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Gunz S, Rozen-Knisbacher I, Blumenfeld A, Hendler K, Yahalom C. The prevalence of autism among children with albinism. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:666-671. [PMID: 37787167 PMCID: PMC11067420 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231206091] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and visual impairment has been mentioned in the literature. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of autism among children with albinism compared to the prevalence of ASD in children with visual impairment secondary to other causes. METHODS Retrospective study of children with albinism from January 2015 to December 2020. A control group was created with children with early onset visual impairment of similar visual range and age, secondary to diagnosis other than albinism. Patients with associated Autism were identified in both groups. RESULTS Seven hundred and eight children aged 1-18 years with visual impairment were included in the study. 401 children had a diagnosis of albinism, of whom 14 were also diagnosed with ASD. In the control group, composed of 307 patients, only 3 had ASD (p: 0·03). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ASD in patients with albinism was 1 in 28, while in children with visual impairment from other causes was 1 in 102. We aim to raise awareness of the higher prevalence of autism in children diagnosed with albinism in order to reach earlier diagnosis and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stav Gunz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Anat Blumenfeld
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Karen Hendler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Claudia Yahalom
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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2
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Banazadeh M, Abiri A, Poortaheri MM, Asnaashari L, Langarizadeh MA, Forootanfar H. Unexplored power of CRISPR-Cas9 in neuroscience, a multi-OMICs review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130413. [PMID: 38408576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130413] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience and neurobiology of gene editing to enhance learning and memory is of paramount interest to the scientific community. The advancements of CRISPR system have created avenues to treat neurological disorders by means of versatile modalities varying from expression to suppression of genes and proteins. Neurodegenerative disorders have also been attributed to non-canonical DNA secondary structures by affecting neuron activity through controlling gene expression, nucleosome shape, transcription, translation, replication, and recombination. Changing DNA regulatory elements which could contribute to the fate and function of neurons are thoroughly discussed in this review. This study presents the ability of CRISPR system to boost learning power and memory, treat or cure genetically-based neurological disorders, and alleviate psychiatric diseases by altering the activity and the irritability of the neurons at the synaptic cleft through DNA manipulation, and also, epigenetic modifications using Cas9. We explore and examine how each different OMIC techniques can come useful when altering DNA sequences. Such insight into the underlying relationship between OMICs and cellular behaviors leads us to better neurological and psychiatric therapeutics by intelligently designing and utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ardavan Abiri
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Integrated Graduate Program in Physical and Engineering Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Lida Asnaashari
- Student Research Committee, Kerman Universiy of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Langarizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Forootanfar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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3
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Lamanna J, Meldolesi J. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Brain Areas Involved, Neurobiological Mechanisms, Diagnoses and Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2423. [PMID: 38397100 PMCID: PMC10889781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting over 2% of the pre-school children population, includes an important fraction of the conditions accounting for the heterogeneity of autism. The disease was discovered 75 years ago, and the present review, based on critical evaluations of the recognized ASD studies from the beginning of 1990, has been further developed by the comparative analyses of the research and clinical reports, which have grown progressively in recent years up to late 2023. The tools necessary for the identification of the ASD disease and its related clinical pathologies are genetic and epigenetic mutations affected by the specific interaction with transcription factors and chromatin remodeling processes occurring within specific complexes of brain neurons. Most often, the ensuing effects induce the inhibition/excitation of synaptic structures sustained primarily, at dendritic fibers, by alterations of flat and spine response sites. These effects are relevant because synapses, established by specific interactions of neurons with glial cells, operate as early and key targets of ASD. The pathology of children is often suspected by parents and communities and then confirmed by ensuing experiences. The final diagnoses of children and mature patients are then completed by the combination of neuropsychological (cognitive) tests and electro-/magneto-encephalography studies developed in specialized centers. ASD comorbidities, induced by processes such as anxieties, depressions, hyperactivities, and sleep defects, interact with and reinforce other brain diseases, especially schizophrenia. Advanced therapies, prescribed to children and adult patients for the control of ASD symptoms and disease, are based on the combination of well-known brain drugs with classical tools of neurologic and psychiatric practice. Overall, this review reports and discusses the advanced knowledge about the biological and medical properties of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Meldolesi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milano-Bicocca University, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
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4
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El Yacoubi FA, Oukabli M, Ibrahimi A, Kisra H, Bensaid M. Unraveling the Role of Neuroligin3 in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Pathophysiological Insights and Targeted Therapies. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:801-811. [PMID: 37497709 DOI: 10.2174/1871527323666230727102244] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and/or restricted interests with a prevalence of as high as 1% of children. Autism spectrum has strongly associated with genetic factors and exhibits wide clinical and heterogeneous genetic architecture. Most genes associated with Autism are involved in neuronal and synaptic development. The neuroligin3, the sex-linked gene on the X chromosome, was the first gene to be associated with a monogenic form of Autism. Neuroligin3 is a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein involved in synapse transmission, brain formation, and neuronal development. In this review, we provide recent findings on different mutations in the Neuroligin3 gene linked to Autism spectrum disorder and their molecular pathway effect. We also give the behavioral, and synaptic alterations reported in the Neuroligin3 animal model of Autism and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting the biological processes and the main symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In addition, we discuss the use of novel technologies like induced pluripotent stem cells from Autistic patients that have the potential to differentiate in human neurons and therefore have a variety of applications in therapy and biomedical studies to search specific biomarkers, and develop systems for screening chemical molecules in human cells to discover target therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Azzahrae El Yacoubi
- Laboratory of Immunology, Infectious Disease and Tropical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
- Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Oukabli
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Military Hospital Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Azeddine Ibrahimi
- Biotechnology Lab (MedBiotech), Rabat Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Centre Mohammed VI for Research & Innovation (CM6), Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Kisra
- Medical and Pharmacy School, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Center of Child Psychiatry, Arrazi Hospital, Salé, Morocco
| | - Mounia Bensaid
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Military Hospital Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
- Royal School of Military Health Service. Rabat, Morocco
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5
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Sindi IA. Implications of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathogenesis. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2023; 11:199-205. [PMID: 38213654 PMCID: PMC10779445 DOI: 10.4103/jmau.jmau_15_22] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness that leads to repetitive behavior and debilitates social communication. Genetic changes such as susceptible genes and environmental factors promote ASD pathogenesis. Mutations in neuroligins (NLGNs) and neurexin (NRXNs) complex which encode cell adhesion molecules have a significant part in synapses formation, transcription, and excitatory-inhibitory balance. The ASD pathogenesis could partly, at the least, be related to synaptic dysfunction. Here, the NRXNs and NLGNs genes and signaling pathways involved in the synaptic malfunction that causes ASD have been reviewed. Besides, a new insight of NLGNs and NRXNs genes in ASD will be conferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikhlas A. Sindi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Sandhu A, Kumar A, Rawat K, Gautam V, Sharma A, Saha L. Modernising autism spectrum disorder model engineering and treatment via CRISPR-Cas9: A gene reprogramming approach. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:3114-3127. [PMID: 37274051 PMCID: PMC10237133 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i14.3114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A neurological abnormality called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person perceives and interacts with others, leading to social interaction and communication issues. Limited and recurring behavioural patterns are another feature of the illness. Multiple mutations throughout development are the source of the neurodevelopmental disorder autism. However, a well-established model and perfect treatment for this spectrum disease has not been discovered. The rising era of the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system can streamline the complexity underlying the pathogenesis of ASD. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a powerful genetic engineering tool used to edit the genome at the targeted site in a precise manner. The major hurdle in studying ASD is the lack of appropriate animal models presenting the complex symptoms of ASD. Therefore, CRISPR-Cas9 is being used worldwide to mimic the ASD-like pathology in various systems like in vitro cell lines, in vitro 3D organoid models and in vivo animal models. Apart from being used in establishing ASD models, CRISPR-Cas9 can also be used to treat the complexities of ASD. The aim of this review was to summarize and critically analyse the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated discoveries in the field of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Antika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 0172, Chandigarh, India
