Toll-like receptors, NF-κB, and IL-27 mediate adenosine A2A receptor signaling in BTBR T(+) Itpr3(tf)/J mice

Amelioration of propionic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder in rats through dapagliflozin: The role of IGF-1/IGFBP-3 and the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway

The biological effects of dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, reveal its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting therapeutic benefits beyond glycemic control. This study explores the neuroprotective effects of dapagliflozin in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by propionic acid (PPA), characterized by social interaction deficits, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, cognitive impairments, and oxidative stress. Our research aims to find effective treatments for ASD, a condition with limited therapeutic options and significant impacts on individuals and families. PPA induces ASD-like symptoms in rodents, mimicking biochemical and behavioral features of human ASD. This study explores dapagliflozin's potential to mitigate these symptoms, providing insights into novel therapeutic avenues. The findings demonstrate that dapagliflozin enhances the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway and increases levels of neurotrophic and growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). Additionally, dapagliflozin reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), and decreases the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Dapagliflozin's antioxidant properties support cognitive functions by modulating apoptotic mechanisms and enhancing antioxidant capacity. These combined effects contribute to reducing learning and memory impairments in PPA-induced ASD, highlighting dapagliflozin's potential as an adjunctive therapy for oxidative stress and inflammation-related cognitive decline in ASD. This study underscores the importance of exploring new therapeutic strategies targeting molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of ASD, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals affected by this disorder.

IGFBP1 stabilizes Umod expression through m6A modification to inhibit the occurrence and development of cystitis by blocking NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways

Cystitis is a common disease closely associated with urinary tract infections, and the specific mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development remain largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that IGFBP1 suppresses the occurrence and development of cystitis by stabilizing the expression of Umod through m6A modification, inhibiting the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. Initially, we obtained a bladder cystitis-related transcriptome dataset from the GEO database and identified the characteristic genes Umod and IGFBP1. Further exploration revealed that IGFBP1 in primary cells of cystitis can stabilize the expression of Umod through m6A modification. Overexpression of both IGFBP1 and Umod significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways, ultimately suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory factors. Finally, using a rat model of cystitis, we demonstrated that overexpression of IGFBP1 stabilizes the expression of Umod, inhibits the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways, reduces the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and thus prevents the occurrence and development of cystitis. Our study elucidates the crucial role of IGFBP1 and Umod in cystitis and reveals the molecular mechanisms that inhibit the occurrence and development of cystitis. This research holds promise for offering new insights into the treatment of cystitis in the future.

Yigansan ameliorates maternal immune activation-induced autism-like behaviours by regulating the IL-17A/TRAF6/MMP9 pathway: Network analysis and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a significant factor inducing to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. The fundamental principle underlying MIA is that inflammation during pregnancy impedes fetal brain development and triggers behavioural alterations in offspring. The intricate pathogenesis of ASD renders drug treatment effects unsatisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine has strong potential due to its multiple therapeutic targets. Yigansan, composed of seven herbs, is one of the few that has been proven to be effective in treating neuro-psychiatric disorders among numerous traditional Chinese medicine compounds, but its therapeutic effect on ASD remains unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

Yigansan improves MIA-induced ASD-like behaviours in offspring by regulating the IL-17 signalling pathway.

METHODS

Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with poly(I:C) to construct MIA models and offspring ASD models. Network analysis identified that the IL-17A/TRAF6/MMP9 pathway is a crucial pathway, and molecular docking confirmed the binding affinity between the monomer of Yigansan and target proteins. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory factors and pathway proteins, immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of IL-17A, and behavioural tests were used to evaluate the ASD-like behaviours of offspring.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that Yigansan can effectively alleviate MIA-induced neuroinflammation of adult offspring by regulating the IL-17A/TRAF6/MMP9 pathway, and the expression of IL-17A was reduced in the prefrontal cortex. Importantly, ASD-like behaviours have been significantly improved. Moreover, we identified that quercetin is the effective monomer for Yigansan to exert therapeutic effects.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study was firstly to corroborate the positive therapeutic effect of Yigansan in the treatment of ASD. We elucidated the relevant molecular mechanism and regulatory pathway involved, determined the optimal therapeutic dose and effective monomer, providing new solutions for the challenges of drug therapy for ASD.

The prenatal use of agmatine prevents social behavior deficits in VPA-exposed mice by activating the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

According to reports, prenatal exposure to valproic acid can induce autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms in both humans and rodents. However, the exact cause and therapeutic method of ASD is not fully understood. Agmatine (AGM) is known for its neuroprotective effects, and this study aims to explore whether giving agmatine hydrochloride before birth can prevent autism-like behaviors in mouse offspring exposed prenatally to valproic acid.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the effects of AGM prenatally on valproate (VPA)-exposed mice. We established a mouse model of ASD by prenatally administering VPA. From birth to weaning, we evaluated mouse behavior using the marble burying test, open-field test, and three-chamber social interaction test on male offspring.

RESULTS

The results showed prenatal use of AGM relieved anxiety and hyperactivity behaviors as well as ameliorated sociability of VPA-exposed mice in the marble burying test, open-field test, and three-chamber social interaction test, and this protective effect might be attributed to the activation of the ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, AGM can effectively reduce the likelihood of offspring developing autism to a certain extent when exposed to VPA during pregnancy, serving as a potential therapeutic drug.

Cynaroside improved depressive-like behavior in CUMS mice by suppressing microglial inflammation and ferroptosis

Depression is a common mental health disorder, and in recent years, the incidence of various forms of depression has been on the rise. Most medications for depression are highly dependency-inducing and can lead to relapse upon discontinuation. Therefore, novel treatment modalities and therapeutic targets are urgently required. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers advantages in the treatment of depression owing to its multi-target, multi-dimensional approach that addresses the root cause of depression by regulating organ functions and balancing Yin and Yang, with minimal side effects. Cynaroside (CNS), an extract from the traditional Chinese herb honeysuckle, is a flavonoid compound with antioxidant properties. In this study, network pharmacology identified 44 potential targets of CNS associated with depression and several highly correlated inflammatory signaling pathways. CNS alleviated LPS-induced M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors in BV-2 cells. Transcriptomic analysis and validation revealed that CNS reduced inflammatory polarization, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis via the IRF1/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway. In vivo experiments showed that CNS treatment had effects similar to those of fluoxetine (FLX). It effectively ameliorated anxiety-, despair-, and anhedonia-like states in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced mice and reduced microglial activation in the hippocampus. Thus, we conclude that CNS exerts its therapeutic effect on depression by inhibiting microglial cells from polarizing into the M1 phenotype and reducing inflammation and ferroptosis levels. This study provides further evidence that CNS is a potential antidepressant, offering new avenues for the treatment of depression.

