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Chiappini E, Massaccesi C, Korb S, Steyrl D, Willeit M, Silani G. Neural Hyperresponsivity During the Anticipation of Tangible Social and Nonsocial Rewards in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Concurrent Neuroimaging and Facial Electromyography Study. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024; 9:948-957. [PMID: 38642898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical anticipation of social reward has been shown to lie at the core of the social challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, previous research has yielded inconsistent results and has often overlooked crucial characteristics of stimuli. Here, we investigated ASD reward processing using social and nonsocial tangible stimuli, carefully matched on several key dimensions. METHODS We examined the anticipation and consumption of social (interpersonal touch) and nonsocial (flavored milk) rewards in 25 high-functioning individuals with ASD and 25 neurotypical adult individuals. In addition to subjective ratings of wanting and liking, we measured physical energetic expenditure to obtain the rewards, brain activity with neuroimaging, and facial reactions through electromyography on a trial-by-trial basis. RESULTS Participants with ASD did not exhibit reduced motivation for social or nonsocial rewards; their subjective ratings, motivated efforts, and facial reactions were comparable to those of neurotypical participants. However, anticipation of higher-value rewards increased neural activation in lateral parietal cortices, sensorimotor regions, and the orbitofrontal cortex. Moreover, participants with ASD exhibited hyperconnectivity between frontal medial regions and occipital regions and the thalamus. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with ASD who experienced rewards with tangible characteristics, whether social or nonsocial, displayed typical subjective and objective motivational and hedonic responses. Notably, the observed hyperactivations in sensory and attentional nodes during anticipation suggest atypical sensory overprocessing of forthcoming rewards rather than decreased reward value. While these atypicalities may not have manifested in observable behavior here, they could impact real-life social interactions that require nuanced predictions, potentially leading to the misperception of reduced interest in rewarding social stimuli in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Chiappini
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Claudia Massaccesi
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Korb
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Centre for Brain Science, Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Steyrl
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthäus Willeit
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giorgia Silani
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Smolko NA, Valiev RI, Kabdesh IM, Fayzullina RA, Mukhamedshina YO. Eating disorder in children: Impact on quality of life, with a spotlight on autism spectrum disorder. Nutr Res 2024; 123:38-52. [PMID: 38241984 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Eating behavior, which includes eating habits and preferences, frequency of eating, and other features related to diet, is a major characteristic not only of a person's nutritional status, but also of health in general. In recent years, the prevalence of eating disorders in children has tended to increase; they also require cross-system approaches in diagnosis by a variety of specialists and correction requires appropriate selection of optimal methods. Maladaptive eating attitudes formed at an early age can contribute to the formation of eating disorders, which can lead to or worsen various neuropsychiatric diseases, digestive diseases, and other related conditions. In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders often appear earlier than other major symptoms of the condition. However, the clinical manifestations of eating disorders in children with ASD are varied and differ in severity and duration, whereas these disorders in neurotypical children might present as short-lived and may not lead to serious consequences. Nevertheless, cases of progressive eating disorders accompanied by a child presenting as under- or overweight and/or with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies cannot be excluded. Given the high prevalence of eating disorders in children, many researchers have highlighted the lack of a valid and universally accepted instruments to assess atypical eating behaviors in this population. Therefore, in this review, we wanted to highlight the problems and causes of eating disorders in children, and also to analyze the existing approaches to the validation of these problems, taking into account the existing behavioral features in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Smolko
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Propaedeutics of Pediatric Diseases and Faculty Pediatrics, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Rushan I Valiev
- Department of General Hygiene, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Ilyas M Kabdesh
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.