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Khoja S, Haile MT, Chen LY. Advances in neurexin studies and the emerging role of neurexin-2 in autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1125087. [PMID: 36923655 PMCID: PMC10009110 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1125087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased globally from 20 to 28 million cases making ASD the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. Neurexins are a family of presynaptic cell adhesion molecules that have been increasingly implicated in ASD, as evidenced by genetic mutations in the clinical population. Neurexins function as context-dependent specifiers of synapse properties and critical modulators in maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory transmission (E/I balance). Disrupted E/I balance has long been established as a hallmark of ASD making neurexins excellent starting points for understanding the etiology of ASD. Herein we review neurexin mutations that have been discovered in ASD patients. Further, we discuss distinct synaptic mechanisms underlying the aberrant neurotransmission and behavioral deficits observed in different neurexin mouse models, with focus on recent discoveries from the previously overlooked neurexin-2 gene (Nrxn2 in mice and NRXN2 in humans). Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a summary of new synaptic insights into the molecular underpinnings of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheraz Khoja
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mulatwa T Haile
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lulu Y Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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8
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Goold S, Murphy MJ, Goodale MA, Crewther SG, Laycock R. Faster social attention disengagement in individuals with higher autism traits. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2022; 44:755-767. [PMID: 36694386 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2167943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atypical visual and social attention has often been associated with clinically diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and with the broader autism phenotype. Atypical social attention is of particular research interest given the importance of facial expressions for social communication, with faces tending to attract and hold attention in neurotypical individuals. In autism, this is not necessarily so, where there is debate about the temporal differences in the ability to disengage attention from a face. METHOD Thus, we have used eye-tracking to record saccadic latencies as a measure of time to disengage attention from a central task-irrelevant face before orienting to a newly presented peripheral nonsocial target during a gap-overlap task. Neurotypical participants with higher or lower autism-like traits (AT) completed the task that included central stimuli with varied expressions of facial emotion as well as an inverted face. RESULTS High AT participants demonstrated faster saccadic responses to detect the nonsocial target than low AT participants when disengaging attention from a face. Furthermore, faster saccadic responses were recorded when comparing disengagement from upright to inverted faces in low AT but not in high AT participants. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results extend findings of atypical social attention disengagement in autism and highlight how differences in attention to faces in the broader autism phenotype can lead to apparently superior task performance under certain conditions. Specifically, autism traits were linked to faster attention orienting to a nonsocial target due to the reduced attentional hold of the task irrelevant face stimuli. The absence of an inversion effect in high AT participants also reinforces the suggestion that they process upright or inverted faces similarly, unlike low AT participants for whom inverted faces are thought to be less socially engaging, thus allowing faster disengagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saxon Goold
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie J Murphy
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melvyn A Goodale
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Western Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila G Crewther
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robin Laycock
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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9
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Saeliw T, Permpoon T, Iadsee N, Tencomnao T, Hu VW, Sarachana T, Green D, Sae-Lee C. LINE-1 and Alu methylation signatures in autism spectrum disorder and their associations with the expression of autism-related genes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13970. [PMID: 35978033 PMCID: PMC9385849 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) and Alu elements are retrotransposons whose abilities cause abnormal gene expression and genomic instability. Several studies have focused on DNA methylation profiling of gene regions, but the locus-specific methylation of LINE-1 and Alu elements has not been identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we interrogated locus- and family-specific methylation profiles of LINE-1 and Alu elements in ASD whole blood using publicly-available Illumina Infinium 450 K methylation datasets from heterogeneous ASD and ASD variants (Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding 8 (CHD8) and 16p11.2del). Total DNA methylation of repetitive elements were notably hypomethylated exclusively in ASD with CHD8 variants. Methylation alteration in a family-specific manner including L1P, L1H, HAL, AluJ, and AluS families were observed in the heterogeneous ASD and ASD with CHD8 variants. Moreover, LINE-1 and Alu methylation within target genes is inversely related to the expression level in each ASD variant. The DNA methylation signatures of the LINE-1 and Alu elements in ASD whole blood, as well as their associations with the expression of ASD-related genes, have been identified. If confirmed in future larger studies, these findings may contribute to the identification of epigenomic biomarkers of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanit Saeliw
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tiravut Permpoon
- Research Division, SiMR, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutta Iadsee
- Research Division, SiMR, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tewarit Sarachana
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,SYstems Neuroscience of Autism and PSychiatric Disorders (SYNAPS) Research Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Daniel Green
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chanachai Sae-Lee
- Research Division, SiMR, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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10
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Decreased Empathy Response to Other's Pain in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:468-473. [PMID: 35472086 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate pain empathy ability and self-reported empathy among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four parents of children with ASD and 26 parents of typically developing children completed the Empathy Quotient (EQ) self-report scale and responded to painful or neutral images during an empathy-for-pain paradigm test. Parents of children with ASD had lower EQ scores, lower accuracy, and longer reaction time (RT) for pain empathy task response (all p < 0.05) compared with controls. There was a negative relationship between cognitive empathy, social skills, total EQ scores, and RT of response in parents of children with ASD. Our findings indicate that self-reported empathy deficits and decreased empathy response to the sight of others' pain in parents of children with ASD are part of a broader autistic phenotype.
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11
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Hand CJ, Kennedy A, Filik R, Pitchford M, Robus CM. Emoji Identification and Emoji Effects on Sentence Emotionality in ASD-Diagnosed Adults and Neurotypical Controls. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2514-2528. [PMID: 35415776 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05557-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated ASD-diagnosed adults' and neurotypical (NT) controls' processing of emoji and emoji influence on the emotionality of otherwise-neutral sentences. Study 1 participants categorised emoji representing the six basic emotions using a fixed-set of emotional adjectives. Results showed that ASD-diagnosed participants' classifications of fearful, sad, and surprised emoji were more diverse and less 'typical' than NT controls' responses. Study 2 participants read emotionally-neutral sentences; half paired with sentence-final happy emoji, half with sad emoji. Participants rated sentence + emoji stimuli for emotional valence. ASD-diagnosed and NT participants rated sentences + happy emoji as equally-positive, however, ASD-diagnosed participants rated sentences + sad emoji as more-negative than NT participants. We must acknowledge differential perceptions and effects of emoji, and emoji-text inter-relationships, when working with neurodiverse stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hand
- School of Education, University of Glasgow, 11 Eldon Street, Glasgow, G3 6NH, UK.
