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Carrazana R, Espinoza F, Ávila A. Mechanistic perspective on the actions of vitamin a in autism spectrum disorder etiology. Neuroscience 2024; 554:72-82. [PMID: 39002756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.012] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin A (VA) has many functions in the body, some of which are key for the development and functioning of the nervous system, while some others might indirectly influence neural function. Both hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis A can lead to clinical manifestations of concern for individuals and for general global health. Scientific evidence on the link between VA and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is growing, with some clinical studies and accumulating results obtained from basic research using cellular and animal models. Remarkably, it has been shown that VA deficiency can exacerbate autistic symptomatology. In turn, VA supplementation has been shown to be able to improve autistic symptomatology in selected groups of individuals with ASD. However, it is important to recognize that ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition. Therefore, it is important to clarify how and when VA supplementation can be of benefit for affected individuals. Here we delve into the relationship between VA and ASD, discussing clinical observations and mechanistic insights obtained from research on selected autistic syndromes and laboratory models to advance in defining how the VA signaling pathway can be exploited for treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Carrazana
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisca Espinoza
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ariel Ávila
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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2
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Feng YR, Zhang Q, Miao JK, Yang T, Chen J, Chen HY, Mou QH, Xiang XL, Long D, Wei QH, Wu Y, Li TY. Association of the retinol to all-trans retinoic acid pathway with autism spectrum disorder. World J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12519-024-00815-0. [PMID: 38789720 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Research has highlighted a close association between the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway and ASD. This study investigates alterations in the vitamin A (VA, retinol) to RA metabolic pathway in children with ASD and speculates on the underlying reasons for these changes. We propose a subtype characterized by downregulated RA signaling in ASD, laying the groundwork for precise diagnosis and treatment research. METHODS We included 489 children with ASD and 280 typically developing (TD) children. Those with ASD underwent evaluations of core symptoms and neuro-developmental levels, which were conducted by professional developmental behavior physicians using assessment scales. Serum VA and all-trans RA (atRA) levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The expression levels and concentrations of enzyme molecules such as retinol dehydrogenase 10 were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Children with ASD exhibited reduced serum atRA, accompanied by a downregulation of atRA synthesis enzymes. The reduction in serum atRA levels was linked not only to VA levels but also to the aberrant expression of metabolic enzymes responsible for atRA. Furthermore, the serum atRA levels in children with ASD were more strongly correlated with core symptoms and neurodevelopmental levels than VA levels. CONCLUSION Children with ASD exhibited a dual regulation of reduced serum atRA levels, influenced by both VA levels and abnormal expression of atRA metabolic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ru Feng
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Kun Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children' Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Yu Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Mou
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Li Xiang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Long
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wei
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Yu Li
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
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Cheng B, Sun Q, Li X, Xiao M, Wei X, Wang S. Vitamin A deficiency from maternal gestation may contribute to autistic-like behaviors and gastrointestinal dysfunction in rats through the disrupted purine and tryptophan metabolism. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114520. [PMID: 37268252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) has been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in multiple studies, and autistic children with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been found to have lower VA levels than those without GI symptoms. However, the exact mechanism by which VAD causes both core symptoms and GI symptoms in ASD is ill defined. We constructed VAD and vitamin A normal (VAN) rat models from maternal gestation onwards. Autism-related behaviors were tested using the open-field test and the three-chamber test, and GI function was assessed with the GI transit time, the colonic transit time and fecal water content. Untargeted metabolomic analysis on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and fecal samples was performed. VAD rats displayed autistic-like behaviors and impaired GI function compared to VAN rats. Metabolic profiles of both PFC and feces from VAD and VAN rats were significantly different. The differential metabolites in both PFC and feces between the VAN and VAD rats were mostly enriched in the purine metabolic pathway. Moreover, the most significantly affected metabolic pathway in PFC of VAD rats was the phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis pathway, and the most remarkably altered metabolic pathway in the feces of VAD rats was the tryptophan metabolism pathway. These results indicate that VAD starting from maternal gestation might be linked to core symptoms of ASD and its GI co-occurring disorders through the purine and tryptophan-related metabolism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boli Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Qunying Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xinghui Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Meng Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wei
- Department of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Si Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
