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Seiffe A, Kazlauskas N, Campolongo M, Depino AM. Juvenile peripheral LPS exposure overrides female resilience to prenatal VPA effects on adult sociability in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11435. [PMID: 38763939 PMCID: PMC11102908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibits a gender bias, with boys more frequently affected than girls. Similarly, in mouse models induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA), males typically display reduced sociability, while females are less affected. Although both males and females exhibit VPA effects on neuroinflammatory parameters, these effects are sex-specific. Notably, females exposed to VPA show increased microglia and astrocyte density during the juvenile period. We hypothesized that these distinct neuroinflammatory patterns contribute to the resilience of females to VPA. To investigate this hypothesis, we treated juvenile animals with intraperitoneal bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a treatment known to elicit brain neuroinflammation. We thus evaluated the impact of juvenile LPS-induced inflammation on adult sociability and neuroinflammation in female mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Our results demonstrate that VPA-LPS females exhibit social deficits in adulthood, overriding the resilience observed in VPA-saline littermates. Repetitive behavior and anxiety levels were not affected by either treatment. We also evaluated whether the effect on sociability was accompanied by heightened neuroinflammation in the cerebellum and hippocampus. Surprisingly, we observed reduced astrocyte and microglia density in the cerebellum of VPA-LPS animals. These findings shed light on the complex interactions between prenatal insults, juvenile inflammatory stimuli, and sex-specific vulnerability in ASD-related social deficits, providing insights into potential therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Seiffe
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-UBA, Int. Guiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, 2do piso, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia Kazlauskas
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-UBA, Int. Guiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, 2do piso, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Campolongo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-UBA, Int. Guiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, 2do piso, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amaicha Mara Depino
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-UBA, Int. Guiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 2, 2do piso, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Davoudi S, Rahdar M, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Chronic inhibition of astrocytic aquaporin-4 induces autistic-like behavior in control rat offspring similar to maternal exposure to valproic acid. Physiol Behav 2023:114286. [PMID: 37402416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Social communication and interaction deficits, memory impairment, and anxiety-like behavior are characterized in many people identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A thorough understanding of the specific aspects that contribute to the deficiencies associated with ASD can aid research into the etiology of the disorder while also providing targets for more effective intervention. As part of the ASD pathophysiology, alterations in synaptogenesis and abnormal network connections were seen in high-order brain areas, which control social behavior and communication. The early emergence of microglia during nervous system development may contribute to synaptic dysfunction and the pathobiology of ASD. Since aquaporin-4 (AQP4) appears to be required for the basic procedures of synapse activation, certain behavioral and cognitive impairments as well as disturbance in water homeostasis might likely arise from AQP4 deficiency. Here, through the measurement of the water content of the hippocampus and behavioral experiments we aim to explore the contribution of astrocytic AQP4 to the autism-like behavior induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure and whether inhibition of AQP4 per se can induce autistic-like behavior in control rats. Microinjection of TGN-020 (10µM, i.c.v), a specific AQP4 inhibitor, for 7 successive days before behavioral tasks from postnatal day 28 to 35 revealed that inhibition of AQP4 in the control offspring caused lower social interaction and locomotor activity, higher anxiety, and decreased ability to recognize novel objects, very similar to the behavioral changes observed in offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. However, VPA-exposed offspring treated with TGN-020, showed no further remarkable behavioral impairments than those detected in the autistic-like rats. Furthermore, both control offspring treated with TGN-020 and offspring exposed to VPA had a considerable accumulation of water in their hippocampi. But AQP4 inhibition did not affect the water status of the autistic-like rats. The findings of this study revealed that control offspring exhibited similar hippocampal water retention and behavioral impairments that were observed in maternal VPA-exposed offspring following inhibition of astrocytic AQP4, whereas, in autistic-like rats, it did not produce any significant change in water content and behaviors. Findings suggest that AQP4 deficiency could be associated with autistic disorder and may be a potential pharmaceutical target for treating autism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Mabry S, Wilson EN, Bradshaw JL, Gardner JJ, Fadeyibi O, Vera E, Osikoya O, Cushen SC, Karamichos D, Goulopoulou S, Cunningham RL. Sex and age differences in social and cognitive function in offspring exposed to late gestational hypoxia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2507737. [PMID: 37333114 PMCID: PMC10275064 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2507737/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Gestational sleep apnea affects 8-26% of pregnancies and can increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social dysfunction, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. To examine the relationship between gestational sleep apnea and ASD-associated behaviors, we used a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) protocol between gestational days (GD) 15-19 in pregnant rats to model late gestational sleep apnea. We hypothesized that late gestational CIH would produce sex- and age-specific social, mood, and cognitive impairments in offspring. Methods Timed pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to CIH or room air normoxia from GD 15-19. Behavioral testing of offspring occurred during either puberty or young adulthood. To examine ASD-associated phenotypes, we quantified ASD-associated behaviors (social function, repetitive behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and spatial memory and learning), hippocampal activity (glutamatergic NMDA receptors, dopamine transporter, monoamine oxidase-A, EGR-1, and doublecortin), and circulating hormones in offspring. Results Late gestational CIH induced sex- and age-specific differences in social, repetitive and memory functions in offspring. These effects were mostly transient and present during puberty. In female pubertal offspring, CIH impaired social function, increased repetitive behaviors, and increased circulating corticosterone levels, but did not impact memory. In contrast, CIH transiently induced spatial memory dysfunction in pubertal male offspring but did not impact social or repetitive functions. Long-term effects of gestational CIH were only observed in female offspring, wherein CIH induced social disengagement and suppression of circulating corticosterone levels in young adulthood. No effects of gestational CIH were observed on anxiety-like behaviors, hippocampal activity, circulating testosterone levels, or circulating estradiol levels, regardless of sex or age of offspring. Conclusions Our results indicate that hypoxia-associated pregnancy complications during late gestation can increase the risk for ASD-associated behavioral and physiological outcomes, such as pubertal social dysfunction, corticosterone dysregulation, and memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Mabry
- UNTHSC: University of North Texas Health Science Center
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward Vera
- UNTHSC: University of North Texas Health Science Center
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Luo L, Chen J, Wu Q, Yuan B, Hu C, Yang T, Wei H, Li T. Prenatally VPA exposure is likely to cause autistic-like behavior in the rats offspring via TREM2 down-regulation to affect the microglial activation and synapse alterations. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 99:104090. [PMID: 36870407 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microglial dysfunction has been reported in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rat models. However, how does prenatal VPA exposure affect microglia remains to be elucidated. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is revealed to be implicated in a range of microglia functions. However, reports on the association between TREM2 and VPA-induced ASD rat models are scarce. Our results showed that prenatal VPA exposure induced autistic-like behaviors, downregulated the levels of TREM2, up-regulated microglial activation, dysregulated microglial polarization, and altered synapse in offspring. TREM2 overexpression partly ameliorated microglia dysfunction and autistic-like behaviors in prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Our findings demonstrated that prenatally VPA exposure is likely to cause autistic-like behavior in the rat offspring via TREM2 down-regulation to affect the microglial activation, microglial polarization and synaptic pruning of microglia for the first time.