Cadmium exposure exacerbates immunological abnormalities in a BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J autistic mouse model by upregulating inflammatory mediators in CD45R-expressing cells

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by behavior, learning, communication, and social interaction abnormalities in various situations. Individuals with impairments usually exhibit restricted and repetitive actions. The actual cause of ASD is yet unknown. It is believed, however, that a mix of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Certain metals have been linked to the development of neurological diseases, and the prevalence of ASD has shown a positive association with industrialization. Cadmium chloride (Cd) is a neurotoxic chemical linked to cognitive impairment, tremors, and neurodegenerative diseases. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) inbred mice are generally used as a model for ASD and display a range of autistic phenotypes. We looked at how Cd exposure affected the signaling of inflammatory mediators in CD45R-expressing cells in the BTBR mouse model of ASD. In this study, we looked at how Cd affected the expression of numerous markers in the spleen, including IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB p65, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Cd exposure on the expression levels of numerous mRNA molecules in brain tissue, including IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB p65, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. The RT-PCR technique was used for this analysis. Cd exposure increased the number of CD45R+IFN-γ+, CD45R+IL-6+, CD45R+NF-κB p65+, CD45R+GM-CSF+, CD45R+GM-CSF+, CD45R+iNOS+, and CD45R+Notch1+ cells in the spleen of BTBR mice. Cd treatment also enhanced mRNA expression in brain tissue for IFN-γ, IL-6, NF-κB, GM-CSF, iNOS, MCP-1, and Notch1. In general, Cd increases the signaling of inflammatory mediators in BTBR mice. This study is the first to show that Cd exposure causes immune function dysregulation in the BTBR ASD mouse model. As a result, our study supports the role of Cd exposure in the development of ASD.

Possible role of NO/NMDA pathway in the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Maternal separation (MS) stress is an established model of early-life stress associated with autistic-like behaviors. Altered glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmissions may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these alterations and their relationship to MS-induced autistic-like behaviors remain unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, this study aims to elucidate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/ N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway in MS-induced autistic-like behaviors in mice. This knowledge has the potential to guide future research, potentially leading to the development of targeted interventions or treatments aimed at modulating the NO/NMDA pathway to ameliorate ASD symptoms. Ninety male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to six groups (n = 15) comprising a control group (treated with saline) and five groups subjected to MS and treated with saline, ketamine, NMDA, L-NAME, and L-arginine. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box, elevated plus-maze, and marble burying test. Gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, and NMDA-R subunits (NR2A and NR2B), along with nitrite levels, was evaluated in the hippocampus. The findings demonstrated that MS induced autistic-like behaviors, accompanied by increased gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, NR2B, NR2A, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus. Modulation of the NO/NMDA pathway with activators and inhibitors altered the effects of MS. These results suggest that the NO/NMDA pathway plays a role in mediating the negative effects of MS and potentially contributes to the development of autistic-like behaviors in maternally separated mice.

Effect of sex differences and time of oxytocin administration on treatment of rat model of autism spectrum disorder: Focused on necroptosis markers

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. A variety of molecular and cellular abnormalities leads to behavioral deficits in autism. Nevertheless, its etiology and treatment strategy are not completely understood. Oxytocin has recently shown improvements in social functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the necroptosis pathway for the neuroprotective effects of oxytocin in the valproic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder model. The autism spectrum disorder was induced by valproic acid on gestational day 12.5 (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Offspring received intranasal oxytocin (1 μg/μL) on the 21st and 40th days after birth. The offspring behaviors were scrutinized by self-grooming, marble-burying, three-chamber, and Morris water maze tests. Western blot was performed on the hippocampus and amygdala tissues to investigate the expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers. The valproic acid group demonstrated more anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers, and less social interaction and spatial memory compared with the control group. Oxytocin considerably improved social interactions, preference for social novelty, and memory. The elevated expression of RIP3 and MLKL markers in valproic acid-induced autistic rats were alleviated after treatment with oxytocin. We also highlighted the importance of age and gender in autism spectrum disorder interventions. Our findings suggested that oxytocin administration was as an effective treatment in two areas of repetitive/stereotyped behaviors, social interactions/cognitive function. Notably, early administration of oxytocin resulted in better therapeutic responses in autism-like behaviors. The molecular tests introduce oxytocin as a potential candidate for reducing the expression of necroptosis mediators in the brain. This reinforced our hypothesis that the necroptosis pathway takes part in autism spectrum disorder.

Minocycline improves autism-related behaviors by modulating microglia polarization in a mouse model of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with few pharmacological treatments. Minocycline, a tetracycline derivative that inhibits microglial activation, has been well-identified with anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects. A growing body of research suggests that ASD is associated with neuroinflammation, abnormal neurotransmitter levels, and neurogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that minocycline could improve autism-related behaviors by inhibiting microglia activation and altering neuroinflammation. To verify our hypothesis, we used a mouse model of autism, BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR). As expected, minocycline administration rescued the sociability and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors of BTBR mice while having no effect in C57BL/6J mice. We also found that minocycline improved neurogenesis and inhibited microglia activation in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. In addition, minocycline treatment inhibited Erk1/2 phosphorylation in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. Our findings show that minocycline administration alleviates ASD-like behaviors in BTBR mice and improves neurogenesis, suggesting that minocycline supplementation might be a potential strategy for improving ASD symptoms.

