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De Marzio M, Lasky-Su J, Chu SH, Prince N, Litonjua AA, Weiss ST, Kelly RS, Glass KR. The metabolic role of vitamin D in children's neurodevelopment: a network study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16929. [PMID: 39043876 PMCID: PMC11266698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are rapidly increasing in prevalence and have been linked to various environmental risk factors. Mounting evidence suggests a potential role of vitamin D in child neurodevelopment, though the causal mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate how vitamin D deficiency affects children's communication development, particularly in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We do so by developing an integrative network approach that combines metabolomic profiles, clinical traits, and neurodevelopmental data from a pediatric cohort. Our results show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with changes in the metabolic networks of tryptophan, linoleic, and fatty acid metabolism. These changes correlate with distinct ASD-related phenotypes, including delayed communication skills and respiratory dysfunctions. Additionally, our analysis suggests the kynurenine and serotonin sub-pathways may mediate the effect of vitamin D on early life communication development. Altogether, our findings provide metabolome-wide insights into the potential of vitamin D as a therapeutic option for ASD and other communication disorders.
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Grants
- R01HL091528 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- K01HL153941 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- K01 HL153941 NHLBI NIH HHS
- UH3 OD023268 ODCDC CDC HHS
- K01HL146980 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- R01HL141826 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- K25HL168157 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- R01 HL155749 NHLBI NIH HHS
- R01HL155749 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- R01HL123915 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita De Marzio
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jessica Lasky-Su
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Su H Chu
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Prince
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Scott T Weiss
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel S Kelly
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly R Glass
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Cui J, Zhai Z, Wang S, Song X, Qiu T, Yu L, Zhai Q, Zhang H. The role and impact of abnormal vitamin levels in autism spectrum disorders. Food Funct 2024; 15:1099-1115. [PMID: 38221882 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03735e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with a predominance of social behavioral disorders, has increased dramatically in various countries in recent decades. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is believed to underlie ASD pathogenesis. Recent analyses have shown that abnormal vitamin levels in early life are associated with an increased risk of autism. As essential substances for growth and development, vitamins have been shown to have significant benefits for the nervous and immune systems. However, it is unknown whether certain vitamin types influence the emergence or manifestation of ASD symptoms. Several studies have focused on vitamin levels in children with autism, and neurotypical children have provided different insights into the types of vitamins and their intake. Here, we review the mechanisms and significance of several vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K) that are closely associated with the development of ASD in order to prevent, mitigate, and treat ASD. Efforts have been made to discover and develop new indicators for nutritional assessment of children with ASD to play a greater role in the early detection of ASD and therapeutic remission after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cui
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
- Department of child health care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hositipal of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Zidan Zhai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
- Department of child health care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hositipal of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
| | - Shumin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Xiaoyue Song
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University/Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Ting Qiu
- Department of child health care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hositipal of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
| | - Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
| | - Heng Zhang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
- Department of child health care, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hositipal of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, China.
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University/Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Aagaard K, Møllegaard Jepsen JR, Sevelsted A, Horner D, Vinding R, Rosenberg JB, Brustad N, Eliasen A, Mohammadzadeh P, Følsgaard N, Hernández-Lorca M, Fagerlund B, Glenthøj BY, Rasmussen MA, Bilenberg N, Stokholm J, Bønnelykke K, Ebdrup BH, Chawes B. High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the children at age 10: A randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:362-370. [PMID: 38072183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy on risk of autism and ADHD. DESIGN This randomized clinical trial was part of the COpenhagen Prospective Study on Neuro-PSYCHiatric Development (COPYCH) project nested within the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC2010) cohort comprising a population-based sample of 700 healthy mother-child pairs enrolled at week 24 of pregnancy. Maternal 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured at inclusion and 623 mothers were randomized 1:1 to either high-dose (2800 IU/d) or standard dose (400 IU/d) vitamin D3 until 1 wk postpartum (315 received high-dose, 308 standard dose). At age 10, diagnoses and symptom load of autism and ADHD, respectively, were established using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version. RESULTS The psychopathologic evaluation was completed by 591 children aged 10 y, and 16 children (2.7%) were diagnosed with autism and 65 (11.0%) with ADHD. Hereof, 496 children participated in the vitamin D3 trial (246 received high-dose, 250 standard dose). Of these, 12 children (2.4%) were diagnosed with autism and 58 (11.7%) with ADHD. Higher maternal preintervention 25(OH)D levels were associated with a decreased risk of autism [odd ratio (OR) per 10 nmol/L: 0.76 (0.59,0.97); P = 0.034], lower autistic symptom load [β per 10 nmol/L: -0.03 (-0.05,0.00); P = 0.024), and decreased risk of ADHD diagnosis (OR per 10 nmol/L: 0.88 (0.78,0.99); P = 0.033]. High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation was not associated with risk of autism or ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Higher maternal preintervention 25(OH)D was associated with a decreased risk of autism, lower autistic symptom load, and decreased risk of ADHD diagnosis, but high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy had no effect on risk of autism and ADHD. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00856947.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Aagaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Jens Richardt Møllegaard Jepsen
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Astrid Sevelsted
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - David Horner
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Vinding
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Julie Bøjstrup Rosenberg
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Nicklas Brustad
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Anders Eliasen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Department of Health Technology, Section for Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark
| | - Parisa Mohammadzadeh
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Nilofar Følsgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - María Hernández-Lorca
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Fagerlund
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birte Y Glenthøj
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Arendt Rasmussen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Section of Food, Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen
| | - Niels Bilenberg
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Section of Food, Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bjørn H Ebdrup
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Rodgers MD, Mead MJ, McWhorter CA, Ebeling MD, Shary JR, Newton DA, Baatz JE, Gregoski MJ, Hollis BW, Wagner CL. Vitamin D and Child Neurodevelopment-A Post Hoc Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:4250. [PMID: 37836534 PMCID: PMC10574578 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin D (VitD) has been shown to impact neurodevelopment. Studies have shown that higher 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (the indicator of vitD status) may be associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes, although current data are conflicting. This study examined the relationship between total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in 3-5-year-old (3-5 yo) children. METHODS In this study, pregnant women were randomized to receive 400 (standard dose), 2000, or 4000 IU vitD3/day. Offspring then underwent the Brigance Screen at 3-5 yo. The 25(OH)D concentration was measured at birth and 3-5 yo. Relationships between Brigance scores and 25(OH)D and Brigance scores and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) genotype were examined. RESULTS Higher 25(OH)D at the time of testing was associated with better overall performance on neurodevelopmental testing as measured by the Brigance quotient (B = 0.208, p = 0.049). Scores were then broken down into sub-scores. Children born to mothers in the 2000 IU/day group scored higher on the Brigance language component of the assessment versus the standard dose group (B = 4.667, p = 0.044). The group of children who had the Gc1f-1s or Gc1f-2 genotypes scored higher on the Brigance academic component (B = 9.993, p < 0.001) and lower on the Brigance language component versus the 1f1f genotype (B = -9.313, p < 0.001). Children with the Gc1s-1s, Gc1s-2, or Gc2-2 genotypes also scored lower than the Gc1f-1f genotype (B = -6.757, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION These results suggest that higher 25(OH)D concentrations early in life and higher doses of maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may have a positive association with neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study also suggests that the VDBP genotype is associated with neurodevelopment and differentially affects various fields of neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan D. Rodgers
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Molly J. Mead
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Caroline A. McWhorter
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Myla D. Ebeling
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Judy R. Shary
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Danforth A. Newton
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - John E. Baatz
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Mathew J. Gregoski
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Bruce W. Hollis
- Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carol L. Wagner
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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5
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De Marzio M, Lasky-Su J, Chu SH, Prince N, Litonjua AA, Weiss ST, Kelly RS, Glass KR. The metabolic role of vitamin D in children's neurodevelopment: a network study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.23.546277. [PMID: 37425858 PMCID: PMC10327084 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.23.546277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with various proposed environmental risk factors and a rapidly increasing prevalence. Mounting evidence suggests a potential role of vitamin D deficiency in ASD pathogenesis, though the causal mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we investigate the impact of vitamin D on child neurodevelopment through an integrative network approach that combines metabolomic profiles, clinical traits, and neurodevelopmental data from a pediatric cohort. Our results show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with changes in the metabolic networks of tryptophan, linoleic, and fatty acid metabolism. These changes correlate with distinct ASD-related phenotypes, including delayed communication skills and respiratory dysfunctions. Additionally, our analysis suggests the kynurenine and serotonin sub-pathways may mediate the effect of vitamin D on early childhood communication development. Altogether, our findings provide metabolome-wide insights into the potential of vitamin D as a therapeutic option for ASD and other communication disorders.
