phageome, bioactive metabolic potential, and metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Weiqiang Huang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yalin Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Lai-Yu Kwok
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhihong Sun
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Heping Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Benachenhou S, Laroui A, Dionne O, Rojas D, Toupin A, Çaku A. Cholesterol alterations in fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:115-139. [PMID: 37993175 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of etiologically diverse diseases primarily associated with abnormal brain development, impaired cognition, and various behavioral problems. The majority of NDDs present a wide range of clinical phenotypes while sharing distinct cellular and biochemical alterations. Low plasma cholesterol levels have been reported in a subset of NNDs including, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). The present review focuses on cholesterol metabolism and discusses the current evidence of lipid disruption in ASD, FXS, and other genetically related NDDs. The characterization of these common deficits might provide valuable insights into their underlying physiopathology and help identify potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérine Benachenhou
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Asma Laroui
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Dionne
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Daniela Rojas
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Amanda Toupin
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Biochemistry and Functional Genomic Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vongseenin S, Ha-Ji-A-Sa N, Thanprasertsuk S, Bongsebandhu-Phubhakdi S. Deciphering migraine pain mechanisms through electrophysiological insights of trigeminal ganglion neurons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14449. [PMID: 37660112 PMCID: PMC10475091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41521-7] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms that drive migraine pain and related abnormal sensation symptoms, such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, hyperesthesia, and paresthesia, remain poorly understood. One of the proposed mechanisms is cortical spreading depression (CSD), which is believed to be involved in the regulation of trigeminovascular pathways by sensitizing the pain pathway. Another mechanism is serotonin depletion, which is implicated in many neurological disorders and has been shown to exacerbate CSD-evoked pain at the cortical level. However, the effects of CSD and serotonin depletion on trigeminal ganglion neurons, which play a critical role in pain signal transmission, have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between CSD and serotonin depletion with peripheral sensitization processes in nociceptive small-to-medium (SM) and large (L) -sized trigeminal ganglion neurons at the electrophysiological level using rat models. We divided the rats into four groups: the control group, the CSD group, the serotonin depletion group, and the CSD/serotonin depletion group. We induced CSD by placing KCl on a burr hole and serotonin depletion by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA (para-chlorophenoxyacetic acid). We then isolated trigeminal ganglion neurons from all groups and classified them according to size. Using patch-clamp recording, we recorded the excitability parameters and action potential (AP) properties of the collected neurons. Our results showed that in SM-sized trigeminal ganglion neurons, the CSD-SM and CSD/serotonin depletion groups had a higher positive resting membrane potential (RMP) than the control-SM group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively, post-hoc Tukey's test). In addition, the gap between RMP and threshold in the CSD-SM group was significantly narrower than in the control-SM group (p = 0.043, post-hoc Tukey's test). For L-sized neurons, we observed prolongation of the AP rising time, AP falling time, and AP duration in neurons affected by CSD (p < 0.05, pairwise comparison test). In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of migraine pain and abnormal somatosensation. CSD and serotonin depletion promote the transmission of pain signals through the peripheral sensitization process of nociceptive small-to-medium-sized trigeminal ganglion neurons, as well as nociceptive and non-nociceptive large-sized trigeminal ganglion neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Vongseenin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - N Ha-Ji-A-Sa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - S Thanprasertsuk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Clinical and Computational Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Chula Neuroscience Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - S Bongsebandhu-Phubhakdi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Chula Neuroscience Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Harada K, Sho R, Takakura H, Yokoyama E, Koyama R, Yamamoto Y, Adachi N, Tanaka S, Hide I, Sakai N. S-Palmitoylation of the serotonin transporter promotes its cell surface expression and serotonin uptake. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 662:58-65. [PMID: 37099811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.028] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) is transported back into serotonergic neurons by the serotonin transporter (SERT). SERT is a main target of antidepressants, and much effort has therefore focused on finding relationships between SERT and depression. However, it is not fully understood how SERT is regulated at the cellular level. Here, we report post-translational regulation of SERT by S-palmitoylation, in which palmitate is covalently attached to cysteine residues of proteins. Using AD293 cells (a human embryonic kidney 293-derived cell line with improved cell adherence) transiently transfected with FLAG-tagged human SERT, we observed S-palmitoylation of immature SERT containing high-mannose type N-glycans or no N-glycan, which is presumed to be localized in the early secretory pathway, such as the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutational analysis by alanine substitutions shows that S-palmitoylation of immature SERT occurs at least at Cys-147 and Cys-155, juxtamembrane cysteine residues within the first intracellular loop. Furthermore, mutation of Cys-147 reduced cellular uptake of a fluorescent SERT substrate that mimics 5-HT without decreasing SERT on the cell surface. On the other hand, combined mutation of Cys-147 and Cys-155 inhibited SERT surface expression and reduced the uptake of the 5-HT mimic. Thus, S-palmitoylation of Cys-147 and Cys-155 is important for both the cell surface expression and 5-HT uptake capacity of SERT. Given the importance of S-palmitoylation in brain homeostasis, further investigation of SERT S-palmitoylation could provide new insights into the treatment of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kana Harada
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Ryoma Sho
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiromiki Takakura
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Eri Yokoyama
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Reika Koyama
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Naoko Adachi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Shigeru Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Izumi Hide
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Norio Sakai
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Arruda MA, Arruda R. Case report: Look at my eyes. HEADACHE MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.48208/headachemed.2022.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The comorbidity of migraine and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) still remain unclear. In spite of plausible evidences of such comorbidity, there is a scarcity of populational studies focusing this hypothesis. The diagnosis of migraine in children with ASD is very challenge due to the large clinical heterogeneity and limited communication skills, particularly verbal abilities in young children and those with intellectual disability. ASD and migraine are chronic prevalent disorders sharing some pathophysiological changes (neurotransmission dysregulation, altered immune response, abnormal findings in the cortical minicolumn organization, and dysfunctions in the gut–brain axis), susceptibility genes (including calcium channel mutations and polymorphisms), and atypical sensory processing. Herein, we take advantage of a prototypical case of an adolescent with episodic migraine transformed to chronic, not responsive to preventive treatment, to explore the diagnostic workup and successful personalized clinical and therapeutical management.
Collapse
|
13
|
Adıgüzel E, Çiçek B, Ünal G, Aydın MF, Barlak-Keti D. Probiotics and prebiotics alleviate behavioral deficits, inflammatory response, and gut dysbiosis in prenatal VPA-induced rodent model of autism. Physiol Behav 2022; 256:113961. [PMID: 36100109 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by social interaction and communication disorders and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. These disorders are also accompanied by an inflammatory status. Bidirectional communication between microbiome, gut, and brain has been discovered as a major mechanism influencing core symptoms and biomarkers of autism. Therefore, the modulation of the gut microbiota in autism has recently attracted interest. In this study, probiotic- and prebiotic-mediated modulation of the gut microbiota was compared in terms of different symptoms and findings in an experimental autism model. Valproic acid (VPA) (500 mg/kg) was administered to Wistar rats (on prenatal day 12.5) to induce autistic-like behaviors. Based on the supply of probiotics and prebiotics, animals were grouped as control (saline), autistic-like (prenatal VPA), probiotic (prenatal VPA + 22.5 × 109 cfu/day probiotic), prebiotic (prenatal VPA + 100 mg/day prebiotic), and combined treatment (prenatal VPA + 22.5 × 109 cfu/day probiotic + 100 mg/day prebiotic). After the treatment process, behavioral tests (social behaviors, anxiety, stereotypical behavior, sensorimotor gating, and behavioral despair) and biochemical analyses (serum and brain tissue) were conducted, and the quantities of some phyla and genera were determined in stool samples. Significant positive effects of probiotic and combined treatments were observed on the sociability, social interaction, and anxiety parameters. In addition, all three treatments had positive effects on stereotypical behavior. However, the treatments did not affect sensorimotor gating deficits and behavioral despair. Further, probiotic treatment reversed the VPA-induced increase and decrease in serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels, respectively. Combined treatment also significantly increased the IL-10 levels. Prenatal VPA exposure decreased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the prefrontal cortex of the brain; however, combined treatment reversed this decrease. Prenatal VPA exposure also caused a decrease in Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut microbiota, while the probiotic treatment significantly increased this ratio. These findings indicate that probiotic- and prebiotic-mediated microbial modulation may represent a new therapeutic approach to alleviate autistic-like symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Adıgüzel
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, İbrahim Öktem Street, Karaman 70200, Turkey.