Adolescent swimming exercise following maternal valproic acid treatment improves cognition and reduces stress-related symptoms in offspring mice: Role of sex and brain cytokines

Valproic acid (VPA) treatment during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder, cognitive deficits, and stress-related disorders in children. No effective therapeutic strategies are currently approved to treat or manage core symptoms of autism. Active lifestyles and physical activity are closely associated with health and quality of life during childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate whether swimming exercise during adolescence can prevent the development of cognitive dysfunction and stress-related disorders in prenatally VPA-exposed mice offspring. Pregnant mice received VPA, afterwards, offspring were subjected to swimming exercise. We assessed neurobehavioral performances and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-(IL)6, tumor-necrosis-factor-(TNF)α, interferon-(IFN)γ, and IL-17A) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of offspring. Prenatal VPA treatment increased anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior and decreased social behavior in male and female offspring. Prenatal VPA exposure also increased behavioral despair and reduced working and recognition memory in male offspring. Although prenatal VPA increased hippocampal IL-6 and IFN-γ, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in males, it only increased hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in female offspring. Adolescent exercise made VPA-treated male and female offspring resistant to anxiety-and anhedonia-like behavior in adulthood, whereas it only made VPA-exposed male offspring resistant to behavioral despair, social and cognitive deficits in adulthood. Exercise reduced hippocampal IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17, and prefrontal IFN-γ and IL-17 in VPA-treated male offspring, whereas it reduced hippocampal TNF-α and IFN-γ in VPA-treated female offspring. This study suggests that adolescent exercise may prevents the development of stress-related symptoms, cognitive deficits, and neuroinflammation in prenatally VPA-exposed offspring mice.

Exogenous glutathione protects against gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting NF-κB pathway, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and regulating PCNA

This study was designed, for the first time, to examine the possible nephroprotective effects of exogenous glutathione (EGSH) (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury (GM-induced AKI). EGSH reduced renal histopathological changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and improved renal dysfunction in rats with AKI. EGSH ameliorated GM-induced renal oxidative stress by promoting the renal activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and diminishing renal malondialdehyde and serum nitric oxide levels. Interestingly, EGSH inhibited intrinsic apoptosis by downregulating Bax and caspase-3 and upregulating Bcl2 in the kidney of rats with AKI. EGSH decreased GM-induced inflammatory response as reflected by a remarkable decrease in the protein expressions of NF-κB-p65, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS and a considerable diminish in myeloperoxidase activity. Finally, EGSH markedly declined proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression in the animals with AKI. In summary, EGSH alleviated AKI in rats intoxicated with GM, partially by inhibiting oxidative stress, NF-κB pathway, and intrinsic apoptosis and regulating PCNA.

Emerging roles of macrophages in heart failure and associated treatment approaches

Heart failure is typically caused by different cardiovascular conditions and has a poor prognosis. Despite the advances in treatment in recent decades, heart failure has remained a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As revealed by in vivo and in vitro experiments, inflammation plays a crucial role in adverse cardiac remodeling, ultimately leading to heart failure. Macrophages are central to the innate immune system, and they are the most indispensable cell type for all cardiac injuries and remodeling stages. The immediate microenvironment regulates their polarization and secretion. In this review, we summarize the phenotypic heterogeneity and governing roles of macrophages in the infarcted, inflamed, and aging heart and assess their significance as potential therapeutic targets in heart failure. We also highlight the current missing links and major challenges in the field that remain to be addressed before macrophages can be exploited for therapeutic applications.

Icariin alleviates autistic-like behavior, hippocampal inflammation and vGlut1 expression in adult BTBR mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated, heterogeneous disorder characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Neuroinflammation and synaptic protein dysregulation have been implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Icariin (ICA) has proven to exert neuroprotective function through anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of ICA treatment on autism-like behavioral deficits in BTBR mice and whether these changes were related to modifications in the hippocampal inflammation and the balance of excitatory/inhibitory synapses. ICA supplementation (80 mg/kg, once daily for ten days, i.g.) ameliorated social deficits, repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and short-term memory deficit without affecting locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors of BTBR mice. Furthermore, ICA treatment inhibited neuroinflammation via decreasing microglia number and the soma size in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, as well as the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. In addition, ICA treatment also rescued excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein imbalance by inhibiting the increased vGlut1 level without affecting the vGAT level in the BTBR mouse hippocampus. Collectively, the observed results indicate that ICA treatment alleviates ASD-like features, mitigates disturbed balance of excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein, and inhibits hippocampal inflammation in BTBR mice, and may represent a novel promising drug for ASD treatment.

Impairments in operant probabilistic reversal learning in BTBR T+tf/J male and female mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents with two core symptoms, impairments in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs). RRBs are commonly linked to a lack of behavioral flexibility, having a significant negative impact on daily functioning for ASD individuals and their caregivers. Commonly utilized tests of behavioral flexibility employ a traditional deterministic reward approach where choices are either correct or incorrect throughout testing. The incorporation of an 80 %/20 % probabilistic reversal learning paradigm allows for the examination of flexible behavior in the face of variable outcomes, a more ecologically relevant approach. In this task, one specific choice is reinforced on 80 % of trials and the opposite or incorrect choice is reinforced on 20% of trials. Upon successful discrimination learning, the reward contingencies are switched so that the correct choice is now reinforced 20% of trials and the incorrect choice reinforced 80 % of trials, making it the new optimal choice. This translational task has been previously validated in ASD individuals and animal models of ASD, including the BTBR T + tf/J strain. Our lab and others have demonstrated that male BTBR T + tf/J mice have higher expression of lower order RRBs and display deficits in spatial probabilistic reversal learning tasks using a T-maze apparatus. Instead, female BTBR mice do not express the same lower order RRBs and results are mixed on whether females demonstrate similar probabilistic reversal learning deficits in a T-maze. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the validity of using operant chambers to examine BTBR mouse performance on an 80 %/20 % probabilistic reversal learning task and to also examine the sex-specific differences in reversal learning performance in both mouse strains. Results show that BTBR mice, irrespective of sex, were impaired on the reversal learning, requiring more days and trials to reach reversal criterion compared to C57BL/6J mice. These results parallel previous strain findings in the spatial dependent T-maze task in male mice. Further error analysis showed that the impaired behavioral flexibility was due to elevated regressive errors and lose-shift probabilities. BTBR mice have more difficulty maintaining new choice patterns compared to C57BL/6J mice, which supports findings utilizing a spatial T-maze task. Together, these findings further support the use of the BTBR mouse as preclinical models of ASD due to their validity as an ASD model.

