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Feng YR, Zhang Q, Miao JK, Yang T, Chen J, Chen HY, Mou QH, Xiang XL, Long D, Wei QH, Wu Y, Li TY. Association of the retinol to all-trans retinoic acid pathway with autism spectrum disorder. World J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12519-024-00815-0. [PMID: 38789720 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Research has highlighted a close association between the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway and ASD. This study investigates alterations in the vitamin A (VA, retinol) to RA metabolic pathway in children with ASD and speculates on the underlying reasons for these changes. We propose a subtype characterized by downregulated RA signaling in ASD, laying the groundwork for precise diagnosis and treatment research. METHODS We included 489 children with ASD and 280 typically developing (TD) children. Those with ASD underwent evaluations of core symptoms and neuro-developmental levels, which were conducted by professional developmental behavior physicians using assessment scales. Serum VA and all-trans RA (atRA) levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The expression levels and concentrations of enzyme molecules such as retinol dehydrogenase 10 were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Children with ASD exhibited reduced serum atRA, accompanied by a downregulation of atRA synthesis enzymes. The reduction in serum atRA levels was linked not only to VA levels but also to the aberrant expression of metabolic enzymes responsible for atRA. Furthermore, the serum atRA levels in children with ASD were more strongly correlated with core symptoms and neurodevelopmental levels than VA levels. CONCLUSION Children with ASD exhibited a dual regulation of reduced serum atRA levels, influenced by both VA levels and abnormal expression of atRA metabolic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ru Feng
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Kun Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, Women and Children' Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Yu Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Mou
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue-Li Xiang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Long
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wei
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Yu Li
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No 136, 2nd Zhongshan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
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Hawkey AB, Shekey N, Dean C, Asrat H, Koburov R, Holloway ZR, Kullman SW, Levin ED. Developmental exposure to pesticides that disrupt retinoic acid signaling causes persistent retinoid and behavioral dysfunction in zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2024; 198:246-259. [PMID: 38237923 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae001] [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] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to environmental toxicants may play a role in the risk for developing autism. A variety of pesticides have direct effects on retinoic acid (RA) signaling and as RA signaling has important roles in neurodevelopment, such compounds may cause developmental neurotoxicity through an overlapping adverse outcome pathway. It is hypothesized that a pesticide's embryonic effects on retinoid function may correspond with neurobehavioral disruption later in development. In the current studies, we determined the effects of RA-acting pesticides on neurobehavioral development in zebrafish. Buprofezin and imazalil caused generalized hypoactivity in the larval motility test, whereas chlorothalonil and endosulfan I led to selective hypoactivity and hyperactivity, respectively. With buprofezin, chlorothalonil, and imazalil, hypoactivity and/or novel anxiety-like behaviors persisted in adulthood and buprofezin additionally decreased social attraction responses in adulthood. Endosulfan I did not produce significant adult behavioral effects. Using qPCR analyses of adult brain tissue, we observed treatment-induced alterations in RA synthesis or catabolic genes, indicating persistent changes in RA homeostasis. These changes were compound-specific, with respect to expression directionality, and potential patterns of homeostatic disruption. Results suggest the likely persistence of disruptions in RA signaling well into adulthood and may represent compensatory mechanisms following early life stage exposures. This study demonstrates that early developmental exposure to environmental toxicants that interfere with RA signaling causes short as well as long-term behavioral disruption in a well-established zebrafish behavioral model and expand upon the meaning of the RA adverse outcome pathway, indicating that observed effects likely correspond with the nature of underlying homeostatic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, USA
| | - Nathan Shekey
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
| | - Cassandra Dean
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Helina Asrat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Reese Koburov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Zade R Holloway
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Seth W Kullman
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, 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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Pavăl D. The dopamine hypothesis of autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive analysis of the evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 173:1-42. [PMID: 37993174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive research into the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), limited progress has been achieved so far. Among the plethora of models seeking to clarify how ASD arises, a coherent dopaminergic model was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework that we designated "the dopamine hypothesis of ASD". In the meantime, numerous studies yielded empirical evidence for this model. 4 years later, we provided a second version encompassing a refined and reconceptualized framework that accounted for these novel findings. In this chapter, we will review the evidence backing the previous versions of our model and add the most recent developments to the picture. Along these lines, we intend to lay out a comprehensive analysis of the supporting evidence for the dopamine hypothesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pavăl