| | - Betül Çiçek
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Gökhan Ünal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Fatih Aydın
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey,.
| | - Didem Barlak-Keti
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
De Gregorio R, Subah G, Chan JC, Speranza L, Zhang X, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Maze I, Stanton PK, Sze JY. Sex-biased effects on hippocampal circuit development by perinatal SERT expression in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Development 2022; 149:dev200549. [PMID: 36178075 PMCID: PMC10655925 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from autism to intellectual disability display sex-biased prevalence and phenotypical presentations. Despite increasing knowledge about temporospatial cortical map development and genetic variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, when and how sex-biased neural circuit derailment may arise in diseased brain remain unknown. Here, we identify in mice that serotonin uptake transporter (SERT) in non-serotonergic neurons - hippocampal and prefrontal pyramidal neurons - confers sex-biased effects specifically during neural circuit development. A set of gradient-patterned CA3 pyramidal neurons transiently express SERT to clear extracellular serotonin, coinciding with hippocampal synaptic circuit establishment. Ablating pyramidal neuron SERT (SERTPyramidΔ) alters dendritic spine developmental trajectory in the hippocampus, and precipitates sex-biased impairments in long-term activity-dependent hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive behaviors. Transcriptomic analyses identify sex-biased alterations in gene sets associated with autism, dendritic spine structure, synaptic function and male-specific enrichment of dysregulated genes in glial cells in early postnatal SERTPyramidΔ hippocampus. Our data suggest that SERT function in these pyramidal neurons underscores a temporal- and brain region-specific regulation of normal sex-dimorphic circuit development and a source for sex-biased vulnerability to cognitive and behavioral impairments. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto De Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Galadu Subah
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Luisa Speranza
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
| | - Patric K. Stanton
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Ji Y. Sze
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fabio MC, Servin-Bernal IJC, Degano AL, Pautassi RM. Serotonin disruption at gestation alters expression of genes associated with serotonin synthesis and reuptake at weaning. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3355-3366. [PMID: 36063206 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06228-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neuromodulator that plays a key role in the organization of the central nervous system. 5-HT alterations may be associated to the emergence of social deficits and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Notably, disruption of the 5-HT system during sensitive periods of development seems to exert long-term consequences, including altered anxiety responses and problematic use of alcohol. OBJECTIVE We analyzed, in mice, the effects of transient 5-HT depletion at gestation (a developmental stage when medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) 5-HT levels depend exclusively on placental 5-HT availability) on 5-HT central synthesis and reuptake at weaning. We also explored if 5-HT disruption at the embryonic stage influences behavioral outcomes that may serve as a proxy for autistic- or anxiety-like phenotypes. METHODS C57/BL6 male and female mice, born from dams treated with a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor (PCPA; 4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride) at gestational days (G)13.5-16.5, were subjected to a behavioral battery that assesses social preference and novelty, compulsive behavior, stereotypies, and ethanol's anti-anxiety effects, at postnatal days (P) 21-28. Afterwards, expression of the genes that encode for 5-HT synthesis (Tph2) and SERT (5-HT transporter) were analyzed in mPFC via real-time RT-PCR. Dopamine 2 receptor (D2R) expression was also analyzed via RT-PCR to further explore possible effects of PCPA on dopaminergic transmission. RESULTS Transient 5-HT disruption at G13.5-16.5 reduced Tph2 expression of both male and female mice in mPFC at P23. Notably, female mice also exhibited higher SERT expression and reduced D2R expression in mPFC. Mice derived from 5-HT depleted dams displayed heightened compulsive behavior at P21, when compared to control mice. Alcohol anti-anxiety effects at early adolescence (P28) were exhibited by mice derived from 5-HT depleted dams, but not by control counterparts. No social deficits or stereotyped behaviors were observed. CONCLUSION Transient 5-HT inhibition at gestation resulted in altered expression of genes involved in 5-HT synthesis and reuptake in mPFC at weaning, a period in which the 5-HT system is still developing. These alterations may exert lingering effects, which translate to significant compulsivity and heightened sensitivity to the anxiolytic effects of alcohol at early adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Fabio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Cordoba, Argentina. .,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina.
| | - I J C Servin-Bernal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Cordoba, Argentina
| | - A L Degano
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel CaputtoFacultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - R M Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Cordoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Deliu LP, Turingan M, Jadir D, Lee B, Ghosh A, Grewal SS. Serotonergic neuron ribosomal proteins regulate the neuroendocrine control of Drosophila development. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010371. [PMID: 36048889 PMCID: PMC9473637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of ribosome function is a conserved mechanism of growth control. While studies in single cell systems have defined how ribosomes contribute to cell growth, the mechanisms that link ribosome function to organismal growth are less clear. Here we explore this issue using Drosophila Minutes, a class of heterozygous mutants for ribosomal proteins. These animals exhibit a delay in larval development caused by decreased production of the steroid hormone ecdysone, the main regulator of larval maturation. We found that this developmental delay is not caused by decreases in either global ribosome numbers or translation rates. Instead, we show that they are due in part to loss of Rp function specifically in a subset of serotonin (5-HT) neurons that innervate the prothoracic gland to control ecdysone production. We find that these effects do not occur due to altered protein synthesis or proteostasis, but that Minute animals have reduced expression of synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein, and that the Minute developmental delay can be partially reversed by overexpression of synaptic vesicle proteins in 5-HTergic cells. These results identify a 5-HT cell-specific role for ribosomal function in the neuroendocrine control of animal growth and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Patricia Deliu
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Turingan
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deeshpaul Jadir
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Byoungchun Lee
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abhishek Ghosh
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Savraj Singh Grewal
- Clark H Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Calgary, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mathew S, Bichenapally S, Khachatryan V, Muazzam A, Hamal C, Velugoti LSDR, Tabowei G, Gaddipati GN, Mukhtar M, Alzubaidee MJ, Dwarampudi RS, Alfonso M. Role of Serotoninergic Antidepressants in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e28505. [PMID: 36185843 PMCID: PMC9514805 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are one of the most common, highly heritable neurodevelopmental diseases affecting 1-2% of children under the age of 3. Although studies have implicated genetic predispositions, environmental risk factors, and maternal depression as the pathophysiology of ASD, it remains unclear. The association between antidepressant (AD) usage during pregnancy and the likelihood of ASD in children is still debatable. We carried out a systematic review to determine the relation of ASD with AD in offspring exposed to ADs in utero. We used the following terms of medical subject heading (MeSH) and keywords separately and in combination: “antidepressants,” “maternal/pregnancy depression,” “autism spectrum disorders/autism,” and “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).” Our data search was conducted on PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, which resulted in 28,141 articles. We identified and eliminated duplicates and then screened 9,965 articles by title and abstract. We then applied eligibility criteria over 143 relevant articles; a quality assessment was performed, and finally we included 18 selected studies. Mothers who had taken ADs during pregnancy for at least two medication prescription cycles and children detected to have ASD from two years to 18 years of age were included. We excluded articles in languages other than English, grey literature, case reports, letters to the editor, books, documents, animal studies, and studies published before 2017. Out of 18 studies, 17 evaluated ASD as the primary outcome, and for one study, the outcome was child behavioral as well as neurodevelopmental changes. Other additional outcomes studied were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preterm birth, spontaneous abortion, small for gestational age, maternal mental illness, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. After adjusting for confounding factors, in six studies, the higher correlations between ASD and ADs were eliminated. Also, paternal AD use, maternal pre-conceptional AD drug use, and maternal depression itself are additional factors that raise the incidence of ASD.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao F, Zhang H, Wang P, Cui W, Xu K, Chen D, Hu M, Li Z, Geng X, Wei S. Oxytocin and serotonin in the modulation of neural function: Neurobiological underpinnings of autism-related behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:919890. [PMID: 35937893 PMCID: PMC9354980 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.919890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a group of generalized neurodevelopmental disorders. Its main clinical features are social communication disorder and repetitive stereotyped behavioral interest. The abnormal structure and function of brain network is the basis of social dysfunction and stereotyped performance in patients with autism spectrum disorder. The number of patients diagnosed with ASD has increased year by year, but there is a lack of effective intervention and treatment. Oxytocin has been revealed to effectively improve social cognitive function and significantly improve the social information processing ability, empathy ability and social communication ability of ASD patients. The change of serotonin level also been reported affecting the development of brain and causes ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, such as anxiety, depression like behavior, stereotyped behavior. Present review will focus on the research progress of serotonin and oxytocin in the pathogenesis, brain circuit changes and treatment of autism. Revealing the regulatory effect and neural mechanism of serotonin and oxytocin on patients with ASD is not only conducive to a deeper comprehension of the pathogenesis of ASD, but also has vital clinical significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhao
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cui
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaiyong Xu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Minghui Hu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zifa Li
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Zifa Li,
| | - Xiwen Geng
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Xiwen Geng,
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- TAIYUE Postdoctoral Innovation and Practice Base, Jinan, China
- Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Core Facility, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Sheng Wei,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ruyak SL, Noor S, DiDomenico J, Sun MS, Fernandez Oropeza AK, Rodriguez DE, Marquez LE, Milligan ED, Bakhireva LN. Effects of prenatal opioid and alcohol exposures on immune and serotonin factors in human placenta. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114057. [PMID: 35364108 PMCID: PMC10035581 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Opioids and alcohol impact critical serotonin (5-HT) function in the developing placenta and fetus through the actions of immune proinflammatory factors. Yet, possible convergent effects of opioids and alcohol on human placental toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation and subsequent 5-HT homeostasis remain entirely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of prenatal exposure to opioids with or without prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the expression of key placental immune and serotonin signaling factors in human placental tissue obtained from a well-characterized prospective cohort. METHODS Data were collected from a subset of participants enrolled in the prospective pre-birth Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant, and Child Health (ENRICH-1) cohort. Women were recruited and classified into four study groups: 1) PAE (n = 20); 2) those taking medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; n = 28), 3) concurrent PAE and MOUD (n = 20); and 4) controls (HC; n = 20) based on prospective, repeated self-report, and biomarker analysis. Placenta samples underwent tissue processing to identify mRNA for TLR4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serotonin transporter (SERT), tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1), indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO) as well as protein concentrations of TLR4, IL-1β, TNF-α, SERT. To consider the association between study group and mRNA/protein expression of our targets, multivariable regression models were developed with inclusion of a priori selected covariates. RESULTS There was a significant negative association between PAE and SERT mRNA (β = -0.01; p < 0.01) and a positive association with TPH1 mRNA expression (β = 0.78; p < 0.05). In addition, there was a negative association between MOUD and TNF-α protein expression (β = -0.12; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that PAE may inhibit SERT expression while simultaneously promoting increased TPH1 protein expression in human placenta. This may result in increased 5-HT in fetal circulation known to affect neurodevelopment. Our data suggest that opioids and alcohol may disturb the bidirectional, dynamic interaction between the placental immune and serotonin system. Given the implication for brain development and health across the life-span further investigation of these critical mechanisms in well-defined cohorts is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Ruyak
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America; College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America.
| | - Shahani Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Jared DiDomenico
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Melody S Sun
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Annette K Fernandez Oropeza
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Dominique E Rodriguez
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Lidia Enriquez Marquez
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Erin D Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Martinez-Cayuelas E, Gavela-Pérez T, Rodrigo-Moreno M, Merino-Andreu M, Vales-Villamarín C, Pérez-Nadador I, Garcés C, Soriano-Guillén L. Melatonin Rhythm and Its Relation to Sleep and Circadian Parameters in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurol 2022; 13:813692. [PMID: 35775056 PMCID: PMC9237227 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.813692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sleep problems are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a role has been attributed to melatonin in this multifactorial comorbidity. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 41 autistic children and adolescents (9.9 ± 3.02) and 24 children and adolescents with a normal intellectual function (8.42 ± 2.43) were used as controls. Subjects were matched for sex, body mass index, and pubertal stage, and all were drug-naive. Circadian and sleep parameters were studied using an ambulatory circadian monitoring (ACM) device, and saliva samples were collected around the onset of sleep to determine dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). Results Prepubertal individuals with ASD presented later DLMO and an earlier decline in melatonin during adolescence. A relationship was found between melatonin and both sleep and circadian parameters. Participants and controls with later DLMOs were more likely to have delayed sleep onset times. In the ASD group, subjects with the later daytime midpoint of temperature had a later DLMO. Later melatonin peak time and DLMO time were related to lower general motor activity and lower stability of its rhythms. Conclusion The melatonin secretion pattern was different in individuals with ASD, and it showed a relationship with sleep and circadian parameters. Alterations in DLMO have not been previously reported in ASD with the exception of more variable DLMO timing; however, high variability in the study design and sample characteristics prevents direct comparison. The ACM device enabled the measurement of circadian rhythm, a scarcely described parameter in autistic children. When studied in combination with other measures such as melatonin, ACM can offer further knowledge on sleep problems in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martinez-Cayuelas
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias- Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Elena Martinez-Cayuelas
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias- Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Rodrigo-Moreno
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias- Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Claudia Vales-Villamarín
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Pérez-Nadador
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcés
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias- Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wong NM, Dipasquale O, Turkheimer F, Findon JL, Wichers RH, Dimitrov M, Murphy CM, Stoencheva V, Robertson DM, Murphy DG, Daly E, McAlonan GM. Differences in social brain function in autism spectrum disorder are linked to the serotonin transporter: A randomised placebo-controlled single-dose crossover trial. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:723-731. [PMID: 35491679 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221092509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in the serotonergic control of brain pathways responsible for facial emotion processing in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be a target for intervention. However, the molecular underpinnings of autistic-neurotypical serotonergic differences are challenging to access in vivo. Receptor-Enriched Analysis of functional Connectivity by Targets (REACT) has helped define molecular-enriched functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain networks based on a priori information about the spatial distribution of neurochemical systems from available PET templates. METHODS We used REACT to estimate the dominant fMRI signal related to the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) distribution during processing of aversive facial emotion in adults with and without ASD. We first predicted a group difference in baseline (placebo) functioning of this system. We next used a single 20 mg oral dose of citalopram, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, to test the hypothesis that network activity in people with and without ASD would respond differently to inhibition of SERT. To confirm the specificity of our findings, we also repeated the analysis with 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptor maps. RESULTS Using REACT with the SERT map, we found a baseline group difference in the SERT-enriched response to faces in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. A single oral dose of citalopram 'shifted' the response in the ASD group towards the neurotypical baseline but did not alter response in the control group. Similar differences in SERT-enriched response were observed after controlling for other 5-HT maps. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the SERT-enriched functional network is dynamically different in ASD during processing of socially relevant stimuli. Whether this acute neurobiological response to citalopram in ASD translates to a clinical target will be an important next step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nichol Ml Wong
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ottavia Dipasquale
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James L Findon
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robert H Wichers
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism and ADHD Service, Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mihail Dimitrov
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Clodagh M Murphy
- Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism and ADHD Service, Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Vladimira Stoencheva
- Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism and ADHD Service, Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dene M Robertson
- Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism and ADHD Service, Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eileen Daly