Neuroblast Differentiation-Associated Protein Derived Polypeptides: AHNAK(5758-5775) Induces Inflammation by Activating Mast Cells via ST2

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Mast cells are significantly increased and activated in psoriatic lesions and are involved in psoriatic inflammation. Some endogenous substances can interact with the surface receptors of mast cells and initiate the release of downstream cytokines that participate in inflammatory reactions. Neuroblast differentiation-associated protein (AHNAK) is mainly expressed in the skin, esophagus, kidney, and other organs and participates in various biological processes in the human body. AHNAK and its derived peptides have been reported to be involved in the activation of mast cells and other immune processes. This study aimed to investigate whether AHNAK (5758-5775), a neuroblast differentiation-associated protein-derived polypeptide, could be considered a new endogenous substance in psoriasis patients, which activates mast cells and induces the skin inflammatory response contributing to psoriasis. Wild-type mice were treated with AHNAK(5758-5775) to observe the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the skin and cytokine release in vivo. The release of inflammatory mediators by mouse primary mast cells and the laboratory of allergic disease 2 (LAD2) human mast cells was measured in vitro. Molecular docking analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and siRNA transfection were used to identify the receptor of AHNAK(5758-5775). AHNAK(5758-5775) could cause skin inflammation and cytokine release in wild-type mice and activated mast cells in vitro. Moreover, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) might be a key receptor mediating AHNAK(5758-5775)'s effect on mast cells and cytokine release. We propose a novel polypeptide, AHNAK(5758-5775), which induces an inflammatory reaction and participates in the occurrence and development of psoriasis by activating mast cells.

Epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Underlying Mechanisms and Therapy Targets Related to Adenosine

Epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are highly mutually comorbid, suggesting potential overlaps in genetic etiology, pathophysiology, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Adenosine, an endogenous anticonvulsant and neuroprotective neuromodulator of the brain, has been proved to affect the process of epilepsy and ASD. On the one hand, adenosine plays a crucial role in preventing the progression and development of epilepsy through adenosine receptordependent and -independent ways. On the other hand, adenosine signaling can not only regulate core symptoms but also improve comorbid disorders in ASD. Given the important role of adenosine in epilepsy and ASD, therapeutic strategies related to adenosine, including the ketogenic diet, neuromodulation therapy, and adenosine augmentation therapy, have been suggested for the arrangement of epilepsy and ASD. There are several proposals in this review. Firstly, it is necessary to further discuss the relationship between both diseases based on the comorbid symptoms and mechanisms of epilepsy and ASD. Secondly, it is important to explore the role of adenosine involved in epilepsy and ASD. Lastly, potential therapeutic value and clinical approaches of adenosine-related therapies in treating epilepsy and ASD need to be emphasized.

Exploring the role of interleukin-27 as a regulator of neuronal survival in central nervous system diseases

Interleukin-27 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is involved in tissue responses to infection, cell stress, neuronal disease, and tumors. Recent studies in various tissues indicate that interleukin-27 has complex activating and inhibitory properties in innate and acquired immunity. The availability of recombinant interleukin-27 protein and mice with genetic deletions of interleukin-27, its receptors and signaling mediators have helped define the role of interleukin-27 in neurodegenerative diseases. Interleukin-27 has been well-characterized as an important regulator of T cell activation and differentiation that enhances or suppresses T cell responses in autoimmune conditions in the central nervous system. Evidence is also accumulating that interleukin-27 has neuroprotective activities in the retina and brain. Interleukin-27 is secreted from and binds to infiltrating microglia, macrophage, astrocytes, and even neurons and it promotes neuronal survival by regulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, neuroinflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and epigenetic modifications. However, interleukin-27 can have the opposite effect and induce inflammation and cell death in certain situations. In this review, we describe the current understanding of regulatory activities of interleukin-27 on cell survival and inflammation and discuss its mechanisms of action in the brain, spinal cord, and retina. We also review evidence for and against the therapeutic potential of interleukin-27 for dampening harmful neuroinflammatory responses in central nervous system diseases.

Capsanthin from Capsicum annum fruits exerts anti-glaucoma, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and corneal pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in a benzalkonium chloride-induced rat dry eye model

Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex ocular surface inflammatory disease. Its occurrence varies widely over the world, ranging from 5% to 34%. The use of preservatives, specifically benzalkonium chloride, in the ocular drops worsens the DED conditions. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic increased screen time and the use of face masks and shields. As a result, the number of people suffering from dry eye disease (DED) has increased significantly in recent years. The main objective of our study is to find a solution to manage the dry eye disease (DED) preferably from natural source without any adverse events. In this study, the beneficial effects of capsanthin from Capsicum annum (CCA) were evaluated on benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced dry eye disease (DED) in Albino Wistar rats. Oral supplementation of CCA resulted in a statistically significant decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) (p < .0001), increase in tear break-up time (TBUT) (p < .01), decline in Schirmer test results (p < .01), and decrease in corneal surface inflammation (p < .01). Capsanthin ameliorated in reducing oxidative stress by increasing serum antioxidant levels such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), nitric oxide (NO), and lactoferrin (LTF) and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) (p < .0001). Capsanthin treatment significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6), and pro-inflammatory mediator, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Furthermore, the lacrimal gland expressed vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was suppressed by CCA treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a preservative widely used in the topical ocular drug delivery system (ODDS), causes undesirable effects such as dry eye disease as well as ameliorating intraocular pressure leading to optical nerve damage and irreversible vision loss. Capsanthin from Capsicum annum (CCA) can be used to treat symptoms related to dry eye disease such as inflammation, eye irritation, visual disturbance, ocular discomfort with potential damage to the ocular surface. The CCA may be beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma, an elevated intraocular pressure. Capsanthin from C. annum can be useful in managing DED by increasing tear break-up time (TBUT), declining in Schirmer test results and decreasing in corneal surface inflammation.