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Tsompanidis A, Blanken L, Broere-Brown ZA, van Rijn BB, Baron-Cohen S, Tiemeier H. Sex differences in placenta-derived markers and later autistic traits in children. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:256. [PMID: 37443170 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02552-w] [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] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is more prevalent in males and males on average score higher on measures of autistic traits. Placental function is affected significantly by the sex of the fetus. It is unclear if sex differences in placental function are associated with sex differences in the occurrence of autistic traits postnatally. To assess this, concentrations of angiogenesis-related markers, placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) were assessed in maternal plasma of expectant women in the late 1st (mean= 13.5 [SD = 2.0] weeks gestation) and 2nd trimesters (mean=20.6 [SD = 1.2] weeks gestation), as part of the Generation R Study, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Subsequent assessment of autistic traits in the offspring at age 6 was performed with the 18-item version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Associations of placental protein concentrations with autistic traits were tested in sex-stratified and cohort-wide regression models. Cases with pregnancy complications or a later autism diagnosis (n = 64) were also assessed for differences in placenta-derived markers. sFlt-1 levels were significantly lower in males in both trimesters but showed no association with autistic traits. PlGF was significantly lower in male pregnancies in the 1st trimester, and significantly higher in the 2nd trimester, compared to female pregnancies. Higher PlGF levels in the 2nd trimester and the rate of PlGF increase were both associated with the occurrence of higher autistic traits (PlGF-2nd: n = 3469,b = 0.24 [SE = 0.11], p = 0.03) in both unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models that controlled for age, sex, placental weight and maternal characteristics. Mediation analyses showed that higher autistic traits in males compared to females were partly explained by higher PlGF or a faster rate of PlGF increase in the second trimester (PlGF-2nd: n = 3469, ACME: b = 0.005, [SE = 0.002], p = 0.004). In conclusion, higher PlGF levels in the 2nd trimester and a higher rate of PlGF increase are associated with both being male, and with a higher number of autistic traits in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - L Blanken
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Z A Broere-Brown
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B B van Rijn
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA
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Tamang MK, Ali A, Pertile RN, Cui X, Alexander S, Nitert MD, Palmieri C, Eyles D. Developmental vitamin D-deficiency produces autism-relevant behaviours and gut-health associated alterations in a rat model. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:204. [PMID: 37316481 PMCID: PMC10267107 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental vitamin D (DVD)-deficiency is an epidemiologically established risk factor for autism. Emerging studies also highlight the involvement of gut microbiome/gut physiology in autism. The current study aims to examine the effect of DVD-deficiency on a broad range of autism-relevant behavioural phenotypes and gut health. Vitamin D deficient rat dams exhibited altered maternal care, DVD-deficient pups showed increased ultrasonic vocalizations and as adolescents, social behaviour impairments and increased repetitive self-grooming behaviour. There were significant impacts of DVD-deficiency on gut health demonstrated by alterations to the microbiome, decreased villi length and increased ileal propionate levels. Overall, our animal model of this epidemiologically validated risk exposure for autism shows an expanded range of autism-related behavioural phenotypes and now alterations in gut microbiome that correlate with social behavioural deficits raising the possibility that DVD-deficiency induced ASD-like behaviours are due to alterations in gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Kumar Tamang
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Asad Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
| | - Suzy Alexander
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia
| | - Marloes Dekker Nitert
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Australia.
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8
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Low vitamin D status is associated with inflammatory response in older patients with cerebral small vessel disease. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 377:578057. [PMID: 36921477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578057] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the association of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway with vitamin D status in older cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) patients. METHODS We measured serum 25(OH)D, pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and mRNA levels of the vitamin D-activating enzyme, CYP27B1, as well as NF-kB, COX-2, the chemokine-CCL2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-10, in cerebral SVD patients aged ≥60 years presenting with vascular dementia and age and gender-matched healthy controls. RESULTS Low vitamin D status (insufficiency: serum 25(OH)D 12-20 ng/ml; deficiency: ≤12 ng/ml) was more prevalent among patients compared to controls. The mRNA levels of NF-kB, COX-2, CCL2, IL-1β, and IL-6, and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. There was a significant correlation between CYP27B1 and NF-kB, COX-2, CCL2, and IL-1β gene expression. Serum IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations and the expression of CCL-2, NF-kB2, and NF-kB3 genes were higher in vitamin D-deficient subjects compared to vitamin D-sufficient subjects. There was a significant negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, and a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and IL-10. CONCLUSION Low vitamin D is associated with an inflammatory response via NF-kB signaling, which could play a role in the etio-pathogenesis of SVD. Further large-scale studies are required to validate our findings.
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9
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Albiñana C, Zhu Z, Borbye-Lorenzen N, Boelt SG, Cohen AS, Skogstrand K, Wray NR, Revez JA, Privé F, Petersen LV, Bulik CM, Plana-Ripoll O, Musliner KL, Agerbo E, Børglum AD, Hougaard DM, Nordentoft M, Werge T, Mortensen PB, Vilhjálmsson BJ, McGrath JJ. Genetic correlates of vitamin D-binding protein and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in neonatal dried blood spots. Nat Commun 2023; 14:852. [PMID: 36792583 PMCID: PMC9932173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36392-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The vitamin D binding protein (DBP), encoded by the group-specific component (GC) gene, is a component of the vitamin D system. In a genome-wide association study of DBP concentration in 65,589 neonates we identify 26 independent loci, 17 of which are in or close to the GC gene, with fine-mapping identifying 2 missense variants on chromosomes 12 and 17 (within SH2B3 and GSDMA, respectively). When adjusted for GC haplotypes, we find 15 independent loci distributed over 10 chromosomes. Mendelian randomization analyses identify a unidirectional effect of higher DBP concentration and (a) higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, and (b) a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. A phenome-wide association study confirms that higher DBP concentration is associated with a reduced risk of vitamin D deficiency. Our findings provide valuable insights into the influence of DBP on vitamin D status and a range of health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Albiñana
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Zhihong Zhu
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Nis Borbye-Lorenzen
- Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sanne Grundvad Boelt
- Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Mass Spectrometry, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Arieh S Cohen
- Testcenter Denmark, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Kristin Skogstrand
- Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Naomi R Wray
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joana A Revez
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Florian Privé
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Liselotte V Petersen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Oleguer Plana-Ripoll
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Katherine L Musliner
- Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital-Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Esben Agerbo
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- CIRRAU - Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders D Børglum
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine and the iSEQ Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David M Hougaard
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Werge
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Services, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Lundbeck Center for Geogenetics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Preben Bo Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- CIRRAU - Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bjarni J Vilhjálmsson
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - John J McGrath
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, 8210, Aarhus V, Denmark.
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, 4076, Australia.
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10
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Maternal Vitamin D Levels during Pregnancy and Offspring Psychiatric Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010063. [PMID: 36613505 PMCID: PMC9820292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to vitamin D may play a significant role in human brain development and function. Previous epidemiological studies investigating the associations between maternal vitamin D status and offspring developmental and psychiatric outcomes in humans have been inconclusive. We aimed to systematically assess the results of previously published studies that examined the associations between maternal vitamin D levels, measured as circulating 25(OH)D levels in pregnancy or at birth, and offspring neuropsychiatric and psychiatric outcomes. Systematic searches were conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO and Web of Science for studies published by 10 August 2022. We included human observational studies that examined associations between prenatal or perinatal vitamin D levels and offspring neuropsychiatric and psychiatric outcomes and were published in English in peer-reviewed journals. Of the 3729 studies identified, 66 studies were screened for full texts and 29 studies published between 2003 and 2022 were included in the final review. There was a small amount of evidence for the association between prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism spectrum disorder. When studies with larger sample sizes and stricter definitions of vitamin D deficiency were considered, positive associations were also found for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. Future studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods and prenatal vitamin D assessed at multiple time points are needed.
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11
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Madley-Dowd P, Dardani C, Wootton RE, Dack K, Palmer T, Thurston R, Havdahl A, Golding J, Lawlor D, Rai D. Maternal vitamin D during pregnancy and offspring autism and autism-associated traits: a prospective cohort study. Mol Autism 2022; 13:44. [PMID: 36371219 PMCID: PMC9652971 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a growing interest in the association between maternal levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and offspring autism. However, whether any associations reflect causal effects is still inconclusive. METHODS We used data from a UK-based pregnancy cohort study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) comprising 7689 births between 1991 and 1992 with maternal blood vitamin D levels recorded during pregnancy and at least one recorded outcome measure, including autism diagnosis and autism-associated traits. The association between each outcome with seasonal and gestational age-adjusted maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy was estimated using confounder-adjusted regression models. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data, and restricted cubic splines were used to investigate nonlinear associations. Mendelian randomization was used to strengthen causal inference. RESULTS No strong evidence of an association between maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D during pregnancy and any offspring autism-associated outcome was found using multivariable regression analysis (autism diagnosis: adjusted OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.90-1.06), including with multiple imputation (autism diagnosis: adjusted OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.93-1.06), and no evidence of a causal effect was suggested by Mendelian randomization (autism diagnosis: causal OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.46-2.55). Some evidence of increased odds of autism-associated traits at lower levels of maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was found using spline analysis. LIMITATIONS Our study was potentially limited by low power, particularly for diagnosed autism cases as an outcome. The cohort may not have captured the extreme lows of the distribution of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and our analyses may have been biased by residual confounding and missing data. CONCLUSIONS The present study found no strong evidence of a causal link between maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy and offspring diagnosis or traits of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Madley-Dowd
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Christina Dardani