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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
| | - 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
| | - 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.
| | - 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.
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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Grgurevic N. Testing the extreme male hypothesis in the valproate mouse model; sex-specific effects on plasma testosterone levels and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, but not on parental behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1107226. [PMID: 36818606 PMCID: PMC9932272 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong male bias in prevalence and severity. The extreme male hypothesis proposed that autism is a manifestation of extreme male traits as evidenced by increased masculine behaviors, hypermasculinization of some brain regions, and alterations in androgen metabolism. In the present study, the extreme male hypothesis was tested in the valproate (VPA) mouse model. Methods Females of the C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse strain were treated with 500 mg/kg VPA on gestational day 12. Offspring of both sexes were tested at 3 to 4 months of age in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, sociability tests, and for parental behavior. After sacrifice at 5 to 6 months of age, plasma testosterone was measured in males, while the brains of both sexes were examined for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Results VPA treatment significantly increased plasma testosterone levels and decreased AVPV TH expression in males, whereas the expression of TH in females remained at the same level. In parental behavior test none of the pup-oriented behavior was affected by VPA treatment in both sexes, the exception was nest quality which was lower after VPA exposure in males, but not in females. Discussion Our results suggest a hypermasculinizing effect of VPA that occurred specifically in males but not in females, and this effect could be related to changes in androgen physiology. Nevertheless, a generalized interpretation of the extreme male hypothesis on brain and behavior should be avoided due to the complex effects of VPA.
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Viana CE, Bortolotto VC, Araujo SM, Dahleh MMM, Machado FR, de Souza Pereira A, Moreira de Oliveira BP, Leimann FV, Gonçalves OH, Prigol M, Guerra GP. Lutein-loaded nanoparticles reverse oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors induced by prenatal valproic acid exposure in female rats. Neurotoxicology 2023; 94:223-234. [PMID: 36528186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. In this study, we assessed the effect of lutein-loaded nanoparticles on ASD-like behaviors induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure in female offspring rats and the possible involvement of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Pregnant female Wistar rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of VPA (600 mg/kg), on the gestational day 12.5. The VPA-exposed female offspring rats were divided into two subgroups and received either lutein-loaded nanoparticles (5 mg/kg) or saline by oral gavage, for 14 days. The animals were submitted to the three-chamber test and open field to evaluate ASD-like behaviors. The hippocampus was removed for the determination of oxidative stress indicators (ROS; TBARS; SOD and Nrf2) and apoptosis biomarkers (Hsp-70; p38-MAPK; Bax and Bcl-2). The exposure to lutein-loaded nanoparticles reversed sociability deficit, social memory deficit, and anxiety-like and repetitive behaviors induced by VPA, and restored the oxidative stress indicators and apoptosis biomarkers in the hippocampus. This neurochemical effect must be associated with the reversal of ASD-like behaviors. These results provide evidence that lutein-loaded nanoparticles are an alternative treatment for VPA-induced behavioral damage in female rats and suggest the involvement of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristini Escobar Viana
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Vandreza Cardoso Bortolotto
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Stífani Machado Araujo
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Mustafa Munir Mustafa Dahleh
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciéle Romero Machado
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Adson de Souza Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Byanca Pereira Moreira de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Campo Mourão, 87301-006 Campo Mourão, PR, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Vitória Leimann
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Campo Mourão, 87301-006 Campo Mourão, PR, Brazil; Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), ESA, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Odinei Hess Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Campo Mourão, 87301-006 Campo Mourão, PR, Brazil; Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), ESA, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Marina Prigol
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Petri Guerra
- Laboratório de Avaliações Farmacológicas e Toxicológicas Aplicadas às Moléculas Bioativas - LaftamBio, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Itaqui, 97650-000 Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, 97508-000 Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Kumar H, Diwan V, Sharma B. Protective Effect of Nimodipine Against Valproic-acid Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Phenotypes of Autism. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 20:725-736. [PMID: 36263647 PMCID: PMC9606438 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.4.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective Present study was designed to investigate behavioral and biochemical role of nimodipine in prenatal valproic acid (Pre-VPA) induced autism in rats. Methods Valproic acid was utilized to induce autistic phenotypes in Wistar rats. The rats were assessed for social behavior. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were utilized for various biochemical assessments, whereas cerebellum was used to assess blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Results Pre-VPA rats showed reduction social interaction. Pre-VPA administration were decreased PFC levels of interleukin- 10 (IL-10), and glutathione along with hippocampus cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Also, the animals have shown increase in PFC levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, Evans blue leakage and water content. Nimodipine countered Pre-VPA administered reduction in social interaction, CREB, BDNF, inflammation, oxidative stress, BBB permeability. Conclusion Pre-VPA has induced autistic phenotype, which were attenuated by nimodipine in rats. Nimodipine and other calcium channel blockers should further investigate to check the management of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hariom Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Vishal Diwan
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
- CNS Pharmacology, Conscience Research, New Delhi, India
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Cipriani C, Tartaglione AM, Giudice M, D’Avorio E, Petrone V, Toschi N, Chiarotti F, Miele MT, Calamandrei G, Garaci E, Matteucci C, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Ricceri L, Balestrieri E. Differential Expression of Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Mediators in Female and Male Offspring in a Mouse Model of Maternal Immune Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13930. [PMID: 36430402 PMCID: PMC9695919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal infections during pregnancy and the consequent maternal immune activation (MIA) are the major risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epidemiological evidence is corroborated by the preclinical models in which MIA leads to ASD-like behavioral abnormalities and altered neuroinflammatory profiles, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial markers. In addition to neuroinflammatory response, an abnormal expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) has been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders and have been found to correlate with disease severity. Our aim was to evaluate the transcriptional profile of several ERV families, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators (by RT real-time PCR) in mouse offspring of both sexes, prenatally exposed to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA molecule targeting TLR-3 that mimics viral maternal infection during pregnancy. We found that prenatal exposure to Poly I:C deregulated the expression of some ERVs and ERV-related genes both in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, while no changes were detected in the blood. Interestingly, sex-related differences in the expression levels of some ERVs, ERV-related genes, and inflammatory mediators that were higher in females than in males emerged only in PFC. Our findings support the tissue specificity of ERV and ERV-related transcriptional profiles in MIA mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Tartaglione
