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Devaraju M, Li A, Ha S, Li M, Shivakumar M, Li H, Nishiguchi EP, Gérardin P, Waldorf KA, Al-Haddad BJS. Beyond TORCH: A narrative review of the impact of antenatal and perinatal infections on the risk of disability. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105390. [PMID: 37708918 PMCID: PMC10617835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105390] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Infections and inflammation during pregnancy or early life can alter child neurodevelopment and increase the risk for structural brain abnormalities and mental health disorders. There is strong evidence that TORCH infections (i.e., Treponema pallidum, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus) alter fetal neurodevelopment across multiple developmental domains and contribute to motor and cognitive disabilities. However, the impact of a broader range of viral and bacterial infections on fetal development and disability is less well understood. We performed a literature review of human studies to identify gaps in the link between maternal infections, inflammation, and several neurodevelopmental domains. We found strong and moderate evidence respectively for a higher risk of motor and cognitive delays and disabilities in offspring exposed to a range of non-TORCH pathogens during fetal life. In contrast, there is little evidence for an increased risk of language and sensory disabilities. While guidelines for TORCH infection prevention during pregnancy are common, further consideration for prevention of non-TORCH infections during pregnancy for fetal neuroprotection may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Devaraju
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Amanda Li
- University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandy Ha
- University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Miranda Li
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Megana Shivakumar
- University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hanning Li
- University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Erika Phelps Nishiguchi
- University of Hawaii, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Community Pediatrics, 1319 Punahou St, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Patrick Gérardin
- INSERM CIC1410, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Réunion, Saint Pierre, Réunion, France; Platform for Clinical and Translational Research, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Saint Pierre, Réunion, France
| | - Kristina Adams Waldorf
- University of Washington, Department of Obstetrics, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Benjamin J S Al-Haddad
- University of Minnesota, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Academic Office Building, 2450 Riverside Ave S AO-401, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA; Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 2025 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA.
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Hongyao HE, Chun JI, Xiaoyan G, Fangfang L, Jing Z, Lin Z, Pengxiang Z, Zengchun L. Associative gene networks reveal novel candidates important for ADHD and dyslexia comorbidity. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:208. [PMID: 37667328 PMCID: PMC10478365 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01502-1] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with developmental dyslexia (DD), which are both prevalent and complicated pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders that have a significant influence on children's learning and development. Clinically, the comorbidity incidence of DD and ADHD is between 25 and 48%. Children with DD and ADHD may have more severe cognitive deficiencies, a poorer level of schooling, and a higher risk of social and emotional management disorders. Furthermore, patients with this comorbidity are frequently treated for a single condition in clinical settings, and the therapeutic outcome is poor. The development of effective treatment approaches against these diseases is complicated by their comorbidity features. This is often a major problem in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we developed bioinformatical methodology for the analysis of the comorbidity of these two diseases. As such, the search for candidate genes related to the comorbid conditions of ADHD and DD can help in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the comorbid condition, and can also be useful for genotyping and identifying new drug targets. RESULTS Using the ANDSystem tool, the reconstruction and analysis of gene networks associated with ADHD and dyslexia was carried out. The gene network of ADHD included 599 genes/proteins and 148,978 interactions, while that of dyslexia included 167 genes/proteins and 27,083 interactions. When the ANDSystem and GeneCards data were combined, a total of 213 genes/proteins for ADHD and dyslexia were found. An approach for ranking genes implicated in the comorbid condition of the two diseases was proposed. The approach is based on ten criteria for ranking genes by their importance, including relevance scores of association between disease and genes, standard methods of gene prioritization, as well as original criteria that take into account the characteristics of an associative gene network and the presence of known polymorphisms in the analyzed genes. Among the top 20 genes with the highest priority DRD2, DRD4, CNTNAP2 and GRIN2B are mentioned in the literature as directly linked with the comorbidity of ADHD and dyslexia. According to the proposed approach, the genes OPRM1, CHRNA4 and SNCA had the highest priority in the development of comorbidity of these two diseases. Additionally, it was revealed that the most relevant genes are involved in biological processes related to signal transduction, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoters, chemical synaptic transmission, response to drugs, ion transmembrane transport, nervous system development, cell adhesion, and neuron migration. CONCLUSIONS The application of methods of reconstruction and analysis of gene networks is a powerful tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of comorbid conditions. The method put forth to rank genes by their importance for the comorbid condition of ADHD and dyslexia was employed to predict genes that play key roles in the development of the comorbid condition. The results can be utilized to plan experiments for the identification of novel candidate genes and search for novel pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Hongyao
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - J I Chun
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Gao Xiaoyan
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Liu Fangfang
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhang Jing
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zuo Pengxiang
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| | - Li Zengchun
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
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Carroll L, Braeutigam S, Dawes JM, Krsnik Z, Kostovic I, Coutinho E, Dewing JM, Horton CA, Gomez-Nicola D, Menassa DA. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Multiple Routes to, and Multiple Consequences of, Abnormal Synaptic Function and Connectivity. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:10-29. [PMID: 32441222 PMCID: PMC7804368 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420921378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of
neurodevelopmental disorders of genetic and environmental etiologies.