Anzi Heji Downregulates DNMT1 to Improve Anticardiolipin Antibody (ACA)-Positive Abortion by Regulating JAK/STAT Pathway

Anzi Heji (AZHJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound prepared for long-term treatment of Anticardiolipin Antibody (ACA)-positive abortion, with small side effects and definite curative effect. Abortion was reported to be related to DNMT1, a methylation transferase regulated by JAK2 pathway, so this study aimed to explore whether AZHJ treated ACA-positive abortion by regulating the DNMT1. Cell proliferation estimation employed Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. Human β2-glycoprotein I (GPI) was used as an inducer to establish ACA-positive mice model. Western blot was applied to examine the expressions of DNMT1, FOXP3, IL-6, and JAK/STAT3 pathway-related proteins. ACA titers and IL-6 levels in peripheral blood were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental tissue damage was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Based on the findings from experiments, AZHJ could significantly inhibit apoptosis and regulate the proliferation activity of HTR-8/SVneo cells. AZHJ treatment reduced the expression levels of DNMT1, FOXP3, IL-6, and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways-related proteins in HTR-8/SVneo cells and maternal–fetal interface (uterine decidua and placenta), and the titer of serum ACA was also significantly decreased. In addition, AZHJ effectively alleviated placental tissue damage caused by ACA-positive abortion compared with model group. To sum up, AZHJ may play a therapeutic role by inhibiting DNMT1 activation through Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, and then promoting FOXP3 expression in maternal–fetal interface of pregnant mice, thereby improving immune tolerance at the maternal–fetal interface, preventing and treating ACA-positive abortion.

Integrated microRNA–mRNA Expression Profiling Identifies Novel Targets and Networks Associated with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, with mutations in hundreds of genes contributing to its risk. Herein, we studied lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from children diagnosed with autistic disorder (n = 10) and controls (n = 7) using RNA and miRNA sequencing profiles. The sequencing analysis identified 1700 genes and 102 miRNAs differentially expressed between the ASD and control LCLs (p ≤ 0.05). The top upregulated genes were GABRA4, AUTS2, and IL27, and the top upregulated miRNAs were hsa-miR-6813-3p, hsa-miR-221-5p, and hsa-miR-21-5p. The RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the sequencing results for randomly selected candidates: AUTS2, FMR1, PTEN, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, and hsa-miR-125b-5p. The functional enrichment analysis showed pathways involved in ASD control proliferation of neuronal cells, cell death of immune cells, epilepsy or neurodevelopmental disorders, WNT and PTEN signaling, apoptosis, and cancer. The integration of mRNA and miRNA sequencing profiles by miRWalk2.0 identified correlated changes in miRNAs and their targets’ expression. The integration analysis found significantly dysregulated miRNA–gene pairs in ASD. Overall, these findings suggest that mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in ASD are greatly altered in LCLs and reveal numerous miRNA–gene interactions that regulate critical pathways involved in the proliferation of neuronal cells, cell death of immune cells, and neuronal development.

The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.

Adenosine Receptors in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Fine Regulators of Neurotransmission and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Adenosine exerts an important role in the modulation of central nervous system (CNS) activity. Through the interaction with four G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes, adenosine subtly regulates neurotransmission, interfering with the dopaminergic, glutamatergic, noradrenergic, serotoninergic, and endocannabinoid systems. The inhibitory and facilitating actions of adenosine on neurotransmission are mainly mediated by A₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors (ARs), respectively. Given their role in the CNS, ARs are promising therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders where altered neurotransmission represents the most likely etiological hypothesis. Activating or blocking ARs with specific pharmacological agents could therefore restore the balance of altered neurotransmitter systems, providing the rationale for the potential treatment of these highly debilitating conditions. In this review, we summarize and discuss the most relevant studies concerning AR modulation in psychotic and mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depression, and anxiety, as well as neurodevelopment disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fragile X syndrome (FXS), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neuropsychiatric aspects of neurodegenerative disorders.

Adenosine A2A Receptor in Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Mediated Macrophages M2 Polarization via PPARγ-P65 Pathway in Chronic Hypoperfusion Situation

Background: The role of adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) in the ischemic white matter damage induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion remains obscure. Here we investigated the role of A_2AR in the process of macrophage polarizations in the white matter damage induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and explored the involved signaling pathways. Methods: We combined mouse model and macrophage cell line for our study. White matter lesions were induced in A_2AR knockout mice, wild-type mice, and chimeric mice generated by bone marrow cells transplantation through bilateral common carotid artery stenosis. Microglial/macrophage polarization in the corpus callosum was detected by immunofluorescence. For the cell line experiments, RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with the A_2AR agonist CHS21680 or A_2AR antagonist SCH58261 for 30 min and cultured under low-glucose and hypoxic conditions. Macrophage polarization was examined by immunofluorescence. The expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and transcription factor P65 was examined by western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Inflammatory cytokine factors were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and RT-PCR. Results: Both global A_2AR knockout and inactivation of A_2AR in bone marrow-derived cells enhanced M1 marker expression in chronic ischemic white matter lesions. Under low-glucose and hypoxic conditions, CGS21680 treatment promoted macrophage M2 polarization, increased the expression of PPARγ, P65, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and suppressed the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The CGS21680-induced upregulation of P65 and IL-10 was abolished in macrophages upon PPARγ knockdown. The downregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β by CGS21680 was less affected by PPARγ knockdown. Conclusions: In the cerebral hypoperfusion induced white matter damage, A_2AR signaling in bone marrow-derived cells induces macrophage M2 polarization and increases the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 via the PPARγ-P65 pathway, both of which might explain its neuroprotective effect.

Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate inflammation and improve the mortality of acute liver failure combining with A2AR agonist in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acute liver failure (ALF) poses a serious public health issue. The menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) have been applied to cure various liver-related diseases. However, the efficacy and mechanism are far from clear. This study aims to explore the efficacy and potential mechanism of MenSCs to cure ALF.