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Giudice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica D’Avorio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Flavia Chiarotti
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- University San Raffaele, 00166 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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11
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The Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Bacterial Metabolite p-Cresol Derails the Neuroimmune Response of Microglial Cells Partially via Reduction of ADAM17 and ADAM10. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911013. [PMID: 36232346 PMCID: PMC9570133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial metabolite 4-methylphenol (para-cresol or p-cresol) and its derivative p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) are elevated in the urine and feces of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been shown that p-cresol administration induces social behavior deficits and repetitive behavior in mice. However, the mechanisms of p-cresol, specifically its metabolite pCS that can reach the brain, in ASD remain to be investigated. The pCS has been shown to inhibit LPS-stimulated inflammatory response. A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) are thought to regulate microglial immune response by cleaving membrane-bound proteins. In the present study, a neuroinflammation model of LPS-activated BV2 microglia has been used to unveil the potential molecular mechanism of pCS in ASD pathogenesis. In microglial cells pCS treatment decreases the expression or maturation of ADAM10 and ADAM17. In addition, pCS treatment attenuates TNF-α and IL-6 releases as well as phagocytosis activity of microglia. In in vitro ADAM10/17 inhibition experiments, either ADAM10 or ADAM17 inhibition reduces constitutive and LPS-activated release of TNF-α, TNFR-1 and IL-6R by microglial cells, while it increases constitutive and LPS-activated microglial phagocytotic activity. The in vivo results further confirm the involvement of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in ASD pathogenesis. In in utero VPA-exposed male mice, elevated concentration in serum of p-cresol-associated metabolites pCS and p-cresyl glucuronide (pCG) is associated with a VPA-induced increased ADAM10 maturation, and a decreased ADAM17 maturation that is related with attenuated levels of soluble TNF-α and TGF-β1 in the mice brain. Overall, the present study demonstrates a partial role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the derailed innate immune response of microglial cells associated with pCS-induced ASD pathogenesis.
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12
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Rahdar M, Hajisoltani R, Davoudi S, Karimi SA, Borjkhani M, Khatibi VA, Hosseinmardi N, Behzadi G, Janahmadi M. Alterations in the intrinsic discharge activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons associated with possible changes in the NADPH diaphorase activity in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Brain Res 2022; 1792:148013. [PMID: 35841982 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sensory abnormalities, social skills impairment and cognitive deficits. Although recent evidence indicated that induction of autism-like behavior in animal models causes abnormal neuronal excitability, the impact of autism on neuronal properties is still an important issue. Thus, new findings at the cellular level may shed light on the pathophysiology of autism and may help to find effective treatment strategies. Here, we investigated the behavioral, electrophysiological and histochemical impacts of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats. Findings revealed that VPA exposure caused a significant increase in the hot plate response latency. The novel object recognition ability was also impaired in VPA-exposed rats. Along with these behavioral alterations, neurons from VPA-exposed animals exhibited altered excitability features in response to depolarizing current injections relative to control neurons. In the VPA-exposed group, these changes consisted of a significant increase in the amplitude, evoked firing frequency and the steady-state standard deviation of spike timing of action potentials (APs). Moreover, the half-width, the AHP amplitude and the decay time constant of APs were significantly decreased in this group. These changes in the evoked electrophysiological properties were accompanied by intrinsic hyperexcitability and lower spike-frequency adaptation and also a significant increase in the number of NADPH-diaphorase stained neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of the VPA-exposed rats. Taken together, findings demonstrate that abnormal nociception and recognition memory is associated with alterations in the neuronal responsiveness and nitrergic system in a rat model of autism-like.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Razieh Hajisoltani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borjkhani
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran
| | - Vahid Ahli Khatibi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Hosseinmardi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gila Behzadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Alpay M, Yucel F. Changes of Cerebellar Cortex in a Valproic Acid-Induced Rat Model of Autism. Int J Dev Neurosci 2022; 82:606-614. [PMID: 35831992 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 for each group) were used in total to examine the effects of valproic acid on rat cerebellum. It was determined that the experimental group received valproic acid (600mg/kg) on embryonic day 15 and postnatal day 11, whereas the control group was treated with saline on the same days. Moreover, on the postnatal 30th day, the cerebellums of all pups were removed and prepared for light and electron microscopy. The numerical density of granule cells in the cerebellum of experimental groups of rats increased whereas the numerical density of Purkinje cells decreased. Furthermore, the granule cells had a smaller mean nuclear diameter in one of the experimental groups while the Purkinje cells had in both experimental groups than those in the comparison group. Thus, the numerical density of synaptic discs and their mean diameter in the cerebellar granular layer of experimental groups were significantly decreased compared to the corresponding controls; also, the synapse-to-neurons ratio, a parameter indicating interneural connectivity, was the same. Consequently, it was seen that valproic acid administration to pups in prenatal or early postnatal days causes changes in number of neurons and synapses in the cerebellum of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Alpay
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Ferruh Yucel
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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14
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Juvenile handling rescues autism-related effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7174. [PMID: 35504947 PMCID: PMC9065111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors acting on young animals affect neurodevelopmental trajectories and impact adult brain function and behavior. Psychiatric disorders may be caused or worsen by environmental factors, but early interventions can improve performance. Understanding the possible mechanisms acting upon the developing brain could help identify etiological factors of psychiatric disorders and enable advancement of effective therapies. Research has focused on the long-lasting effects of environmental factors acting during the perinatal period, therefore little is known about the impact of these factors at later ages when neurodevelopmental pathologies such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are usually diagnosed. Here we show that handling mice during the juvenile period can rescue a range of behavioral and cellular effects of prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. VPA-exposed animals show reduced sociability and increased repetitive behaviors, along with other autism-related endophenotypes such as increased immobility in the forced swim test and increased neuronal activity in the piriform cortex (Pir). Our results demonstrate that briefly handling mice every other day between postnatal days 22 and 34 can largely rescue these phenotypes. This effect can also be observed when animals are analyzed across tests using an “autism” factor, which also discriminates between animals with high and low Pir neuron activity. Thus, we identified a juvenile developmental window when environmental factors can determine adult autism-related behavior. In addition, our results have broader implications on behavioral neuroscience, as they highlight the importance of adequate experimental design and control of behavioral experiments involving treating or testing young animals.