Some ASD cases are syndromic: associated with clinically defined
patterns of somatic abnormalities and a neurobehavioral phenotype
(e.g., Fragile X syndrome). Many cases, however, are idiopathic or
non-syndromic. Such disorders present themselves during the early
postnatal period when language, speech, and personality start to
develop. ASDs manifest by deficits in social communication and
interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior across
multiple contexts, sensory abnormalities across multiple modalities
and comorbidities, such as epilepsy among many others. ASDs are
disorders of connectivity, as synaptic dysfunction is common to both
syndromic and idiopathic forms. While multiple theories have been
proposed, particularly in idiopathic ASDs, none address why certain
brain areas (e.g., frontotemporal) appear more vulnerable than others
or identify factors that may affect phenotypic specificity. In this
hypothesis article, we identify possible routes leading to, and the
consequences of, altered connectivity and review the evidence of
central and peripheral synaptic dysfunction in ASDs. We postulate that
phenotypic specificity could arise from aberrant experience-dependent
plasticity mechanisms in frontal brain areas and peripheral sensory
networks and propose why the vulnerability of these areas could be
part of a model to unify preexisting pathophysiological theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Carroll
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sven Braeutigam
- Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - John M Dawes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Zeljka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Centre of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Kostovic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Centre of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ester Coutinho
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer M Dewing
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Christopher A Horton
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Diego Gomez-Nicola
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David A Menassa
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Mané-Damas M, Hoffmann C, Zong S, Tan A, Molenaar PC, Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P. Autoimmunity in psychotic disorders. Where we stand, challenges and opportunities. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102348. [PMID: 31323365 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic disorders are debilitating mental illnesses associated with abnormalities in various neurotransmitter systems. The development of disease-modifing therapies has been hampered by the mostly unknown etiologies and pathophysiologies. Autoantibodies against several neuronal antigens are responsible for autoimmune encephalitis. These autoantibodies disrupt neurotransmission within the brain, resulting in a wide range of psychiatric and neurologic manifestations, including psychosis. The overlap of symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis with psychotic disorders raised the question as to whether autoantibodies against a number of receptors, ion channel and associated proteins could ultimately be responsible for some forms of psychosis. Here we review our current knowledge, on antibody mediated autoimmunity in psychotic disorders, the different diagnostic methods and their limitations, as well as on varying therapeutic approaches targeting the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mané-Damas
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Carolin Hoffmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Shenghua Zong
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Amanda Tan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter C Molenaar
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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5
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The current status of the magnocellular theory of developmental dyslexia. Neuropsychologia 2019; 130:66-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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6
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Kramer P, Bressan P. Humans as Superorganisms: How Microbes, Viruses, Imprinted Genes, and Other Selfish Entities Shape Our Behavior. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2016; 10:464-81. [PMID: 26177948 DOI: 10.1177/1745691615583131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psychologists and psychiatrists tend to be little aware that (a) microbes in our brains and guts are capable of altering our behavior; (b) viral DNA that was incorporated into our DNA millions of years ago is implicated in mental disorders; (c) many of us carry the cells of another human in our brains; and (d) under the regulation of viruslike elements, the paternally inherited and maternally inherited copies of some genes compete for domination in the offspring, on whom they have opposite physical and behavioral effects. This article provides a broad overview, aimed at a wide readership, of the consequences of our coexistence with these selfish entities. The overarching message is that we are not unitary individuals but superorganisms, built out of both human and nonhuman elements; it is their interaction that determines who we are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kramer
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Bressan
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Italy