| | - Ashley Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruth Filik
- School of Psychology, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Christopher M Robus
- School of Psychotherapy and Psychology, Regents University London, London, UK
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12
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AlOtaibi A, Ben Shaber S, AlBatli A, AlGhamdi T, Murshid E. A systematic review of population-based gingival health studies among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Saudi Dent J 2021; 33:370-374. [PMID: 34803276 PMCID: PMC8589577 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is close to 1% in the United States of America and other countries. Special attention should be given to oral health in individuals with ASD as they are often affected by oral diseases. However, gingival health in children with ASD and adolescents is controversial in terms of the severity of disease and number of people affected. Aim To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the gingival health status of children and adolescents with ASD. Methods The search was conducted using eight databases for articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This search produced 742 relevant papers, but only five with sufficient data on gingival and plaque indices were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results The homogeneity of the sample was tested using the Cohen Q test, which identified significant heterogeneity (P < 0.0001), indicating the use of the random effect’s standard mean difference. Significantly higher gingival index and plaque index values were found in children and adolescents with ASD than in children without ASD. Conclusion Individuals with ASD need help and better access to oral healthcare. Further investigation is needed with regard to gingival health in individuals with ASD and caries risk assessment to understand how this disorder affects oral health. A standardized index for gingival health will help in the inclusion of more studies to assess gingival health in children and adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed AlOtaibi
- Dental Intern, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Ben Shaber
- Dental Intern, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz AlBatli
- Dental Intern, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
| | - Talal AlGhamdi
- Demonstrator, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtissam Murshid
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, P.O. Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Seng GJ, Tseng WL, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Wu YY, Gau SSF. Executive functions in youths with autism spectrum disorder and their unaffected siblings. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2571-2580. [PMID: 32349803 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive dysfunction is one of the main cognitive theories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite evidence of deficits in executive functions in individuals with ASD, little is known about executive dysfunctions as candidate cognitive endophenotypes for ASD. In this study, we investigated executive functions in youths with ASD, their unaffected siblings and typically developing controls (TDC). METHODS We recruited 240 youths with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (aged 6-18 years), 147 unaffected siblings of ASD youths, and 240 TDC youths. TDC youths were recruited based on the age and sex distribution of the ASD youths. Participants were assessed using the verbal Digit Span test and four executive function tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, including Intra-dimensional/Extra-dimensional Shift (I/ED), Spatial Span (SSP), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), and Stocking of Cambridge (SoC). RESULTS ASD youths, relative to TDC, performed significantly worse in executive function tasks assessing verbal working memory (forward and backward digit span), set-shifting (I/ED), visuospatial working memory (SSP, SWM), and planning/problem solving (SoC). Furthermore, unaffected siblings, relative to TDC, performed worse in forward and backward digit recalls and made more errors in SWM. These results were independent of the effects of age, sex, IQ, and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support impaired executive functions in youths with ASD. However, unaffected siblings were mostly unimpaired except in the areas of verbal and spatial working memory, which may be potential cognitive endophenotypes for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Baizer JS. Functional and Neuropathological Evidence for a Role of the Brainstem in Autism. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:748977. [PMID: 34744648 PMCID: PMC8565487 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.748977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The brainstem includes many nuclei and fiber tracts that mediate a wide range of functions. Data from two parallel approaches to the study of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) implicate many brainstem structures. The first approach is to identify the functions affected in ASD and then trace the neural systems mediating those functions. While not included as core symptoms, three areas of function are frequently impaired in ASD: (1) Motor control both of the limbs and body and the control of eye movements; (2) Sensory information processing in vestibular and auditory systems; (3) Control of affect. There are critical brainstem nuclei mediating each of those functions. There are many nuclei critical for eye movement control including the superior colliculus. Vestibular information is first processed in the four nuclei of the vestibular nuclear complex. Auditory information is relayed to the dorsal and ventral cochlear nuclei and subsequently processed in multiple other brainstem nuclei. Critical structures in affect regulation are the brainstem sources of serotonin and norepinephrine, the raphe nuclei and the locus ceruleus. The second approach is the analysis of abnormalities from direct study of ASD brains. The structure most commonly identified as abnormal in neuropathological studies is the cerebellum. It is classically a major component of the motor system, critical for coordination. It has also been implicated in cognitive and language functions, among the core symptoms of ASD. This structure works very closely with the cerebral cortex; the cortex and the cerebellum show parallel enlargement over evolution. The cerebellum receives input from cortex via relays in the pontine nuclei. In addition, climbing fiber input to cerebellum comes from the inferior olive of the medulla. Mossy fiber input comes from the arcuate nucleus of the medulla as well as the pontine nuclei. The cerebellum projects to several brainstem nuclei including the vestibular nuclear complex and the red nucleus. There are thus multiple brainstem nuclei distributed at all levels of the brainstem, medulla, pons, and midbrain, that participate in functions affected in ASD. There is direct evidence that the cerebellum may be abnormal in ASD. The evidence strongly indicates that analysis of these structures could add to our understanding of the neural basis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S. Baizer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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15
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Meyyazhagan A, Balasubramanian B, Bhotla HK, Easwaran M, Shanmugam S, Alagamuthu KK, Arumugam VA, Keshavarao S, Pappusamy M. Genetic and cytogenetic screening of autistic spectrum disorder: Genotype-phenotype profiles. Meta Gene 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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16
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Shirvani-Farsani Z, Maloum Z, Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Vilor-Tejedor N, Sadeghi I. DNA methylation signature as a biomarker of major neuropsychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 141:34-49. [PMID: 34171761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a broadly-investigated epigenetic modification that has been considered as a heritable and reversible change. Previous findings have indicated that DNA methylation regulates gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS). Also, disturbance of DNA methylation patterns has been associated with destructive consequences that lead to human brain diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). In this review, we comprehensively discuss the mechanism and function of DNA methylation and its most recent associations with the pathology of NPDs-including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BD), and attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We also discuss how heterogeneous findings demand further investigations. Finally, based on the recent studies we conclude that DNA methylation status may have implications in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics as a potential epigenetic biomarker of NPDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shirvani-Farsani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Zahra Maloum
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Natalia Vilor-Tejedor
- BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Carrer Wellington 30, 08005, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Iman Sadeghi
- BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Carrer Wellington 30, 08005, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Beta-Carotene derivatives as novel therapy for the prevention and treatment of autistic symptoms. Bioorg Chem 2021; 115:105224. [PMID: 34392174 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction & communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. The currently reported incidence of ASD is 1-2%, and it increases dramatically to 10-20% in families predisposed to ASD. To date, there is no effective way to treat or prevent ASD, and only symptomatic treatment with limited efficacy is available. Oxytocin (Oxt) enhances affiliative behavior and improves social cognition. Social deficits characteristic of autism may be related to dysfunctional Oxt neurotransmission. Thus, administration of Oxt may relieve ASD, however it has a short plasma half-life and poor Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability. CD38, a multifunctional ecto-enzyme expressed in brain and immune cells, was found to be critical for social behavior via regulation of Oxt secretion. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a potent inducer of CD38 and improves social behavior, but it is toxic and teratogenic. We have shown that beta-carotene has a similar therapeutic effect. The present study aimed to investigate the activity of novel beta-carotene derivatives in rescuing low sociability found in BTBR mice, providing an in vivo "proof of principle" that beta-carotene derivatives are potential agents to prevent/ameliorate the reappearance of ASD in high-risk populations for ASD. Beta-carotene and its synthetic analogs were administered orally to newborn BTBR mice with ASD associated like behavior. After 2 months, they were tested (at dosages of 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg) by cognitive (T-maze spontaneous alteration and neurological score) and behavioral tests (reciprocal social interaction, repetitive grooming / bedding behavior), previously shown as indicators for autistic behavior. The following biochemical and molecular biology parameters were also examined: serum Oxt; gene expression in hippocampus and hypothalamus of CD 38, Oxt, Oxt receptor, BDNF, and retinoic acid receptor. The new compounds were significantly more effective than control. The most effective compounds, both in the behavioral tests and in their biochemical effects, were (3R,3'R)-astaxanthin bis(N-Cbz-l-alanine ester) (3B(and (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin bis(N,N-dimethylglycine ester (5). They did not exert any neurological symptoms. Thus, beta-carotene derivatives may have the potential to prevent and/or ameliorate autistic symptoms when administered orally after birth to newborns of families predisposed to autism.