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Yuan B, Luo L, Hu C, Lin F, Yang T, Chen J, Li T. Retinoic acid supplementation ameliorates motor incoordination via RARα-CBLN2 in the cerebellum of a prenatal valproic acid-exposed rat autism model. Neurosci Lett 2023; 809:137316. [PMID: 37247722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137316] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In addition to their core symptoms, most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also experience motor impairments. These impairments are often linked to the cerebellum, which is the focus of the current study. Herein, we utilized a prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism and performed RNA sequencing in the cerebellum. Relative to control animals, the VPA-treated offspring demonstrated both abnormal motor coordination and impaired dendritic arborization of Purkinje cells (PCs). Concurrently, we observed a decrease in the cerebellar expression of retinoic acid (RA) synthesis enzymes (RDH10, ALDH1A1), metabolic enzyme (CYP26A2), and lower levels of RA, retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), and Cerebellin2 (CBLN2) in the VPA-treated offspring. However, RA supplementation ameliorated these deficits, restoring motor coordination, normalizing PCs dendritic arborization, and increasing the expression of RA, RARα, and CBLN2. Further, ChIP assays confirmed that RA supplementation enhanced RARα's binding capacity to CBLN2 promoters. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of RA for treating motor incoordination in VPA-induced autism, acting through the RARα-CBLN2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binlin Yuan
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Lijuan Luo
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
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5
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Wang T, Liu L, Fan T, Xia K, Sun Z. Shared and divergent contribution of vitamin A and oxytocin to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3109-3123. [PMID: 38213898 PMCID: PMC10782014 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic variations contribute to the heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the responses to various interventions for ASD probands. However, the associated molecular underpinnings remain unclear. Herein, we estimated the association between rare genetic variations in 410 vitamin A (VA)-related genes (VARGs) and ASD aetiology using publicly available de novo mutations (DNMs), rare inherited variants, and copy number variations (CNVs) from about 50,000 ASD probands and 20,000 normal controls (discovery and validation cohorts). Additionally, given the functional relevance of VA and oxytocin, we systematically compared the similarities and differences between VA and oxytocin with respect to ASD aetiology and evaluated their potential for clinical applications. Functional DNMs and pathogenic CNVs in VARGs contributed to ASD pathogenesis in the discovery and validation cohorts. Additionally, 324 potential VA-related biomarkers were identified, 243 of which were shared with previously identified oxytocin-related biomarkers, while 81 were unique VA biomarkers. Moreover, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that both VA- and oxytocin-related biomarkers were able to predict ASD aetiology for individuals carrying functional DNM in corresponding biomarkers with an average precision of 0.94. As well as, convergent and divergent functions were also identified between VA- and oxytocin-related biomarkers. The findings of this study provide a basis for future studies aimed at understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ASD while also defining a set of potential molecular biomarkers for adjuvant diagnosis and intervention in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liqiu Liu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tianda Fan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325025, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligences Technology (CEBSIT), Shanghai 200031, China
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Zhongsheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325025, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Luo L, Li T, Wu Q, Yuan B, Hu C, Yang T, Wei H, Chen J. Retinoic acid administration normalizes aberrant microglial activation via regulating TREM2 transcription in the PFC of valproic acid induced autism rat. Neurosci Lett 2023; 803:137193. [PMID: 36924930 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137193] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease with an unclear underlying pathogenesis. Disruption of retinoic acid (RA)-retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) signaling and aberrant microglial activation were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. However, the effect of RA-RARα signaling on microglial activation in ASD and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we found inhibited RA-RARα signaling and increased microglial activation in valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rats. Furthermore, we administered RA to VPA rats and found that RA ameliorated autism-like behaviors, inhibited microglial activation and normalized microglial polarization in VPA rats. Additionally, the expression levels of RARα and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) were increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of VPA rats given RA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that RARα can regulate the transcriptional activity of the TREM2 gene by binding to its promoter. We conclude that RA administration ameliorates autism-like behaviors in VPA rats by inhibiting microglial activation and normalizing microglial polarization through the regulation of TREM2 transcription by RARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Luo
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qionghui Wu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Binlin Yuan
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