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15
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Ghahremani R, Mohammadkhani R, Salehi I, Karimi SA, Zarei M. Sex Differences in Spatial Learning and Memory in Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism: Possible Beneficial Role of Exercise Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:869792. [PMID: 35548693 PMCID: PMC9084280 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.869792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we first tried to determine sex differences in spatial learning and memory in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. Second, the effects of interval training (IT) and continuous training (CT) exercises were examined in male and female offsprings. To induce autism-like animal model, the pregnant rats were injected 500 mg/kg NaVPA (intraperitoneal) at the embryonic day 12.5. IT and CT aerobic exercises were started at postnatal day 56. Then, on postnatal days 84–89, a Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted on the separate groups of offsprings. Aerobic training was performed on a rodent treadmill with 0% slope for 8 weeks, 5 days/week, and 50 min/day. Unlike control animals, VPA-exposed female offspring had a better performance than VPA-exposed male offspring in MWM acquisition. In the case of MWM reference memory, we did not observe a sex difference between VPA-exposed male and VPA-exposed female offspring. Both IT and CT exercises in both control and VPA-exposed male rats significantly improved MWM acquisition. Moreover, both IT and CT exercises significantly improved MWM acquisition in control female rats. In addition, IT exercise (but not CT) significantly improved MWM acquisition in VPA-exposed female offsprings. Both IT and CT exercises in VPA-exposed that male and female offsprings improved the MWM reference memory. In conclusion, our observation demonstrated that prenatal exposure to VPA affects the spatial learning and memory in a sex dependent manner. We have shown that both IT and CT exercises are able to improve cognitive function in healthy and autistic rat offsprings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- *Correspondence: Seyed Asaad Karimi, , , ,
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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16
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Vellingiri B, Aishwarya SY, Benita Jancy S, Sriram Abhishek G, Winster Suresh Babu H, Vijayakumar P, Narayanasamy A, Mariappan S, Sangeetha R, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A, Parthasarathi R, Iyer M. An anxious relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gut Microbiota: A tangled chemistry? J Clin Neurosci 2022; 99:169-189. [PMID: 35286970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder often accompanied by strained social communication, repetitive behaviour, immune dysregulation, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Recent studies have recorded a link between dysbiosis in the gut microbiota (gm) and the primary stages of ASD. A bidirectional connection (also called microbiota-gut-brain-axis) exchanges information between the gut bacteria and central nervous system. When the homeostasis of the microenvironment of the gut is dysregulated, it causes oxidative stress, affecting neuronal cells and neurotransmitters, thereby causing neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have confirmed a difference in the constitution of gut bacteria among ASD cases and their controls. Numerous studies on animal models of ASD have shown altered gm and its association with abnormal metabolite profile and altered behaviour phenotype. This process happens due to an abnormal metabolite production in gm, leading to changes in the immune system, especially in ASD. Hence, this review aims to question the current knowledge on gm dysbiosis and its related GI discomforts and ASD behavioural symptoms and shed light on the possible therapeutic approaches available to deal with this situation. Thereby, though it is understood that more research might be needed to prove an association or causal relationship between gm and ASD, therapy with the microbiome may also be considered as an effective strategy to combat this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - S Y Aishwarya
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Benita Jancy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G Sriram Abhishek
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harysh Winster Suresh Babu
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India; Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Padmavathi Vijayakumar
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arul Narayanasamy
- Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sujitha Mariappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Sangeetha
- Department of Zoology and Wild Life Biology, Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam 643002, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi
- Computational Toxicology Facility, Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, Environmental Monitoring and Intervention Hub (DSIR-CRTDH), CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow 226001 Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Livestock Farming and Bioresource Technology, Tamil Nadu, India.
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17
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Jiang S, Xiao L, Sun Y, He M, Gao C, Zhu C, Chang H, Ding J, Li W, Wang Y, Sun T, Wang F. The GABAB receptor agonist STX209 reverses the autism‑like behaviour in an animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:154. [PMID: 35244195 PMCID: PMC8941376 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, compromised communication, and restrictive or stereotyped behaviours and interests. Due to the complex pathophysiology of ASD, there are currently no available medical therapies for improving the associated social deficits. Consequently, the present study investigated the effects of STX209, a selective γ‑aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR2) agonist, on an environmental rodent model of autism. The mouse model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) was used to assess the therapeutic potential of STX209 on autism‑like behaviour in the present study. This study investigated the effects of STX209 on VPA model mice via behavioral testing and revealed a significant reversal of core/associated autism‑like behavior, including sociability and preference for social novelty, novelty recognition, locomotion and exploration activity and marble‑burying deficit. This may be associated with STX209 correcting dendritic arborization, spine density and GABABR2 expression in hippocampus of VPA model mice. However, expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 in the hippocampus were not altered by STX209. The present results demonstrated that STX209 administration ameliorated autism‑like symptoms in mice exposed to VPA prenatally, suggesting that autism‑like symptoms in children with a history of prenatal VPA exposure may also benefit from treatment with the GABABR2 agonist STX209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucai Jiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Lifei Xiao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yu Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Maotao He
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Caibin Gao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Changliang Zhu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Haigang Chang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Jiangwei Ding
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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18
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Kuo HY, Liu FC. Pathophysiological Studies of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission Systems in Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:560. [PMID: 35327362 PMCID: PMC8945169 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. The core syndromes of ASD are deficits in social communication and self-restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Social communication relies on the proper integration of sensory and motor functions, which is tightly interwoven with the limbic function of reward, motivation, and emotion in the brain. Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are key players in the modulation of neuronal activity. Owing to their broad distribution, the monoamine neurotransmitter systems are well suited to modulate social communication by coordinating sensory, motor, and limbic systems in different brain regions. The complex and diverse functions of monoamine neurotransmission thus render themselves as primary targets of pathophysiological investigation of the etiology of ASD. Clinical studies have reported that children with maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) have an increased risk of developing ASD. Extensive animal studies have confirmed that maternal treatments of VPA include ASD-like phenotypes, including impaired social communication and repetitive behavior. Here, given that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, we begin with an overview of the neural development of monoaminergic systems with their neurochemical properties in the brain. We then review and discuss the evidence of human clinical and animal model studies of ASD with a focus on the VPA-induced pathophysiology of monoamine neurotransmitter systems. We also review the potential interactions of microbiota and monoamine neurotransmitter systems in ASD pathophysiology. Widespread and complex changes in monoamine neurotransmitters are detected in the brains of human patients with ASD and validated in animal models. ASD animal models are not only essential to the characterization of pathogenic mechanisms, but also provide a preclinical platform for developing therapeutic approaches to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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19