| | - Rezeda A Fayzullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Propaedeutics of Pediatric Diseases and Faculty Pediatrics, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Yana O Mukhamedshina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
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3
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Nisticò V, Ingrosso G, Lombardi F, Chiudinelli E, Bianchini G, Faggioli R, Bertani A, Gambini O, Demartini B. Autistic traits, sensory sensitivity and eating disturbances in a sample of young adults referring to a generalized mental health clinic. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:10. [PMID: 38261082 PMCID: PMC10806192 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01639-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The relationship between autistic traits and eating disturbances has been given considerable attention over the last decades. The rise of a dimensional approach to psychopathology has expanded the way we think about autism, acknowledging that subthreshold autistic manifestations span across the general population and are more pronounced in psychiatric patients. Here we investigated the prevalence of eating disorders and its potential relationship with autistic traits and sensory sensitivity in a group of patients who were referred for the first time to a mental health outpatient clinic, without a formal diagnosis yet. METHODS 259 young adults (between 18 and 24 years old) completed: the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA), the Autism Quotient (AQ), the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and the Sensory Perception Quotient-Short Form 35 item (SPQ-SF35). RESULTS 23.55% of participants scored above the cut-off at the EAT-26, suggesting that they presented a risk for eating disorders and should be assessed by a specialized clinician; associations emerged between hypersensitivity in the touch and vision domain and both the EAT-26 and the SWEAA; the presence of autistic traits was largely associated with eating disturbances. CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the significance of the eating domain as a central psychopathological feature in the distress experienced by young adults with general psychiatric symptoms and psychological suffering; it adds evidence to the association between autistic traits and eating disorders and opens to new research questions about the role of subthreshold autistic traits in general psychopathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I: Evidence obtained from experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nisticò
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy.
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Gianmarco Ingrosso
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Elia Chiudinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Bianchini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Faggioli
- Unità di Psichiatria 51 e 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Bertani
- Unità di Psichiatria 51 e 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, Centro Giovani "Ettore Ponti", ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Orsola Gambini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. Di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milano, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 51 e 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Demartini
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 51 e 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
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Reasons for Adding Different Tastes: An Example of Sprinkling Salt on Watermelon and Its Relation to Subjective Taste Perception, Taste Preference, and Autistic Traits. J FOOD QUALITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9945339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Each basic taste can be perceived differently due to stored knowledge and differences in receptor properties. Depending on how these tastes are perceived, eating behavior may change. In this study, we examined the relationships between subjective feelings of taste perception, taste preferences, and autistic traits with the behavior of adding flavor to food using an example of sprinkling salt on watermelon. From an online questionnaire survey among a general Japanese population, we found that salty and sour tastes could be subjectively perceived more quickly than sweet and umami tastes, in line with our expectations. Moreover, the hedonic responses to watermelon with salt were negatively correlated with a preference for bitter taste, i.e., those participants who dislike bitter taste sensations tended to enjoy watermelon with salt more. There was no correlation between the hedonic response to watermelon with salt and the subjective feeling of taste perceptions and autistic traits and no correlation between autistic traits, and the subjective feeling of taste perceptions and taste preferences. These results suggest that adding different tastes could be influenced by taste preferences; thus, the addition of a different taste was thought to be related to an unconscious motivation to reduce bitterness.
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Chen N, Watanabe K, Kobayakawa T, Wada M. Relationships between autistic traits, taste preference, taste perception, and eating behaviour. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:628-640. [PMID: 35690923 PMCID: PMC9545735 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibit atypical taste perception and eating behaviours. However, little is known about the effect of autistic traits on eating behaviours in the general population. This study explored the relationships between autistic traits, taste preferences, taste perceptions, and eating behaviours among Japanese population using an online questionnaire survey. The results showed significant effect of autistic traits on eating behaviours, that people with higher autistic traits tended to have higher selective eating behaviours, such as increased sensitivity to food texture and mixed flavours. Moreover, selective eating behaviours were correlated with the preference for sour taste and aftertaste sensitivity. Those results suggest that eating behaviours can be influenced by the relationship between autistic traits, taste perceptions, and taste preferences. We discuss these results in the context of previous findings, and future investigations into the possibility of solving selective eating problems in individuals with autism. Autistic traits were significantly correlated with eating behaviours. People with higher autistic traits tended to have higher selective eating behaviours, such as increased sensitivity to food texture and mixed flavours. People who like sour tastes tended to have less selective eating behaviours. People who are sensitive to aftertaste perception tended to have greater selective eating behaviours. Autistic traits, taste perceptions, and taste preferences play a role in the development of a number of selective eating behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Katsumi Watanabe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsu Kobayakawa
- Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
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6
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Zhang J, Yu L, Yin G. Evaluation of Behavior and Affective State of Different-Parity Sows with Strong/Weak Pupil Light Reflex. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1184. [PMID: 35565610 PMCID: PMC9105324 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091184] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The stall-housing system is commonly used in the modern swine industry in many countries; however, long-term space restrictions can cause affective and physiological abnormalities in sows. The pupil light reflex (PLR) can reflect the psychological and neurological changes in animals, and confined sows show higher pupillary rigidity. However, the PLR differs between same-parity sows, suggesting differences in behaviors and affective states between parity groups. We subjected confined Yorkshire × Landrace sows of parity 0, 2, and 5 to a PLR test and accordingly assigned them to the weak PLR (WR) group (n = 20) or the strong PLR (SR) group (n = 22). We then observed the sows’ behaviors and performed a sucrose/quinine response test and novel object test (NOT) to assess the differences in their affective states. The standing and lateral lying behaviors of the sows were less frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05), whereas ventral lying and sitting behaviors was more frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). No changes in chewing behaviors and sucrose/quinine responses were observed (p > 0.05); however, the numbers and duration of novel object contact were lower and the novel object response latency time was longer in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). Regarding parity, standing and lateral lying behaviors were less frequent and ventral lying and sitting behaviors were more frequent at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05). Bar-biting, rooting, trough-biting, and sucrose response score were lower at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05), and vacuum chewing behavior and quinine response score were higher in sows of parity 5 than in those of parity 0 (p < 0.05). NOT showed that the number of contacts and contact duration in sows decreased with increasing parity (p < 0.05), and the response latency time was longer in sows of parity 5 than in those of lower parity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behavioral expression and responses of confined sows to novel objects differed between PLRs. The evaluation of the affective state of sows also revealed marked differences with increasing parity. Thus, confined sows with WR and high parity apparently suffer from more severe psychological problems, and PLR may be a potent indicator for evaluating the affective state of confined sows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guoan Yin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China; (J.Z.); (L.Y.)
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7
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Nisticò V, Faggioli R, Tedesco R, Giordano B, Priori A, Gambini O, Demartini B. Brief Report: Sensory Sensitivity is Associated with Disturbed Eating in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders Without Intellectual Disabilities. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05439-9. [PMID: 35266078 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between sensory sensitivity and autistic eating behaviours or Eating Disorders (EDs) symptomatology, in a group of 75 adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) without intellectual disabilities, through a series of self-report questionnaires. We found that, controlling for demographic and clinical features: (i) hypersensitivity in the vision domain predicted higher levels of both EDs symptoms and autistic eating behaviours; (ii) hyposensitivity in the taste domain predicted higher levels of EDs symptoms. This gives preliminary evidence that not only in children diagnosed with ASDs, but even in adult individuals, the threshold of sensory sensitivity is associated with dysfunctional eating behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nisticò
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Faggioli
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Tedesco
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Giordano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,III Clinica Neurologica, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Orsola Gambini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.,"Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Unità di Psichiatria 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Demartini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Presidio San Paolo, via A. di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy. .,"Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. .,Unità di Psichiatria 52, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Chen N, Watanabe K, Wada M. People With High Autistic Traits Show Fewer Consensual Crossmodal Correspondences Between Visual Features and Tastes. Front Psychol 2021; 12:714277. [PMID: 34566793 PMCID: PMC8457010 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.714277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossmodal correspondences between visual features (e.g., color/shape) and tastes have been extensively documented in recent years. Visual colors and shapes have been shown to consensually match to specific tastes. Meanwhile, individuals with autism spectrum disorder are reported to have atypical sensory processing and deficits in multisensory integration. However, the influence of autistic traits on the formation of such correspondences is relatively unknown. Here, we examined whether autistic traits could influence visual–taste associations using an online questionnaire survey among Japanese participants. The results showed that the participants exhibited strong color–taste, shape–taste, and shape–color associations, and the proportions of choosing the consensual color–taste/shape–color associations were significantly associated with autistic traits. The participants with higher autistic quotient scores chose fewer of the consensual color–taste/shape–color associations while there was no difference in choosing shape–taste associations. We interpreted the results as statistical learning with a reduced prior knowledge effect in participants with higher autistic quotient scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Katsumi Watanabe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Arts, Design, and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Makoto Wada