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Roa Fuentes LA, Bloemen M, Carels CE, Wagener FA, Von den Hoff JW. Retinoic acid effects on in vitro palatal fusion and WNT signaling. Eur J Oral Sci 2022; 130:e12899. [PMID: 36303276 PMCID: PMC10092745 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12899] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid is the main active vitamin A derivate and a key regulator of embryonic development. Excess of retinoic acid can disturb palate development in mice leading to cleft palate. WNT signaling is one of the main pathways in palate development. We evaluated the effects of retinoic acid on palate fusion and WNT signaling in in vitro explant cultures. Unfused palates from E13.5 mouse embryos were cultured for 4 days with 0.5 μM, 2 μM or without retinoic acid. Apoptosis, proliferation, WNT signaling and bone formation were analyzed by histology and quantitative PCR. Retinoic acid treatment with 0.5 and 2.0 μM reduced palate fusion from 84% (SD 6.8%) in the controls to 56% (SD 26%) and 16% (SD 19%), respectively. Additionally, 2 μM retinoic acid treatment increased Axin2 expression. Retinoic acid also increased the proliferation marker Pcna as well as the number of Ki-67-positive cells in the palate epithelium. At the same time, the WNT inhibitors Dkk1, Dkk3, Wif1 and Sfrp1 were downregulated at least two-fold. Retinoic acid also down-regulated Alpl and Col1a2 gene expression. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was notably reduced in the osteogenic areas of the retinoic acid- treated palates. Our data suggest that retinoic acid impairs palate fusion and bone formation by upregulation of WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laury Amelia Roa Fuentes
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Department of Instructive Biomaterial Engineering (IBE), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon Bloemen
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carine El Carels
- Department of Human Genetics, KU University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Adtg Wagener
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Wongpaiboonwattana W, Hnoonual A, Limprasert P. Association between 19-bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of Dopamine β-Hydroxylase and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Thai Patients. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091228. [PMID: 36143905 PMCID: PMC9504840 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder the cause of which is not fully known. Genetic factors are believed to play a major role in the etiology of ASD. However, genetic factors have been identified in only some cases, and other causes remain to be identified. This study aimed to identify potential associations between ASD and the 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene which plays a crucial role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Materials and Methods: The 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism upstream of the DBH gene was analyzed for associations in 177 ASD patients and 250 healthy controls. Family-based analysis was performed in family trios of each patient using the transmission disequilibrium test to investigate the potential contributions of this DBH polymorphism to ASD. Results: The frequency of the 19-bp insertion allele was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls (0.624 vs. 0.556, respectively; p = 0.046). The frequency of the insertion/insertion genotype was also higher in the patient group (0.378 vs. 0.288, respectively) but without statistical significance (p = 0.110). The family-based analysis showed an association between patient families and the insertion allele when only families of male participants were analyzed (73 vs. 48 events; OR 1.521; 95% CI 1.057–2.189; p = 0.023). Conclusions: This population-based analysis found an association between the 19-bp insertion allele of the DBH gene and ASD. No association at the genotype level was found. The family-based analysis found an association between the insertion allele and ASD when the analysis was performed on male participants only, suggesting a linkage between the DBH locus and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Areerat Hnoonual
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Pornprot Limprasert
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
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Yang L, Xia Z, Feng J, Zhang M, Miao P, Nie Y, Zhang X, Hao Z, Hu R. Retinoic Acid Supplementation Rescues the Social Deficits in Fmr1 Knockout Mice. Front Genet 2022; 13:928393. [PMID: 35783275 PMCID: PMC9247356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928393] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with the underlying etiology yet incompletely understood and no cure treatment. Patients of fragile X syndrome (FXS) also manifest symptoms, e.g. deficits in social behaviors, that are core traits with ASD. Several studies demonstrated that a mutual defect in retinoic acid (RA) signaling was observed in FXS and ASD. However, it is still unknown whether RA replenishment could pose a positive effect on autistic-like behaviors in FXS. Herein, we found that RA signaling was indeed down-regulated when the expression of FMR1 was impaired in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, RA supplementation rescued the atypical social novelty behavior, but failed to alleviate the defects in sociability behavior or hyperactivity, in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model. The repetitive behavior and motor coordination appeared to be normal. The RNA sequencing results of the prefrontal cortex in Fmr1 KO mice indicated that deregulated expression of Foxp2, Tnfsf10, Lepr and other neuronal genes was restored to normal after RA treatment. Gene ontology terms of metabolic processes, extracellular matrix organization and behavioral pathways were enriched. Our findings provided a potential therapeutic intervention for social novelty defects in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhixiong Xia
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Nie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Zijian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Ronggui Hu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