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18
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Masuda K, Han X, Kato H, Sato H, Zhang Y, Sun X, Hirofuji Y, Yamaza H, Yamada A, Fukumoto S. Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Modeling Genetic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052269. [PMID: 33668763 PMCID: PMC7956585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells, developmentally derived from multipotent neural crest cells that form multiple facial tissues, resides within the dental pulp of human teeth. These stem cells show high proliferative capacity in vitro and are multipotent, including adipogenic, myogenic, osteogenic, chondrogenic, and neurogenic potential. Teeth containing viable cells are harvested via minimally invasive procedures, based on various clinical diagnoses, but then usually discarded as medical waste, indicating the relatively low ethical considerations to reuse these cells for medical applications. Previous studies have demonstrated that stem cells derived from healthy subjects are an excellent source for cell-based medicine, tissue regeneration, and bioengineering. Furthermore, stem cells donated by patients affected by genetic disorders can serve as in vitro models of disease-specific genetic variants, indicating additional applications of these stem cells with high plasticity. This review discusses the benefits, limitations, and perspectives of patient-derived dental pulp stem cells as alternatives that may complement other excellent, yet incomplete stem cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, together with our recent data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Masuda
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (S.F.); Tel.: +81-92-642-6402 (K.M. & S.F.)
| | - Xu Han
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Oral Anatomy, Graduate School of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xiao Sun
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Yuta Hirofuji
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haruyoshi Yamaza
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
| | - Aya Yamada
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth and Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (X.H.); (H.S.); (Y.Z.); (X.S.); (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan;
- Correspondence: (K.M.); (S.F.); Tel.: +81-92-642-6402 (K.M. & S.F.)
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19
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Zeleke WA, Hughes TL, Kanyongo G. Assessing the Effectiveness of Professional Development Training on Autism and Culturally Responsive Practice for Educators and Practitioners in Ethiopia. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:583674. [PMID: 33708144 PMCID: PMC7940830 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.583674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the effect of professional development training on educators' and practitioners' knowledge of Autism and the use of culturally responsive practices. Using a single group, pre-post design, data was gathered from 34 educators and health professionals (i.e., teachers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, therapeutic care workers, social workers, and nurses) in Ethiopia. A week-long training covering ASDs and culturally responsive evidence-based training was provided to participants. Results showed significant improvement in participants' knowledge about ASD symptoms, nature, characteristics, as well as intervention selection. Participants' use of culturally informed approaches, in their area of professional service, showed a high level of participants' knowledge and low-level use of culturally responsive practices, policies, and procedures. Recommendations for addressing cultural factors impacting the diagnosis and treatment-seeking approaches to ASD in Africa are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waganesh A. Zeleke
- Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tammy L. Hughes
- Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gibbs Kanyongo
- Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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20
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Lau WKW, Leung MK, Zhang R. Hypofunctional connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in autism: Evidence from coordinate-based imaging meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 103:109986. [PMID: 32473190 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Underconnectivity in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) may be associated with a weakened ability to interpret social signals in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and result in cognitive inflexibility - a hallmark feature of ASD. However, previous neuroimaging studies using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in ASD reported inconsistent findings on functional connectivity of the PCC. This study investigated the aberrant resting-state functional connectivity of the PCC in ASD using multilevel kernel density analysis. METHODS Online databases (MEDLINE/PubMed) were searched for PCC-based functional connectivity in ASD. Ten studies (501 subjects; 161 reported foci) met the inclusion criteria of this meta-analysis. RESULTS We found one consistent and strong abnormal functional connectivity of ASD during the resting state, which was the hypoconnectivity between the PCC and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Importantly, the Jackknife sensitivity analysis revealed that the VMPFC cluster was stably hypoconnected with the PCC in ASD (maximum spatial overlap rate: 100%). CONCLUSIONS The reduced PCC-VMPFC functional coupling may provide an early insight into the effects of ASD on multiple dimensions of functioning, including higher-order cognitive and complex social functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Way K W Lau
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Integrated Centre for Wellbeing, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Bioanalytical Laboratory for Educational Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Mei-Kei Leung
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China.
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21
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Pensado-López A, Veiga-Rúa S, Carracedo Á, Allegue C, Sánchez L. Experimental Models to Study Autism Spectrum Disorders: hiPSCs, Rodents and Zebrafish. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1376. [PMID: 33233737 PMCID: PMC7699923 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of the global population, which manifest alterations in communication and socialization, as well as repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. ASD is a complex disorder with known environmental and genetic contributors; however, ASD etiology is far from being clear. In the past decades, many efforts have been put into developing new models to study ASD, both in vitro and in vivo. These models have a lot of potential to help to validate some of the previously associated risk factors to the development of the disorder, and to test new potential therapies that help to alleviate ASD symptoms. The present review is focused on the recent advances towards the generation of models for the study of ASD, which would be a useful tool to decipher the bases of the disorder, as well as to conduct drug screenings that hopefully lead to the identification of useful compounds to help patients deal with the symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Sara Veiga-Rúa
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Catarina Allegue
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (S.V.-R.)
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22
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Stein CM, Benchek P, Miller G, Hall NB, Menon D, Freebairn L, Tag J, Vick J, Taylor HG, Lewis BA, Iyengar SK. Feature-driven classification reveals potential comorbid subtypes within childhood apraxia of speech. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:519. [PMID: 33187500 PMCID: PMC7664029 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneous communication and other comorbid manifestations. While previous studies have characterized speech deficits associated with CAS, few studies have examined variability in reading and language and/or other developmental comorbidities. We sought to identify comorbid subgroups within CAS that could be clinically relevant as well as genetically distinctive. Methods In a group of 31 children with CAS and 8 controls, we performed hierarchical cluster analysis utilizing measures of articulation, vocabulary, and reading. We also conducted a chart review of the children with CAS to examine other clinical characteristics in these children and their association with subgroup membership. Results We identified 3 comorbid subgroups within CAS of varying severity. The high severity subgroup was characterized by poor reading and vocabulary, and the moderate severity subgroup by poor reading and non-word repetition but average vocabulary, compared to the mild severity subgroup. Subgroups were indistinguishable with respect to speech sound production, the hallmark of CAS, all demonstrating poor articulation. Children in the most severe subgroup were more likely to have early problems feeding (p = 0.036). Conclusions Children with CAS may potentially be classified into comorbidity groups based on performance on vocabulary and reading measures, providing additional insight into the heterogeneity within CAS with implications for educational interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-020-02421-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Stein
- Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Rd, Wolstein Research Building Room 1316, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Penelope Benchek
- Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Rd, Wolstein Research Building Room 1316, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Gabrielle Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Noémi B Hall
- Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Rd, Wolstein Research Building Room 1316, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Dhanya Menon
- Division of Public Health, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Freebairn
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Tag
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jennell Vick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - H Gerry Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, University Hospital Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Nationwide Children's Hospital Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Barbara A Lewis