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7
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Hoffmann C, Zong S, Mané-Damas M, Molenaar P, Losen M, Martinez-Martinez P. Autoantibodies in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Antibodies (Basel) 2016; 5:antib5020009. [PMID: 31557990 PMCID: PMC6698850 DOI: 10.3390/antib5020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. The identification of autoantibodies targeting the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R), which causes neurological and psychiatric symptoms, has reinvigorated the hypothesis that other patient subgroups may also suffer from an underlying autoimmune condition. In recent years, a wide range of neuropsychiatric diseases and autoantibodies targeting ion-channels or neuronal receptors including NMDA-R, voltage gated potassium channel complex (VGKC complex), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPA-R), γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA-R) and dopamine receptor (DR) were studied and conflicting reports have been published regarding the seroprevalence of these autoantibodies. A clear causative role of autoantibodies on psychiatric symptoms has as yet only been shown for the NMDA-R. Several other autoantibodies have been related to the presence of certain symptoms and antibody effector mechanisms have been proposed. However, extensive clinical studies with large multicenter efforts to standardize diagnostic procedures for autoimmune etiology and animal studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of these autoantibodies. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of neuronal autoantibodies in the major neuropsychiatric disorders: psychotic, major depression, autism spectrum, obsessive-compulsive and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Hoffmann
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Shenghua Zong
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marina Mané-Damas
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Molenaar
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Mario Losen
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Division Neurosciences, School for Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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8
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Abstract
The immune system's role in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders has been the subject of research for many decades. Despite suggestive evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and immunologic studies, those findings did not translate into clinical practice. Recent recognition of antibody-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders has fueled the search for a subgroup of patients with an antibody-mediated psychiatric illness. This chapter focuses on the current understanding of autoimmune CNS disorders and how they may be relevant to psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and autism. We review the results provided by antibody screening in psychiatric patient groups and discuss future directions to establish whether those findings will be meaningful in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Coutinho
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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9
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Abstract
Dyslexia is more than just difficulty with translating letters into sounds. Many dyslexics have problems with clearly seeing letters and their order. These difficulties may be caused by abnormal development of their visual “magnocellular” (M) nerve cells; these mediate the ability to rapidly identify letters and their order because they control visual guidance of attention and of eye fixations. Evidence for M cell impairment has been demonstrated at all levels of the visual system: in the retina, in the lateral geniculate nucleus, in the primary visual cortex and throughout the dorsal visuomotor “where” pathway forward from the visual cortex to the posterior parietal and prefrontal cortices. This abnormality destabilises visual perception; hence, its severity in individuals correlates with their reading deficit. Treatments that facilitate M function, such as viewing text through yellow or blue filters, can greatly increase reading progress in children with visual reading problems. M weakness may be caused by genetic vulnerability, which can disturb orderly migration of cortical neurones during development or possibly reduce uptake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually obtained from fish oils in the diet. For example, M cell membranes require replenishment of the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid to maintain their rapid responses. Hence, supplementing some dyslexics’ diets with DHA can greatly improve their M function and their reading.
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Abstract
Whether some instances of obsessive-compulsive disorder are secondary to infectious and/or autoimmune processes is still under scientific debate. The nosology has undergone an iterative process of criteria and acronyms from PITANDS to PANDAS to PANS (or CANS for neurology). This review focuses on the clinical presentation, assessment, proposed pathophysiology, and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus (PANDAS), and the newest iteration, pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). Children who have these symptoms, which have become known as PANS, have been described by their parents as "changed children."