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Yang T, Chen L, Dai Y, Jia F, Hao Y, Li L, Zhang J, Wu L, Ke X, Yi M, Hong Q, Chen J, Fang S, Wang Y, Wang Q, Jin C, Chen J, Li T. Vitamin A Status Is More Commonly Associated With Symptoms and Neurodevelopment in Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorders-A Multicenter Study in China. Front Nutr 2022; 9:851980. [PMID: 35495950 PMCID: PMC9038535 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.851980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and show a striking male bias in prevalence. Vitamin A (VA) is essential for brain development, and abnormalities in its metabolite retinoic acid are associated with the pathophysiology of ASD. This national multicenter study was conducted to investigate the relationship between serum VA level and core symptoms in ASD children and whether there are still sex differences. Method A total of 1,300 children with ASD and 1,252 typically-developing (TD) controls aged 2-7 years old from 13 cities in China were enrolled in this study. The symptoms of children with ASD were evaluated by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Childhood autism rating scale (CARS). The neurodevelopmental level of the children was evaluated with the revised Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale (CNBS-R2016). The serum level of VA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The serum VA level in children with ASD was significantly lower than that in TD children, especially in boys with ASD. Furthermore, VA levels in male children with ASD were lower than those in female children with ASD. In addition, we found that serum VA level was negatively correlated the SRS, CARS and communication warming behavior of CBNS-R2016 scores in boys with ASD. In terms of developmental quotients, serum VA level was positively associated with the general quotient, language quotient, gross motor quotient and personal-social quotient of boys with ASD, but no difference was found in girls with ASD. Conclusions ASD children, especially boys, have lower serum VA levels than TD children. Moreover, serum VA status is more commonly associated with clinical symptoms and neurodevelopment in boys with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Feiyong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Children Health Care Center, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center of Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingji Yi
- Department of Child Health Care, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Child Healthcare, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanfeng Fang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yichao Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Deyang Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunhua Jin
- Department of Children Health Care, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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11
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Determination of molecular signatures and pathways common to brain tissues of autism spectrum disorder: Insights from comprehensive bioinformatics approach. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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12
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Baranova J, Dragunas G, Botellho MCS, Ayub ALP, Bueno-Alves R, Alencar RR, Papaiz DD, Sogayar MC, Ulrich H, Correa RG. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signaling Pathways and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:619-649. [PMID: 32468442 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Baranova
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dragunas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mayara C S Botellho
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa P Ayub
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Bueno-Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca R Alencar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Debora D Papaiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100 (Edifício NUCEL), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Correa
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Vitamin A deficiency increases the risk of gastrointestinal comorbidity and exacerbates core symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:211-216. [PMID: 32225174 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-0865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and many individuals with ASD have gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities. Vitamin A (VA) is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in brain development and GI function. METHODS A total of 323 children with ASD and 180 control children were enrolled in this study. Symptoms of ASD were assessed with the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Caregivers of the children completed questionnaires about GI symptoms. Serum retinol levels were detected with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS Children with ASD and with GI comorbidity and constipation had considerably lower serum VA levels than autistic children without these symptoms. VA level was associated with CARS, SRS, and ABC scores, whereas GI symptoms were associated some SRS and ABC scores. The interaction of VAD and GI symptoms appeared to aggravate some of the core symptoms of children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS VAD exacerbates core symptoms in children with ASD, and ASD children with GI comorbidities also have more serious core symptoms than ASD children without GI comorbidities. VAD comorbid with GI symptoms aggravates autistic children's core symptoms. IMPACT VAD exacerbates core symptoms in children with ASD. ASD children with GI comorbidities have more serious core symptoms than ASD children without GI comorbidities. VAD comorbid with GI symptoms aggravates autistic children's core symptoms. We speculate that VAD might be related to a subtype of ASD that involves GI comorbidities. We believe that our findings will be of fundamental importance to the scientific community.
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Lugovaya EA, Averyanova IV. Optimizing Diet Of Children With Mental Disorders. RUSSIAN OPEN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.15275/rusomj.2020.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
When monitoring principles of nutrition for children with mental health problems who study in specialized institutions of the Russian Federation or live in boarding schools, it has been revealed that there is no special adapted diet for them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unbalanced diets along with lifestyle habits are the main risk factors for chronic diseases, which can develop together with disorders in intellectual and cognitive abilities. Our objective was to study reference data for identifying and summarizing the nutritional characteristics typical for children requiring special medical care. The review has presented data of foreign and national authors, as well as data obtained with the “Arktika” Research Scientific Center of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, on the elemental status observed in children with autism spectrum disorders, and the nutritional characteristics of the diet kept by residents of Magadan Region under conditions of the Far North. Based on the data, we have made some recommendations for optimizing diet for children with mental disorders.