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Adiletta A, Pross A, Taricco N, Sgadò P. Embryonic Valproate Exposure Alters Mesencephalic Dopaminergic Neurons Distribution and Septal Dopaminergic Gene Expression in Domestic Chicks. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:804881. [PMID: 35369647 PMCID: PMC8966611 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.804881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the role of the dopaminergic system in the regulation of social behavior is being progressively outlined, and dysfunctions of the dopaminergic system are increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To study the role of the dopaminergic (DA) system in an animal model of ASD, we investigated the effects of embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA) on the postnatal development of the mesencephalic DA system in the domestic chick. We found that VPA affected the rostro-caudal distribution of DA neurons, without changing the expression levels of several dopaminergic markers in the mesencephalon. We also investigated a potential consequence of this altered DA neuronal distribution in the septum, a social brain area previously associated to social behavior in several vertebrate species, describing alterations in the expression of genes linked to DA neurotransmission. These findings support the emerging hypothesis of a role of DA dysfunction in ASD pathogenesis. Together with previous studies showing impairments of early social orienting behavior, these data also support the use of the domestic chick model to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms potentially involved in early ASD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Adiletta
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pross
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Lleida’s Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarre Foundation (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Nicolò Taricco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Sgadò,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sato A, Kotajima-Murakami H, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Ikeda K. Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821455. [PMID: 35222122 PMCID: PMC8863673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chernikova MA, Flores GD, Kilroy E, Labus JS, Mayer EA, Aziz-Zadeh L. The Brain-Gut-Microbiome System: Pathways and Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124497. [PMID: 34960049 PMCID: PMC8704412 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal dysfunction is one of the most prevalent physiological symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A growing body of largely preclinical research suggests that dysbiotic gut microbiota may modulate brain function and social behavior, yet little is known about the mechanisms that underlie these relationships and how they may influence the pathogenesis or severity of ASD. While various genetic and environmental risk factors have been implicated in ASD, this review aims to provide an overview of studies elucidating the mechanisms by which gut microbiota, associated metabolites, and the brain interact to influence behavior and ASD development, in at least a subgroup of individuals with gastrointestinal problems. Specifically, we review the brain-gut-microbiome system and discuss findings from current animal and human studies as they relate to social-behavioral and neurological impairments in ASD, microbiota-targeted therapies (i.e., probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation) in ASD, and how microbiota may influence the brain at molecular, structural, and functional levels, with a particular interest in social and emotion-related brain networks. A deeper understanding of microbiome-brain-behavior interactions has the potential to inform new therapies aimed at modulating this system and alleviating both behavioral and physiological symptomatology in individuals with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Chernikova
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Psychology Department, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA
| | - Genesis D. Flores
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Psychology Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Labus
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, Brain Research Institute UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emeran A. Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: (E.A.M.); (L.A.-Z.)
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (M.A.C.); (G.D.F.); (E.K.)
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence: (E.A.M.); (L.A.-Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Leo A, De Caro C, Mainardi P, Tallarico M, Nesci V, Marascio N, Striano P, Russo E, Constanti A, De Sarro G, Citraro R. Increased efficacy of combining prebiotic and postbiotic in mouse models relevant to autism and depression. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108782. [PMID: 34492286 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis (MGBA) is a bidirectional communication pathway between gut bacteria and the central nervous system (CNS) (including the intestine) that exerts a profound influence on neural development, neuroinflammation, activation of stress response and neurotransmission, in addition to modulating complex behaviours, such as sociability and anxiety. Several MGBA modulating approaches are possible, such as probiotic administration. A reasonable pharmacological approach would also be the contemporarily administration of both prebiotics and postbiotics. To test this hypothesis, we probed the effects of α-lactalbumin (ALAC; a prebiotic in the dose range of 125-500 mg/kg) and sodium butyrate (NaB; a postbiotic in the dose range of 30-300 mg/kg) alone and in combination. We used two animal behavioural models of idiopathic autism, (BTBR mice) and anxiety/depression (chronic unexpected mild stress - CUMS mice) respectively, using several standard behavioural paradigms such as Three-chamber social interaction test, Marble burying assay, depression-, anxiety- and memory-tests. In BTBR autistic mice, we found that both ALAC and NaB improve animal sociability, and memory in the passive avoidance (PA); drug combination was more effective in almost all tests also reducing immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST), which was not affected by single drug administration. Similarly, in the CUMS mice, single drug administration was effective in improving: 1) depressive-like behaviour in the FST and sucrose preference test; 2) memory and learning in the PA, novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Drug combination was again more effective than single drug administration in most cases; however, in the CUMS model, neither single drug or combination was effective in the elevated plus maze test for anxiety. Our results suggest that in both models, ALAC and NaB combination is more effective in improving some pathological aspects of animal behaviour than single administration and that the prebiotic/postbiotic approach should be considered a reasonable approach for the manipulation of the MGBA to improve efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Paolo Mainardi
- People's University for Food and Health Studies, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Marascio
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal, and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrew Constanti
- Department of Pharmacology, University College London School of Pharmacy, London, UK.
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- System and Applied Pharmacology@University Magna Grecia, Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Popow C, Ohmann S, Plener P. Practitioner's review: medication for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and comorbid conditions. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2021; 35:113-134. [PMID: 34160787 PMCID: PMC8429404 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-021-00395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Alleviating the multiple problems of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its comorbid conditions presents major challenges for the affected children, parents, and therapists. Because of a complex psychopathology, structured therapy and parent training are not always sufficient, especially for those patients with intellectual disability (ID) and multiple comorbidities. Moreover, structured therapy is not available for a large number of patients, and pharmacological support is often needed, especially in those children with additional attention deficit/hyperactivity and oppositional defiant, conduct, and sleep disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Popow
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Ohmann
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Plener
- Dept. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Maternal serotonin transporter genotype and offsprings' clinical and cognitive measures of ADHD and ASD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110354. [PMID: 34000292 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is an important factor for prenatal neurodevelopment whereby its neurotrophic actions can be regulated through maternal-fetal interactions. We explored if maternal 5-HTTLPR genotype is associated with clinical and cognitive measures of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in typically-developing and ADHD-diagnosed offspring, beyond classical inheritance and environmental- and comorbidity-mediators/confounders. Family-based variance decomposition analyses were performed incorporating 6-31 year-old offsprings' as well as parental genotypes of 462 ADHD and control families from the NeuroIMAGE cohort. Dependent measures were offsprings' ADHD symptom- and ASD trait-scores and cognitive measures including executive functioning (including response inhibition and cognitive flexibility), sustained attention, reward processing, motor control, and emotion recognition. Offsprings' stereotyped behavior was predicted by an interaction between maternal 5-HTTLPR genotype and offsprings' sex. Furthermore, offspring of mothers with low-expressing genotypes demonstrated larger reward-related reductions in reaction time. While specifically adult male offspring of these mothers reported a faster reversal learning with less errors, specifically young female offspring of these mothers were more accurate in identifying happy faces. Adult offspring from the mothers with low-expressing 5-HTTLPR genotypes were also slower in identifying happy faces. However, this association seemed to be mediated by offsprings' high anxiety levels. In sum, we found some support for a role of the maternal 5-HT system in modulating fetal brain development and behavior. Offsprings' cognitive measures might be more sensitive to small alterations within the maternal 5-HT system than their ADHD and ASD clinical phenotypes. Further studies are needed to specify the association between maternal genotype and risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for psychiatric disorders, yet they leave the majority of patients without full symptom relief. Therefore, a major research challenge is to identify novel targets for the improved treatment of these disorders. SSRIs act by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), the high-affinity, low-capacity, uptake-1 transporter for serotonin. Other classes of antidepressant work by blocking the norepinephrine or dopamine transporters (NET and DAT), the high-affinity, low-capacity uptake-1 transporters for norepinephrine and dopamine, or by blocking combinations of SERT, NET, and DAT. It has been proposed that uptake-2 transporters, which include organic cation transporters (OCTs) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT), undermine the therapeutic utility of uptake-1 acting antidepressants. Uptake-2 transporters for monoamines have low affinity for these neurotransmitters, but a high capacity to transport them. Thus, activity of these transporters may limit the increase of extracellular monoamines thought to be essential for ultimate therapeutic benefit. Here preclinical evidence supporting a role for OCT2, OCT3, and PMAT in behaviors relevant to psychiatric disorders is presented. Importantly, preclinical evidence revealing these transporters as targets for the development of novel therapeutics for psychiatric disorders is discussed.