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Robyn E Wootton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kyle Dack
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tom Palmer
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean Golding
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Deborah Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
- Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol, UK
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12
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Rihal V, Khan H, Kaur A, Singh TG, Abdel-Daim MM. Therapeutic and mechanistic intervention of vitamin D in neuropsychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Res 2022; 317:114782. [PMID: 36049434 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is believed to affect between 35 and 55% of the world's population, making it a hidden pandemic. In addition to its role in bone and calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has also been linked in preclinical and clinical research to brain function. These outcomes have also been used for a variety of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental problems. Nevertheless, these individuals are more prone to develop signs of cognitive decline. This review will emphasize the association between vitamin D and neuropsychiatric illnesses such as autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While numerous research show vitamin D's essential role in cognitive function in neuropsychiatric illnesses, it is too early to propose its effect on cognitive symptoms with certainty. It is necessary to conduct additional research into the associations between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive abnormalities, particularly those found in autism, schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD, to develop initiatives that address the pressing need for novel and effective preventative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Rihal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Heena Khan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Amarjot Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | | | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231 Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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13
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Cui X, Eyles DW. Vitamin D and the Central Nervous System: Causative and Preventative Mechanisms in Brain Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204353. [PMID: 36297037 PMCID: PMC9610817 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Twenty of the last one hundred years of vitamin D research have involved investigations of the brain as a target organ for this hormone. Our group was one of the first to investigate brain outcomes resulting from primarily restricting dietary vitamin D during brain development. With the advent of new molecular and neurochemical techniques in neuroscience, there has been increasing interest in the potential neuroprotective actions of vitamin D in response to a variety of adverse exposures and how this hormone could affect brain development and function. Rather than provide an exhaustive summary of this data and a listing of neurological or psychiatric conditions that vitamin D deficiency has been associated with, here, we provide an update on the actions of this vitamin in the brain and cellular processes vitamin D may be targeting in psychiatry and neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol Q4076, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia Q4076, Australia
| | - Darryl W. Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol Q4076, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia Q4076, Australia
- Correspondence:
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14
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Mazur A, Frączek P, Tabarkiewicz J. Vitamin D as a Nutri-Epigenetic Factor in Autoimmunity-A Review of Current Research and Reports on Vitamin D Deficiency in Autoimmune Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204286. [PMID: 36296970 PMCID: PMC9611618 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a series of alterations regulating gene expression without disrupting the DNA sequence of bases. These regulatory mechanisms can result in embryogenesis, cellular differentiation, X-chromosome inactivation, and DNA-protein interactions. The main epigenetic mechanisms considered to play a major role in both health and disease are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and profiling of non-coding RNA. When the fragile balance between these simultaneously occurring phenomena is disrupted, the risk of pathology increases. Thus, the factors that determine proper epigenetic modeling are defined and those with disruptive influence are sought. Several such factors with proven negative effects have already been described. Diet and nutritional substances have recently been one of the most interesting targets of exploration for epigenetic modeling in disease states, including autoimmunity. The preventive role of proper nutrition and maintaining sufficient vitamin D concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy, as well as in the early years of life, is emphasized. Opportunities are also being investigated for affecting the course of the disease by exploring nutriepigenetics. The authors aim to review the literature presenting vitamin D as one of the important nutrients potentially modeling the course of disease in selected autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Mazur
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Paulina Frączek
- Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Jacek Tabarkiewicz
- Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Medical Faculty, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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15
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Albiñana C, Boelt SG, Cohen AS, Zhu Z, Musliner KL, Vilhjálmsson BJ, McGrath JJ. Developmental exposure to vitamin D deficiency and subsequent risk of schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:26-32. [PMID: 34247885 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the last half century, a body of convergent evidence has accumulated linking disruption of early brain development with an increased risk of mental disorders, including schizophrenia. The orderly cascade of brain development may be disrupted by exposure to suboptimal concentrations of a range of biological substrates and micronutrients. We hypothesized that those exposed to vitamin D deficiency during early life, have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia. The hypothesis was based on the link between an increased risk of schizophrenia in (a) those born in winter and spring, when vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent, and (b) the offspring of dark-skinned migrants living in cold climates, who have a markedly increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. In this review, we summarize evidence from analytic epidemiology related to this hypothesis. Two case-control studies based on Danish neonatal dried blood spots have found that neonatal vitamin deficiency is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, recent genetic analyses have also suggested that common variants linked to schizophrenia may lead to lower vitamin D concentrations (possibly mediated via reduced outdoor activity). We summarize limitations of the current evidence and outline suggestions that can guide future research. Based on currently available data, there is insufficient evidence to support public health recommendations related to this topic. However, we cannot reject the hypothesis that the provision of vitamin D supplementation to pregnant women and/or offspring in groups vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency may subsequently reduce the incidence of schizophrenia in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Albiñana
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; iPSYCH - the Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark
| | | | - Arieh S Cohen
- Department of Inherited Diseases, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Zhihong Zhu
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katherine L Musliner
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; iPSYCH - the Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark
| | - Bjarni J Vilhjálmsson
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; iPSYCH - the Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - John J McGrath
- National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
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16
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Freedman R, Hunter SK, Law AJ, Clark AM, Roberts A, Hoffman MC. Choline, folic acid, Vitamin D, and fetal brain development in the psychosis spectrum. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:16-25. [PMID: 33838984 PMCID: PMC8494861 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Choline, folic acid, and Vitamin D are essential for fetal brain development that may be the first steps in the pathogenesis of the psychotic spectrum. Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with changes in fetal brain development, manifest as early problems in childhood behavior, and cognition, and later as increased incidence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorders. Micronutrient supplements may not only prevent deficiency, but they may also positively affect brain development in the context of other maternal risk factors, including maternal infection, stress, inflammation, and substance abuse. Many genes associated with later psychotic illness are highly expressed in the fetal brain, where they are responsible for various neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Interaction of micronutrient vitamins with these genetically programmed mechanisms to prevent pathological brain development associated with later psychosis is under active investigation. In addition to their effects on brain development, micronutrient vitamins have effects on other aspects of gestation and fetal development, including the prevention of premature delivery and other developmental abnormalities. Supplemental micronutrient vitamins should be part of good prenatal care, as has already happened for folic acid and Vitamin D and is now advocated by the American Medical Association for choline. The benefits of these micronutrient supplements include protection of brain development and the possibility of decreased risk for future psychotic disorders in those children who are either genetically or environmentally vulnerable. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of micronutrients in gestation and to suggest areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Sharon K Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alena M Clark
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Campus Box 93, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | | | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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17
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Evidence based recommendations for an optimal prenatal supplement for women in the US: vitamins and related nutrients. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2022; 8:4. [PMID: 35818085 PMCID: PMC9275129 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-022-00139-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood levels of most vitamins decrease during pregnancy if un-supplemented, including vitamins A, C, D, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, folate, biotin, and B12. Sub-optimal intake of vitamins from preconception through pregnancy increases the risk of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems. In the U.S., dietary intake of vitamins is often below recommended intakes, especially for vitamin D, choline and DHA. Many studies suggest that insufficient vitamin intake is associated with a wide range of pregnancy complications (anemia, Cesarean section, depression, gestational diabetes, hypertension, infertility, preeclampsia, and premature rupture of membranes) and infant health problems (asthma/wheeze, autism, low birth weight, congenital heart defects, intellectual development, intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, neural tube defects, orofacial defects, and preterm birth). The primary goal of this paper is to review the research literature and propose evidence-based recommendations for the optimal level of prenatal supplementation for each vitamin for most women in the United States. A secondary goal was to compare these new recommendations with the levels of vitamins in over 180 commercial prenatal supplements. The analysis found that prenatal supplements vary widely in content, often contained only a subset of essential vitamins, and the levels were often below our recommendations. This suggests that increasing prenatal vitamin supplementation to the levels recommended here may reduce the incidence of many pregnancy complications and infant health problems which currently occur.
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18
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Arshad R, Sameen A, Murtaza MA, Sharif HR, Iahtisham‐Ul‐Haq, Dawood S, Ahmed Z, Nemat A, Manzoor MF. Impact of vitamin D on maternal and fetal health: A review. Food Sci Nutr 2022; 10:3230-3240. [PMID: 36249984 PMCID: PMC9548347 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of vitamin D in improving maternal health and reducing the risk of developmental disorders in fetus has been an important domain of research since the past few years. Vitamin D, owing to its immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, developmental roles, and regulating calcium homeostasis, is predicted to have a significant influence on maternal and fetal health status. Several observational studies and clinical trials, determining the impact of vitamin D on gestational diabetes, C‐section, postpartum depression, pre‐eclampsia, miscarriages, and preterm delivery, have been elaborated in this review. In addition, fetal birth defects including neurological development, reduced birth weight, respiratory infections, bone development, and altered anthropometrics have also been summarized with available evidences. Other important mechanisms related to the roles of vitamin D in the body are also explained. Furthermore, recent studies determining the effect of vitamin D at genetic level will also help in understanding and future design of research in the area of maternal and fetal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Arshad