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A weekly vitamin A supplementary program alleviates social impairment in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders and vitamin A deficiency. Eur J Clin Nutr 2020; 75:1118-1125. [PMID: 33328600 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-00827-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in China with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are prone to vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The present study compared two vitamin A supplements (VAS) in two groups of children with ASD and VAD to explore a better VAS program for children with ASD. METHOD A total of 138 3-8-year-old children with ASD (118 males and 20 females) were enrolled in this 6-month study. Of these 138 children, 82 who had VAD (ASD-VAD) were divided into two VAS groups that received the recommended VAS program (RNI-VAS) or a weekly dose of VAS (WD-VAS). The 56 children who had normal vitamin A levels (ASD-VAN) served as a control group. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was used to assess the severity of social impairment before and after the interventions. Their serum retinol (VA) and oxytocin (OXT) concentrations, the mRNA expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs), and CD38 gene in peripheral blood was measured before and after the 6-month intervention. RESULTS The WD-VAS program increased VA levels better than the RNI-VAS program did (P < 0.01), and it significantly decreased SRS scores (P < 0.05). In addition, the change in VA was positively correlated with the change in mRNA levels in RARβ (r = 0.2441, P = 0.0092), the CD38 in PBMC (r = 0.2729, P = 0.0033), and the change in OXT concentration in serum (r = 0.3735, P < 0.0001). VA was also negatively correlated with changes in SRS scores across the three groups (r = -0.2615, P = 0.0026). CONCLUSION The WD-VAS might be more suitable for children with ASD and VAD than other interventions to improve both VA and social functioning, which may be mediated through the RARβ-CD38-OXT axis.
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Blood homocysteine levels in children with autism spectrum disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2020; 291:113283. [PMID: 32763544 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Results of studies on peripheral blood levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are inconsistent, and conclusions from two previous meta-analyses on this subject published in 2012 are already outdated. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the peripheral blood Hcy data in children with ASD compared with healthy controls (HC). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to September 2019 for eligible studies, with no language restriction. Using random-effects model, we computed summary statistics. Thirty-one studies (3304 participants including 1641 cases) were included. The pooled results showed that the peripheral blood Hcy levels were significantly elevated in children with ASD when compared to HC (Hedges's g = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.76, P < 0.001). By sensitivity analyses, we confirmed that our results were quite robust. Additionally, no publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, our study support the association of increased circulating Hcy levels with ASD in children, and the involvement of Hcy in the occurrence of ASD. However, in view of the significant between-study heterogeneity, the conclusions should be interpreted cautiously and more investigation is required.
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Vitamin A deficiency exacerbates autism-like behaviors and abnormalities of the enteric nervous system in a valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:184-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Anderson G, Betancort Medina SR. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of Pre- and Post-Natal GammaDelta (γδ) T Cells and Immune Regulation. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4321-4330. [PMID: 31682211 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102170125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely accepted that alterations in immune functioning are an important aspect of the pathoetiology and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A relatively under-explored aspect of these alterations is the role of gammaDelta (γδ) T cells, prenatally and in the postnatal gut, which seem important hubs in driving the course of ASD. METHODS The present article describes the role of γδ T cells in ASD, including their interactions with other immune cells shown to be altered in this spectrum of conditions, including natural killer cells and mast cells. RESULTS Other risk factors in ASD, such as decreased vitamins A & D, as well as toxin-associated activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, may also be intimately linked to γδ T cells, and alterations in the regulation of these cells. A growing body of data has highlighted an important role for alterations in mitochondria functioning in the regulation of immune cells, including natural killer cells and mast cells. This is an area that requires investigation in γδ T cells and their putative subtypes. CONCLUSION It is also proposed that maternal stress may act through alterations in the maternal microbiome, leading to changes in how the balance of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which may act to regulate the placenta and foetal development. Following an overview of previous research on immune, especially γδ T cells, effects in ASD, the future research implications are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Maes M, Anderson G, Betancort Medina SR, Seo M, Ojala JO. Integrating Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathophysiology: Mitochondria, Vitamin A, CD38, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Melatonergic Alterations in the Placenta and Gut. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4405-4420. [PMID: 31682209 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diverse array of data has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reflecting the complexity of its pathophysiology as well as its heterogeneity. Two important hubs have emerged, the placenta/prenatal period and the postnatal gut, with alterations in mitochondria functioning crucial in both. METHODS Factors acting to regulate mitochondria functioning in ASD across development are reviewed in this article. RESULTS Decreased vitamin A, and its retinoic acid metabolites, lead to a decrease in CD38 and associated changes that underpin a wide array of data on the biological underpinnings of ASD, including decreased oxytocin, with relevance both prenatally and in the gut. Decreased sirtuins, poly-ADP ribose polymerase-driven decreases in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), hyperserotonemia, decreased monoamine oxidase, alterations in 14-3-3 proteins, microRNA alterations, dysregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, suboptimal mitochondria functioning, and decreases in the melatonergic pathways are intimately linked to this. Many of the above processes may be modulating, or mediated by, alterations in mitochondria functioning. Other bodies of data associated with ASD may also be incorporated within these basic processes, including how ASD risk factors such as maternal obesity and preeclampsia, as well as more general prenatal stressors, modulate the likelihood of offspring ASD. CONCLUSION Such a mitochondria-focussed integrated model of the pathophysiology of ASD has important preventative and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna O Ojala
- Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Machine learning analysis of exome trios to contrast the genomic architecture of autism and schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:92. [PMID: 32111185 PMCID: PMC7049199 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02503-5] [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: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine learning (ML) algorithms and methods offer great tools to analyze large complex genomic datasets. Our goal was to compare the genomic architecture of schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using ML. METHODS In this paper, we used regularized gradient boosted machines to analyze whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from individuals SCZ and ASD in order to identify important distinguishing genetic features. We further demonstrated a method of gene clustering to highlight which subsets of genes identified by the ML algorithm are mutated concurrently in affected individuals and are central to each disease (i.e., ASD vs. SCZ "hub" genes). RESULTS In summary, after correcting for population structure, we found that SCZ and ASD cases could be successfully separated based on genetic information, with 86-88% accuracy on the testing dataset. Through bioinformatic analysis, we explored if combinations of genes concurrently mutated in patients with the same condition ("hub" genes) belong to specific pathways. Several themes were found to be associated with ASD, including calcium ion transmembrane transport, immune system/inflammation, synapse organization, and retinoid metabolic process. Moreover, ion transmembrane transport, neurotransmitter transport, and microtubule/cytoskeleton processes were highlighted for SCZ. CONCLUSIONS Our manuscript introduces a novel comparative approach for studying the genetic architecture of genetically related diseases with complex inheritance and highlights genetic similarities and differences between ASD and SCZ.
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Roa LA, Bloemen M, Carels CEL, Wagener FADTG, Von den Hoff JW. Retinoic acid disrupts osteogenesis in pre-osteoblasts by down-regulating WNT signaling. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 116:105597. [PMID: 31479736 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The skull bones are formed by osteoblasts by intramembranous ossification. WNT signaling is a regulator of bone formation. Retinoic Acid (RA) act as a teratogen affecting craniofacial development. We evaluated the effects of RA on the differentiation and mineralization of MC-3T3 cells, and on the expression of WNT components. MC-3T3 were cultured with or without 0.5 μM RA in osteogenic medium and mineralization was assessed by alizarin red staining. The expression of osteogenic marker genes and WNT genes was evaluated at several time points up to 28 days. RA significantly inhibited MC-3T3 mineralization (p < 0.01), without affecting ALP activity or Alp gene expression. Both parameters gradually increased in time. During culture, RA stimulated Runx2 expression at 14 and 28 days compared to the respective controls (p < 0.05). Also, RA significantly reduced Sp7 expression at days 14 and 21 (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, RA significantly reduced the expression of the WNT genes cMyc, Lef1, Lrp5, Lrp6 and Wnt11 compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, RA increased the expression of the WNT inhibitors Dkk1 at day 21 and Dkk2 at days 14 and 21 (p < 0.01). Our data indicate that RA disrupts osteogenic differentiation and mineralization by inhibiting WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laury A Roa
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marjon Bloemen
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Carine E L Carels
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University KU Leuven. Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank A D T G Wagener
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Department of Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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