Collapse
|
29
|
Zieminska E, Ruszczynska A, Augustyniak J, Toczylowska B, Lazarewicz JW. Zinc and Copper Brain Levels and Expression of Neurotransmitter Receptors in Two Rat ASD Models. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:656740. [PMID: 34267627 PMCID: PMC8277171 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.656740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc and copper are important trace elements necessary for the proper functioning of neurons. Impaired zinc and/or copper metabolism and signaling are implicated in many brain diseases, including autism (ASD). In our studies, autistic-like behavior in rat offsprings was induced by application to pregnant mothers valproic acid or thalidomide. Zinc and copper contents were measured in serum and brain structures: hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Our research shows no interconnections in the particular metal concentrations measured in autistic animal brains and their sera. Based on patient researches, we studied 26 genes belonging to disturbed neurotransmitter pathways. In the same brain regions, we examined the expression of genes encoding proteins of cholinergic, adrenergic, serotonin, and dopamine receptors. In both rats’ ASD models, 17 out of the tested gene expression were decreased. In the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, expression of genes encoding cholinergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic receptors decreased, whereas in the hippocampus only expression of serotoninergic receptors genes was downregulated. The changes in metals content observed in the rat brain can be secondary phenomena, perhaps elements of mechanisms that compensate for neurotransmission dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Zieminska
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ruszczynska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Augustyniak
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Toczylowska
- Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy W Lazarewicz
- Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Serotonin-specific neurons differentiated from human iPSCs form distinct subtypes with synaptic protein assembly. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:225-241. [PMID: 33560471 PMCID: PMC7914246 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02303-5] [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: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have revolutionized the generation of experimental disease models, but the development of protocols for the differentiation of functionally active neuronal subtypes with defined specification is still in its infancy. While dysfunction of the brain serotonin (5-HT) system has been implicated in the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, investigation of functional human 5-HT specific neurons in vitro has been restricted by technical limitations. We describe an efficient generation of functionally active neurons from hiPSCs displaying 5-HT specification by modification of a previously reported protocol. Furthermore, 5-HT specific neurons were characterized using high-end fluorescence imaging including super-resolution microscopy in combination with electrophysiological techniques. Differentiated hiPSCs synthesize 5-HT, express specific markers, such as tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and 5-HT transporter, and exhibit an electrophysiological signature characteristic of serotonergic neurons, with spontaneous rhythmic activities, broad action potentials and large afterhyperpolarization potentials. 5-HT specific neurons form synapses reflected by the expression of pre- and postsynaptic proteins, such as Bassoon and Homer. The distribution pattern of Bassoon, a marker of the active zone along the soma and extensions of neurons, indicates functionality via volume transmission. Among the high percentage of 5-HT specific neurons (~ 42%), a subpopulation of CDH13 + cells presumably designates dorsal raphe neurons. hiPSC-derived 5-HT specific neuronal cell cultures reflect the heterogeneous nature of dorsal and median raphe nuclei and may facilitate examining the association of serotonergic neuron subpopulations with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
31
|
Chaji D, Venkatesh VS, Shirao T, Day DJ, Ellenbroek BA. Genetic Knockout of the Serotonin Reuptake Transporter Results in the Reduction of Dendritic Spines in In vitro Rat Cortical Neuronal Culture. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2210-2218. [PMID: 33403594 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01764-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the serotonergic system has been reported to have a significant role in several neurological disorders including depression, autism and substance abuse disorders. Changes in the expression of the serotonin transporter (SERT) through polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of the SERT gene have been associated, but not yet been conclusively linked to, neuropsychiatric disorders. In turn, dendritic spine structure and function are critical for neuronal function and the disruption of dendritic spine formation at glutamatergic synapses is a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric disorders. To understand the effect of SERT depletion on dendritic spine formation, neuronal cultures were established from the cortex of postnatal day 0-1 SERT knockout (KO) rats. Cortical neurons were subsequently allowed to mature to 21 days in vitro, and dendritic spine density was assessed using immunocytochemical co-labelling of drebrin and microtubule associated protein 2. Genetic knockout of the SERT had a gene-dose effect on dendritic spine densities of cortical neurons. The results of this paper implicate SERT function with the formation of dendritic spines at glutamatergic synapses, thereby offering insight into the aetiology of several neuropathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chaji
- School of Psychology, Behavioural Neurogenetics Group, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Varun S Venkatesh
- School of Psychology, Behavioural Neurogenetics Group, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand.,School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomoaki Shirao
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Darren J Day
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Bart A Ellenbroek
- School of Psychology, Behavioural Neurogenetics Group, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Decreased phenol sulfotransferase activities associated with hyperserotonemia in autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:23. [PMID: 33414449 PMCID: PMC7791095 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperserotonemia is the most replicated biochemical abnormality associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, previous studies of serotonin synthesis, catabolism, and transport have not elucidated the mechanisms underlying this hyperserotonemia. Here we investigated serotonin sulfation by phenol sulfotransferases (PST) in blood samples from 97 individuals with ASD and their first-degree relatives (138 parents and 56 siblings), compared with 106 controls. We report a deficient activity of both PST isoforms (M and P) in platelets from individuals with ASD (35% and 78% of patients, respectively), confirmed in autoptic tissues (9 pineal gland samples from individuals with ASD-an important source of serotonin). Platelet PST-M deficiency was strongly associated with hyperserotonemia in individuals with ASD. We then explore genetic or pharmacologic modulation of PST activities in mice: variations of PST activities were associated with marked variations of blood serotonin, demonstrating the influence of the sulfation pathway on serotonemia. We also conducted in 1645 individuals an extensive study of SULT1A genes, encoding PST and mapping at highly polymorphic 16p11.2 locus, which did not reveal an association between copy number or single nucleotide variations and PST activity, blood serotonin or the risk of ASD. In contrast, our broader assessment of sulfation metabolism in ASD showed impairments of other sulfation-related markers, including inorganic sulfate, heparan-sulfate, and heparin sulfate-sulfotransferase. Our study proposes for the first time a compelling mechanism for hyperserotonemia, in a context of global impairment of sulfation metabolism in ASD.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Inhibitors of Na+/Cl- dependent high affinity transporters for norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and/or dopamine (DA) represent frequently used drugs for treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction. These transporters remove NE, 5-HT, and/or DA after neuronal excitation from the interstitial space close to the synapses. Thereby they terminate transmission and modulate neuronal behavioral circuits. Therapeutic failure and undesired central nervous system side effects of these drugs have been partially assigned to neurotransmitter removal by low affinity transport. Cloning and functional characterization of the polyspecific organic cation transporters OCT1 (SLC22A1), OCT2 (SLC22A2), OCT3 (SLC22A3) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter PMAT (SLC29A4) revealed that every single transporter mediates low affinity uptake of NE, 5-HT, and DA. Whereas the organic transporters are all located in the blood brain barrier, OCT2, OCT3, and PMAT are expressed in neurons or in neurons and astrocytes within brain areas that are involved in behavioral regulation. Areas of expression include the dorsal raphe, medullary motoric nuclei, hypothalamic nuclei, and/or the nucleus accumbens. Current knowledge of the transport of monoamine neurotransmitters by the organic cation transporters, their interactions with psychotropic drugs, and their locations in the brain is reported in detail. In addition, animal experiments including behavior tests in wildtype and knockout animals are reported in which the impact of OCT2, OCT3, and/or PMAT on regulation of salt intake, depression, mood control, locomotion, and/or stress effect on addiction is suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Koepsell
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ziats CA, Patterson WG, Friez M. Syndromic Autism Revisited: Review of the Literature and Lessons Learned. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 114:21-25. [PMID: 33189026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, and impaired social skills. The severity of the neurobehavioral phenotype is variable and historically has been distinguished based on the presence or absence of additional symptoms, termed syndromic and nonsyndromic or idiopathic autism, respectively. However, although the advancement in genetic molecular technologies has brought an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of autism, most of this success has been in the diagnosis of syndromic disease, whereas the etiology of nonsyndromic autism remains less understood. Here we review the common and rare genetic syndromes that feature autism, specifically highlighting deletion and duplication syndromes, chromosomal anomalies, and monogenic disorders. We show that the study of syndromic autism provides insight into the phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental disease and suggests how study of these disorders can be helpful in understanding disease mechanisms implicated in nonsyndromic autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Ziats
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina.