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya K Murphy
- Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry, USF Pediatrics, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA.
| | - Diana M Gerardi
- Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry, USF Pediatrics, 880 6th Street South, Suite 460, Box 7523, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - James F Leckman
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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11
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Martinez-Martinez P, Molenaar PC, Losen M, Stevens J, Baets MHD, Szoke A, Honnorat J, Tamouza R, Leboyer M, Os JV, Rutten BPF. Autoantibodies to neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels: from neuromuscular to neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Genet 2013; 4:181. [PMID: 24065983 PMCID: PMC3778371 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes of voltage-gated ion channels and ligand-gated receptor channels caused by mutation or autoimmune attack are the cause of so-called channelopathies in the central and peripheral nervous system. We present the pathophysiology of channelopathies of the neuromuscular junction in terms of loss-of-function and gain-of-function principles. Autoantibodies generally have reduced access to the central nervous system, but in some cases this is enough to cause disease. A review is provided of recent findings implicating autoantibodies against ligand-activated receptor channels and potassium channels in psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and limbic encephalitis. The emergence of channelopathy-related neuropsychiatric disorders has implications for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Maastricht, Netherlands
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12
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Khandaker GM, Zimbron J, Lewis G, Jones PB. Prenatal maternal infection, neurodevelopment and adult schizophrenia: a systematic review of population-based studies. Psychol Med 2013; 43:239-57. [PMID: 22717193 PMCID: PMC3479084 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of foetal development by prenatal maternal infection is consistent with a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Whether specific prenatal infections are involved, their timing and the mechanisms of any effect are all unknown. We addressed these questions through a systematic review of population-based studies. METHOD Electronic and manual searches and rigorous quality assessment yielded 21 studies that included an objective assessment of individual-level prenatal maternal infection and standardized psychotic diagnoses in adult offspring. Methodological differences between studies necessitated a descriptive review. RESULTS Results for prenatal maternal non-specific bacterial, respiratory or genital and reproductive infection differed between studies, which reported up to a two- to fivefold increased risk of schizophrenia. Evidence for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and Toxoplasma gondii was mixed; some studies reported up to a doubling of schizophrenia risk. Prenatal HSV-1 or cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were not associated with increased risk. Exposure to influenza or other infections during early pregnancy may be more harmful than later exposure. Increased proinflammatory cytokines during pregnancy were also associated with risk. Prenatal infection was associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities relevant to schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to a range of infections and inflammatory responses may be associated with risk of adult schizophrenia. Larger samples, mediation and animal models should be used to investigate whether there is a 'sensitive period' during development, and the effects of prenatal infections on neurodevelopment. Inclusion of genetic and immunological information should help to elucidate to what extent genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia may be explained by vulnerability to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Khandaker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Hosseini SMH, Black JM, Soriano T, Bugescu N, Martinez R, Raman MM, Kesler SR, Hoeft F. Topological properties of large-scale structural brain networks in children with familial risk for reading difficulties. Neuroimage 2013; 71:260-74. [PMID: 23333415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a neurobiological deficit characterized by persistent difficulty in learning to read in children and adults who otherwise possess normal intelligence. Functional and structural connectivity data suggest that developmental dyslexia could be a disconnection syndrome. However, whether abnormalities in connectivity exist in beginning readers at-risk for reading difficulties is unknown. Using graph-theoretical analysis, we investigated differences in global and regional topological properties of structural brain networks in 42 beginning readers with (FH+) and without (FH-) familial risk for reading difficulties. We constructed separate structural correlation networks based on measures of surface area and cortical thickness. Results revealed changes in topological properties in brain regions known to be abnormal in dyslexia (left supramarginal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus) in the FH+ group mainly in the network constructed from measures of cortical surface area. We also found alterations in topological properties in regions that are not often advertised as dyslexia but nonetheless play important role in reading (left posterior cingulate, hippocampus, and left precentral gyrus). To our knowledge, this is the first report of altered topological properties of structural correlation networks in children at risk for reading difficulty, and motivates future studies that examine the mechanisms underlying how these brain networks may mediate the influences of family history on reading outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Hadi Hosseini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Rd., Stanford, CA 94305-5795, USA.