METHODS

We investigate the potential mechanism of MenSCs on the ALF in vitro and in vivo. A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) activation was investigated as the potential reinforcer for MenSCs treatment. Lipid polysaccharide/d-galactosamine (d-GalN) was employed to induce ALF. Diverse techniques were used to measure the inflammatory cytokines and key signaling molecules. Hematoxylin-eosin stain and aminotransaminases were applied to evaluate the liver injury. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the T cells.

RESULTS

The MenSCs can decrease the lipid polysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine elevation and related signaling molecules in ALF, including TLR4, phosphorylated-NF-kBp65 (p-NF-kBp65), PI3K, and p-AKT, p-mTOR and p-IKK in vitro. Moreover, MenSCs also can significantly reverse the liver injury, inflammatory cytokines elevation and related signaling molecules increase, and Treg/Th17 ratio decrease in vivo. In addition, MenSCs plus A2AR agonist can enhance the above changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The MenSCs can attenuate the ALF-induced liver injury via inhibition of TLR4-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR/IKK signaling. Then, this inhibits the p-NF-κBp65 translocate into nuclear, which causes a decrease of inflammatory cytokines release. Moreover, A2AR agonist can play a synergic role with MenSCs and enhance the above-mentioned effects.

Physiological mediators of prenatal environmental influences in autism spectrum disorder

Recent research has pointed to the importance of the prenatal environment in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but the biological mechanisms which mitigate these environmental factors are not clear. Mitochondrial metabolism abnormalities, inflammation and oxidative stress as common physiological disturbances associated with ASD. Network analysis of the scientific literature identified several leading prenatal environmental factors associated with ASD, particularly air pollution, pesticides, the microbiome and epigenetics. These leading prenatal environmental factors were found to be most associated with inflammation, followed by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Other prenatal factors associated with ASD not identified by the network analysis were also found to be significantly associated with these common physiological disturbances. A better understanding of the biological mechanism which mediate the effect of prenatal environmental factors can lead to insights of how ASD develops and the development of targeted therapeutics to prevent ASD from occuring.

Ibudilast Attenuates Folic Acid-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Blocking Pyroptosis Through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

Folic acid (FA)-induced renal tubule damage, which is characterized by extensive inflammation, is a common model of acute kidney injury (AKI). Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory form of cell death due to the activation of inflammatory caspases, is involved in AKI progression. Ibudilast, a TLR4 antagonist, has been used in the clinic to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on asthma. However, researchers have not explored whether ibudilast exerts a protective effect on AKI by inhibiting inflammation. In the present study, ibudilast reversed FA-induced AKI in mice, as indicated by the reduced serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, and improved renal pathology, as well as the downregulation of kidney injury marker-1. In addition, ibudilast significantly increased the production of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 while suppressing the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and macrophage infiltration. Moreover, in the injured kidney, ibudilast reduced the levels of both inflammasome markers (NLRP3) and pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, IL1-β, IL-18, and GSDMD cleavage), and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Further mechanistic studies showed that ibudilast administration inhibited the FA-induced upregulation of TLR4, blocked NF-κB nuclear translocation, and reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB and IκBα, p38, ERK, and JNK. Thus, this study substantiates the protective effect of ibudilast on FA-induced AKI in mice and suggests that protection might be achieved by reducing pyroptosis and inflammation, likely through the inhibition of TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Methylmercury chloride exposure aggravates proinflammatory mediators and Notch-1 signaling in CD14+ and CD40+ cells and is associated with imbalance of neuroimmune function in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. A key role for immune dysfunction has been suggested in ASD. Recent studies have indicated that inflammatory mediators and Notch-1 signaling may contribute to the development of ASD. Methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl) is an environmental pollutant that primarily affects the central nervous system, causing neurological alterations. Its effects on immunological responses have not been fully investigated in ASD. In this study, we examined the influence of MeHgCl exposure on inflammatory mediators and Notch-1 signaling in BTBR T⁺ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of ASD. We examined the effects of MeHgCl on the IL-6-, GM-CSF-, NF-κB p65-, Notch-1-, and IL-27-producing CD14⁺ and CD40⁺ cells in the spleen. We assessed the effect of MeHgCl on IL-6, GM-CSF, NF-κB p65, Notch-1, and IL-27 mRNA levels in brain tissue. We also measured IL-6, GM-CSF, and NF-κB p65 protein expression levels in brain tissue. MeHgCl exposure of BTBR mice significantly increased IL-6-, GM-CSF-, NF-κB p65-, and Notch-1-, and decreased IL-27-producing CD14⁺, and CD40⁺ cells in the spleen. MeHgCl exposure of BTBR mice upregulated IL-6, GM-CSF, NF-κB p65, and Notch-1, and decreased IL-27 mRNA expression levels in brain tissue. Moreover, MeHgCl resulted in elevated expression of the IL-6, GM-CSF, and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue. Taken together, these results indicate that MeHgCl exposure aggravates proinflammatory mediators and Notch-1 signaling which are associated with imbalance of neuroimmune function in BTBR mice.

Nuclear Factor Kappa B in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is composed of a series of transcription factors, which are involved in the expression of a plethora of target genes, many of these genes contributing to the regulation of inflammatory responses. Consistent with its central role in inflammatory responses, existing studies of the neurobiological basis for ASD propose the involvement of NF-κB in the etiology of this disorder.

OBJECTIVES

The present review aimed to systematically characterize extant literatures regarding the role of NF-κB in the etiology of ASD through data derived from both human studies and animal models.

METHODS

A systematic electronic search was conducted for records indexed within Pubmed, EMBASE, or Web of Science to identify potentially eligible studies. Study inclusion and data extraction was agreed by two independent authors after reviewing the abstract and full text.