| | - Wesley G Patterson
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina
| | - Michael Friez
- Greenwood Genetic Center, J.C. Self Research Institute, Greenwood, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Serotonin differentially modulates the temporal dynamics of the limbic response to facial emotions in male adults with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a randomised placebo-controlled single-dose crossover trial. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:2248-2256. [PMID: 32388538 PMCID: PMC7784897 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Emotion processing-including signals from facial expressions-is often altered in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The biological basis of this is poorly understood but may include neurochemically mediated differences in the responsivity of key 'limbic' regions (including amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)). Emerging evidence also suggests that ASD may be a disorder of brain temporal dynamics. Moreover, serotonin (5-HT) has been shown to be a key regulator of both facial-emotion processing and brain dynamics, and 5-HT abnormalities have been consistently implicated in ASD. To date, however, no one has examined how 5-HT influences the dynamics of facial-emotion processing in ASD. Therefore, we compared the influence of 5-HT on the responsivity of brain dynamics during facial-emotion processing in individuals with and without ASD. Participants completed a facial-emotion processing fMRI task at least 8 days apart using a randomised double-blind crossover design. At each visit they received either a single 20-mg oral dose of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram or placebo. We found that citalopram (which increases levels of 5-HT) caused sustained activation in key limbic regions during processing of negative facial emotions in adults with ASD-but not in neurotypical adults. The neurotypical adults' limbic response reverted more rapidly to baseline following a 5-HT-challenge. Our results suggest that serotonergic homoeostatic control of the temporal dynamics in limbic regions is altered in adults with ASD, and provide a fresh perspective on the biology of ASD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Messina A, Boiti A, Sovrano VA, Sgadò P. Micromolar Valproic Acid Doses Preserve Survival and Induce Molecular Alterations in Neurodevelopmental Genes in Two Strains of Zebrafish Larvae. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101364. [PMID: 32987891 PMCID: PMC7601180 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a genetically heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by a multifaceted range of impairments and multifactorial etiology. Epidemiological studies have identified valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, as an environmental factor for ASDs. Based on these observations, studies using embryonic exposure to VPA have been conducted in many vertebrate species to model ASD. The zebrafish is emerging as a popular model in biomedical research to study the molecular pathways involved in nervous system disorders. VPA exposure in zebrafish larvae has been shown to produce a plethora of effects on social, motor and anxiety behavior, and several genetic pathways altered by VPA have been described. However, the doses and regimen of administration reported in the literature are very heterogenous, creating contradictory results and posing serious limits to the interpretation of VPA action on neurodevelopment. To shed light on the toxic effect of VPA, we tested micromolar concentrations of VPA, using exposure for 24 and 48 h in two different zebrafish strains. Our results show that micromolar doses of VPA mildly affect embryo survival but are sufficient to induce molecular alterations in neurodevelopmental genes previously shown to be influenced by VPA, with substantial differences between strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Messina
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.S.); Tel.: +39-0461-808961 (P.S.)
| | - Alessandra Boiti
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
| | - Valeria Anna Sovrano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.S.); Tel.: +39-0461-808961 (P.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pan PY, Bölte S, Kaur P, Jamil S, Jonsson U. Neurological disorders in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:812-830. [PMID: 32907344 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320951370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy, have been reported to occur among individuals with autism beyond chance and may have an impact on daily living across the lifespan. Although there has been research investigating neurological disorders in autism, the findings are not always conclusive. Previous summaries of existing studies have not evaluated the full range of neurological disorders. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the neurological problems appearing in autism to provide updated information that is needed for better healthcare and support in this population. We looked at already published studies focusing on risk or frequency of neurological disorders in autism. Our results suggest that individuals with autism are more likely than the general population to have a range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, macrocephaly, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, migraine/headache, and inborn abnormalities of the nervous system. In order to provide individualized healthcare and support of high quality to individuals diagnosed with autism, health care professionals and other support providers need to be attentive to neurological complications. To further improve our understanding about the link between autism and neurological disorders, future research should follow the neurological health of children who are diagnosed with or are at increased likelihood of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yin Pan
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin University, Australia
| | - Preet Kaur
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sadia Jamil
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Jonsson
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Region Stockholm, Sweden.,Uppsala University, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Autism and Migraine: An Unexplored Association? Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090615. [PMID: 32899972 PMCID: PMC7565535 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by neurological, psychiatric and medical comorbidities—some conditions co-occur so frequently that comorbidity in autism is the rule rather than the exception. The most common autism co-occurring conditions are intellectual disability, language disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychotic disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and eating disorders. They are well known and studied. Migraine is the most common brain disease in the world, but surprisingly only a few studies investigate the comorbidity between autism and migraine. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the literature reports about the comorbidity between autism and migraine and to investigate the common neurotransmitter, immune, anatomical and genetic abnormalities at the base of these two conditions.
Collapse
|
39
|
Markers for the central serotonin system correlate to verbal ability and paralinguistic social voice processing in autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14558. [PMID: 32883965 PMCID: PMC7471326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71254-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairment in verbal communication abilities has been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dysfunction of the serotonergic system has also been reported in ASD. However, it is still unknown how the brain serotonergic system relates to impairment in verbal communication abilities in individuals with ASD. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between brain serotonergic condition and brain sensitivity to paralinguistic stimuli (i.e., amplitude in the human voice prosodic change-evoked mismatch field) measured by magnetoencephalography (MEG) or verbal ability in 10 adults with ASD. To estimate the brain serotonergic condition, we measured the serotonin transporter nondisplaceable binding potential cerebrum-wide using positron emission tomography with [11C]N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-cyanophenylthio)benzylamine ([11C] DASB). The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between brain activity to paralinguistic stimuli and brain serotonin transporter binding potential in the left lingual gyrus, left fusiform gyrus and left calcarine cortex. In addition, there were significant positive correlations between verbal ability and serotonergic condition in the right anterior insula, right putamen and right central operculum. These results suggested that the occipital cortex is implicated in recognition of the prosodic change in ASD, whereas the right insula-involved serotonergic system is important in nurturing verbal function in ASD.Trial registration: UMIN000011077.