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Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a highly heritable disorder with a prevalence of at least 5% in school-aged children. Linkage studies have identified numerous loci throughout the genome that are likely to harbour candidate dyslexia susceptibility genes. Association studies and the refinement of chromosomal translocation break points in individuals with dyslexia have resulted in the discovery of candidate genes at some of these loci. A key function of many of these genes is their involvement in neuronal migration. This complements anatomical abnormalities discovered in dyslexic brains, such as ectopias, that may be the result of irregular neuronal migration.
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Singer HS, Morris C, Gause C, Pollard M, Zimmerman AW, Pletnikov M. Prenatal exposure to antibodies from mothers of children with autism produces neurobehavioral alterations: A pregnant dam mouse model. J Neuroimmunol 2009; 211:39-48. [PMID: 19362378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 03/09/2009] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A pregnant mouse model was used to compare the effect of IgG, administered E13-E18, from mothers of children with autistic disorder (MCAD), to controls (simple- and IgG-) on behavioral testing in offspring. Mice, exposed in-utero to MCAD-IgG, as adolescents, were more active during the first ten minutes of central field novelty testing and, as adults, displayed anxiety-like behavior on a component of the elevated plus maze and had a greater magnitude of startle following acoustic stimulation. On a social interaction paradigm, adult mice had alterations of sociability. Pilot studies of immune markers in MCAD IgG-exposed embryonic brains suggest evidence of cytokine and glial activation. These studies demonstrate that the transplacental passage of IgG from MCAD is capable of inducing long-term behavioral consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey S Singer
- Departments of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Singer HS, Morris CM, Gause CD, Gillin PK, Crawford S, Zimmerman AW. Antibodies against fetal brain in sera of mothers with autistic children. J Neuroimmunol 2008; 194:165-72. [PMID: 18093664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2007.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Serum antibodies in 100 mothers of children with autistic disorder (MCAD) were compared to 100 age-matched mothers with unaffected children (MUC) using as antigenic substrates human and rodent fetal and adult brain tissues, GFAP, and MBP. MCAD had significantly more individuals with Western immunoblot bands at 36 kDa in human fetal and rodent embryonic brain tissue. The density of bands was greater in fetal brain at 61 kDa. MCAD plus developmental regression had greater reactivity against human fetal brain at 36 and 39 kDa. Data support a possible complex association between genetic/metabolic/environmental factors and the placental transfer of maternal antibodies in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey S Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.
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Lim MJ, Alexander N, Benedict JW, Chattopadhyay S, Shemilt SJA, Guérin CJ, Cooper JD, Pearce DA. IgG entry and deposition are components of the neuroimmune response in Batten disease. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 25:239-51. [PMID: 17070688 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2006] [Revised: 08/31/2006] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients and a mouse model of Batten disease, the juvenile form of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL), raise autoantibodies against GAD65 and other brain-directed antigens. Here we investigate the adaptive component of the neuroimmune response. Cln3(-/-) mice have autoantibodies to GAD65 in their cerebrospinal fluid and elevated levels of brain bound immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG deposition was found within human JNCL autopsy material, a feature that became more evident with increased age in Cln3(-/-) mice. The lymphocyte infiltration present in human and murine JNCL occurred late in disease progression, and was not capable of central/intrathecal IgG production. In contrast, we found evidence for an early systemic immune dysregulation in Cln3(-/-) mice. In addition evidence for a size-selective breach in the blood-brain barrier integrity in these mice suggests that systemically produced autoantibodies can access the JNCL central nervous system and contribute to a progressive inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming J Lim
- Pediatric Storage Disorders Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
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Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary essentials, and are critical to brain development and function. Increasing evidence suggests that a relative lack of omega-3 may contribute to many psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review focuses on the possible role of omega-3 in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related childhood developmental disorders, evaluating the existing evidence from both research and clinical perspectives. Theory and experimental evidence support a role for omega-3 in ADHD, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and autism. Results from controlled treatment trials are mixed, but the few studies in this area have involved different populations and treatment formulations. Dietary supplementation with fish oils (providing EPA and DHA) appears to alleviate ADHD-related symptoms in at least some children, and one study of DCD children also found benefits for academic achievement. Larger trials are now needed to confirm these findings, and to establish the specificity and durability of any treatment effects as well as optimal formulations and dosages. Omega-3 is not supported by current evidence as a primary treatment for ADHD or related conditions, but further research in this area is clearly warranted. Given their relative safety and general health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids offer a promising complementary approach to standard treatments.