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences The University of Lahore Gujrat Campus Gujrat Pakistan
| | - Aysha Sameen
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology University of Agriculture Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Mian Anjum Murtaza
- Institute of Food Science and Nutrition University of Sargodha Sargodha Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Rizwan Sharif
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences The University of Lahore Gujrat Campus Gujrat Pakistan
| | - Iahtisham‐Ul‐Haq
- Kausar Abdullah Malik School of Life Sciences Forman Christian College University Lahore Pakistan
| | - Sahifa Dawood
- University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences The University of Lahore Gujrat Campus Gujrat Pakistan
| | - Zahoor Ahmed
- Human Nutrition and Dietetics School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology Lahore Pakistan
| | - Arash Nemat
- Department of Microbiology Kabul University of Medical Sciences Afghanistan
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19
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Wang J, Huang H, Liu C, Zhang Y, Wang W, Zou Z, Yang L, He X, Wu J, Ma J, Liu Y. Research Progress on the Role of Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:859151. [PMID: 35619598 PMCID: PMC9128593 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.859151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to severe social behavioral difficulties, which mainly manifests as social communication and interaction disorders; narrow interests; and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, the prevalence of ASD has increased annually, and it has evolved from a rare disease to one with a high incidence among childhood developmental disorders. The pathogenesis of ASD is considered to be the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and early childhood can lead to the occurrence of ASD. Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D intervention can significantly improve the symptoms of ASD, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, exploring the neuroprotective mechanism of vitamin D against ASD is a huge challenge currently being worked on by current basic and clinical researchers, a task which is of great significance for the clinical promotion and optimization of vitamin D in the treatment of ASD. To further clarify the relationship between vitamin D and ASD, this review summarizes the correlation between vitamin D level and ASD, the effects of vitamin D supplementation on ASD, the possible mechanism of vitamin D involved in ASD, and insights from ASD animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunming Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Yangping Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuo Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Xuemei He
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinting Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ma,
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Ma,
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Mao D, Yuen LY, Ho CS, Wang CC, Tam CHT, Chan MHM, Lowe WL, Ma RCW, Tam WH. Maternal and Neonatal 3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D Concentration and Factors Influencing Their Concentrations. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvab170. [PMID: 34909515 PMCID: PMC8664761 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the presence of 3-epi-25 hydroxyvitamin D in maternal and neonatal circulation, the extent of its contribution to total 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or factors influencing its levels. METHODS A total of 1502 and 1321 archived maternal and umbilical cord serum samples from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study cohort from Hong Kong were assayed for 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and isomeric form of 25(OH)D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3) by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. RESULTS Vitamin D deficiency (total serum 25(OH)D level < 50 nmol/L) and severe vitamin D deficiency (total serum 25(OH)D level < 25 nmol/L) occurred in 590 (39.3%) and 25 (1.7%) mothers, respectively. 3-epi-25(OH)D3 could be detected in 94.5% of maternal and 92.1% of neonatal umbilical sera, with the highest 3-epi-25(OH)D3 levels contributing to 19.9% and 15.3% of the maternal and umbilical cord sera 25(OH)D3 levels, respectively. Pregnancy with a male fetus, ambient solar radiation, and maternal glycemia and 25(OH)D3 levels were independent factors associated with maternal 3-epi-25(OH)D3 level. Advanced maternal age, multiparity, maternal gestational weight gain below the Institute of Medicine recommendation, maternal glycemic status, and earlier gestational age at delivery were significantly associated with higher umbilical cord serum 3-epi-25(OH)D3. CONCLUSIONS 3-epi-25(OH)D3 accounted for a significant portion of total 25(OH)D in maternal and neonatal circulations. Further study is needed to determine the possible mechanism underlying this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lai-Yuk Yuen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung-Shun Ho
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi-Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Claudia Ha-Ting Tam
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Ho-Ming Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William L Lowe
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ronald Ching-Wan Ma
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing-Hung Tam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Erbescu A, Papuc SM, Budisteanu M, Arghir A, Neagu M. Re-emerging concepts of immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1006612. [PMID: 36339838 PMCID: PMC9626859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, and by restricted interests and stereotyped, repetitive behavior patterns. ASD has a strong genetic component and a complex architecture characterized by the interplay of rare and common genetic variants. Recently, increasing evidence suggest a significant contribution of immune system dysregulation in ASD. The present paper reviews the latest updates regarding the altered immune landscape of this complex disorder highlighting areas with potential for biomarkers discovery as well as personalization of therapeutic approaches. Cross-talk between the central nervous system and immune system has long been envisaged and recent evidence brings insights into the pathways connecting the brain to the immune system. Disturbance of cytokine levels plays an important role in the establishment of a neuroinflammatory milieu in ASD. Several other immune molecules involved in antigen presentation and inflammatory cellular phenotypes are also at play in ASD. Maternal immune activation, the presence of brain-reactive antibodies and autoimmunity are other potential prenatal and postnatal contributors to ASD pathophysiology. The molecular players involved in oxidative-stress response and mitochondrial system function, are discussed as contributors to the pro-inflammatory pattern. The gastrointestinal inflammation pathways proposed to play a role in ASD are also discussed. Moreover, the body of evidence regarding some of the genetic factors linked to the immune system dysregulation is reviewed and discussed. Last, but not least, the epigenetic traits and their interactions with the immune system are reviewed as an expanding field in ASD research. Understanding the immune-mediated pathways that influence brain development and function, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis, may lead to the identification of robust diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for ASD individuals. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches could be developed, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Erbescu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Arghir
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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22
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Sourander A, Upadhyaya S, Surcel HM, Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki S, Cheslack-Postava K, Silwal S, Sucksdorff M, McKeague IW, Brown AS. Maternal Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy and Offspring Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:790-797. [PMID: 34602240 PMCID: PMC8752030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings from previous studies on maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring are inconsistent. METHODS The association between maternal 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy and offspring ASD was examined using data from a nationwide population-based register with a nested case-control study design. The ASD cases (n = 1558) were born between 1987 and 2004 and received a diagnosis of ASD by 2015; cases were matched with an equal number of controls. Maternal 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy were measured using quantitative immunoassay from maternal sera collected during the first and early second trimesters and archived in the national biobank of the Finnish Maternity Cohort. Conditional logistic regression examined the association between maternal 25(OH)D levels and offspring ASD. RESULTS In the adjusted model, there was a significant association between increasing log-transformed maternal 25(OH)D levels and decreasing risk of offspring ASD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.92, p = .005). Analyses by quintiles of maternal 25(OH)D levels revealed increased odds for ASD in the 2 lowest quintiles, <20 (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.79, p = .02) and 20-39 (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70, p = .04), compared with the highest quintile. The increased risk of ASD was observed in association with deficient (<30 nmol/L) (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.15-1.81, p = .001) and insufficient (30-49.9 nmol/L) maternal 25(OH)D levels (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04-1.52, p = .01) compared with sufficient levels. CONCLUSIONS This finding has implications for understanding the role of maternal vitamin D during fetal brain development and increased risk of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Sourander
- Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; INVEST (Inequalities, Interventions and a New Welfare State) Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York.
| | - Subina Upadhyaya
- Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Keely Cheslack-Postava
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sanju Silwal
- Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Minna Sucksdorff
- Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ian W McKeague
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Alan S Brown
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
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23
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Ali A, Alexander S, Ko P, Cuffe JSM, Whitehouse AJO, McGrath JJ, Eyles D. Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Rats Does Not Induce Preeclampsia. Nutrients 2021; 13:4254. [PMID: 34959804 PMCID: PMC8707812 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension. Epidemiological studies have associated preeclampsia with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Preeclampsia has also been linked with maternal vitamin D deficiency, another candidate risk factor also associated with autism. Our laboratory has established a gestational vitamin-D-deficient rat model that shows consistent and robust behavioural phenotypes associated with autism- and schizophrenia-related animal models. Therefore, we explored here whether this model also produces preeclampsia as a possible mediator of behavioural phenotypes in offspring. We showed that gestational vitamin D deficiency was not associated with maternal blood pressure or proteinuria during late gestation. Maternal and placental angiogenic and vasculogenic factors were also not affected by a vitamin-D-deficient diet. We further showed that exposure to low vitamin D levels did not expose the placenta to oxidative stress. Overall, gestational vitamin D deficiency in our rat model was not associated with preeclampsia-related features, suggesting that well-described behavioural phenotypes in offspring born to vitamin-D-deficient rat dams are unlikely to be mediated via a preeclampsia-related mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Suzanne Alexander
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
| | - Pauline Ko
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- Placental Endocrinology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
- Autism Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - John J. McGrath
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
- NCRR—National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Neurobiology, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.A.); (S.A.); (P.K.); (J.J.M.)
- Neurobiology, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia
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Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: Exercise as a "pharmacological" tool. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:63-74. [PMID: 34310976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of ASD is around 1%. Although the pathogenesis of ASD is not entirely understood, it is recognized that a combination of genetic, epigenetics, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction can play an essential role in its development. It has been suggested that autism results from the central nervous system derangements due to low-grade chronic inflammatory reactions associated with the immune system activation. ASD individuals have increased microglial activation, density, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the several brain regions. Autism has no available pharmacological treatments, however there are pedagogical and psychotherapeutic therapies, and pharmacological treatment, that help to control behavioral symptoms. Recent data indicate that exercise intervention programs may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Exercise can also modify inflammatory profiles that will ameliorate associated metabolic disorders. This review highlights the involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on managing ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities.
