1
|
Pall ML. Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca 2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sci 2024; 14:454. [PMID: 38790433 PMCID: PMC11119459 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050454] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang F, Smith MJ, Siow RCM, Aarsland D, Maret W, Mann GE. Interactions between zinc and NRF2 in vascular redox signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:269-278. [PMID: 38372426 PMCID: PMC10903478 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230490] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence highlights the importance of trace metal micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) in coronary and vascular diseases. Zn2+ plays a signalling role in modulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase and protects the endothelium against oxidative stress by up-regulation of glutathione synthesis. Excessive accumulation of Zn2+ in endothelial cells leads to apoptotic cell death resulting from dysregulation of glutathione and mitochondrial ATP synthesis, whereas zinc deficiency induces an inflammatory phenotype, associated with increased monocyte adhesion. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor known to target hundreds of different genes. Activation of NRF2 affects redox metabolism, autophagy, cell proliferation, remodelling of the extracellular matrix and wound healing. As a redox-inert metal ion, Zn has emerged as a biomarker in diagnosis and as a therapeutic approach for oxidative-related diseases due to its close link to NRF2 signalling. In non-vascular cell types, Zn has been shown to modify conformations of the NRF2 negative regulators Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and to promote degradation of BACH1, a transcriptional suppressor of select NRF2 genes. Zn can affect phosphorylation signalling, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinases and protein kinase C, which facilitate NRF2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Notably, several NRF2-targeted proteins have been suggested to modify cellular Zn concentration via Zn exporters (ZnTs) and importers (ZIPs) and the Zn buffering protein metallothionein. This review summarises the cross-talk between reactive oxygen species, Zn and NRF2 in antioxidant responses of vascular cells against oxidative stress and hypoxia/reoxygenation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Matthew J Smith
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Richard C M Siow
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, U.K
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Wolfgang Maret
- Departments of Biochemistry and Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College, London, U.K
| | - Giovanni E Mann
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Sciences, King's British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| |
Collapse
|