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sudha K Iyengar
- Department of Population & Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2103 Cornell Rd, Wolstein Research Building Room 1316, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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Taylor LJ, Whitehouse AJO. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Language Disorder, and Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder: Overlaps, Distinguishing Features, and Clinical Implications. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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24
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Li X, Han X, Tu X, Zhu D, Feng Y, Jiang T, Yang Y, Qu J, Chen JG. An Autism-Related, Nonsense Foxp1 Mutant Induces Autophagy and Delays Radial Migration of the Cortical Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:3193-3208. [PMID: 30124790 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that has a strong genetic component. Disruptions of FOXP1, a transcription factor expressed in the developing cerebral cortex, were associated with ASD. FOXP1(R525X) is a de novo heterozygous mutation found in patients with autism and severe mental retardation. To explore the neuronal basis of FOXP1(R525X) in ASD, we created Foxp1(R521X), a mouse homolog of the human variant. Ectopic expression of Foxp1(R521X) led to cytoplasmic aggregates and activated macroautophagy in neuroblastoma N2a cells and the developing neuronal cells. Cortical neurons expressing Foxp1(R521X) exhibited delayed migration and altered dendritic morphology. As a control, mutant Y435X that was expressed diffusively in the cytoplasm did not induce autophagy and migration delay in the cortex. The embryonic cortical cells had a minimal activity of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as assayed by a splicing-dependent NMD reporter. We hypothesize that the developing neuronal cells use autophagy but not NMD as a safeguard mechanism against nonsense mutant aggregates, resulting in impairment of the cortical development. This study suggests a novel mechanism other than heterozygous loss of FOXP1 for the development of ASD and may advance our understanding of the complex relationships between gene mutation and the related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Dan Zhu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Youping Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, the Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia Qu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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25
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Chan WK, Griffiths R, Price DJ, Mason JO. Cerebral organoids as tools to identify the developmental roots of autism. Mol Autism 2020; 11:58. [PMID: 32660622 PMCID: PMC7359249 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00360-3] [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] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some autism spectrum disorders (ASD) likely arise as a result of abnormalities during early embryonic development of the brain. Studying human embryonic brain development directly is challenging, mainly due to ethical and practical constraints. However, the recent development of cerebral organoids provides a powerful tool for studying both normal human embryonic brain development and, potentially, the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. Substantial evidence now indicates that cerebral organoids can mimic normal embryonic brain development and neural cells found in organoids closely resemble their in vivo counterparts. However, with prolonged culture, significant differences begin to arise. We suggest that cerebral organoids, in their current form, are most suitable to model earlier neurodevelopmental events and processes such as neurogenesis and cortical lamination. Processes implicated in ASDs which occur at later stages of development, such as synaptogenesis and neural circuit formation, may also be modeled using organoids. The accuracy of such models will benefit from continuous improvements to protocols for organoid differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kit Chan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Rosie Griffiths
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - David J Price
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - John O Mason
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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Bikbaev A, Ciuraszkiewicz-Wojciech A, Heck J, Klatt O, Freund R, Mitlöhner J, Enrile Lacalle S, Sun M, Repetto D, Frischknecht R, Ablinger C, Rohlmann A, Missler M, Obermair GJ, Di Biase V, Heine M. Auxiliary α2δ1 and α2δ3 Subunits of Calcium Channels Drive Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Network Development. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4824-4841. [PMID: 32414783 PMCID: PMC7326358 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1707-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
VGCCs are multisubunit complexes that play a crucial role in neuronal signaling. Auxiliary α2δ subunits of VGCCs modulate trafficking and biophysical properties of the pore-forming α1 subunit and trigger excitatory synaptogenesis. Alterations in the expression level of α2δ subunits were implicated in several syndromes and diseases, including chronic neuropathic pain, autism, and epilepsy. However, the contribution of distinct α2δ subunits to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and aberrant network connectivity characteristic for these pathologic conditions remains unclear. Here, we show that α2δ1 overexpression enhances spontaneous neuronal network activity in developing and mature cultures of hippocampal neurons. In contrast, overexpression, but not downregulation, of α2δ3 enhances neuronal firing in immature cultures, whereas later in development it suppresses neuronal activity. We found that α2δ1 overexpression increases excitatory synaptic density and selectively enhances presynaptic glutamate release, which is impaired on α2δ1 knockdown. Overexpression of α2δ3 increases the excitatory synaptic density as well but also facilitates spontaneous GABA release and triggers an increase in the density of inhibitory synapses, which is accompanied by enhanced axonaloutgrowth in immature interneurons. Together, our findings demonstrate that α2δ1 and α2δ3 subunits play distinct but complementary roles in driving formation of structural and functional network connectivity during early development. An alteration in α2δ surface expression during critical developmental windows can therefore play a causal role and have a profound impact on the excitatory-to-inhibitory balance and network connectivity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The computational capacity of neuronal networks is determined by their connectivity. Chemical synapses are the main interface for transfer of information between individual neurons. The initial formation of network connectivity requires spontaneous electrical activity and the calcium channel-mediated signaling. We found that, in early development, auxiliary α2δ3 subunits of calcium channels foster presynaptic release of GABA, trigger formation of inhibitory synapses, and promote axonal outgrowth in inhibitory interneurons. In contrast, later in development, α2δ1 subunits promote the glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptogenesis, as well as strongly enhance neuronal network activity. We propose that formation of connectivity in neuronal networks is associated with a concerted interplay of α2δ1 and α2δ3 subunits of calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Bikbaev
- RG Functional Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Anna Ciuraszkiewicz-Wojciech
- RG Molecular Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
| | - Jennifer Heck
- RG Functional Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Oliver Klatt
- Institute for Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Romy Freund
- RG Molecular Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Jessica Mitlöhner
- RG Brain Extracellular Matrix, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Sara Enrile Lacalle
- RG Molecular Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Daniele Repetto
- Institute for Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Renato Frischknecht
- RG Brain Extracellular Matrix, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, 39118, Germany
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, 91058, Germany
| | - Cornelia Ablinger
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Astrid Rohlmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Markus Missler
- Institute for Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Münster, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Gerald J Obermair
- Division Physiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Valentina Di Biase
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Martin Heine
- RG Functional Neurobiology, Institute for Developmental Biology and Neurobiology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, 55128, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, 39106, Germany
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Matson JL, Dempsey T, Wilkins J. Rett syndrome in adults with severe intellectual disability: Exploration of behavioral characteristics. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 23:460-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2007] [Revised: 11/03/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRett syndrome is a genetically linked form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) accompanied by intellectual disability (ID). The disorder is also characterized by cardiorespiratory dysregulation, disturbance in muscle tone, reduced brain growth and scoliosis. Over 300 studies have been published on the disorder, most of which has focused on identification of causative factors, which appears to be the result of mutations of gene MECP2. Rarely have adults with Rett syndrome been studied, and behavioral characteristics in these individuals are largely unknown. The present study aimed to extend what little is known about behavioral characteristics of Rett syndrome in adults, with particular emphasis on social, communicative, and adaptive behavior. Rett syndrome adults with severe ID were matched to autistic adults with ID and ID only controls. The implications of these data for more fully describing and diagnosing the condition in adults are discussed.