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Marazziti D, Parra E, Palermo S, Barberi FM, Buccianelli B, Ricciardulli S, Cappelli A, Mucci F, Dell'Osso L. Vitamin D: A Pleiotropic Hormone with Possible Psychotropic Activities. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3843-3864. [PMID: 33302828 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666201210104701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the recognition of the efficacy of cod-liver oil in rickets at the end of the eighteenth century, and the isolation and synthesis of the liposoluble vitamin D in 1931, its mode of actions and functions were deeply explored. Biochemical studies permitted to identify five forms of vitamin D, called D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5, differing in ultrastructural conformation and origin, with vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol) representing the active forms. In the last decades especially, a constantly increasing bulk of data highlighted how vitamin D could regulate several activities and processes. AIMS The aim of the present paper was to review and comment on the literature on vitamin D, with a focus on its possible role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. DISCUSSION Available literature indicates that vitamin D regulates a variety of processes in humans and in the central nervous system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an enhanced pro-inflammatory state, and formation of Aβ oligomers that might contribute to the cognitive decline typical of the elderly age and, perhaps, dementia. More in general, vitamin D is supposed to play a crucial role in neuroinflammation processes that are currently hypothesized to be involved in the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and psychosis. CONCLUSION It is conceivable that vitamin D supplementation might pave the way towards "natural" treatments of a broad range of neuropsychiatric disorders, or at least be useful to boost response to psychotropic drugs in resistant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Parra
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Barberi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Buccianelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Ricciardulli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy
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26
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Kwong ASF, Pearson RM, Adams MJ, Northstone K, Tilling K, Smith D, Fawns-Ritchie C, Bould H, Warne N, Zammit S, Gunnell DJ, Moran PA, Micali N, Reichenberg A, Hickman M, Rai D, Haworth S, Campbell A, Altschul D, Flaig R, McIntosh AM, Lawlor DA, Porteous D, Timpson NJ. Mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two longitudinal UK population cohorts. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 218:334-343. [PMID: 33228822 PMCID: PMC7844173 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation measures are likely to have a marked effect on mental health. It is important to use longitudinal data to improve inferences. AIMS To quantify the prevalence of depression, anxiety and mental well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, to identify groups at risk of depression and/or anxiety during the pandemic. METHOD Data were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) index generation (n = 2850, mean age 28 years) and parent generation (n = 3720, mean age 59 years), and Generation Scotland (n = 4233, mean age 59 years). Depression was measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire in ALSPAC and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in Generation Scotland. Anxiety and mental well-being were measured with the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. RESULTS Depression during the pandemic was similar to pre-pandemic levels in the ALSPAC index generation, but those experiencing anxiety had almost doubled, at 24% (95% CI 23-26%) compared with a pre-pandemic level of 13% (95% CI 12-14%). In both studies, anxiety and depression during the pandemic was greater in younger members, women, those with pre-existing mental/physical health conditions and individuals in socioeconomic adversity, even when controlling for pre-pandemic anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence for increased anxiety in young people that is coincident with the pandemic. Specific groups are at elevated risk of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is important for planning current mental health provisions and for long-term impact beyond this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S. F. Kwong
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca M. Pearson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK; and Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - Kate Northstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Tilling
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Helen Bould
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Naomi Warne
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Stanley Zammit
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, UK
| | - David J. Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Paul A. Moran
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, UK; and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, UK
| | - Nadia Micali
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland; and Department of Paediatrics Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, UK; and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, UK
| | - Simon Haworth
- 1MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK; and Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Archie Campbell
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK; and Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Drew Altschul
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robin Flaig
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK; and Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Deborah A. Lawlor
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK; and National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University of Bristol, UK
| | - David Porteous
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicholas J. Timpson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, UK; and Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
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Higazi AM, Kamel HM, Abdel-Naeem EA, Abdullah NM, Mahrous DM, Osman AM. Expression analysis of selected genes involved in tryptophan metabolic pathways in Egyptian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and learning disabilities. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6931. [PMID: 33767242 PMCID: PMC7994393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities are neurodevelopmental disabilities characterized by dramatically increasing incidence rates, yet the exact etiology for these disabilities is not identified. Impairment in tryptophan metabolism has been suggested to participate in the pathogenesis of ASD, however, further validation of its involvement is required. Additionally, its role in learning disabilities is still uninvestigated. Our objective was to evaluate some aspects of tryptophan metabolism in ASD children (N = 45) compared to children with learning disabilities (N = 44) and healthy controls (N = 40) by measuring the expression levels of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes using real-time RT-qPCR. We also aimed to correlate the expression patterns of these genes with parental ages at the time of childbirth, levels of serum iron, and vitamin D3 and zinc/copper ratio, as possible risk factors for ASD. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of the selected genes within ASD children (p < 0.001) relative to children with learning disabilities and healthy controls, which significantly associated with the levels of our targeted risk factors (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated to ASD scoring (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that the expression of the MAOA, HAAO and AADAT genes may underpin the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliaa M. Higazi
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Hanan M. Kamel
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Emad A. Abdel-Naeem
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Abdullah
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Doaa M. Mahrous
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Ashraf M. Osman
- grid.411806.a0000 0000 8999 4945Clinical and Molecular Chemistry Unit, Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Application of the Instrumental Inequalities to a Mendelian Randomization Study With Multiple Proposed Instruments. Epidemiology 2021; 31:65-74. [PMID: 31790379 PMCID: PMC6889903 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Investigators often support the validity of Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, an instrumental variable approach proposing genetic variants as instruments, via. subject matter knowledge. However, the instrumental variable model implies certain inequalities, offering an empirical method of falsifying (but not verifying) the underlying assumptions. Although these inequalities are said to detect only extreme assumption violations in practice, to our knowledge they have not been used in settings with multiple proposed instruments.
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Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have highlighted the link between vitamin D deficiency and schizophrenia. In particular, two prominent studies report an association between neonatal vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of schizophrenia. In parallel, much has been learnt about the role of vitamin D in the developing central nervous system over the last two decades. Studies in rodent models of developmental vitamin D (DVD)-deficiency describe how brain development is altered leading to a range of neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes of interest to schizophrenia. While glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems have been little investigated in these models, alterations in developing dopamine systems are frequently reported. There have been far more studies reporting patients with schizophrenia have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency compared to well controls. Here we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that basically confirms this association and extends this to first-episode psychosis. However, patients with schizophrenia also have poorer general health, poorer diets, are frequently less active and also have an increased risk of other medical conditions, all factors which reduce circulating vitamin D levels. Therefore, we would urge caution in any causal interpretation of this association. We also summarize the inconsistent results from existing vitamin D supplementation trials in patients with schizophrenia. In respect to animal models of adult vitamin D deficiency, such exposures produce subtle neurochemical alterations and effects on cognition but do not appear to produce behavioral phenotypes of relevance to schizophrenia. We conclude, the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency during early life may increase the risk of schizophrenia remains plausible and warrants ongoing research.
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Schmengler H, Cohen D, Tordjman S, Melchior M. Autism Spectrum and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children of Immigrants: A Brief Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Clinical Practice. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:566368. [PMID: 33815159 PMCID: PMC8012490 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.566368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Children of immigrants may have higher neurodevelopmental risks than those of non-immigrant populations. Yet, some evidence suggests that this group may receive late diagnosis, and therefore miss beneficial early interventions. Clinicians may misattribute symptoms of disorders to other social, behavioral or language problems. Likewise, there might be cultural differences in parents' likelihood of perceiving or reporting first developmental concerns to clinicians. Population-based standardized screening may play an important role in addressing ethnic inequalities in the age at diagnosis, although further research focusing on cross-cultural use is necessary. Once children are diagnosed, clinicians may rely on culturally sensitive procedures (translation services, cultural mediators) to increase the accessibility of interventions and improve adherence among immigrant families. In this brief review, we provide an overview about what is currently known about the epidemiology and risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders, paying special attention to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in children of immigrants and suggest the necessity of population-based screening and culturally sensitive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Schmengler
- INSERM U1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique, Rennes, France.,Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht Centre for Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Reference Centre for Rare Psychiatric Diseases, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics, CNRS UMR 7222, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume-Régnier, Rennes, France.,Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, CNRS UMR 8002 and University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- INSERM U1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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31
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Lee BK, Eyles DW, Magnusson C, Newschaffer CJ, McGrath JJ, Kvaskoff D, Ko P, Dalman C, Karlsson H, Gardner RM. Developmental vitamin D and autism spectrum disorders: findings from the Stockholm Youth Cohort. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1578-1588. [PMID: 31695167 PMCID: PMC7200274 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies indicate that early life vitamin D is crucial for proper neurodevelopment. Few studies have examined whether maternal and neonatal vitamin D concentrations influence risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participants were sampled from the Stockholm Youth Cohort, a register-based cohort in Sweden. Concentrations of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were assessed from maternal and neonatal biosamples using a highly sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. The maternal sample consisted of 449 ASD cases and 574 controls, the neonatal sample: 1399 ASD cases and 1607 controls; and the paired maternal-neonatal sample: 340 ASD cases and 426 controls. Maternal 25OHD was not associated with child ASD in the overall sample. However, in Nordic-born mothers, maternal 25OHD insufficiency (25 - <50 nmol/L) at ~11 weeks gestation was associated with 1.58 times higher odds of ASD (95% CI: 1.00, 2.49) as compared with 25OHD sufficiency (≥50 nmol/L). Neonatal 25OHD < 25 nmol/L was associated with 1.33 times higher odds of ASD (95% CI: 1.02, 1.75) as compared with 25OHD ≥ 50 nmol/L. Sibling-matched control analyses indicated these associations were not likely due to familial confounding. Children with both maternal 25OHD and neonatal 25OHD below the median had 1.75 (95% CI: 1.08, 2.86) times the odds of ASD compared with children with maternal and neonatal 25OHD both below the median. Our results are consistent with an increasing body of evidence suggesting that vitamin D concentrations in early life may be associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K. Lee
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA USA ,A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Darryl W. Eyles
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD Australia ,grid.417162.70000 0004 0606 3563Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD Australia
| | - Cecilia Magnusson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Craig J. Newschaffer
- grid.166341.70000 0001 2181 3113Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA USA ,A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - John J. McGrath
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD Australia ,grid.417162.70000 0004 0606 3563Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD Australia ,grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722National Centre for Register-based Research, Aarhus BSS, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Kvaskoff
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD Australia
| | - Pauline Ko
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD Australia ,grid.417162.70000 0004 0606 3563Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD Australia
| | - Christina Dalman
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Håkan Karlsson
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renee M. Gardner
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wang Z, Ding R, Wang J. The Association between Vitamin D Status and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2020; 13:E86. [PMID: 33383952 PMCID: PMC7824115 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between vitamin D status and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well-investigated but remains to be elucidated. We quantitatively combined relevant studies to estimate whether vitamin D status was related to ASD in this work. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to include eligible studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool overall estimates of vitamin D concentration or odds ratio (OR) for ASD. In total, 34 publications involving 20,580 participants were identified in this present study. Meta-analysis of 24 case-control studies demonstrated that children and adolescents with ASD had significantly lower vitamin D concentration than that of the control group (mean difference (MD): -7.46 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): -10.26; -4.66 ng/mL, p < 0.0001, I2 = 98%). Quantitative integration of 10 case-control studies reporting OR revealed that lower vitamin D was associated with higher risk of ASD (OR: 5.23, 95% CI: 3.13; 8.73, p < 0.0001, I2 = 78.2%). Analysis of 15 case-control studies barring data from previous meta-analysis reached a similar result with that of the meta-analysis of 24 case-control studies (MD: -6.2, 95% CI: -9.62; -2.78, p = 0.0004, I2 = 96.8%), which confirmed the association. Furthermore, meta-analysis of maternal and neonatal vitamin D showed a trend of decreased early-life vitamin D concentration in the ASD group (MD: -3.15, 95% CI: -6.57; 0.26, p = 0.07, I2 = 99%). Meta-analysis of prospective studies suggested that children with reduced maternal or neonatal vitamin D had 54% higher likelihood of developing ASD (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.12; 2.10, p = 0.0071, I2 = 81.2%). These analyses indicated that vitamin D status was related to the risk of ASD. The detection and appropriate intervention of vitamin D deficiency in ASD patients and pregnant and lactating women have clinical and public significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuqun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.W.); (R.D.)