Collapse
|
40
|
Nuñez-Rios DL, Chaskel R, Lopez A, Galeano L, Lattig MC. The role of 5-HTTLPR in autism spectrum disorder: New evidence and a meta-analysis of this polymorphism in Latin American population with psychiatric disorders. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235512. [PMID: 32614901 PMCID: PMC7332001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder encompassing a broad phenotypic and genotypic variability. The short (S)/long (L) 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has a functional role in the regulation of extracellular serotonin levels and both alleles have been associated to ASD. Most studies including European, American, and Asian populations have suggested an ethnical heterogeneity of this polymorphism; however, the short/long frequencies from Latin American population have been under-studied in recent meta-analysis. Here, we evaluated the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in Colombian individuals with idiopathic ASD and reported a non-preferential S or L transmission and a non-association with ASD risk or symptom severity. Moreover, to recognize the allelic frequencies of an under-represented population we also recovered genetic studies from Latin American individuals and compared these frequencies with frequencies from other ethnicities. Results from meta-analysis suggest that short/long frequencies in Latin American are similar to those reported in Caucasian population but different to African and Asian regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. L. Nuñez-Rios
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - R. Chaskel
- Instituto Colombiano del Sistema Nervioso Clínica Monserrat, Bogotá, Colombia
- Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - A. Lopez
- Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
- Servicios Integrales en Genética (SIGEN) alianza Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá – Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - L. Galeano
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - M. C. Lattig
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Servicios Integrales en Genética (SIGEN) alianza Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá – Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhang H, Lu T, Feng Y, Sun X, Yang X, Zhou K, Sun R, Wang Y, Wang X, Chen M. A metabolomic study on the gender-dependent effects of maternal exposure to fenvalerate on neurodevelopment in offspring mice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:136130. [PMID: 31869608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The general population is widely exposed to fenvalerate. However, the effects of maternal exposure to fenvalerate on neurodevelopment in offspring and the underlying metabolic mechanism are largely unknown. METHODS Pregnant mice were exposed to fenvalerate for 11 consecutive days. The forced swimming test (FST) was performed in 35 day-old offspring to investigate the effects of fenvalerate on neurobehavioral responses. Blood serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations were measured using commercial ELISA. Blood and thyroid samples were used for metabolomic analyses with UPLC Q-Exactive. The expression levels of neurotransmitter metaolite receptors were determined in the frontal cortex of offspring using real-time PCR. RESULTS The immobility time, free T4 and free T3, and expression levels of Htr1a and Htr2a were statistically changed in offspring male mice. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, glutamic acid metabolism were the key changed pathways in the blood, and thiamine metabolism was the key changed pathway in the thyroid. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to fenvalerate affected neurodevelopment in male offspring mice both via the changed abundances of metabolites involved in glycolysis related metabolism and medium-chain fatty acid metabolism, and the changes in 5-HT receptor expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China.
| | - Ting Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yaling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Xian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yubang Wang
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Role of the Serotonin Receptor 7 in Brain Plasticity: From Development to Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020505. [PMID: 31941109 PMCID: PMC7013427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge on the plastic functions of the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype 7 (5-HT7R) in the brain physiology and pathology have advanced considerably in recent years. A wealth of data show that 5-HT7R is a key player in the establishment and remodeling of neuronal cytoarchitecture during development and in the mature brain, and its dysfunction is linked to neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. The involvement of this receptor in synaptic plasticity is further demonstrated by data showing that its activation allows the rescue of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) deficits in various animal models of neurodevelopmental diseases. In addition, it is becoming clear that the 5-HT7R is involved in inflammatory intestinal diseases, modulates the function of immune cells, and is likely to play a role in the gut-brain axis. In this review, we will mainly focus on recent findings on this receptor’s role in the structural and synaptic plasticity of the mammalian brain, although we will also illustrate novel aspects highlighted in gastrointestinal (GI) tract and immune system.
Collapse
|
43
|
Serotonin transporter deficiency alters socioemotional ultrasonic communication in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20283. [PMID: 31889084 PMCID: PMC6937290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56629-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been widely established that serotonin plays important role in the regulation of emotional and social behaviour. Rodents with a genetic deletion of the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) are used as a model to study lifelong consequences of increased extracellular 5‐HT levels due to its impaired reuptake. SERT knock-out (SERT-KO) mice and rats consistently showed anxiety-like symptoms and social deficits. Nevertheless, the impact of SERT deletion on socioemotional ultrasonic communication has not been addressed. Here we investigated the impact of lifelong serotonin abundance on ultrasonic vocalisation accompanying social interactions and open field exploration in rats. SERT-KO rats displayed reduced overall duration of social contacts, but increased time spent on following the conspecific. The altered pattern of social behaviour in SERT-KO rats was accompanied by the structural changes in ultrasonic vocalisations, as they differed from their controls in distribution of call categories. Moreover, SERT deletion resulted in anxiety-like behaviours assessed in the open field test. Their anxious phenotype resulted in a lower tendency to emit appetitive 50-kHz calls during novelty exploration. The present study demonstrates that genetic deletion of SERT not only leads to the deficits in social interaction and increased anxiety but also affects ultrasonic communication.
Collapse
|
44
|
TOMOVA A, KEMÉNYOVÁ P, FILČÍKOVÁ D, SZAPUOVÁ Ž, KOVÁČ A, BABINSKÁ K, OSTATNÍKOVÁ D. Plasma Levels of Glial Cell Marker S100B in Children With Autism. Physiol Res 2019; 68:S315-S323. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with increasing incidence. Recent evidences suggest glial cells involvement in autism pathophysiology. S100B is a calcium binding protein, mainly found in astrocytes and therefore used as a marker of their activity. In our study, children with autism had higher plasma concentrations of S100B compared to non-autistic controls. No association of S100B plasma levels with behavioral symptoms (ADI-R and ADOS-2 scales) was found. Plasma S100B concentration significantly correlated with urine serotonin, suggesting their interconnection. Correlation of plasma S100B levels with stool calprotectin concentrations was found, suggesting not only brain astrocytes, but also enteric glial cells may take part in autism pathogenesis. Based on our findings, S100B seems to have a potential to be used as a biomarker of human neurodevelopmental disorders, but more investigations are needed to clarify its exact role in pathomechanism of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. TOMOVA
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - P. KEMÉNYOVÁ
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - D. FILČÍKOVÁ
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ž. SZAPUOVÁ
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - A. KOVÁČ
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - K. BABINSKÁ
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - D. OSTATNÍKOVÁ
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Brandenburg C, Blatt GJ. Differential serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and 5-HT 2 receptor density in limbic and neocortical areas of adults and children with autism spectrum disorders: implications for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor efficacy. J Neurochem 2019; 151:642-655. [PMID: 31325179 PMCID: PMC6900089 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications in autism, we aimed to determine whether targets for SSRIs are differentially affected in three cortical areas in children and adults with autism compared to neurotypical individuals. Utilizing a large cohort of postmortem brain tissue (n = 14–19 per group), saturation ligand binding assays were conducted on sections from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate cortex, and fusiform gyrus (FG). Specific binding to the 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) as well as to 5‐HT2 and 1A receptors (5‐HT₂, 5‐HT1A) was quantified in superficial and deep layers of each region using the ligands [3H]‐citalopram (5‐HTT), [3H]‐ketanserin (5‐HT2), and [3H]‐8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A). A Welch’s t‐test was utilized to compare receptor densities (Bmax), revealing a statistically significant decrease in 5‐HTT within the ACC of the entire autism cohort. There was also a decrease in 5‐HT2 receptor density in the ACC in the adult cohort, but not in child postmortem autism cases as compared to controls. Comparing linear regression lines of Bmax values plotted against age, shows a significantly lower intercept for 5‐HTT in autism (p = 0.025). 5‐HT₂ density increases with age in control cases, whereas in autism there is a decrease with age and significantly different slopes between regression lines (p = 0.032). This suggests a deficit in 5‐HTT within the ACC in individuals with autism, while decreases in 5‐HT₂ density are age‐dependent. There were no differences in receptor densities in the posterior cingulate cortex or FG in autism and no differences in ligand affinity (KD) across all regions and ligands examined. ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Brandenburg