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ElObeid T, Moawad J, Shi Z. Importance of Nutrition Intervention in Autistic Patients. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:535-545. [PMID: 32006372 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Along with the issues of inflated social and financial burden associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specific treatment for this disorder has also not been developed. Having a thorough look at previous trials done to treat autism, we find that nutrition intervention had been used frequently as a complementary form of therapy. Indeed, an early diagnosis of nutrition deficiency and metabolic disorders done concomitantly with accurate therapeutic interventions can be a cornerstone for improving cognitive and behavioral aptitudes of people with autism. Several studies have showed that increasing the intake of specific nutrients can reduce the symptoms and comorbidities associated with autism. Consequently, nutrition intervention and appropriate supplementation can be crucial in managing and treating autism. This paper will discuss recent literature on the significance of metabolic aspects in autistic disorder and highlight the influence of nutrition intervention on the symptoms of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahra ElObeid
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Joyce Moawad
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zumin Shi
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Kuja-Halkola R, Larsson H, Lundström S, Sandin S, Chizarifard A, Bölte S, Lichtenstein P, Frans E. Reproductive stoppage in autism spectrum disorder in a population of 2.5 million individuals. Mol Autism 2019; 10:45. [PMID: 31857873 PMCID: PMC6907273 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) curtail their reproduction, a phenomenon known as reproductive stoppage. To investigate the presence of reproductive stoppage, we followed the reproduction in mothers of children with or without an ASD diagnosis using Swedish population-based registries. Methods We followed all families with first child born in 1987 or later. In total 2,521,103 children, nested within 1,270,017 mothers, were included. Exposure was presence of ASD diagnosis in earlier born siblings, and outcome was considered as (1) inter-pregnancy interval and (2) number of subsequent children. Results Analyses of inter-pregnancy intervals showed that the association differed across birth orders, with a lower rate of second children when first child had ASD diagnosis, but an increased rate of third and higher birth orders in families where a previous child had an ASD diagnosis. When all birth orders were simultaneously considered, families with a child with an ASD diagnosis were less likely to have another child (hazard ratio (HR), 0.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.78–0.80). However, when adjusted for birth order, the association was close to null (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), and after additional adjustments (maternal age, birth period, sex, paternal age, and maternal education), the association disappeared (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.02). In analyses of subsequent children, after adjustment for covariates, families with an ASD diagnosis had 4% more subsequent children (rate ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.05). Limitations The study was undertaken in a country with largely tax-funded healthcare; results may not generalize to other societies. Following the current dominating umbrella concept of ASD, we did not differentiate between the ASD sub-diagnoses; it is possible that reproductive patterns can be dependent on ASD subtypes and the severity and composition of ASD phenotypes and comorbidities. Conclusions This study does not support a universal reproductive stoppage effect in ASD families, when birth order and other factors are considered. Therefore, proper attention to birth order and other factors may alleviate potential bias in familial aggregation studies of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,2School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Lundström
- 3Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre; Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sven Sandin
- 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,4Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,5Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | | | - Sven Bölte
- 7Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,9Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Frans
- 1Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing steadily over the last 20 years; however, the molecular basis for the majority of ASD cases remains unknown. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and detection of DNA modifications have made methylation-dependent regulation of transcription an attractive hypothesis for being a causative factor in ASD etiology. Evidence for abnormal DNA methylation in ASD can be seen on multiple levels, from genetic mutations in epigenetic machinery to loci-specific and genome-wide changes in DNA methylation. Epimutations in DNA methylation can be acquired throughout life, as global DNA methylation reprogramming is dynamic during embryonic development and the early postnatal period that corresponds to the peak time of synaptogenesis. However, technical advances and causative evidence still need to be established before abnormal DNA methylation and ASD can be confidently associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine W Tremblay
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
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31
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Berends D, Dissanayake C, Lawson LP. Differences in Cognition and Behaviour in Multiplex and Simplex Autism: Does Prior Experience Raising a Child with Autism Matter? J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:3401-3411. [PMID: 31102196 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has found multiplex (MPX) children have an advantage in cognition compared to simplex (SPX) children. However, MPX parent's previous experience with older diagnosed siblings has not been considered. We used a large database sample to investigate the MPX advantage and contribution of birth order. Children from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) were stratified into first- (MPX1, n = 152) and second-affected MPX (MPX2, n = 143), SPX (n = 111), and only-child SPX (SPXOC, n = 23) groups. Both MPX groups had higher cognitive scores compared to SPX groups, with no differences between MPX1 and MPX2 groups. No differences were found for autism symptoms or adaptive behaviour. These results suggest parent experience due to birth order is an unlikely contributor to the MPX cognitive advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Berends
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Lauren P Lawson
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
- Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Brisbane, Australia.
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32
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Bawari S, Tewari D, Argüelles S, Sah AN, Nabavi SF, Xu S, Vacca RA, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting BDNF signaling by natural products: Novel synaptic repair therapeutics for neurodegeneration and behavior disorders. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Factors associated with body dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:507-519. [PMID: 30656615 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-00634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with body dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, emotional eating and the adult attachment style. METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2018, enrolled 811 adult participants from all districts of Lebanon. The body dissatisfaction subscale of the eating disorder inventory version 2 (EDI-2) was used to measure body disturbance. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 27.59 ± 11.76 years, with 66.5% females. The final model of the regression analysis showed that a higher binge eating score (Beta = 0.202), being married (Beta = 1.233), having a family history of eating disorders (Beta = 1.933), higher BMI (Beta = 0.076), dieting to lose weight (past 30 days) (Beta = 2.345), receiving comments from the family (Beta = 2.234) and pressure from TV/magazines to lose weight (Beta = 1.320), vomiting or taking laxatives to lose weight (past 30 days) (Beta = 1.861), higher depression (Beta = 0.103) and higher perceived stress (Beta = 0.107) were associated with a higher body dissatisfaction score. However, higher self-esteem (Beta = - 0.246), increased physical activity (Beta = - 0.022) and being divorced (Beta = - 4.226) were significantly associated with a lower body dissatisfaction score. CONCLUSION A significant association was found in this current study between the main variables: depression, self-esteem, social anxiety, eating disorders, family and television pressure and body image dissatisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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Beta-carotene as a novel therapy for the treatment of “Autistic like behavior” in animal models of Autism. Behav Brain Res 2019; 364:469-479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Leembruggen AJL, Balasuriya GK, Zhang J, Schokman S, Swiderski K, Bornstein JC, Nithianantharajah J, Hill-Yardin EL. Colonic dilation and altered ex vivo gastrointestinal motility in the neuroligin-3 knockout mouse. Autism Res 2019; 13:691-701. [PMID: 31002480 PMCID: PMC7317711 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is commonly reported by people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; autism) but the cause is unknown. Mutations in genes encoding synaptic proteins including Neuroligin‐3 are associated with autism. Mice lacking Neuroligin‐3 (Nlgn3−/−) have altered brain function, but whether the enteric nervous system (ENS) is altered remains unknown. We assessed for changes in GI structure and function in Nlgn3−/− mice. We found no significant morphological differences in villus height or crypt depth in the jejunum or colon between wildtype (WT) and Nlgn3−/− mice. To determine whether deletion of Nlgn3 affects enteric neurons, we stained for neural markers in the myenteric plexus. Nlgn3−/− mice had similar numbers of neurons expressing the pan‐neuronal marker Hu in the jejunum, proximal mid, and distal colon regions. We also found no differences in the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS+) or calretinin (CalR+) motor neurons and interneurons between WT and Nlgn3−/− mice. We used ex vivo video imaging analysis to assess colonic motility under baseline conditions and observed faster colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) and an increased colonic diameter in Nlgn3−/− mice, although CMMC frequency was unchanged. At baseline, CMMCs were faster in Nlgn3−/− mice compared to WT. Although the numbers of neuronal subsets are conserved in Nlgn3−/− mice, these findings suggest that Neuroligin‐3 modulates inhibitory neural pathways in the ENS and may contribute to mechanisms underlying GI disorders in autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 691–701. © 2019 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published byWiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary People with autism commonly experience gut problems. Many gene mutations associated with autism affect neuronal activity. We studied mice in which the autism‐associated Neuroligin‐3 gene is deleted to determine whether this impacts gut neuronal numbers or motility. We found that although mutant mice had similar gut structure and numbers of neurons in all gut regions examined, they had distended colons and faster colonic muscle contractions. Further work is needed to understand how Neuroligin‐3 affects neuron connectivity in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayathri K Balasuriya
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jinghong Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shana Schokman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristy Swiderski
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joel C Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Elisa L Hill-Yardin
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Shen L, Feng C, Zhang K, Chen Y, Gao Y, Ke J, Chen X, Lin J, Li C, Iqbal J, Zhao Y, Wang W. Proteomics Study of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) in Autistic Children. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:105. [PMID: 30941018 PMCID: PMC6433831 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is one of the most common neurological developmental disorder associated with social isolation and restricted interests in children. The etiology of this disorder is still unknown. There is neither any confirmed laboratory test nor any effective therapeutic strategy to diagnose or cure it. To search for biomarkers for early detection and exploration of the disease mechanisms, here, we investigated the protein expression signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in autistic children compared with healthy controls by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomics approach. The results showed a total of 41 proteins as differentially expressed in autistic group as compared to control. These proteins are found associated with metabolic pathways, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and protein folding, endocytosis, immune and inflammatory response, plasma lipoprotein particle organization, and cell adhesion. Among these, 17 proteins (13 up-regulated and four down-regulated) are found to be linked with mitochondria. Eight proteins including three already reported proteins in our previous studies were selected to be verified. Five already reported autism associated pro-inflammatory cytokines [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] were detected in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. The results were consistent with proteomic results and reports from previous literature. These results proposed that PBMCs from autistic children might be activated, and ER stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), acute-phase response (APR), inflammatory response, and endocytosis may be involved in autism occurrence. These reported proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of autism. More specifically, simultaneous detection of three proteins [complement C3 (C3), calreticulin (CALR), and SERPINA1] in the plasma and PBMCs could increase the authenticity of detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kaoyuan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Youjiao Chen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Xiang Ya Changde Hospital, Changde, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junyan Ke