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Jiang S, He M, Xiao L, Sun Y, Ding J, Li W, Guo B, Wang L, Wang Y, Gao C, Sun T, Wang F. Prenatal GABAB Receptor Agonist Administration Corrects the Inheritance of Autism-Like Core Behaviors in Offspring of Mice Prenatally Exposed to Valproic Acid. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:835993. [PMID: 35492716 PMCID: PMC9051083 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.835993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate the effects of prenatal baclofen (a GABAB receptor agonist) treatment on the inheritance of autism-like behaviors in valproic acid (VPA)-exposed mice. VPA model mice (first generation, F1) that were prenatally exposed to VPA exhibited robust core autism-like behaviors, and we found that oral administration of baclofen to F1 mice corrected their autism-like behavioral phenotypes at an early age. Based on a previous epigenetics study, we mated the F1 male offspring with litter females to produce the second generation (F2). The F2 male mice showed obvious inheritance of autism-like phenotypes from F1 mice, implying the heritability of autism symptoms in patients with prenatal VPA exposure. Furthermore, we found prenatal baclofen administration was associated with beneficial effects on the autism-like phenotype in F2 male mice. This may have involved corrections in the density of total/mature dendritic spines in the hippocampus (HC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), normalizing synaptic plasticity. In this research, GABAB receptor agonist administration corrected the core autism-like behaviors of F1 mice and protected against the inheritance of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring of F1 mice, suggesting the potential of early intervention with GABAB receptor agonists in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucai Jiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Maotao He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Lifei Xiao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiangwei Ding
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Baorui Guo
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Caibin Gao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Thornton AM, Humphrey RM, Kerr DM, Finn DP, Roche M. Increasing Endocannabinoid Tone Alters Anxiety-Like and Stress Coping Behaviour in Female Rats Prenatally Exposed to Valproic Acid. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123720. [PMID: 34207178 PMCID: PMC8233839 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the sex differences evident in the prevalence of autism, there is an increased awareness of the importance of including females in autism research to determine sexual dimorphism and sex-specific treatments. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoid modulators have been proposed as potential novel treatments for autism-related symptoms; however, few studies to date have examined if these pharmacological agents elicit sex-specific effects. The aim of the present study was to use the valproic acid (VPA) model of autism to compare the behavioural responses of male and female rats and examine the effects of increasing endocannabinoid tone on the behavioural responses of VPA-exposed female rats. These data revealed that VPA-exposed male, but not female, rats exhibit reduced social responding in the three-chamber and olfactory habituation/dishabituation (OHD) test during adolescence. In comparison, VPA-exposed female, but not male, adolescent rats exhibited anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT). In VPA-exposed female rats, increasing 2-AG levels augmented anxiety-like behaviour in the EPM and OFT, while increasing AEA levels reduced stress coping behaviour in the swim stress test. These data highlight sexual dimorphic behaviours in the VPA model and indicate that enhancing endocannabinoid levels may exacerbate negative affective behaviour in VPA-exposed females. Thus, considerations should be paid to the possible sex-specific effects of cannabinoids for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife M. Thornton
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Rachel M. Humphrey
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
| | - Daniel M. Kerr
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - David P. Finn
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (A.M.T.); (R.M.H.)
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland;
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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21
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Manjeese W, Mvubu NE, Steyn AJC, Mpofana T. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes a leaky blood-brain barrier and neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum regions of infected mice offspring. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:428-437. [PMID: 33932039 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maternal system's exposure to pathogens influences foetal brain development through the influx of maternal cytokines and activation of the foetal immune status to a persistent inflammatory state characterised by glia cell activation. Neuroinflammation influences the blood-brain barrier's (BBB) permeability allowing peripheral immune cell trafficking into the brain. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a pathogen that causes Tuberculosis (TB), a global pandemic responsible for health and economic burdens. Although it is known that maternal infections increase the risk of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not known whether gestational Mtb infections also contribute to impaired foetal neurodevelopment. Here we infect pregnant Balb/c mice with Mtb H37Rv and Valproic acid (VPA) individually and in combination. Neuroinflammation was measured by assessing microglia and astrocyte population in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum (CER) of pups. Mtb infection increased the microglia population and caused morphological changes to a reactive phenotype in the PFC. Also, the astrocyte population was significantly increased in the PFC of Mtb pups. The BBB permeability was determined by measuring the Evans Blue (EB) dye concentration in the PFC and CER 1 hr post receiving intravenous EB-dye injection. We found that prenatal Mtb exposure significantly increased the BBB's permeability in the PFC and CER of pups versus saline. Overall, our data demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Mtb predisposes offspring to a higher risk of BBB damage while inducing persistent neuroinflammation, which could lead to impaired neuronal development and function. These findings implicate a potential role of gestational Mtb infections in the aetiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadzanai Manjeese
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nontobeko E Mvubu
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adrie J C Steyn
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Africa Health Research Institute, K-Rith Tower Building, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Thabisile Mpofana
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
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22
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Adjimann TS, Argañaraz CV, Soiza-Reilly M. Serotonin-related rodent models of early-life exposure relevant for neurodevelopmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:280. [PMID: 33976122 PMCID: PMC8113523 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders including depression and anxiety are continuously rising their prevalence across the globe. Early-life experience of individuals emerges as a main risk factor contributing to the developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. That is, perturbing environmental conditions during neurodevelopmental stages can have detrimental effects on adult mood and emotional responses. However, the possible maladaptive neural mechanisms contributing to such psychopathological phenomenon still remain poorly understood. In this review, we explore preclinical rodent models of developmental vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, focusing on the impact of early-life environmental perturbations on behavioral aspects relevant to stress-related and psychiatric disorders. We limit our analysis to well-established models in which alterations in the serotonin (5-HT) system appear to have a crucial role in the pathophysiological mechanisms. We analyze long-term behavioral outcomes produced by early-life exposures to stress and psychotropic drugs such as the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants or the anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA). We perform a comparative analysis, identifying differences and commonalities in the behavioral effects produced in these models. Furthermore, this review discusses recent advances on neurodevelopmental substrates engaged in these behavioral effects, emphasizing the possible existence of maladaptive mechanisms that could be shared by the different models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara S. Adjimann
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla V. Argañaraz
- grid.7345.50000 0001 0056 1981Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Maternal Immune Activation Promotes Autism-Like Phenotype in Infected Mice Offspring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094513. [PMID: 33922864 PMCID: PMC8122996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The maternal system’s exposure to pathogens during pregnancy influences fetal brain development causing a persistent inflammation characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in offspring. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a global pathogen that causes tuberculosis, a pandemic responsible for health and economic burdens. Although it is known that maternal infections increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not known whether Mtb infection is sufficient to induce ASD associated behaviors, immune dysregulation and altered expression of synaptic regulatory genes. The current study infected pregnant Balb/c mice with Mtb H37Rv and valproic acid (VPA) individually and in combination. Plasma cytokine profiles were measured in offspring using the Bio-plex Th17 pro mouse cytokine panel. Mtb infection increased plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17A, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-1β were reduced when compared with saline. Mtb-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) offspring displayed increased grooming behavior. The study also revealed dysregulation in gene expression of synaptic molecules in the cerebellum. MIA rescued the VPA-induced effects on self-grooming and social interaction behaviors. Our finding therefore highlights a potential role of Mtb as a MIA agent that can potentially contribute to ASD.