- The Romanian Association for Autoimmune Encephalitis, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Psychiatry, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Xu D, Zhi Y, Liu X, Guan L, Yu J, Zhang D, Zhang W, Wang Y, Tao W, Xu Z. WDR62-deficiency Causes Autism-like Behaviors Independent of Microcephaly in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1333-1347. [PMID: 36571716 PMCID: PMC10465473 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00997-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain size abnormality is correlated with an increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Genetic analysis indicates that heterozygous mutations of the WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62) are associated with ASD. However, biological evidence is still lacking. Our study showed that Wdr62 knockout (KO) led to reduced brain size with impaired learning and memory, as well as ASD-like behaviors in mice. Interestingly, Wdr62 Nex-cKO mice (depletion of WDR62 in differentiated neurons) had a largely normal brain size but with aberrant social interactions and repetitive behaviors. WDR62 regulated dendritic spinogenesis and excitatory synaptic transmission in cortical pyramidal neurons. Finally, we revealed that retinoic acid gavages significantly alleviated ASD-like behaviors in mice with WDR62 haploinsufficiency, probably by complementing the expression of ASD and synapse-related genes. Our findings provide a new perspective on the relationship between the microcephaly gene WDR62 and ASD etiology that will benefit clinical diagnosis and intervention of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
| | - Yiqiang Zhi
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Le Guan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jurui Yu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Institute of Life Sciences, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Weiya Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yaqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wucheng Tao
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Wang T, Liu L, Fan T, Xia K, Sun Z. Shared and divergent contribution of vitamin A and oxytocin to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3109-3123. [PMID: 38213898 PMCID: PMC10782014 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic variations contribute to the heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the responses to various interventions for ASD probands. However, the associated molecular underpinnings remain unclear. Herein, we estimated the association between rare genetic variations in 410 vitamin A (VA)-related genes (VARGs) and ASD aetiology using publicly available de novo mutations (DNMs), rare inherited variants, and copy number variations (CNVs) from about 50,000 ASD probands and 20,000 normal controls (discovery and validation cohorts). Additionally, given the functional relevance of VA and oxytocin, we systematically compared the similarities and differences between VA and oxytocin with respect to ASD aetiology and evaluated their potential for clinical applications. Functional DNMs and pathogenic CNVs in VARGs contributed to ASD pathogenesis in the discovery and validation cohorts. Additionally, 324 potential VA-related biomarkers were identified, 243 of which were shared with previously identified oxytocin-related biomarkers, while 81 were unique VA biomarkers. Moreover, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that both VA- and oxytocin-related biomarkers were able to predict ASD aetiology for individuals carrying functional DNM in corresponding biomarkers with an average precision of 0.94. As well as, convergent and divergent functions were also identified between VA- and oxytocin-related biomarkers. The findings of this study provide a basis for future studies aimed at understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ASD while also defining a set of potential molecular biomarkers for adjuvant diagnosis and intervention in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liqiu Liu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tianda Fan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325025, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligences Technology (CEBSIT), Shanghai 200031, China
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Zhongsheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325025, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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李 莉, 张 倩, 刘 欢, 吴 琼, 杨 亭, 陈 洁, 李 廷. Involvement of retinoic acid receptor α in the autistic-like behavior of rats with vitamin A deficiency by regulating neurexin 1 in the visual cortex: a mechanism study. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:928-935. [PMID: 36036133 PMCID: PMC9425865 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2204016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the mechanism of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) signal change to regulate neurexin 1 (NRXN1) in the visual cortex and participate in the autistic-like behavior in rats with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). METHODS The models of vitamin A normal (VAN) and VAD pregnant rats were established, and some VAD maternal and offspring rats were given vitamin A supplement (VAS) in the early postnatal period. Behavioral tests were performed on 20 offspring rats in each group at the age of 6 weeks. The three-chamber test and the open-field test were used to observe social behavior and repetitive stereotyped behavior. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the serum level of retinol in the offspring rats in each group. Electrophysiological experiments were used to measure the long-term potentiation (LTP) level of the visual cortex in the offspring rats. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression levels of RARα, NRXN1, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1). Chromatin co-immunoprecipitation was used to measure the enrichment of RARα transcription factor in the promoter region of the NRXN1 gene. RESULTS The offspring rats in the VAD group had autistic-like behaviors such as impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and VAS started immediately after birth improved most of the behavioral deficits in offspring rats. The offspring rats in the VAD group had a significantly lower serum level of retinol than those in the VAN and VAS groups (P<0.05). Compared with the offspring rats in the VAN and VAS groups, the offspring rats in the VAD group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of NMDAR1, RARα, and NRXN1 and the LTP level of the visual cortex (P<0.05). The offspring rats in the VAD group had a significant reduction in the enrichment of RARα transcription factor in the promoter region of the NRXN1 gene in the visual cortex compared with those in the VAN and VAS groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS RARα affects the synaptic plasticity of the visual cortex in VAD rats by regulating NRXN1, thereby participating in the formation of autistic-like behaviors in VAD rats.