RESULTS

Among the 371 articles identified in the initial screening, 18 articles met the eligibility criteria for this review, including 14 human case-control studies compared the expression or activation of NF-κB between ASD cases and controls as well as 4 animal studies used mouse model of ASD to examine the level of NF-κB and further evaluate its changes after different drug treatments. These included 18 studies, although relatively small in quantity, appear to support the role of NF-κB in the etiology of ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence generated from both human studies and animal models supported the involvement of NF-κB in the neurobiological basis of ASD, despite some concern about whether it functions as a primary contributor causes ASD onset or rather an ancillary factor regulates ASD pathogenesis. The increased understanding of NF-κB in the neurobiological basis of ASD could aid the emergence of clinically relevant diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies acting on the underlying disease pathogenesis. These results suggested that potential methodological differences between studies need to be accounted for and keep open the discussion over the existence of aberrantly NF-κB signaling in ASD subjects.

Inhibition of tyrosine kinase signaling by tyrphostin AG126 downregulates the IL-21/IL-21R and JAK/STAT pathway in the BTBR mouse model of autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders that are associated with deficits in social interaction and communication. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG126 represents a promising therapeutic agent for several neuroinflammatory disorders. There are currently no treatments available that can improve ASD and we previously showed that AG126 treatment exerts beneficial effects on BTBR T⁺ Itpr3^tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model for autism that shows the core features of ASD; however, the immunological mechanisms and molecular targets associated with this effect were previously unclear. This study was undertaken to delineate the neuroprotective effect of AG126 on BTBR mice. Here, using this mouse model, we investigated the effects of AG126 administration on IL-21R, IL-21, IL-22, TNF-α, NOS2, STAT3, IL-27, and Foxp3 production by CD8⁺ T cells in the spleen by flow cytometry. We further explored the mRNA and protein expression of IL-21, IL-22, IL-1β, TNF-α, NOS2, JAK1, STAT3, IL-27, and Foxp3 in brain tissue by RT-PCR, and western blotting. We found that BTBR mice treated with AG126 exhibited significant decreases in IL-21R-, IL-21-, IL-22-, TNF-α-, NOS2-, STAT3-producing, and increases in IL-27- and Foxp3-producing, CD8⁺ T cells. Our results further demonstrated that AG126 treatment effectively decreased IL-21, IL-22, IL-1β, TNF-α, NOS2, JAK1, and STAT3, and increased IL-27 and Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression in brain tissues. Our findings suggest that AG126 elicits a neuroprotective response through downregulation of the IL-21/IL-21R and JAK/STAT pathway in BTBR mice, which could represent a promising novel therapeutic target for ASD treatment.

TLR4-RelA-miR-30a signal pathway regulates Th17 differentiation during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development

Background

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is well known for activating the innate immune system; however, it is also highly expressed in adaptive immune cells, such as CD4⁺ T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, which play a key role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. However, the function and governing mechanism of TLR4 in Th17 remain unclear.

Methods

The changes of TLR4 in CD4⁺ T cells from MS patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice were tested. TLR4-deficient (TLR4^−/−) naïve T cells were induced in vitro and transferred into Rag1^−/− mice to measure Th17 differentiation and EAE pathology. DNA sequence analyses combining with deletion fragments and mutation analyses, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to explore the mechanism of TLR4 signaling pathway in regulating Th17 differentiation.

Results

The levels of TLR4 were increased in CD4⁺ Th17 cells both from MS patients and EAE mice, as well as during Th17 differentiation in vitro. TLR4^−/− CD4⁺ naïve T cells inhibited their differentiation into Th17, and transfer of TLR4^−/− CD4⁺ naïve T cells into Rag1^−/− mice was defective in promoting EAE, characterized by less demyelination and Th17 infiltration in the spinal cord. TLR4 signal enhanced Th17 differentiation by activating RelA, downregulating the expression of miR-30a, a negative regulator of Th17 differentiation. Inhibition of RelA activity increased miR-30a level, but decreased Th17 differentiation rate. Furthermore, RelA directly regulated the expression of miR-30a via specific binding to a conserved element of miR-30a gene.

Conclusions

TLR4^−/− CD4⁺ naïve T cells are inadequate in differentiating to Th17 cells both in vitro and in vivo. TLR4-RelA-miR-30a signal pathway regulates Th17 differentiation via direct binding of RelA to the regulatory element of miR-30a gene. Our results indicate modulating TLR4-RelA-miR-30a signal in Th17 may be a therapeutic target for Th17-mediated neurodegeneration in neuroinflammatory diseases.

Golden Exosomes Selectively Target Brain Pathologies in Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Exosomes, nanovesicles that are secreted by different cell types, enable intercellular communication at local or distant sites. Alhough they have been found to cross the blood brain barrier, their migration and homing abilities within the brain remain unstudied. We have recently developed a method for longitudinal and quantitative in vivo neuroimaging of exosomes based on the superior visualization abilities of classical X-ray computed tomography (CT), combined with gold nanoparticles as labeling agents. Here, we used this technique to track the migration and homing patterns of intranasally administrated exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-exo) in different brain pathologies, including stroke, autism, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. We found that MSC-exo specifically targeted and accumulated in pathologically relevant murine models brains regions up to 96 h post administration, while in healthy controls they showed a diffuse migration pattern and clearance by 24 h. The neuro-inflammatory signal in pathological brains was highly correlated with MSC-exo accumulation, suggesting that the homing mechanism is inflammatory-driven. In addition, MSC-exo were selectively uptaken by neuronal cells, but not glial cells, in the pathological regions. Taken together, these findings can significantly promote the application of exosomes for therapy and targeted drug delivery in various brain pathologies.

Over-expressed LOC101927196 suppressed oxidative stress levels and neuron cell proliferation in a rat model of autism through disrupting the Wnt signaling pathway by targeting FZD3

Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in autism. Herein, we delineated the functions of LOC101927196 and its potential mitigation effect on a rat model of autism. We retrieved various bioinformatics databases and websites to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with autism. Next, a rat model of autism was established with the neuron cells extracted for transfection of different plasmids. The regulatory effect of LOC101927196 on neuron cell proliferation, apoptosis as well as oxidative stress was also investigated. Firstly, microarray dataset GSE18123 revealed that LOC101927196 was poorly expressed in a rat model of autism. Poor development and growth and oxidative stress disorder were also observed in a rat model of autism. In addition, LOC101927196 targeting FZD3 played a vital role in a rat model of autism through the Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, we further demonstrated that over-expressed LOC101927196 blocked neuron cell proliferation and reduced oxidative stress levels, while promoting apoptosis by suppressing the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Our findings illustrate that up-regulated LOC101927196 attenuated oxidative stress disorder in a rat model of autism through suppressing the activation of Wnt signaling pathway by targeting FZD3.