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24
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DiCarlo GE, Mabry SJ, Cao X, McMillan C, Woynaroski TG, Harrison FE, Reddy IA, Matthies HJG, Flynn CR, Wallace MT, Wu H, Galli A. Autism-Associated Variant in the SLC6A3 Gene Alters the Oral Microbiome and Metabolism in a Murine Model. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:655451. [PMID: 33935841 PMCID: PMC8081952 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.655451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Altered dopamine (DA) signaling has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition estimated to impact 1 in 54 children in the United States. There is growing evidence for alterations in both gastrointestinal function and oral microbiome composition in ASD. Recent work suggests that rare variants of the SLC6A3 gene encoding the DA transporter (DAT) identified in individuals with ASD result in structural and functional changes to the DAT. One such recently identified de novo mutation is a threonine to methionine substitution at position 356 of the DAT (DAT T356M). The DAT T356M variant is associated with ASD-like phenotypes in mice homozygous for the mutation (DAT T356M+/+), including social deficits, hyperactivity, and impaired DA signaling. Here, we determine the impact of this altered DA signaling as it relates to altered oral microbiota, and metabolic and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Methods: In the DAT T356M+/+ mouse, we determine the oral microbiota composition, metabolic function, and gastrointestinal (GI) function. We examined oral microbiota by 16S RNA sequencing. We measured metabolic function by examining glucose tolerance and we probed gastrointestinal parameters by measuring fecal dimensions and weight. Results: In the DAT T356M+/+ mouse, we evaluate how altered DA signaling relates to metabolic dysfunction and altered oral microbiota. We demonstrate that male DAT T356M+/+ mice weigh less (Wild type (WT) = 26.48 ± 0.6405 g, DAT T356M+/+ = 24.14 ± 0.4083 g) and have decreased body fat (WT = 14.89 ± 0.6206%, DAT T356M+/+ = 12.72 ± 0.4160%). These mice display improved glucose handling (WT = 32.60 ± 0.3298 kcal/g, DAT T356M+/+ = 36.97 ± 0.4910 kcal/g), and an altered oral microbiota. We found a significant decrease in Fusobacterium abundance. The abundance of Fusobacterium was associated with improved glucose handling and decreased body fat. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into how DAT dysfunction may alter gastrointestinal function, composition of the oral microbiota, and metabolism. Our data suggest that impaired DA signaling in ASD is associated with a number of metabolic and gastrointestinal changes which are common in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella E. DiCarlo
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Samuel J. Mabry
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Xixi Cao
- School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Clara McMillan
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Tiffany G. Woynaroski
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Fiona E. Harrison
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - India A. Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Charles R. Flynn
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Mark T. Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Hui Wu
- School of Dentistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Aurelio Galli
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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25
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Alterations in Tau Protein Level and Phosphorylation State in the Brain of the Autistic-Like Rats Induced by Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063209. [PMID: 33809910 PMCID: PMC8004207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficient social interaction and communication besides repetitive, stereotyped behaviours. A characteristic feature of ASD is altered dendritic spine density and morphology associated with synaptic plasticity disturbances. Since microtubules (MTs) regulate dendritic spine morphology and play an important role in spine development and plasticity the aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations in the content of neuronal α/β-tubulin and Tau protein level as well as phosphorylation state in the valproic acid (VPA)-induced rat model of autism. Our results indicated that maternal exposure to VPA induces: (1) decrease the level of α/β-tubulin along with Tau accumulation in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex; (2) excessive Tau phosphorylation and activation of Tau-kinases: CDK5, ERK1/2, and p70S6K in the cerebral cortex; (3) up-regulation of mTOR kinase-dependent signalling in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of adolescent rat offspring. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining showed histopathological changes in neurons (chromatolysis) in both analysed brain structures of rats prenatally exposed to VPA. The observed changes in Tau protein together with an excessive decrease in α/β-tubulin level may suggest destabilization and thus dysfunction of the MT cytoskeleton network, which in consequence may lead to the disturbance in synaptic plasticity and the development of autistic-like behaviours.
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26
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Emerging mechanisms of valproic acid-induced neurotoxic events in autism and its implications for pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111322. [PMID: 33761592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a sort of mental disorder marked by deficits in cognitive and communication abilities. To date no effective cure for this pernicious disease has been available. Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum, antiepileptic drug, and it is also a potent teratogen. Epidemiological studies have shown that children exposed to VPA are at higher risk for ASD during the first trimester of their gestational development. Several animal and human studies have demonstrated important behavioral impairments and morphological changes in the brain following VPA treatment. However, the mechanism of VPA exposure-induced ASD remains unclear. Several factors are involved in the pathological phase of ASD, including aberrant excitation/inhibition of synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, diminished neurogenesis, oxidative stress, etc. In this review, we aim to outline the current knowledge of the critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VPA exposure-induced ASD. This review will give insight toward understanding the complex nature of VPA-induced neuronal toxicity and exploring a new path toward the development of novel pharmacological treatment against ASD.