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
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9
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Klockars A, Pal T, Levine AS, Olszewski PK. Neural Basis of Dysregulation of Palatability-Driven Appetite in Autism. Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:391-398. [PMID: 34417997 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cognitive, speech- and anxiety-related impairments have been the focus of the majority of studies. One consistently reported ASD symptom that has rarely attracted attention is disordered appetite. The goal of this paper is to assess whether ASD-related dysregulation of food intake impacts consumption of palatable foods, including sugar. RECENT FINDINGS Aberrant neural processing at the reward system level is at least partially responsible for excessive intake of palatable tastants, including sugar. Impaired oxytocin (OT) signaling likely contributes to the magnitude of this overconsumption. Since intake for reward is generally elevated in individuals with ASD, one strategy to curb sugar overconsumption might utilize presentation of alternative palatable food choices that are more nutritionally adequate than sucrose. Furthermore, OT, which is clinically tested to alleviate other ASD symptoms, might be an effective tool to curb overconsumption of sugar, as well as - likely - of other excessively ingested palatable foods, especially those that have sweet taste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Klockars
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Tapasya Pal
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Allen S Levine
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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10
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Chronic non-discriminatory social defeat stress reduces effort-related motivated behaviors in male and female mice. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:125. [PMID: 33589585 PMCID: PMC7884699 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Reward and motivation deficits are prominent symptoms in many mood disorders, including depression. Similar reward and effort-related choice behavioral tasks can be used to study aspects of motivation in both rodents and humans. Chronic stress can precipitate mood disorders in humans and maladaptive reward and motivation behaviors in male rodents. However, while depression is more prevalent in women, there is relatively little known about whether chronic stress elicits maladaptive behaviors in female rodents in effort-related motivated tasks and whether there are any behavioral sex differences. Chronic nondiscriminatory social defeat stress (CNSDS) is a variation of chronic social defeat stress that is effective in both male and female mice. We hypothesized that CNSDS would reduce effort-related motivated and reward behaviors, including reducing sensitivity to a devalued outcome, reducing breakpoint in progressive ratio, and shifting effort-related choice behavior. Separate cohorts of adult male and female C57BL/6 J mice were divided into Control or CNSDS groups, exposed to the 10-day CNSDS paradigm, and then trained and tested in instrumental reward or effort-related behaviors. CNSDS reduced motivation to lever press in progressive ratio and shifted effort-related choice behavior from a high reward to a more easily attainable low reward in both sexes. CNSDS caused more nuanced impairments in outcome devaluation. Taken together, CNSDS induces maladaptive shifts in effort-related choice and reduces motivated lever pressing in both sexes.
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11
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Kinnaird E, Stewart C, Tchanturia K. The relationship of autistic traits to taste and olfactory processing in anorexia nervosa. Mol Autism 2020; 11:25. [PMID: 32276668 PMCID: PMC7146886 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a heightened prevalence of autism in anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to the general population. Autistic people with AN experience a longer illness duration and poorer treatment outcomes. Whether sensory differences in autism could contribute to altered taste and smell as a potential maintaining factor in AN is under-explored. The aim of this study was to explore whether autistic traits are associated with taste and olfaction differences in AN. METHODS The study recruited n = 40 people with AN, and n = 40 healthy controls (HC). Smell sensitivity was measured using the Sniffin' Sticks test. Taste sensitivity was measured using taste strips. Participants self-rated their autistic traits using the Autism Spectrum Quotient. RESULTS There were no significant differences on taste and olfactory outcomes between people with AN and HC. These findings did not change after controlling for the heightened levels of autistic traits in the AN group. No relationship between taste and smell outcomes and autistic traits were identified within the AN group. LIMITATIONS The current study is not able to draw conclusions about taste and smell processing in co-occurring autism and AN as it only measured levels of autistic traits, rather than comparing people with and without an autism diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS No significant associations between autistic traits and taste and smell processing in AN were identified. Future research should consider further exploring this area, including by comparing autistic women to women with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kinnaird
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine Stewart