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinqian Chen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cuihua Li
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Javed Iqbal
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weibin Wang
- School of Art, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Alagoz M, Kherad N, Gavaz M, Yuksel A. New Genetic Approaches for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-019-00167-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Raisa ZH, Karuppali S, Bhat JS, Bajaj G. Thinking about what he thinks of what I think: Assessing higher theory of mind abilities in Indian bilingual children between 3.0 and 8.11 years of age. Indian J Psychiatry 2019; 61:167-176. [PMID: 30992612 PMCID: PMC6425799 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_115_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The competence in theory of mind (ToM) abilities occurs in parallel with the development of language. To gain a deeper discernment about its proficiency, tasks tapping on higher-order ToM abilities have been implemented. AIMS This study aims to explore the development of higher-order ToM abilities in bilingual Indian children between 3.0 and 8.11 years of age, to achieve an insight into the influence of language on ToM abilities. SETTINGS AND DESIGN The current study followed a cross-sectional design along with an employment of a random convenient sampling procedure. The study was conducted in regular English medium schools with each participant individually being assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was done on 60 Kannada-English bilingual children, with each participant being assessed using two sets of stories (English and Kannada) that were constructed based on two different central themes which were verbally narrated. The stimulus of each set consisted of questions tapping on three levels (first-second-third orders) of ToM abilities. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics determined the mean and standard deviation of the total ToM scores (in both languages). Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Mann-Whitney U-tests were done to determine the level of significance across and between the age groups (in both languages), respectively. RESULTS The results revealed a significant difference across the age groups. In addition, a significant difference between the responses in English and Kannada were obtained. CONCLUSIONS The development of metalinguistic abilities is influenced by socioenvironmental factors as well as the language maturity of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Hussain Raisa
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sudhin Karuppali
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayashree Sunil Bhat
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gagan Bajaj
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Roberts JR, Dawley EH, Reigart JR. Children's low-level pesticide exposure and associations with autism and ADHD: a review. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:234-241. [PMID: 30337670 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0200-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are chemicals that are designed specifically for the purpose of killing or suppressing another living organism. Human toxicity is possible with any pesticide, and a growing body of literature has investigated possible associations with neurodevelopmental disorders. Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two of these specific disorders that have garnered particular interest. Exposure to toxic chemicals during critical windows of brain development is a biologically plausible mechanism. This review describes the basic laboratory science including controlled pesticide dosing experiments in animals that supports a mechanistic relationship in the development of ADHD and/or ASD. Epidemiological relationships are also described for low-level pesticide exposure and ADHD and/or ASD. The available evidence supports the hypothesis that pesticide exposure at levels that do not cause acute toxicity may be among the multifactorial causes of ADHD and ASD, though further study is needed, especially for some of the newer pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Roberts
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Erin H Dawley
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - J Routt Reigart
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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40
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Abstract
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe and sustained impairment of social interaction and communication, and restricted or stereotyped patterns of behavior and interest. Though multiple risk factors such as genetic and environmental components and interaction of these factors are suggested, the exact etiology is still not known. Many risk factors have been used to established animal models of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. These models can be useful tools for testing epidemiological findings and investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of these disorders. To improve the validity of animal models, three criteria including behavioral similarity has been proposed. The method described here is for evaluating the impairment of social interaction, one of the three core symptoms of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Iwata
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy. .,Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
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41
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Nguyen HTN, Kato H, Masuda K, Yamaza H, Hirofuji Y, Sato H, Pham TTM, Takayama F, Sakai Y, Ohga S, Taguchi T, Nonaka K. Impaired neurite development associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in dopaminergic neurons differentiated from exfoliated deciduous tooth-derived pulp stem cells of children with autism spectrum disorder. Biochem Biophys Rep 2018; 16:24-31. [PMID: 30258988 PMCID: PMC6153399 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, restrictive interests, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Among the various mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD, dysfunctions of dopaminergic signaling and mitochondria have been hypothesized to explain the core symptoms of children with ASD. However, only a few studies focusing on the pathological association between dopaminergic neurons (DN) and mitochondria in ASD have been performed using patient-derived stem cells and in vitro differentiated neurons. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are neural crest-derived mesenchymal stem cells present in the dental pulp of exfoliated deciduous teeth; these cells can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons (DN) in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the pathological association between development of DN and mitochondria in ASD by using SHED as a disease- or patient-specific cellular model. The SHED obtained from three children with ASD and three typically developing children were differentiated into DN, and the neurobiology of these cells was examined. The DN derived from children with ASD showed impaired neurite outgrowth and branching, associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP production, number of mitochondria within the neurites, amount of mitochondria per cell area and intracellular calcium level. In addition, impaired neurite outgrowth and branching of ASD-derived DN were not improved by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), suggesting impairment of the BDNF signaling pathway in ASD. These results imply that intracerebral dopamine production may have decreased in these children. The earliest age at which deciduous teeth spontaneously exfoliate in humans, and SHED can be noninvasively collected, is approximately 6 years. Our results suggest that in vitro analysis of SHED-derived DN obtained from children with ASD provides neurobiological information that may be useful in determining treatment strategies in the early stages of ASD. Dental pulp stem cells of autistic patient differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. These neurons show impaired neurite development compared with those from controls. This impairment is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Dental pulp stem cells may help establish treatment strategies against autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Thi Nguyen Nguyen
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Keiji Masuda
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Haruyoshi Yamaza
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Hirofuji
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sato
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Thanh Thi Mai Pham
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Fumiko Takayama
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasunari Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shouichi Ohga
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Taguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nonaka
- Section of Oral Medicine for Children, Division of Oral Health, Growth & Development, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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42
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Qian X. Differences in teachers verbal responsiveness to groups of children with ASD who vary in cognitive and language abilities. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2018; 62:557-568. [PMID: 29732730 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine whether verbal responsiveness in special education teachers varied among subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 112) who differed in cognitive and language abilities. METHODS Participants were divided into clusters using cluster analysis based on standardised cognitive and language tests using k-mean clustering. For each child, a 15-min video of free play in school setting was collected. Three types of responsive utterances were coded: follow-in directives for behaviour, follow-in directives for language and follow-in comments. RESULTS Results showed that the three groups did not differ in overall verbal responsiveness after controlling for engagement, classroom type, age and gender. However, groups differ in follow-in directives for language, but not in follow-in directives for behaviours or follow-in comments. Compared with children with autism spectrum disorder who had higher cognitive and language ability, children with more severe impairments received fewer follow-in directives for language. Moreover, children with more cognitive and language impairments produced fewer amount of vocal/verbal acts, which results in receiving fewer verbal responses from their teachers. Additionally, teachers from the three groups did not differ in their responses to the child's verbal/vocal acts when the number of the child's verbal/vocal acts were controlled for. CONCLUSION Findings suggest child characteristics are related to the type of teachers' verbal responses in preschools. This difference in follow-in directives for questions may be related to language or other outcomes that warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Qian
- Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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43
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Psychiatry in a Dish: Stem Cells and Brain Organoids Modeling Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:558-568. [PMID: 29295738 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of pervasive neurodevelopmental conditions with heterogeneous etiology, characterized by deficits in social cognition, communication, and behavioral flexibility. Despite an increasing scientific effort to find the pathophysiological explanations for the disease, the neurobiological links remain unclear. A large amount of evidence suggests that pathological processes taking place in early embryonic neurodevelopment might be responsible for later manifestation of autistic symptoms. This dysfunctional development includes altered maturation/differentiation processes, disturbances in cell-cell communication, and an unbalanced ratio between certain neuronal populations. All those processes are highly dependent on the interconnectivity and three-dimensional organizations of the brain. Moreover, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the complex neurobiology of autism spectrum disorders, valid disease models are pivotal. Induced pluripotent stem cells could potentially help to elucidate the complex mechanisms of the disease and lead to the development of more effective individualized treatment. The induced pluripotent stem cells approach allows comparison between the development of various cellular phenotypes generated from cell lines of patients and healthy individuals. A newly advanced organoid technology makes it possible to create three-dimensional in vitro models of brain development and structural interconnectivity, based on induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the respective individuals. The biggest challenge for modeling psychiatric diseases in vitro is finding and establishing the link between cellular and molecular findings with the clinical symptoms, and this review aims to give an overview over the feasibility and applicability of this new tissue engineering tool in psychiatry.