- Autism Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.W.); (R.D.)
- Autism Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.W.); (R.D.)
- Autism Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
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Lisi G, Ribolsi M, Siracusano A, Niolu C. Maternal Vitamin D and its Role in Determining Fetal Origins of Mental Health. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2497-2509. [PMID: 32370709 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200506093858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that mental health disorders may have roots in fetal life and are associated with deficiencies in various micronutrients, including vitamin D. During pregnancy, vitamin D balance is influenced by an increase in maternal calcitriol and a substantial increase in maternal Vitamin D Binding Protein concentrations. In the early stages of life, vitamin D is necessary to mediate numerous brain processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and neurotransmission. Furthermore, Vitamin D has a recognized anti-inflammatory activity that normally suppresses inflammation. Increased activation of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and inflammation during gestation may influence maternal health and fetal neurodevelopment during and beyond pregnancy. A deficit of Vitamin D and maternal stressful events during gestation, such as perinatal depression, could influence the efficacy of the immune system altering its activity. Vitamin D deficiency during gestation associated with a reduction in fetal brain development has been widely described and correlated with alteration in the production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. To this regard, many studies highlights that low maternal vitamin D dosage during gestation has been related to a significantly greater risk to develop schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses in later life. The objective of this paper is a comprehensive overview of maternal vitamin D balance in determining the fetal origins of mental health with some references to the link between vitamin D levels, inflammatory responses to stress and mental disorders in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lisi
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, ASL ROMA 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Ribolsi
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Niolu
- Chair of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Policlinico Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Ali AA, Cui X, Pertile RAN, Li X, Medley G, Alexander SA, Whitehouse AJO, McGrath JJ, Eyles DW. Developmental vitamin D deficiency increases foetal exposure to testosterone. Mol Autism 2020; 11:96. [PMID: 33298169 PMCID: PMC7727109 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which are more common in males. The ‘prenatal sex steroid’ hypothesis links excessive sex-steroid exposure during foetal life with the behavioural differences observed in ASD. However, the reason why sex steroid exposure may be excessive remains unclear. Epidemiological studies have identified several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, including developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency. We have demonstrated in an animal model that DVD-deficiency is associated with a hyper-inflammatory response in placentas from male but not female foetuses. Vitamin D also regulates the expression of several steroidogenic enzymes in vitro. Therefore using this animal model, we have examined whether DVD-deficiency leads to increased sex-steroid levels in both the maternal and foetal compartments. Methods Female rats are fed a vitamin D deficient diet from 6 weeks before mating until tissue collection at embryonic day 18. We examined the levels of testosterone, androstenedione and corticosterone in maternal plasma, foetal brains and amniotic fluid. We further examined gene expressions of steroidogenic enzymes and DNA methylation of aromatase promoters in foetal brains as a potential molecular mechanism regulating testosterone expression. Results We show that DVD-deficiency increases testosterone levels in maternal blood. We also show elevated levels of testosterone and androstenedione in the amniotic fluid of female but not male DVD-deficient foetuses. Testosterone levels were also elevated in DVD-deficient male brains. Vitamin D, like other steroid-related hormones, regulates gene expression via methylation. Therefore we examined whether the significant elevation in testosterone in male brains was due to such a potential gene-silencing mechanism. We show that the promoter of aromatase was hyper-methylated compared to male controls. Limitations A reduction in aromatase, in addition to causing excessive testosterone, could also lead to a reduction in estradiol which was not examined here. Conclusions This study is the first to show how an epidemiologically established environmental risk factor for ASD may selectively elevate testosterone in male embryonic brains. These findings provide further mechanistic support for the prenatal sex steroid theory of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Amanat Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Xiang Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Gregory Medley
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzanne Adele Alexander
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - John Joseph McGrath
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia.,NCRR-National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Darryl Walter Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia. .,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia.
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Windham GC, Pearl M, Poon V, Berger K, Soriano JW, Eyles D, Lyall K, Kharrazi M, Croen LA. Maternal Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy in Association With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Intellectual Disability (ID) in Offspring; Exploring Non-linear Patterns and Demographic Sub-groups. Autism Res 2020; 13:2216-2229. [PMID: 33135392 PMCID: PMC11068065 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Increasing vitamin D deficiency and evidence for vitamin D's role in brain and immune function have recently led to studies of neurodevelopment; however, few are specific to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and vitamin D in pregnancy, a likely susceptibility period. We examined this in a case-control study of 2000-2003 Southern Californian births; ASD and intellectual disability (ID) were identified through the Department of Developmental Services and controls from birth certificates (N = 534, 181, and 421, respectively, in this analysis). Total 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in mid-pregnancy serum, categorized as deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (50-74 nmol/L), or sufficient (≥75 nmol/L, referent category), and examined continuously (per 25 nmol/L). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Non-linearity was examined with cubic splines. AORs (95% CI) for ASD were 0.79 (0.49-1.3) for maternal deficiency (9.5%), 0.93 (0.68-1.3) for insufficiency (25.6%), and 0.95 (0.86, 1.05) for linear continuous 25(OH)D. Results were similarly null for ASD with or without ID, and ID only. Interactions were observed; non-Hispanic whites (NHW) (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69-0.98) and males (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80-0.99) had protective associations for ASD with continuous 25(OH)D. A positive association with ASD was observed in females (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06-1.85). With splines, a non-linear inverted j-shaped pattern was seen overall (P = 0.009 for non-linearity), with the peak around 100 nmol/L; a non-linear pattern was not observed among NHW, females, nor for ID. Our findings from a large study of ASD and prenatal vitamin D levels indicate that further research is needed to investigate non-linear patterns and potentially vulnerable sub-groups. LAY SUMMARY: We studied whether mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were related to their children having autism (or low IQ) later. Low vitamin D levels were not related to greater risk of autism or low IQ in children overall. With higher levels of mothers' vitamin D, risk of autism went down in boys, but went up in girls. Risk of autism also went down in children of non-Hispanic white mothers with higher vitamin D levels, but we did not find a relation in other race/ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Michelle Pearl
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Victor Poon
- Sequoia Foundation, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, California, USA
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Sass L, Vinding RK, Stokholm J, Bjarnadóttir E, Noergaard S, Thorsen J, Sunde RB, McGrath J, Bønnelykke K, Chawes B, Bisgaard H. High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopment in Childhood: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2026018. [PMID: 33289844 PMCID: PMC7724557 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.26018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Observational studies have reported an association between high maternal vitamin D levels and improved neurodevelopment in offspring, but no randomized clinical trial (RCT) has investigated these observations. OBJECTIVE To determine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy improves offspring neurodevelopment from birth to age 6 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prespecified secondary analysis of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCT of high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation vs standard dose during the third trimester of pregnancy was conducted in the unselected prospective mother-child birth cohort at a single-center research unit in Denmark as part of the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC-2010). Participants included pregnant women; women with vitamin D intake greater than 600 IU/d or an endocrine, heart, or kidney disorder, and those who did not speak Danish fluently were excluded. Neurodevelopmental assessments for offspring of these women were performed at ages 0 to 6 years. Children born prematurely (gestational week <37), with low birth weight (<2500 g), or with a neurological disease affecting neurodevelopment were excluded. Data were analyzed from August 2019 to February 2020. INTERVENTIONS High-dose (ie, 2800 IU/d) vs standard dose (ie, 400 IU/d) vitamin D3 supplementation from pregnancy week 24 until 1 week after birth. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome of interest was cognitive development assessed at 2.5 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Other neurodevelopmental outcomes included age of motor milestone achievement (Denver Developmental Index and World Health Organization milestone registration), language development (MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories), general neurodevelopment at age 3 years (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), and emotional and behavioral problems at age 6 years (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). RESULTS Among 623 women randomized, 315 were randomized to high-dose vitamin D3 and 308 were randomized to standard dose placebo. A total of 551 children were evaluated from birth to age 6 years, (282 [51.2%] boys; 528 [95.8%] White), with 277 children in the high-dose vitamin D3 group and 274 children in the standard dose group. There was no effect of the high-dose compared with standard dose of vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy on offspring achievement of motor milestones (β = 0.08 [95% CI, -0.26 to 0.43]; P = .64), cognitive development (score difference: 0.34 [95% CI, -1.32 to 1.99]; P = .70), general neurodevelopment (median [IQR] communication score: 50 [50-55] vs 50 [50-55]; P = .62), or emotional and behavioral problems (odds ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53 to 1.09]; P = .14). There was no effect on language development expressed by the word production at 1 year (median [IQR], 2 [0-6] words vs 3 [1-6] words; P = .16), although a decreased word production was apparent at 2 years in children in the high-dose vitamin D3 group (median [IQR], 232 [113-346] words vs 253 [149-382.5] words; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this prespecified secondary analysis of an RCT, maternal high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy did not improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring during the first 6 years of life. These findings contribute essential information clarifying the effects of prenatal exposure to vitamin D on neurodevelopment in childhood. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00856947.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerke Sass
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Kofod Vinding
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Jakob Stokholm
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Elín Bjarnadóttir
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Sarah Noergaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Thorsen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Bjersand Sunde
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - John McGrath
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo Chawes
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Bisgaard