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27
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Seiffe A, Ramirez MF, Barrios CD, Albarrán MM, Depino AM. Early estradiol exposure masculinizes disease-relevant behaviors in female mice. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:2483-2499. [PMID: 33497491 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders show a sex bias in incidence, symptomatology, and/or response to treatment. Males are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit activity disorder, while women are more prone to major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders after puberty. A striking difference between males and females in humans and other mammals is that males undergo a process of brain masculinization due to the early exposure to gonadal hormones. In rodents, this developmental organization of the brain is essential for adult males to express the appropriate sexual behaviors in the presence of a receptive female. Our goal was to determine whether this process of brain masculinization influences behaviors relevant to psychiatric disorders. To this aim, we studied sex differences and the effect of neonatal 17β-estradiol benzoate treatment of female mice on different disease-relevant behaviors. Our analysis includes postnatal behavior, juvenile play, and adult tests for sociability, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Our results show that the sex differences observed in exploration, repetitive behaviors, and depression-related behaviors are largely reduced when females are neonatally treated with 17β-estradiol benzoate. These results suggest a role of neonatal sex steroids in the development of disease-relevant behaviors and provide evidence supporting a role for perinatal exposure to estrogens and androgens on the development and manifestation of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Seiffe
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauro Federico Ramirez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Darío Barrios
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Milagros Albarrán
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amaicha Mara Depino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Santos ALG, Leão ERLP, Almeida Miranda D, Souza DNC, Picanço Diniz CW, Diniz DG. BALB/c female subjected to valproic acid during gestational period exhibited greater microglial and behavioral changes than male mice: A significant contra intuitive result. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 81:37-50. [DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alinne Lorrany Gomes Santos
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
| | - Ellen Rose Leandro Ponce Leão
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
| | - Diego Almeida Miranda
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
| | - Dilza Nazaré Colares Souza
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Oncologia e Ciências Médicas Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção Hospital Universitário João de Barros BarretoInstituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Pará Belém Brasil
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica Instituto Evandro Chagas Belém Brasil
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29
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Bass JS, Tuo AH, Ton LT, Jankovic MJ, Kapadia PK, Schirmer C, Krishnan V. On the Digital Psychopharmacology of Valproic Acid in Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:594612. [PMID: 33240040 PMCID: PMC7677503 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.594612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) require daily ingestion for maximal seizure prophylaxis. Adverse psychiatric consequences of AEDs present as: (i) reversible changes in mood, anxiety, anger and/or irritability that often necessitate drug discontinuation, and (ii) autism and/or cognitive/psychomotor delays following fetal exposure. Technical advances in quantifying naturalistic rodent behaviors may provide sensitive preclinical estimates of AED psychiatric tolerability and neuropsychiatric teratogenicity. In this study, we applied instrumented home-cage monitoring to assess how valproic acid (VPA, dissolved in sweetened drinking water) alters home-cage behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice and in the adult offspring of VPA-exposed breeder pairs. Through a pup open field assay, we also examined how prenatal VPA exposure impacts early spontaneous exploratory behavior. At 500-600 mg/kg/d, chronic VPA produced hyperphagia and increased wheel-running without impacting sleep, activity and measures of risk aversion. When applied to breeder pairs of mice throughout gestation, VPA prolonged the latency to viable litters without affecting litter size. Two-weeks old VPA-exposed pups displayed open field hypoactivity without alterations in thigmotaxis. As adults, prenatal VPA-exposed mice displayed active state fragmentation, hypophagia and increased wheel running, together with subtle alterations in home-cage dyadic behavior. Together, these data illustrate how automated home-cage assessments of spontaneous behavior capture an ethologically centered psychopharmacological profile of enterally administered VPA that is aligned with human clinical experience. By characterizing the effects of pangestational VPA exposure, we discover novel murine expressions of pervasive neurodevelopment. Incorporating such rigorous assessments of psychological tolerability may inform the design of future AEDs with improved neuropsychiatric safety profiles, both for patients and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Samuel Bass
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Anney H. Tuo
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Linh T. Ton
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Miranda J. Jankovic
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Paarth K. Kapadia
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Catharina Schirmer
- Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vaishnav Krishnan
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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de Leão ERLP, de Souza DNC, de Moura LVB, da Silveira Júnior AM, Dos Santos ALG, Diniz DG, Diniz CWP, Sosthenes MCK. Lateral septum microglial changes and behavioral abnormalities of mice exposed to valproic acid during the prenatal period. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 111:101875. [PMID: 33127448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Most animal model studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been performed in males, which may be a reflex of the 3-times higher prevalence in boys than in girls. For this reason, little is known about the mechanisms underlying disease progression in females, and nothing is known about potential associations between microglial changes in the lateral septum (LS) and adult female cognition. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in mice has been widely used as an experimental model of autism-like behaviors associated with cellular changes. However, no study has reported the influence of VPA exposure in utero and its consequences on limbic system-dependent tasks or the microglial response in the LS in adult female mice. We compared the exploratory activity and risk assessment in novel environments of BALB/c control mice to mice exposed in utero to VPA and estimated the total number of microglia in the LS using an optical fractionator. On day 12.5 of pregnancy, females received diluted VPA or saline by gavage. After weaning, VPA exposed or control pups were separately housed in standard laboratory cages. At 5 months of age, all mice underwent behavioral testing and their brain sections were immunolabelled using IBA-1 antibody. In the open field test, VPA group showed a greater distance traveled, which was accompanied by less immobility, less time spent on the periphery and a greater number, crossed lines. Similar findings were found in the elevated plus maze test, where VPA mice traveled greater distances, immobility was significantly higher than that of control and VPA group spent less time on the closed arms of apparatus. Stereological analysis demonstrated higher microglial total number and density in the LS of VPA mice, as the cell count was greater, but the volume was similar. Therefore, we suggest that an increase in microglia in the LS may be part of the cellular changes associated with behavioral dysfunction in the VPA model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Rose Leandro Ponce de Leão
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Dilza Nazaré Colares de Souza
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Larissa Victória Barra de Moura
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Antonio Morais da Silveira Júnior
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Alinne Lorrany Gomes Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcia Consentino Kronka Sosthenes
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário "João de Barros Barreto", Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Nakanishi K, Fukase M, Suzuki A, Kimura Y. Alterations in the autonomic nerve activities of prenatal autism model mice treated with valproic acid at different developmental stages. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17722. [PMID: 33082409 PMCID: PMC7576159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairment of social communication, repetitive behavior and restrictive interest. The risk of ASD is strongly associated with the prenatal period; for instance, the administration of valproic acid (VPA) to pregnant mothers increases risk of ASD in the child. Patients with ASD often exhibit an alteration in the autonomic nervous system. In this study, we assessed the autonomic nervous activity at each prenatal developmental stage of model mice of ASD treated with VPA, to clarify the relationship between timing of exposure and ASD symptoms. The assessment of the autonomic nervous activity was performed based on the analysis of electrocardiography data collected from fetal and adult mice. Interestingly, VPA model mouse fetuses exhibited a significantly lower activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In contrast, sympathetic nervous activity at P0 was significantly higher. In adult VPA model mice, the parasympathetic activity of female VPA mice was suppressed. Moreover, female VPA mice showed reduced the parasympathetic activity after exposure to restraint stress. These results suggest that the autonomic nervous activity of VPA model mice was altered from the fetal stage, and that the assessment of autonomic nervous activities at an early developmental stage could be useful for the understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. .,Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kana Nakanishi