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Blanchard R. Quantitative and theoretical analyses of the relation between older brothers and homosexuality in men. J Theor Biol 2004; 230:173-87. [PMID: 15302549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2004.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2004] [Revised: 04/23/2004] [Accepted: 04/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Meta-analysis of aggregate data from 14 samples representing 10,143 male subjects shows that homosexuality in human males is predicted by higher numbers of older brothers, but not by higher numbers of older sisters, younger brothers, or younger sisters. The relation between number of older brothers and sexual orientation holds only for males. This phenomenon has therefore been called the fraternal birth order effect. Research on birth order, birth weight, and sexual orientation suggests that the developmental pathway to homosexuality initiated by older brothers operates during prenatal life. Calculations assuming a causal relation between older brothers and sexual orientation have estimated the proportion of homosexual men who owe their sexual orientation to fraternal birth order at 15% in one study and 29% in another. The maternal immune hypothesis proposes that the fraternal birth order effect reflects the progressive immunization of some mothers to male-specific antigens by each succeeding male fetus and the increasing effects of such immunization on sexual differentiation of the brain in each succeeding male fetus. There are at least three possible mechanisms by which the mother's immune response could influence the fetus: the transfer of anti-male antibodies across the placenta from the maternal into the fetal compartment, the transfer of maternal cytokines across the placenta, and maternal immune reactions affecting the placenta itself. This hypothesis is consistent with recent studies showing that the quantity of fetal cells that enter the maternal circulation is greater than previously thought, and that the number of male-specific proteins encoded by Y-chromosome genes is greater than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Blanchard
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Clarke Site, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ont., Canada, M5T 1R8.
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Boulanger LM, Shatz CJ. Immune signalling in neural development, synaptic plasticity and disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2004; 5:521-31. [PMID: 15208694 DOI: 10.1038/nrn1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Boulanger
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, Pacific Hall 1212A, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California, USA.
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Vincent A, Dalton P, Clover L, Palace J, Lang B. Antibodies to neuronal targets in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2003; 992:48-55. [PMID: 12794046 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb03137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The role of antibodies to specific neuronal and muscle ion channels in the etiology of neuromuscular transmission disorders is now well accepted. In addition, maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and cause neonatal disease or even alter the development of the infant, raising the possibility that some neurodevelopmental conditions could be caused by maternal antibodies. Voltage-gated ion channels are expressed in the brain as well as at the neuromuscular junction, and in recent years it has become clear that antibodies to some central nervous system (CNS) channels can be associated with CNS disease. This review highlights features of these conditions, preliminary investigations into neurodevelopmental disorders, and areas for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Vincent
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Dalton P, Deacon R, Blamire A, Pike M, McKinlay I, Stein J, Styles P, Vincent A. Maternal neuronal antibodies associated with autism and a language disorder. Ann Neurol 2003; 53:533-7. [PMID: 12666123 DOI: 10.1002/ana.10557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders could be caused by maternal antibodies or other serum factors. We detected serum antibodies binding to rodent Purkinje cells and other neurons in a mother of three children: the first normal, the second with autism, and the third with a severe specific language disorder. We injected the serum (0.5-1.0 ml/day) into pregnant mice during gestation and found altered exploration and motor coordination and changes in cerebellar magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the mouse offspring, comparing with offspring of mice injected with sera from mothers of healthy children. This evidence supports a role for maternal antibodies in some forms of neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Dalton
- Neurosciences Group, Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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