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44
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Lerner PP, Sharony L, Miodownik C. Association between mental disorders, cognitive disturbances and vitamin D serum level: Current state. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2018; 23:89-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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45
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Kim S, Lee B, Choi JH, Kim JH, Kim CH, Shin HS. Deficiency of a brain-specific chemokine-like molecule, SAM3, induces cardinal phenotypes of autism spectrum disorders in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16503. [PMID: 29184127 PMCID: PMC5705707 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small secreted signaling proteins produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells. Several studies have recently suggested potential roles of chemokines and their receptors in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). SAM3 is a novel brain-specific chemokine-like molecule with an unknown physiological function. We explored the relevance of chemokines in the development of ASD in mice, with a focus on SAM3. We generated Sam3 gene knockout (KO) mice and characterized their behavioral phenotypes, with a focus on those relevant to ASD. Sam3-deficient mice displayed all three core phenotypes of ASD: impaired responses to social novelty, defects in social communication, and increased repetitive behavior. In addition, they showed increased anxiety. Interestingly, gender differences were identified for several behaviors: only male Sam3 KO mice exhibited increased anxiety and increased repetitive behaviors. Sam3 KO mice did not exhibit changes in other behaviors, including locomotor activities, fear learning and memory, and object recognition memory. These findings indicate that a deficiency of SAM3, a novel brain-specific chemokine-like molecule, may lead to the pathogenesis of ASDs and suggest the possibility that SAM3, a soluble factor, could be a novel therapeutic target for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Basic Science, IBS School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02797, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Cell Death and Human Diseases, Department of Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee-Sup Shin
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Basic Science, IBS School, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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46
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Lewis KE, Sharan K, Takumi T, Yadav VK. Skeletal Site-specific Changes in Bone Mass in a Genetic Mouse Model for Human 15q11-13 Duplication Seen in Autism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9902. [PMID: 28851986 PMCID: PMC5575059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children suffering from autism have been reported to have low bone mineral density and increased risk for fracture, yet the cellular origin of the bone phenotype remains unknown. Here we have utilized a mouse model of autism that duplicates 6.3 Mb region of chromosome 7 (Dp/+) corresponding to a region of chromosome 15q11-13, duplication of which is recurrent in humans to characterize the bone phenotype. Paternally inherited Dp/+ (patDp/+) mice showed expected increases in the gene expression in bone, normal postnatal growth and body weight acquisition compared to the littermate controls. Four weeks-old patDp/+ mice develop a low bone mass phenotype in the appendicular but not the axial skeleton compared to the littermate controls. This low bone mass in the mutant mice was secondary to a decrease in the number of osteoblasts and bone formation rate while the osteoclasts remained relatively unaffected. Further in vitro cell culture experiments and gene expression analysis revealed a major defect in the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization abilities of patDp/+ osteoblasts while osteoclast differentiation remained unchanged compared to controls. This study therefore characterizes the structural and cellular bone phenotype in a mouse model of autism that can be further utilized to investigate therapeutic avenues to treat bone fractures in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty E Lewis
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Kunal Sharan
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Nutrition, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Vijay K Yadav
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom. .,Metabolic Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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47
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Beaudet AL. Brain carnitine deficiency causes nonsyndromic autism with an extreme male bias: A hypothesis. Bioessays 2017; 39. [PMID: 28703319 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Could 10-20% of autism be prevented? We hypothesize that nonsyndromic or "essential" autism involves extreme male bias in infants who are genetically normal, but they develop deficiency of carnitine and perhaps other nutrients in the brain causing autism that may be amenable to early reversal and prevention. That brain carnitine deficiency might cause autism is suggested by reports of severe carnitine deficiency in autism and by evidence that TMLHE deficiency - a defect in carnitine biosynthesis - is a risk factor for autism. A gene on the X chromosome (SLC6A14) likely escapes random X-inactivation (a mixed epigenetic and genetic regulation) and could limit carnitine transport across the blood-brain barrier in boys compared to girls. A mixed, common gene variant-environment hypothesis is proposed with diet, minor illnesses, microbiome, and drugs as possible risk modifiers. The hypothesis can be tested using animal models and by a trial of carnitine supplementation in siblings of probands. Perhaps the lack of any Recommended Dietary Allowance for carnitine in infants should be reviewed. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/BuRH_jSjX5Y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Beaudet
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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48
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Nickel K, Tebartz van Elst L, Perlov E, Endres D, Müller GT, Riedel A, Fangmeier T, Maier S. Altered white matter integrity in adults with autism spectrum disorder and an IQ >100: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 135:573-583. [PMID: 28407202 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE White matter (WM) alterations have been reported in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, impaired connectivity of limbic structures may be related to social deficits. Heterogeneous findings could be explained in terms of differences in sample characteristics and methodology. In this context, non-syndromic forms might differ substantially in WM structure from secondary ASD forms. METHOD In an attempt to recruit a homogeneous study sample, we included adults with high-functioning ASD and an IQ > 100 to decrease the influence of syndromic forms being often associated with cognitive deficits. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed in 30 participants with ASD and 30 pairwise-matched controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) as surrogate imaging markers for WM integrity were calculated. RESULTS We found a significant FA decrease in the ASD group in the genu and body of the corpus callosum (CC). Increased MD was detected in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sACC). CONCLUSION The finding of decreased WM integrity in the genu of the CC is in line with earlier studies reporting a decreased number of interhemispheric fibers in the frontal lobe of ASD. Alterations in the sACC might be associated with 'Theory of mind' deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nickel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - L Tebartz van Elst
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - E Perlov
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Luzerner Psychiatrie, Hospital St. Urban, St. Urban, Switzerland
| | - D Endres
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - G T Müller
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - A Riedel
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - T Fangmeier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Maier
- Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Department for Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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49
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Hrabovska SV, Salyha YT. Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Behavioral Techniques of their Examination. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-017-9613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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50
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Kelemenova S, Ostatnikova D. Androgens Contribute to the Process of Neuronal Development: Implications in Explanation of Autism Pathogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03379917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Fetal testosterone significantly influences the brain development. It affects number of neurons and conformation of dendritic spines within the sexual dimorphic preoptic area in the hypothalamus. Excessive testosterone levels in utero possibly contribute to the masculinization of the brain. Evidences of these facts are plausible in the anatomic field as well as behavioral effects both in rat models and in humans. Rats exposed to excessive testosterone doses in utero show masculinized brain anatomy and behavior, such as better spatial visualization performance typical for males. In humans, congenital adrenal hyperplasia that causes elevated androgen level possibly results in masculinized behavior observed in these individuals. There are reasons for the theory of the connection existence between testosterone influence on the brain functions and the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, pathogenesis of autism, the most genetic neurodevelopmental disease is discussed. Autism is a disease with broad genetic heterogeneity and polygenic inheritance. Autism associated genes are localized throughout the genome, with the chromosome 7q most frequently involved. One of these genes encodes reelin protein that is crucial for neuronal migration in the developing brain. The connection between androgens, neuronal migration and neurodevelopmental disorder pathophysiology is also discussed.
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