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Witt NA, Lee B, Ghent K, Zhang WQ, Pehrson AL, Sánchez C, Gould GG. Vortioxetine Reduces Marble Burying but Only Transiently Enhances Social Interaction Preference in Adult Male BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:4319-4327. [PMID: 31468969 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00386] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)1A and 5-HT1B receptors that blocks the 5-HT transporter (SERT). Previously in male BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, the 5-HT1A partial agonist buspirone and SERT blocker fluoxetine enhanced social interaction but did not reduce marble burying. We hypothesized that vortioxetine through its actions at SERT and 5-HT1A could improve BTBR sociability and via 5-HT1B could reduce burying better than sertraline, a selective SERT blocker. Vortioxetine (5-10 mg/kg) or sertraline (2 mg/kg) was administered 30 min presociability and 75 min prior to marble burying tests. Vortioxetine (10 mg/kg) occupancy (%) was 84 ± 1 for SERT, 31 ± 12 for 5-HT1A, and 80 ± 5 for 5-HT1B in brain at 110 min postinjection, and serum oxytocin was 24% lower (p < 0.01) in vortioxetine-treated mice. Vortioxetine reduced novel object investigation, whereas sertraline enhanced overall sociability. However, the vortioxetine-induced increase in social sniffing was transient, as it was lost with 60-120 min presociability test delays in subsequent experiments. Vortioxetine and sertraline both reduced BTBR marble burying. Based on vortioxetine occupancy, actions at SERT and/or 5-HT1B are more likely to underlie its behavioral effects than 5-HT1A. Overall, vortioxetine has great potential for suppressing restrictive-repetitive behaviors, but it appears less promising as a sociability enhancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasriya A. Witt
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Benita Lee
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78705, United States
| | - Kaylee Ghent
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas 78212, United States
| | - Wynne Q. Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Alan L. Pehrson
- Department of Psychology, Monclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey 07043, United States
| | - Connie Sánchez
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry, University of Aarhus, Risskov, Denmark 8240
| | - Georgianna G. Gould
- Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wegener Sleeswijk A, Heijungs R, Durston S. Tackling Missing Heritability by Use of an Optimum Curve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205104. [PMID: 31618836 PMCID: PMC6829377 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Missing heritability is a common problem in psychiatry that impedes precision medicine approaches to autism and other heritable complex disorders. This proof-of-concept study uses a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between variants of the serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) and autism to explore the hypothesis that some missing heritability can be explained using an optimum curve. A systematic literature search was performed to identify transmission disequilibrium tests on the short/long (S/L) 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in relation to autism. We analysed five American, seven European, four Asian and two American/European samples. We found no transmission preference in the joint samples and in Europe, preferential transmission of S in America and preferential transmission of L in Asia. Heritability will be underestimated or missed in genetic association studies if two alternative genetic variants are associated with the same disorder in different subsets of a sample. An optimum curve, relating a multifactorial biological variable that incorporates genes and environment to a score for a human trait, such as social competence, can explain this. We suggest that variants of functionally related genes will sometimes appear in fixed combinations at both sides of an optimum curve and propose that future association studies should account for such combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke Wegener Sleeswijk
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Reinout Heijungs
- Department of Econometrics and Operations Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Department of Industrial Ecology, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Sarah Durston
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rylaarsdam L, Guemez-Gamboa A. Genetic Causes and Modifiers of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:385. [PMID: 31481879 PMCID: PMC6710438 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 59 children. ASD is highly genetically heterogeneous and may be caused by both inheritable and de novo gene variations. In the past decade, hundreds of genes have been identified that contribute to the serious deficits in communication, social cognition, and behavior that patients often experience. However, these only account for 10-20% of ASD cases, and patients with similar pathogenic variants may be diagnosed on very different levels of the spectrum. In this review, we will describe the genetic landscape of ASD and discuss how genetic modifiers such as copy number variation, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and epigenetic alterations likely play a key role in modulating the phenotypic spectrum of ASD patients. We also consider how genetic modifiers can alter convergent signaling pathways and lead to impaired neural circuitry formation. Lastly, we review sex-linked modifiers and clinical implications. Further understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for both comprehending ASD and for developing novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Guemez-Gamboa
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Benachenhou S, Etcheverry A, Galarneau L, Dubé J, Çaku A. Implication of hypocholesterolemia in autism spectrum disorder and its associated comorbidities: A retrospective case-control study. Autism Res 2019; 12:1860-1869. [PMID: 31385649 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with low cholesterol levels in a limited number of studies. However, the prevalence of hypocholesterolemia as well as the degree of association with ASD remains to be elucidated. We therefore sought to investigate the lipid profiles of a group of French-Canadian ASD individuals. The medical records of 79 ASD individuals and 79 age and gender-matched healthy controls were retrospectively reviewed. The fasting lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were extracted for individuals of both groups along with the following clinical data: anthropometric measurements, medication use and associated disorders. Lipid parameters were compared to age and gender-based normative population and categorized in centile groups. The prevalence of hypocholesterolemia was revealed to be more than threefold higher in ASD individuals as compared to the general population (23%; P = 0.005). The 25th centile was determined as a potential TC threshold that could best predict the ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-6.65; P < 0.001). This study identified specific ASD comorbidities associated with hypocholesterolemia: TC levels below the 10th centile were associated with a higher rate of ASD-associated intellectual disability (OR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.26-8.00) and anxiety/depression (OR = 4.74; 95% CI: 1.40-15.73). Overall, these results support a potential association between hypocholesterolemia and ASD occurrence. Application of this study to larger populations is urging to provide more extensive data that may further elucidate the association between hypocholesterolemia and ASD. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1860-1869. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Association of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with abnormally low levels of cholesterol (hypocholesterolemia) has been documented before. These studies were incomplete, and the conclusion remains speculative. Here, we reviewed the medical records of 79 French-Canadian ASD individuals and compared their total cholesterol (TC) levels to healthy individuals matched for age and gender. We observed four times more hypocholesterolemia in ASD than in the general population. Furthermore, low TC in ASD was associated with higher rates of ASD-associated intellectual disability and anxiety/depression. Our results support an association between hypocholesterolemia and ASD and open novel opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of specific forms of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérine Benachenhou
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Etcheverry
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luc Galarneau
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Dubé
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Walker SJ, Langefeld CD, Zimmerman K, Schwartz MZ, Krigsman A. A molecular biomarker for prediction of clinical outcome in children with ASD, constipation, and intestinal inflammation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5987. [PMID: 30979947 PMCID: PMC6461625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who present to the gastroenterologist with chronic constipation on a background of colonic inflammation, we have identified two distinct clinical subtypes: (1) patients who experience a sustained state of GI symptomatic remission while on maintenance anti-inflammatory therapy (fast responders) and, (2) those with recurrent right-sided fecal loading requiring regular colon cleanouts during treatment for enterocolitis (slow responders). We hypothesized that a detailed molecular analysis of tissue from the affected region of the colon would provide mechanistic insights regarding the fast versus slow response to anti-inflammatory therapy. To test this, ascending colon biopsy tissues from 35 children with ASD (20 slow responders and 15 fast responders) were analyzed by RNAseq. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to assign samples to clusters and gene expression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) between samples within the clusters. Significant differences were found between the two clusters with fast responder-predominant cluster showing an upregulation of transcripts involved in the activation of immune and inflammatory response and the slow responder-predominant cluster showing significant over-representation of pathways impacting colonic motility (e.g. genes involved in tryptophan and serotonin degradation and mitochondrial dysfunction). Regression analysis identified a single long non-coding RNA that could predict cluster assignment with a high specificity (0.88), sensitivity (0.89) and accuracy (0.89). Comparison of gene expression profiles in the ascending colon from a subset of patients with ASD, chronic right-sided fecal loading constipation and a slow versus fast response to therapy has identified molecular mechanisms that likely contribute to this differential response following the primary therapeutic intervention (i.e. treatment for colonic inflammation with brief induction immunosuppression followed by maintenance non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy). Importantly, we have identified a transcript that, if validated, may provide a biomarker that can predict from the outset which patients will be slow responders who would benefit from an alternate therapeutic strategy in treating their constipation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Walker
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Carl D Langefeld
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kip Zimmerman
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistical Sciences, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marshall Z Schwartz
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arthur Krigsman
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Resources of New York and Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|