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Eating Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Department of Psychology, Illia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
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12
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Schiavi S, Iezzi D, Manduca A, Leone S, Melancia F, Carbone C, Petrella M, Mannaioni G, Masi A, Trezza V. Reward-Related Behavioral, Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Changes in a Rat Model of Autism Based on Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:479. [PMID: 31708750 PMCID: PMC6824319 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) induces autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and autistic-like behaviors in rodents, which makes it a good model to study the neural underpinnings of ASD. Rats prenatally exposed to VPA show profound deficits in the social domain. The altered social behavior displayed by VPA-exposed rats may be due to either a deficit in social reward processing or to a more general inability to properly understand and respond to social signals. To address this issue, we performed behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical experiments and tested the involvement of the brain reward system in the social dysfunctions displayed by rats prenatally exposed to VPA (500 mg/kg). We found that, compared to control animals, VPA-exposed rats showed reduced play responsiveness together with impaired sociability in the three-chamber test and altered social discrimination abilities. In addition, VPA-exposed rats showed altered expression of dopamine receptors together with inherent hyperexcitability of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, when tested for socially-induced conditioned place preference, locomotor response to amphetamine and sucrose preference, control and VPA-exposed rats performed similarly, indicating normal responses to social, drug and food rewards. On the basis of the results obtained, we hypothesize that social dysfunctions displayed by VPA-exposed rats are more likely caused by alterations in cognitive aspects of the social interaction, such as the interpretation and reciprocation of social stimuli and/or the ability to adjust the social behavior of the individual to the changing circumstances in the social and physical environment, rather than to inability to enjoy the pleasurable aspects of the social interaction. The observed neurochemical and electrophysiological alterations in the NAc may contribute to the inability of VPA-exposed rats to process and respond to social cues, or, alternatively, represent a compensatory mechanism towards VPA-induced neurodevelopmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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14
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Schiavi S, Iezzi D, Manduca A, Leone S, Melancia F, Carbone C, Petrella M, Mannaioni G, Masi A, Trezza V. Reward-Related Behavioral, Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Changes in a Rat Model of Autism Based on Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:479. [PMID: 31708750 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00479/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) induces autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and autistic-like behaviors in rodents, which makes it a good model to study the neural underpinnings of ASD. Rats prenatally exposed to VPA show profound deficits in the social domain. The altered social behavior displayed by VPA-exposed rats may be due to either a deficit in social reward processing or to a more general inability to properly understand and respond to social signals. To address this issue, we performed behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical experiments and tested the involvement of the brain reward system in the social dysfunctions displayed by rats prenatally exposed to VPA (500 mg/kg). We found that, compared to control animals, VPA-exposed rats showed reduced play responsiveness together with impaired sociability in the three-chamber test and altered social discrimination abilities. In addition, VPA-exposed rats showed altered expression of dopamine receptors together with inherent hyperexcitability of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, when tested for socially-induced conditioned place preference, locomotor response to amphetamine and sucrose preference, control and VPA-exposed rats performed similarly, indicating normal responses to social, drug and food rewards. On the basis of the results obtained, we hypothesize that social dysfunctions displayed by VPA-exposed rats are more likely caused by alterations in cognitive aspects of the social interaction, such as the interpretation and reciprocation of social stimuli and/or the ability to adjust the social behavior of the individual to the changing circumstances in the social and physical environment, rather than to inability to enjoy the pleasurable aspects of the social interaction. The observed neurochemical and electrophysiological alterations in the NAc may contribute to the inability of VPA-exposed rats to process and respond to social cues, or, alternatively, represent a compensatory mechanism towards VPA-induced neurodevelopmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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Bouhlal S, Farokhnia M, Lee MR, Akhlaghi F, Leggio L. Identifying and Characterizing Subpopulations of Heavy Alcohol Drinkers Via a Sucrose Preference Test: A Sweet Road to a Better Phenotypic Characterization? Alcohol Alcohol 2018; 53:560-569. [PMID: 30016385 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Sweet preference in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been associated with family history of AUD and personality traits. Therefore, testing sweet preference may help identify subpopulations of AUD individuals. Short summary Sweet preference has been associated with family history of AUD and personality traits. We compared heavy drinkers based on their sweet liker status and using two cutoffs. Our findings support the role of sweet preference in heavy drinkers and point to the importance of how sweet likers are defined. Methods This study aimed at describing and comparing heavy drinkers based on their sweet liker status, through demographic, neuroendocrine, inflammatory, behavioral and drinking characteristics. Participants rated the pleasantness and intensity of sucrose solutions (0.05, 0.10, 0.21, 0.42 and 0.83 M). Two cutoffs were used to identify likers versus dislikers: Grouping A likers preferred 0.83 M and Grouping B likers preferred 0.83 or 0.42 M; the rest were dislikers. Results Sweet likers were 36% (n = 20) using Grouping A and 58.2% (n = 32) using Grouping B. Grouping B, but not Grouping A, sweet likers had higher BMI (P = 0.01). In Grouping B, sweet likers had higher plasma leptin and insulin concentrations and higher insulin resistance (P's < 0.05). C-reactive protein concentrations were higher in sweet likers in Grouping A (P = 0.0015) and at a trend level in Grouping B (P = 0.07). Grouping A sweet likers had higher alcohol craving (P = 0.0004). Sweet likers preferred spirits compared to nonspirits (wine and beer) across both grouping (P's < 0.05). Conclusions These results provide further support for the role of sweet liking phenotype in identifying subpopulations of AUD individuals. These findings also point to the importance of how sweet likers are defined, therefore highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bouhlal
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary R Lee
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fatemeh Akhlaghi
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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16
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Gupta A, Li X, DiCicco-Bloom E, Bello NT. Altered salt taste response and increased tongue epithelium Scnna1 expression in adult Engrailed-2 null mice. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:410-419. [PMID: 29953887 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sensory impairments are critical for diagnosing and characterizing neurodevelopmental disorders. Taste is a sensory modality often not well characterized. Engrailed-2 (En2) is a transcription factor critical for neural development, and mice lacking En2 (En2-/-) display signs of impaired social interaction, cognitive processes (e.g., learning and memory, conditioned fear), and neurodevelopmental alterations. As such, En2-/- mice display the behavioral deficits and neural impairments characteristic of the core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective of this study was to characterize the taste function in En2-/- compared with En2+/+ in adult male mice. Measuring taste responsiveness by an automated gustometer, En2 null mice had decreased lick responses for 1.6 M fructose, whereas they demonstrated an increased taste responsivity (i.e., relative to water) at 0.3 M sodium chloride and 1 M monosodium glutamate. In a separate cohort of mice, En2-/- mice had an increased preference for sodium chloride over a range of concentrations (0.032-0.3 M) compared with En2+/+ mice. Regional gene expression of the tongue epithelium demonstrated an increase in Scnn1a, T2R140, T1R3, and Trpm5 and a decrease in Pkd1l3 in En2 null mice. Taken together, such data indicate that deficits in En2 can produce sensory impairments that can have a measurable impact on taste, particularly salt taste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Xinyi Li
- Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas T Bello
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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17
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Avery JA, Ingeholm JE, Wohltjen S, Collins M, Riddell CD, Gotts SJ, Kenworthy L, Wallace GL, Simmons WK, Martin A. Neural correlates of taste reactivity in autism spectrum disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 19:38-46. [PMID: 30035000 PMCID: PMC6051474 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Selective or 'picky' eating habits are common among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These behaviors are often related to aberrant sensory experience in individuals with ASD, including heightened reactivity to food taste and texture. However, very little is known about the neural mechanisms that underlie taste reactivity in ASD. In the present study, food-related neural responses were evaluated in 21 young adult and adolescent males diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disability, and 21 typically-developing (TD) controls. Taste reactivity was assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, a clinical self-report measure. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate hemodynamic responses to sweet (vs. neutral) tastants and food pictures. Subjects also underwent resting-state functional connectivity scans.The ASD and TD individuals did not differ in their hemodynamic response to gustatory stimuli. However, the ASD subjects, but not the controls, exhibited a positive association between self-reported taste reactivity and the response to sweet tastants within the insular cortex and multiple brain regions associated with gustatory perception and reward. There was a strong interaction between diagnostic group and taste reactivity on tastant response in brain regions associated with ASD pathophysiology, including the bilateral anterior superior temporal sulcus (STS). This interaction of diagnosis and taste reactivity was also observed in the resting state functional connectivity between the anterior STS and dorsal mid-insula (i.e., gustatory cortex).These results suggest that self-reported heightened taste reactivity in ASD is associated with heightened brain responses to food-related stimuli and atypical functional connectivity of primary gustatory cortex, which may predispose these individuals to maladaptive and unhealthy patterns of selective eating behavior. Trial registration (clinicaltrials.gov identifier) NCT01031407. Registered: December 14, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Avery
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - John E Ingeholm
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sophie Wohltjen
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Meghan Collins
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cameron D Riddell
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Stephen J Gotts
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lauren Kenworthy
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Gregory L Wallace
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - W Kyle Simmons
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States; School of Community Medicine, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Alex Martin
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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18