Adenosine Actions on Oligodendroglia and Myelination in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. Independent of neuronal dysfunction, ASD and its associated comorbidities have been linked to hypomyelination and oligodendroglial dysfunction. Additionally, the neuromodulator adenosine has been shown to affect certain ASD comorbidities and symptoms, such as epilepsy, impairment of cognitive function, and anxiety. Adenosine is both directly and indirectly responsible for regulating the development of oligodendroglia and myelination through its interaction with, and modulation of, several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin. In this review, we will focus on the recent discoveries in adenosine interaction with physiological and pathophysiological activities of oligodendroglia and myelination, as well as ASD-related aspects of adenosine actions on neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Moreover, we will discuss the potential therapeutic value and clinical approaches of adenosine manipulation against hypomyelination in ASD.

Zika Virus as a Possible Risk Factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neuroimmunological Aspects

The recent outbreak of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and the discovery that perinatal Zika exposure can lead to the Congenital Zika Syndrome has promoted a call for prevention measures. Due to the increased number of babies born with microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities, and neurological alterations in regions affected by ZIKV, investigations were carried out in order to better understand this process. The maternal immune system directly influences the fetal central nervous system, and complications during pregnancy have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly manifested in the first years of life, is a disease with multifactorial etiology and is manifested typically by social and communication impairments, as well as stereotyped behaviors. Brain abnormalities, including both anatomically and functionally, can be observed in this disorder, suggesting delays in neuronal maturation and altered brain connectivity. It is known that some viral congenital infections, such as rubella, and cytomegalovirus can interfere with brain development, being associated with brain calcification, microcephaly, and ASD. Here, we reviewed a range of studies evaluating the aspects concerning brain development, immunological status during pregnancy, and neuroimmunomodulation in congenital viral infections, and we discuss if the fetal brain infection caused by ZIKV could predispose to ASD. Finally, we suggest a mechanism encompassing neurological and immunological pathways that could play a role in the development of ASD in infants after ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

The adenosine A2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680, attenuates a probabilistic reversal learning deficit and elevated grooming behavior in BTBR mice

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date there are limited options for treating this core symptomology. Treatments that stimulate adenosine A_2A receptors may represent a promising approach for reducing RRBs in ASD. This is because A_2A receptors are expressed on striatal neurons of the basal ganglia indirect pathway. Under activation of this pathway has been associated with RRBs while activation of A_2A receptors leads to increased activity of the indirect basal ganglia pathway. The present studies investigated whether acute, systemic treatment with CGS21680, an A_2A receptor agonist attenuates elevated self-grooming and a probabilistic reversal learning deficit in the BTBR T+ Itpr3^tf /J (BTBR) mouse model of idiopathic autism. The effects of this treatment were also investigated in C57BL/6J (B6) mice as a comparison strain. Using a spatial reversal learning test with 80/20 probabilistic feedback, comparable to one in which ASD individuals exhibit deficits, CGS 21680 (0.005 and 0.01mg/kg) attenuated a reversal learning deficit in BTBR mice. Enhancement in probabilistic reversal learning performance resulted from CGS 21680 improving the consistent maintenance of new adaptive behavioral choice patterns after reversal. CGS 21680 at 0.01 mg, but not 0.005 mg, also reduced self-grooming behavior in BTBR mice. CGS 21680 did not affect self-grooming or reversal learning in B6 mice. These findings demonstrate that A_2A receptor agonists may be a promising receptor target in the treatment of RRBs in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 223-233. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LAY SUMMARY

The present experiments determined whether the drug, CGS 21680, that facilitates activation of adenosine A_2A receptors in the brain, would reduce repetitive and inflexible behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. CGS 21680 treatment in BTBR mice reduced repetitive and inflexible behaviors. In the control C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strain, CGS 21680 did not affect performance. These findings suggest that stimulation of brain adenosine A_2A receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy in ASD.

Adenosine A2A receptor signaling affects IL-21/IL-22 cytokines and GATA3/T-bet transcription factor expression in CD4+ T cells from a BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse model of autism

Autism is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder; previous studies have identified altered immune responses among individuals diagnosed with autism. An imbalance in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors plays a role in neurodevelopmental behavioral and autism disorders. BTBR T⁺ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are used as a model for autism, as they exhibit social deficits, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors compared with C57BL/6J (B6) mice. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) appears to be a potential target for the improvement of behavioral, inflammatory, immune, and neurological disorders. We investigated the effects of the A2AR antagonist SCH 5826 (SCH) and agonist CGS 21680 (CGS) on IL-21, IL-22, T-bet, T-box transcription factor (T-bet), GATA3 (GATA Binding Protein 3), and CD152 (CTLA-4) expression in BTBR mice. Our results showed that BTBR mice treated with SCH had increased CD4⁺IL-21⁺, CD4⁺IL-22⁺, CD4⁺GATA3⁺, and CD4⁺T-bet⁺ and decreased CD4⁺CTLA-4⁺ expression in spleen cells compared with BTBR control mice. Moreover, CGS efficiently decreased CD4⁺IL-21⁺, CD4⁺IL-22⁺, CD4⁺GATA3⁺, and CD4⁺T-bet⁺ and increased CD4⁺CTLA-4 production in spleen cells compared with SCH-treated and BTBR control mice. Additionally, SCH treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-21, IL-22, GATA3, and T-bet in brain tissue compared with CGS-treated and BTBR control mice. The augmented levels of IL-21/IL-22 and GATA3/T-bet could be due to altered A2AR signaling. Our results indicate that A2AR agonists may represent a new class of compounds that can be developed for use in the treatment of autistic and neuroimmune dysfunctions.