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Virolainen S, Hussien W, Dalibalta S. Autism spectrum disorder in the United Arab Emirates: potential environmental links. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:359-369. [PMID: 32663174 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been experiencing an increase in global prevalence in recent decades. While many factors could account for this reality, certain environmental links have been shown to contribute to ASD development and etiology. The Middle East has had relatively little published research on ASD etiology although statistics indicate that ASD affects 1 in 146 births in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This review therefore aims to examine potential causes of ASD within the UAE specifically, focusing on environmental links that may contribute to the rise in ASD cases in this population. Significantly, suboptimal breastfeeding practices, high levels of vitamin D deficiency, increased exposure to pollution, pesticides and heavy metals within the UAE may all be potentially important contributing factors to ASD in this population. Our findings support the notion that there are key links between various environmental factors and ASD prevalence in the UAE. The lack of knowledge and much research on ASD within the UAE deeply necessitates further studies on its etiology as it poses a serious public health challenge in the region and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wejdan Hussien
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Dalibalta
- Department of Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 26666, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, McCarthy L, D’Alessandro A, Wyrwa A, Noonan K, Christians U, Nakimuli-Mpungu E, Zeisel SH, Law AJ, Freedman R. Black American Maternal Prenatal Choline, Offspring Gestational Age at Birth, and Developmental Predisposition to Mental Illness. Schizophr Bull 2020; 47:896-905. [PMID: 33184653 PMCID: PMC8266582 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Black Americans have increased risk for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses with prenatal origins. Prenatal choline promotes infant brain development and behavioral outcomes, but choline has not been specifically assessed in Black Americans. Pregnant women (N = 183, N = 25 Black Americans) enrolled in a study of prenatal stressors and interactions with prenatal choline. Black American women had lower 16-week gestation plasma choline than Whites. Lower choline was not related to obesity, income, or metabolic genotypes. Pregnant women in rural Uganda have higher choline levels than Black American women. Black Americans' lower choline was associated with higher hair cortisol, indicative of higher stress. Lower maternal choline was associated with offsprings' lower gestational age at birth and with decreased auditory P50 inhibition, a marker of inhibitory neuron development. Behavioral development was assessed on the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-R-SF (IBQ-R) at 3 months. Lower Black American maternal gestational choline was associated with lower infant IBQ-R Orienting/Regulation, indicating decreased attention and relation to caregivers. Additional evidence for developmental effects of choline in Black Americans comes from a randomized clinical trial of gestational phosphatidylcholine supplementation versus placebo that included 15 Black Americans. Phosphatidylcholine increased gestational age at birth and newborn P50 inhibition and decreased Social Withdrawn and Attention problems at 40 months of age in Black Americans' offspring compared to placebo. Inhibitory and behavioral deficits associated with lower prenatal choline in offspring of Black American women indicate potential developmental predispositions to later mental illnesses that might be ameliorated by prenatal choline or phosphatidylcholine supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal
Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Lizbeth McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal
Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver Health Medical
Center, Denver, CO
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado
School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Anesthesiology, iC42 Clinical Research and Development,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of
Health Sciences. Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- Departments of Nutrition and Pediatrics, University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Psychiatry F-546,
University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO
80045, US; tel: 720-224-4638, fax: 303-724-4960, e-mail:
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Wallace GL, Yerys BE. Editorial: Taking the Next Step Towards Validating Social Processes From the Research Domain Criteria. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:1212-1214. [PMID: 32553786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Navigating social interactions and relationships is a complex endeavor. The successful management of these activities calls upon a variety of underlying biological and behavioral mechanisms that are contextualized by environmental demands. Social challenges can arise for many different reasons, but autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the prototypical disorder of social behavior. That being stated, clinically significant interference with social functioning is shared across a variety of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. Recognition of the cross-cutting nature of social impairments and deficits in other domains (eg, Cognitive Systemds and Sensorimotor Systems) led to the formation of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).1 RDoC was proposed as an alternative framework to studying psychiatric conditions. RDoC emphasizes enhancing knowledge on the nature of psychiatric conditions in terms of varying degrees of dysfunction across general biological and psychological systems irrespective of traditional psychiatric diagnoses. The RDoC domains were created through consensus agreement from content-area expert scientists. One such domain, Systems for Social Processes, inclues the following proposed constituent constructs: (1) Attachment and Affiliation; (2) Social Communication (subdivided into Production of Facial Communication and Production of Non-Facial Communication); and (3) Perception and Understanding of Mental States. However, this domain has yet to be formally validated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin E Yerys
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Abstract
It has been 20 years since we first proposed vitamin D as a "possible" neurosteroid.( 1 ) Our work over the last two decades, particularly results from our cellular and animal models, has confirmed the numerous ways in which vitamin D differentiates the developing brain. As a result, vitamin D can now confidently take its place among all other steroids known to regulate brain development.( 2 ) Others have concentrated on the possible neuroprotective functions of vitamin D in adult brains. Here these data are integrated, and possible mechanisms outlined for the various roles vitamin D appears to play in both developing and mature brains and how such actions shape behavior. There is now also good evidence linking gestational and/or neonatal vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism, and adult vitamin D deficiency with certain degenerative conditions. In this mini-review, the focus is on what we have learned over these past 20 years regarding the genomic and nongenomic actions of vitamin D in shaping brain development, neurophysiology, and behavior in animal models. © 2020 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl Walter Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research The Park Centre for Mental Health Wacol Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
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41
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Zhong C, Tessing J, Lee BK, Lyall K. Maternal Dietary Factors and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Existing Evidence. Autism Res 2020; 13:1634-1658. [PMID: 33015977 PMCID: PMC9234972 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal diet is a critical factor in offspring neurodevelopment. Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal diet may also play a role in the etiology autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review summarizes studies published in English that examined prenatal nutrients or maternal diet in association with ASD from PubMed as of July 2020. Thiry-six studies from nine countries were included in this systematic review; these focused on multivitamin (n = 5), prenatal vitamin (n = 3), folic acid (FA; n = 14), Vitamin D (n = 11), polyunsaturated fatty acid or fish/supplement intake (n = 7), iron (n = 3), Vitamin B12 (n = 1), calcium (n = 1), magnesium (n = 1), and broad maternal dietary habits (n = 3). Overall, higher or moderate intake of prenatal/multivitamin, FA, and Vitamin D was associated with reductions in odds of ASD, though results have not been uniform and there is a need to clarify differences in findings based on biomarkers versus reported intake. Evidence was inconclusive or insufficient for other nutrients. Differences in the timing and measurement of these dietary factors, as well as potential residual confounding, may contribute to existing discrepancies. Key areas for future research to better understand the role of maternal diet in ASD include the need to address potential critical windows, examine the combined effect of multiple nutrients, and consider interactions with genetic or environmental factors. LAY SUMMARY: Maternal diet during pregnancy is important for child neurodevelopment. We reviewed 36 studies examining maternal diet and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that prenatal vitamin/multivitamin use and adequate intake of folic acid and Vitamin D were each associated with lower likelihood of having a child with ASD. Future studies on these and other dietary factors are needed to better understand the role of maternal diet in the development of ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1634-1658. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caichen Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Brian K Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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García-Serna AM, Morales E. Neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal vitamin D in humans: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2468-2481. [PMID: 30696940 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diverse studies have investigated the impact of prenatal exposure to vitamin D levels on brain development; however, evidence in humans has never been systematically reviewed. This article summarized evidence of the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in maternal blood in pregnancy or newborn blood at birth and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including cognition, psychomotor performance, language development, behavioral difficulties, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autistic traits. PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched for epidemiologic studies published through May 2018 using keywords. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Of 260 identified articles, 25 were included in the present review. Comparing the highest vs. the lowest category of prenatal 25(OH)D levels, the pooled beta coefficients were 0.95 (95% CI -0.03, 1.93; p = 0.05) for cognition, and 0.88 (95% CI -0.18, 1.93; p = 0.10) for psychomotor development. The pooled relative risk for ADHD was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59, 0.89; p = 0.002), and the pooled odds ratio for autism-related traits was 0.42 (95% CI, 0.25, 0.71; p = 0.001). There was little evidence for protective effects of high prenatal 25(OH)D for language development and behavior difficulties. This meta-analysis provides supporting evidence that increased prenatal exposure to 25(OH)D levels is associated with improved cognitive development and reduced risk of ADHD and autism-related traits later in life. Associations represent a potentially high public health burden given the current prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among childbearing aging and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azahara M García-Serna
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Eva Morales
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain. .,University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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Chen YH, Liu ZB, Ma L, Zhang ZC, Fu L, Yu Z, Chen W, Song YP, Wang P, Wang H, Xu DX. Gestational vitamin D deficiency causes placental insufficiency and fetal intrauterine growth restriction partially through inducing placental inflammation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 203:105733. [PMID: 32784046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies suggest an association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Here, we explored the mechanism through which VDD induced fetal IUGR. Pregnant mice were fed with VDD diet to establish VDD model. Cyp27b1+/- mice were generated to develop a model of active vitamin D3 deficiency. Cyp27b1+/- mice were injected with either 1α,25(OH)2D3 or vehicle once a day throughout pregnancy. As expected, fetal weight and crown-rump length were reduced in VDD diet-fed mice. Correspondingly, fetal weight and crown-rump length were lower in cyp27b1+/- mice. 1α,25(OH)2D3 elevated fetal weight and crown-rump length, and protected cyp27b1+/- mice from fetal IUGR. Further analysis found that placental proliferation was inhibited and placental weight was decreased in VDD diet-fed mice. Several growth factors and nutrient transfer pumps were downregulated in the placentas of VDD diet-fed mice. Mechanistically, several inflammatory cytokines were upregulated and placental NF-κB was activated not only in VDD diet-fed mice but also in VDD pregnant women. Interestingly, 1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the downregulated of placental nutrient transfer pumps and the upregulated of placental inflammatory cytokines in Cyp27b1+/- mice. These results provide experimental evidence that gestational VDD causes placental insufficiency and fetal IUGR may be through inducing placental inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhi Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Li Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhi Cheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lin Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ya Ping Song