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DuBois D, Lymer E, Gibson BE, Desarkar P, Nalder E. Assessing Sensory Processing Dysfunction in Adults and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7080108. [PMID: 28825635 PMCID: PMC5575628 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7080108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory reactivity is a diagnostic criterion for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and has been associated with poorer functional outcomes, behavioral difficulties, and autism severity across the lifespan. Yet, there is little consensus on best practice approaches to assessing sensory processing dysfunction in adolescents and adults with ASD. Despite growing evidence that sensory symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood, there is a lack of norms for older age groups, and pediatric assessments may not target appropriate functional outcomes or environments. This review identified approaches used to measure sensory processing in the scientific literature, and to describe and compare these approaches to current best practice guidelines that can be incorporated into evidence-based practice. Method and Analysis: A search of scientific databases and grey literature (professional association and ASD society websites), from January 1987–May 2017, uncovered 4769 articles and 12 clinical guidelines. Study and sample characteristics were extracted, charted, and categorized according to assessment approach. Results: There were 66 articles included after article screening. Five categories of assessment approaches were identified: Self- and Proxy-Report Questionnaires, Psychophysical Assessment, Direct Behavioral Observation, Qualitative Interview Techniques, and Neuroimaging/EEG. Sensory research to date has focused on individuals with high-functioning ASD, most commonly through the use of self-report questionnaires. The Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) is the most widely used assessment measure (n = 22), however, a number of other assessment approaches may demonstrate strengths specific to the ASD population. Multi-method approaches to assessment (e.g., combining psychophysical or observation with questionnaires) may have clinical applicability to interdisciplinary clinical teams serving adolescents and adults with ASD. Contribution: A comprehensive knowledge of approaches is critical in the clinical assessment of a population characterized by symptomatic heterogeneity and wide-ranging cognitive profiles. This review should inform future development of international interdisciplinary clinical guidelines on sensory processing assessment in ASD across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise DuBois
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada.
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada.
| | - Erin Lymer
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Barbara E Gibson
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada.
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada.
| | - Pushpal Desarkar
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
| | - Emily Nalder
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada.
- March of Dimes Canada, Toronto, ON M4H 1A4, Canada.
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19
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Pellissier LP, Gandía J, Laboute T, Becker JAJ, Le Merrer J. μ opioid receptor, social behaviour and autism spectrum disorder: reward matters. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:2750-2769. [PMID: 28369738 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system is well known to relieve pain and underpin the rewarding properties of most drugs of abuse. Among opioid receptors, the μ receptor mediates most of the analgesic and rewarding properties of opioids. Based on striking similarities between social distress, physical pain and opiate withdrawal, μ receptors have been proposed to play a critical role in modulating social behaviour in humans and animals. This review summarizes experimental data demonstrating such role and proposes a novel model, the μ opioid receptor balance model, to account for the contribution of μ receptors to the subtle regulation of social behaviour. Interestingly, μ receptor null mice show behavioural deficits similar to those observed in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including severe impairment in social interactions. Therefore, after a brief summary of recent evidence for blunted (social) reward processes in subjects with ASD, we review here arguments for altered μ receptor function in this pathology. This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Areas of Opioid Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie P Pellissier
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247, Université de Tours Rabelais, IFCE, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jorge Gandía
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247, Université de Tours Rabelais, IFCE, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Thibaut Laboute
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247, Université de Tours Rabelais, IFCE, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jérôme A J Becker
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247, Université de Tours Rabelais, IFCE, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Julie Le Merrer
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR-0085, CNRS UMR-7247, Université de Tours Rabelais, IFCE, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
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20