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Miyabi Fukase
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Arisa Suzuki
- Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Kimura
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Advanced Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Agam G, Taylor Z, Vainer E, Golan HM. The influence of choline treatment on behavioral and neurochemical autistic-like phenotype in Mthfr-deficient mice. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:316. [PMID: 32948746 PMCID: PMC7501861 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalanced one carbon metabolism and aberrant autophagy is robustly reported in patients with autism. Polymorphism in the gene methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (Mthfr), encoding for a key enzyme in this pathway is associated with an increased risk for autistic-spectrum-disorders (ASDs). Autistic-like core and associated behaviors have been described, with contribution of both maternal and offspring Mthfr+/- genotype to the different domains of behavior. Preconception and prenatal supplementation with methyl donor rich diet to human subjects and mice reduced the risk for developing autism and autistic-like behavior, respectively. Here we tested the potential of choline supplementation to Mthfr-deficient mice at young-adulthood to reduce behavioral and neurochemical changes reminiscent of autism characteristics. We show that offspring of Mthfr+/- mothers, whether wildtype or heterozygote, exhibit autistic-like behavior, altered brain p62 protein levels and LC3-II/LC3-I levels ratio, both, autophagy markers. Choline supplementation to adult offspring of Mthfr+/- mothers for 14 days counteracted characteristics related to repetitive behavior and anxiety both in males and in females and improved social behavior solely in male mice. Choline treatment also normalized deviant cortical levels of the autophagy markers measured in male mice. The results demonstrate that choline supplementation even at adulthood, not tested previously, to offspring of Mthfr-deficient mothers, attenuates the autistic-like phenotype. If this proof of concept is replicated it might promote translation of these results to treatment recommendation for children with ASDs bearing similar genetic/metabolic make-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galila Agam
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Psychiatry Research Unit, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Mental Health Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Zlotowski Center for Neurosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zoe Taylor
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ella Vainer
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Psychiatry Research Unit, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Mental Health Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M. Golan
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Zlotowski Center for Neurosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Roussin L, Prince N, Perez-Pardo P, Kraneveld AD, Rabot S, Naudon L. Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical and Preclinical Evidence. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091369. [PMID: 32906656 PMCID: PMC7563175 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 160 people in the world. Although there is a strong genetic heritability to ASD, it is now accepted that environmental factors can play a role in its onset. As the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is four-times higher in ASD patients, the potential implication of the gut microbiota in this disorder is being increasingly studied. A disturbed microbiota composition has been demonstrated in ASD patients, accompanied by altered production of bacterial metabolites. Clinical studies as well as preclinical studies conducted in rodents have started to investigate the physiological functions that gut microbiota might disturb and thus underlie the pathophysiology of ASD. The first data support an involvement of the immune system and tryptophan metabolism, both in the gut and central nervous system. In addition, a few clinical studies and a larger number of preclinical studies found that modulation of the microbiota through antibiotic and probiotic treatments, or fecal microbiota transplantation, could improve behavior. Although the understanding of the role of the gut microbiota in the physiopathology of ASD is only in its early stages, the data gathered in this review highlight that this role should be taken in consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Roussin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
- Correspondence:
| | - Naika Prince
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Paula Perez-Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Aletta D. Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands; (N.P.); (P.P.-P.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Sylvie Rabot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
| | - Laurent Naudon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Micalis Institute, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Gąssowska-Dobrowolska M, Cieślik M, Czapski GA, Jęśko H, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Gewartowska M, Dominiak A, Polowy R, Filipkowski RK, Babiec L, Adamczyk A. Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid Affects Microglia and Synaptic Ultrastructure in a Brain-Region-Specific Manner in Young-Adult Male Rats: Relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103576. [PMID: 32443651 PMCID: PMC7279050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions categorized as synaptopathies. Environmental risk factors contribute to ASD aetiology. In particular, prenatal exposure to the anti-epileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) may increase the risk of autism. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to VPA on the synaptic morphology and expression of key synaptic proteins in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of young-adult male offspring. To characterize the VPA-induced autism model, behavioural outcomes, microglia-related neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress were analysed. Our data showed that prenatal exposure to VPA impaired communication in neonatal rats, reduced their exploratory activity, and led to anxiety-like and repetitive behaviours in the young-adult animals. VPA-induced pathological alterations in the ultrastructures of synapses accompanied by deregulation of key pre- and postsynaptic structural and functional proteins. Moreover, VPA exposure altered the redox status and expression of proinflammatory genes in a brain region-specific manner. The disruption of synaptic structure and plasticity may be the primary insult responsible for autism-related behaviour in the offspring. The vulnerability of specific synaptic proteins to the epigenetic effects of VPA may highlight the potential mechanisms by which prenatal VPA exposure generates behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gąssowska-Dobrowolska
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.-D.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-22-6086420 (M.G-D.); +48-22-6086572 (A.A.)
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Grzegorz Arkadiusz Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Małgorzata Frontczak-Baniewicz
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.F.-B.); (M.G.)
| | - Magdalena Gewartowska
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.F.-B.); (M.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Dominiak
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Rafał Polowy
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (R.P.); (R.K.F.)
| | - Robert Kuba Filipkowski
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (R.P.); (R.K.F.)
| | - Lidia Babiec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.C.); (G.A.C.); (H.J.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.-D.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-22-6086420 (M.G-D.); +48-22-6086572 (A.A.)
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Gender Related Changes in Gene Expression Induced by Valproic Acid in A Mouse Model of Autism and the Correction by S-adenosyl Methionine. Does It Explain the Gender Differences in Autistic Like Behavior? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215278. [PMID: 31652960 PMCID: PMC6862653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies we produced autism like behavioral changes in mice by Valproic acid (VPA) with significant differences between genders. S-adenosine methionine (SAM) prevented the autism like behavior in both genders. The expression of 770 genes of pathways involved in neurophysiology and neuropathology was studied in the prefrontal cortex of 60 days old male and female mice using the NanoString nCounter. In females, VPA induced statistically significant changes in the expression of 146 genes; 71 genes were upregulated and 75 downregulated. In males, VPA changed the expression of only 19 genes, 16 were upregulated and 3 downregulated. Eight genes were similarly changed in both genders. When considering only the genes that were changed by at least 50%, VPA changed the expression of 15 genes in females and 3 in males. Only Nts was similarly downregulated in both genders. SAM normalized the expression of most changed genes in both genders. We presume that genes that are involved in autism like behavior in our model were similarly changed in both genders and corrected by SAM. The behavioral and other differences between genders may be related to genes that were differently affected by VPA in males and females and/or differently affected by SAM.
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