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Yang T, Chen L, Dai Y, Jia F, Hao Y, Li L, Zhang J, Wu L, Ke X, Yi M, Hong Q, Chen J, Fang S, Wang Y, Wang Q, Jin C, Chen J, Li T. Vitamin A Status Is More Commonly Associated With Symptoms and Neurodevelopment in Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorders-A Multicenter Study in China. Front Nutr 2022; 9:851980. [PMID: 35495950 PMCID: PMC9038535 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.851980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and show a striking male bias in prevalence. Vitamin A (VA) is essential for brain development, and abnormalities in its metabolite retinoic acid are associated with the pathophysiology of ASD. This national multicenter study was conducted to investigate the relationship between serum VA level and core symptoms in ASD children and whether there are still sex differences. Method A total of 1,300 children with ASD and 1,252 typically-developing (TD) controls aged 2-7 years old from 13 cities in China were enrolled in this study. The symptoms of children with ASD were evaluated by the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Childhood autism rating scale (CARS). The neurodevelopmental level of the children was evaluated with the revised Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale (CNBS-R2016). The serum level of VA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The serum VA level in children with ASD was significantly lower than that in TD children, especially in boys with ASD. Furthermore, VA levels in male children with ASD were lower than those in female children with ASD. In addition, we found that serum VA level was negatively correlated the SRS, CARS and communication warming behavior of CBNS-R2016 scores in boys with ASD. In terms of developmental quotients, serum VA level was positively associated with the general quotient, language quotient, gross motor quotient and personal-social quotient of boys with ASD, but no difference was found in girls with ASD. Conclusions ASD children, especially boys, have lower serum VA levels than TD children. Moreover, serum VA status is more commonly associated with clinical symptoms and neurodevelopment in boys with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Feiyong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Children Health Care Center, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center of Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingji Yi
- Department of Child Health Care, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Child Healthcare, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanfeng Fang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yichao Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Deyang Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunhua Jin
- Department of Children Health Care, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Childhood Nutrition and Health, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing, China
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Nogay NH, Nahikian-Nelms M. Effects of nutritional interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: an overview based on a literature review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 69:811-824. [PMID: 37885847 PMCID: PMC10599198 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2036921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Nutrition is important in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because nutritional problems of children with ASD can lead to nutritional deficiencies and this can also directly or indirectly affect symptoms related to autism. We investigated the effect of diet and supplementation treatments on gastrointestinal, behavioral or sleep problems based on the results of literature review. Methods: We generated four questions based on literature. We carried out title and abstract-based search using the Web of Science database. Of 4580 abstracts were identified, 192 papers were reviewed and 55 papers precisely meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: The studies examining the effects of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other supplements on ASD symptoms had different dosages, different treatment durations, small sample sizes and used different scales for evaluation. The results of the studies of the effectiveness of Gluten-Free and Casein-Free (GFCF) and ketogenic diet to reduce gastrointestinal, behavioral and sleeping problems in children and adolescents were contradictory. Conclusions: It is not possible to suggest the GFCF and/or ketogenic diet, vitamins, minerals and probiotics to individual with ASD based on the available evidence. By planning a sufficient and balanced diet, it should be aimed to prevent nutrient deficiency and to ensure growth in accordance with the age in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalan Hakime Nogay
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Marcia Nahikian-Nelms
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Research Progress in Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:5417497. [PMID: 34917197 PMCID: PMC8670912 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5417497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past few decades, many studies have investigated the effects of VA supplementation in ASD patients and the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and ASD. VA is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in various systems and biological processes in the form of retinoic acid (RA). Recent studies have shown that serum VA concentration is negatively correlated with the severity of ASD. The lack of VA during pregnancy or early fetal development can affect brain development and lead to long-term or even permanent impairment in the learning process, memory formation, and cognitive function. In addition, VA deficiency has been reported to have a major impact on the gastrointestinal function of children with ASD, while VA supplementation has been shown to improve the symptoms of ASD to a certain extent. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between VA and ASD.
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Wang N, Zhao Y, Gao J. Association Between Peripheral Blood Levels of Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: A Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:742937. [PMID: 34658977 PMCID: PMC8515042 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.742937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient that plays important roles in a surprisingly wide variety of biological processes from early growth and development to brain maintenance. Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to explore the relationship between peripheral vitamin A levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the results of these studies are controversial. Therefore, we assessed the association between peripheral vitamin A levels and ASD in the present meta-analysis. Relevant records were retrieved through the Embase, Web of Knowledge and PubMed databases up to 13 November 2020. Reference lists were also searched and analyzed. Hedges' g with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between peripheral vitamin A levels and ASD. A fixed or random effects model was selected according to a heterogeneity test in overall and subgroup analyses. Five records (six studies) with 935 ASD children and 516 healthy children were included in the present study. Significantly decreased peripheral vitamin A concentrations were observed in ASD children compared with healthy children (Hedges' g = -0.600, 95% CI -1.153 to -0.048, P = 0.033). A similar result was also obtained after removing the studies identified by Galbraith plots. In addition, no obvious publication bias was found in the meta-analysis. The findings of our meta-analysis suggested decreased peripheral vitamin A levels in ASD children compared with healthy children. Further investigations into the effects of vitamin A on the development of ASD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Wang
- Nursing Office of Beijing Road Medical District, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Wulumuqi, China
| | | | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Developmental Neuropsychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Statistical issues regarding the article by Liu et al. Eur J Clin Nutr 2020; 75:859. [PMID: 32879449 PMCID: PMC7467396 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-020-00730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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