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Boudjarane MA, Grandgeorge M, Marianowski R, Misery L, Lemonnier É. Perception of odors and tastes in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review of assessments. Autism Res 2017; 10:1045-1057. [PMID: 28371114 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Olfaction and gustation are major sensory functions implied in processing environmental stimuli. Some evidences suggest that loss of olfactory function is an early biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders and atypical processing of odor and taste stimuli is present in several neurodevelopmental disorders, notably in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this paper, we conducted a systematic review investigating the assessments of olfaction and gustation with psychophysics methods in individuals with ASD. Pubmed, PMC and Sciencedirect were scrutinized for relevant literature published from 1970 to 2015. In this review, fourteen papers met our inclusion criteria. They were analyzed critically in order to evaluate the occurrence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in ASD, as well as to report the methods used to assess olfaction and gustation in such conditions. Regarding to these two senses, the overall number of studies is low. Most of studies show significant difference regarding to odor or taste identification but not for detection threshold. Overall, odor rating through pleasantness, intensity and familiarity do not differ significantly between control and individuals with ASD. The current evidences can suggest the presence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in ASD. Therefore, our analysis show a heterogeneity of findings. This is due to several methodological limitations such as the tools used or population studied. Understanding these disorders could help to shed light on other atypical behavior in this population such as feeding or social behavior. Autism Res 2017, 0: 000-000. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1045-1057. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Boudjarane
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France
| | - Marine Grandgeorge
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,UMR-CNRS 6552, Animal and Human Ethology University of Rennes 1-CNRS, Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Rémi Marianowski
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,Department of ENT, University Hospital of Brest, Brest Cedex, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest Cedex, France
| | - Éric Lemonnier
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,University Hospital of Limoges, Expert Center of Autism Limousin, Limoges Cedex, France (É.L.)
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21
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Baum SH, Stevenson RA, Wallace MT. Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multisensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 134:140-60. [PMID: 26455789 PMCID: PMC4730891 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Although sensory processing challenges have been noted since the first clinical descriptions of autism, it has taken until the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 for sensory problems to be included as part of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the diagnostic profile. Because sensory information forms the building blocks for higher-order social and cognitive functions, we argue that sensory processing is not only an additional piece of the puzzle, but rather a critical cornerstone for characterizing and understanding ASD. In this review we discuss what is currently known about sensory processing in ASD, how sensory function fits within contemporary models of ASD, and what is understood about the differences in the underlying neural processing of sensory and social communication observed between individuals with and without ASD. In addition to highlighting the sensory features associated with ASD, we also emphasize the importance of multisensory processing in building perceptual and cognitive representations, and how deficits in multisensory integration may also be a core characteristic of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Baum
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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22
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Kuschner ES, Eisenberg IW, Orionzi B, Simmons WK, Kenworthy L, Martin A, Wallace GL. A Preliminary Study of Self-Reported Food Selectivity in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2015; 15-16:53-59. [PMID: 26309446 PMCID: PMC4545503 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well-established that picky eating is a common feature of early development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), far less is known about food selectivity during adolescence and adulthood. Using portions of the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, food selectivity self-ratings were obtained from 65 high-functioning adolescents/young adults with ASD and compared to those of 59 typically developing controls matched on age, IQ, and sex ratio. Individuals with ASD reported preferring familiar foods (food neophobia) and disliking foods with particular textures and strong flavors. Providing linkage to everyday behavior, parent ratings of daily living skills were lower among individuals with ASD and food neophobia than among those without food neophobia. Food selectivity continues to be an important issue for adolescents/young adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian W. Eisenberg
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health
| | - Bako Orionzi
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health
| | | | | | - Alex Martin
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health
| | - Gregory L. Wallace
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, George Washington University
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Translational Assessment of Reward and Motivational Deficits in Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2015; 28:231-62. [PMID: 26873017 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_5004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in reward and motivation are common symptoms characterizing several psychiatric and neurological disorders. Such deficits may include anhedonia, defined as loss of pleasure, as well as impairments in anticipatory pleasure, reward valuation, motivation/effort, and reward learning. This chapter describes recent advances in the development of behavioral tasks used to assess different aspects of reward processing in both humans and non-human animals. While earlier tasks were generally developed independently with limited cross-species correspondence, a newer generation of translational tasks has emerged that are theoretically and procedurally analogous across species and allow parallel testing, data analyses, and interpretation between human and rodent behaviors. Such enhanced conformity between cross-species tasks will facilitate investigation of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying discrete reward and motivated behaviors and is expected to improve our understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by reward and motivation deficits.
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