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - De Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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44
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Yu H, Zhang Z, Liu J, Hu P, Liu Z. Association study between genetic variants in vitamin D metabolism related genes and childhood autism spectrum disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:971-978. [PMID: 32297168 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This case-controlled study was to determine the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding vitamin D metabolism related enzymes and childhood ASD in a Chinese Han population. Both autistic children and age-and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited from September 2012-November 2017. The severity of ASD was evaluated by the childhood autism rating scale (CARS). Taqman probe based real-time PCR was applied to examine genotypes. The association between SNPs and the risk of ASD or the disease severity was examined through the logistic regression. This study recruited 249 children with ASD and 353 healthy controls. The G/A genotype (P = 0.0112) or the G allele (P = 0.0117) of CYP24A1 rs17219315, and the G/A genotype of CYP27B1 rs4646536 (P = 0.0341) were significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD. In addition, multivariate analysis found that A allele of both CYP2R1 rs12794714 (P = 0.0159) and CYP27B1 rs4646536 (P = 0.0268) were significantly associated with the severity of ASD. Genetic polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism related enzymes are associated with the risk of childhood ASD and the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 311201, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zengyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiaoshan First Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 311201, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, 311202, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Pingfang Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, 311202, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, 311202, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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How 25(OH)D Levels during Pregnancy Affect Prevalence of Autism in Children: Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082311. [PMID: 32752078 PMCID: PMC7468823 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of dysfunctions in social interaction, communication, and behaviors. The etiology of ASD is not yet fully understood; however, it consists of the interaction between genetics and the environment. An increasing amount of evidence points to the possibility that gestational and early-childhood vitamin D deficiency may be involved in the etiology of some cases of ASD. Herein, we systematically review the literature for studies on vitamin D status during pregnancy and ASD outcomes. Forty-three studies in the PubMed and 124 studies in EMBASE databases were initially found. After screening, 26 were identified as candidate studies for inclusion. Finally, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria, which originated from nine countries. The studies included 10 original research studies and four review studies conducted between 2012 and 2020. The strength of evidence that vitamin D levels during pregnancy increase the risk of developing autism is very low. This is because the evidence relies exclusively on observational studies that did not equally consider all important confounders and that assessed the indirect relationship between vitamin D as a surrogate for sunlight exposure and autism risk. The findings of this systematic review are consistent with the hypothesis that low vitamin D levels might contribute to the development of autism. However, we must also recognize the possible confusion bias and therefore experimental studies with very large sample sizes, given incidence of autism, that allow us to detect blood levels in pregnant women would be helpful to clarify this point.
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46
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Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in a Large Newborn Cohort from Northern United States and Effect of Intrauterine Drug Exposure. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12072085. [PMID: 32674386 PMCID: PMC7400905 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is not only a vital element in bone health but is also a prohormone. Data regarding distribution of vitamin D status among preterm and term neonates in the United States are limited. There are no data on the effect of intrauterine drug exposure on vitamin D status. Our objective was to determine the distribution of vitamin D levels among preterm and term neonates and the effect of intrauterine illicit drug exposure. We did a retrospective chart review of neonates admitted from 2009 to 2016 to our neonatal intensive care unit with serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25[OH]D) levels measured during the hospital stay. Of 1517 neonates, the median 25[OH]D level was 19 ng/mL with 31% deficient and 49% insufficient, even though 75% of mothers took prenatal vitamins. In pregnant women, 38% were vitamin-D-deficient and 44% were vitamin-D-insufficient. Four hundred seventy-one neonates had intrauterine drug exposure, with a median 25[OH]D level of 22.9 ng/mL versus 17.8 ng/mL in nonexposed neonates (p = 0.001). Despite maternal prenatal vitamin intake, neonates are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Maternal illicit drug use was not related to lower 25[OH]D levels in neonates.
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47
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Ogbu D, Xia E, Sun J. Gut instincts: vitamin D/vitamin D receptor and microbiome in neurodevelopment disorders. Open Biol 2020; 10:200063. [PMID: 32634371 PMCID: PMC7574554 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome regulates a relationship with the brain known as the gut–microbiota–brain (GMB) axis. This interaction is influenced by immune cells, microbial metabolites and neurotransmitters. Recent findings show gut dysbiosis is prevalent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are previously established negative correlations among vitamin D, vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels and severity of ASD as well as ADHD. Both vitamin D and VDR are known to regulate homeostasis in the brain and the intestinal microbiome. This review summarizes the growing relationship between vitamin D/VDR signalling and the GMB axis in ASD and ADHD. We focus on current publications and summarize the progress of GMB in neurodevelopmental disorders, describe effects and mechanisms of vitamin D/VDR in regulating the microbiome and synoptically highlight the potential applications of targeting vitamin D/VDR signalling in neurodevelopment disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destiny Ogbu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago 60612, IL, USA
| | - Eric Xia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago 60612, IL, USA.,Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jun Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago 60612, IL, USA.,UIC Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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48
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di Michele F. Why Vitamin D Status Might be Important for Brain Health and Mental Well-Being? Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2439-2441. [DOI: 10.2174/138161282621200520085710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia di Michele
- Acute Psychiatric Unit, PTV Foundation, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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49
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Vitamin D polygenic score is associated with neuroticism and the general psychopathology factor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109912. [PMID: 32151694 PMCID: PMC7107583 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D, used here to refer to both 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the main circulating form of the vitamin, and 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D, the biologically active form, has been shown to influence brain development and function. Consistent with these findings, low levels of vitamin D have been implicated in various mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism. Recently, a shared variance across multiple categories of mental health disorders has been identified and shown to be genetically influenced. This shared variance, thought to represent a general risk for psychopathology, has been termed the p factor. Individuals with high p factor scores are characterized by high neuroticism and low agreeableness and conscientiousness. Here, we investigated the links between vitamin D polygenic scores - derived from the latest genome-wide association study of circulating vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels - the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness-to-experience, and extraversion), and the p factor, in a sample of 522 (278 women, mean age 20 ± 1 years) non-Hispanic Caucasians. Vitamin D polygenic scores were significantly and negatively associated with neuroticism and the p factor, even after correcting for multiple comparisons, and controlling for sex, age, ancestry, socioeconomic status, and body mass index. Based on previous research implicating neuroticism as a risk factor for psychopathology, mediation was tested. Results showed a significant indirect effect from the vitamin D polygenic score to the p factor via neuroticism. Our findings support a genetic link between vitamin D levels, neuroticism, and the p factor, but due to the cross-sectional nature of our data, future studies are needed to clarify the causal associations between these phenotypes.
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50
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Levie D, Bath SC, Guxens M, Korevaar TIM, Dineva M, Fano E, Ibarluzea JM, Llop S, Murcia M, Rayman MP, Sunyer J, Peeters RP, Tiemeier H. Maternal Iodine Status During Pregnancy Is Not Consistently Associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autistic Traits in Children. J Nutr 2020; 150:1516-1528. [PMID: 32171006 PMCID: PMC7269752 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause intellectual disability, presumably through inadequate placental transfer of maternal thyroid hormone to the fetus. The association between mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency and child neurodevelopmental problems is not well understood. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association of maternal iodine status during pregnancy with child attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic traits. METHODS This was a collaborative study of 3 population-based birth cohorts: Generation R (n = 1634), INfancia y Medio Ambiente (n = 1293), and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 2619). Exclusion criteria were multiple fetuses, fertility treatment, thyroid-interfering medication use, and pre-existing thyroid disease. The mean age of assessment in the cohorts was between 4.4 and 7.7 y for ADHD symptoms and 4.5 and 7.6 y for autistic traits. We studied the association of the urinary iodine-to-creatinine ratio (UI/Creat) <150 μg/g-in all mother-child pairs, and in those with a urinary-iodine measurement at ≤18 weeks and ≤14 weeks of gestation-with the risk of ADHD or a high autistic-trait score (≥93rd percentile cutoff), using logistic regression. The cohort-specific effect estimates were combined by random-effects meta-analyses. We also investigated whether UI/Creat modified the associations of maternal free thyroxine (FT4) or thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations with ADHD or autistic traits. RESULTS UI/Creat <150 μg/g was not associated with ADHD (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.7, 2.2; P = 0.56) or with a high autistic-trait score (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.1; P = 0.22). UI/Creat <150 μg/g in early pregnancy (i.e., ≤18 weeks or ≤14 weeks of gestation) was not associated with a higher risk of behavioral problems. The association between a higher FT4 and a greater risk of ADHD (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.6; P = 0.017) was not modified by iodine status. CONCLUSIONS There is no consistent evidence to support an association of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy with child ADHD or autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Levie
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Center For Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre–Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sarah C Bath
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Mònica Guxens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre–Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tim I M Korevaar
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Center For Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mariana Dineva
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Eduardo Fano
- BIODONOSTIA, Health Research Institute, Donostia—San Sebastián, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia—San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jesús M Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- BIODONOSTIA, Health Research Institute, Donostia—San Sebastián, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia—San Sebastián, Spain
- Basque Government Department of Health, Deputy Directorate of Public Health of Gipuzkoa, Donostia—San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO–Jaume I University–University of València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO–Jaume I University–University of València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Center For Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre–Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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