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Wei J, Li Y, Wu Q, Lei B, Gui X. Bidirectional association between allergic rhinitis and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 369:499-507. [PMID: 39389122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 10/06/2024] [Accepted: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This meta-epidemiological study seeks to further investigate the reciprocal relationship between allergic rhinitis (AR) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS A comprehensive search of the databases was conducted up to March 3, 2024. We performed a synthesis and meta-analysis of odds ratios and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals using Stata 14.0. Funnel plot analysis and Egger's regression test were utilized to assess potential publication bias. RESULTS Eighteen articles involving 4,289,444 participants were included. AR patients had an increased risk of developing ADHD (OR: 1.83; 95 % CI: 1.37-2.43), while ADHD patients were also more likely to have AR (OR: 1.38; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.72). Subgroup analysis indicated a predisposition of AR patients to autism spectrum disorder (OR: 1.34; 95 % CI: 0.86-1.0) and a higher risk of ADHD in cohort studies (OR: 1.90; 95 % CI: 1.26-2.88). Female AR patients were more likely to develop ADHD than males (OR: 1.86; 95 % CI: 1.43-2.43), and children aged ≤8 years with AR were at greater risk for ADHD compared to older children (OR: 1.75; 95 % CI: 1.14-2.69). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis confirms a bidirectional association between AR and ADHD, indicating that they are mutually independent risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Wei
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Nursing, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qiuye Wu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bingbing Lei
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiongbin Gui
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
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Tanaka E, Yamasaki R, Saitoh BY, Abdelhadi A, Nagata S, Yoshidomi S, Inoue Y, Matsumoto K, Kira JI, Isobe N. Postnatal Allergic Inhalation Induces Glial Inflammation in the Olfactory Bulb and Leads to Autism-Like Traits in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10464. [PMID: 39408806 PMCID: PMC11476352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251910464] [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: 08/31/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. To explore its pathophysiology, we investigated the association between neonatal allergic exposure and behavioral changes. Adult female C57BL/6J mice were immunized with adjuvant (aluminum hydroxide) or ovalbumin emulsified with adjuvant. After immunization, the mice were mated, and offspring were born at full term. The postnatal dams and infants were then simultaneously exposed to an allergen (ovalbumin) or vehicle via inhalation. After weaning, behavioral testing and histopathological analyses were conducted on male offspring. Compared with the vehicle-exposed offspring, the ovalbumin-exposed offspring had decreased sociability and increased repetitive behavior, thus representing an ASD-like phenotype in mice. Moreover, histopathological analyses revealed that the ovalbumin-exposed mice had increased astroglial, microglial, and eosinophilic infiltration in the olfactory bulb, as well as increased eosinophils in the nasal mucosa. The ovalbumin-exposed mice also had decreased dendritic spine density and a lower proportion of mature spines, suggesting the impairment of stimulus-induced synaptogenesis. In conclusion, postnatal allergic exposure induced an ASD-like phenotype, as well as allergic rhinitis, which was followed by glial inflammation in the olfactory bulb parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Tanaka
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Miyazaki Prefectural Miyazaki Hospital, 5-30 Kita-Takamatsu-Cho, Miyazaki 880-8510, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ban-yu Saitoh
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Himeno Hospital, 2316 Oaza-Nishiro, Hirokawa-machi, Yame-gun, Fukuoka 834-0115, Japan
| | - Amina Abdelhadi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Al-Sharqia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Satoshi Nagata
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Clinical Education Center, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sato Yoshidomi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuka Inoue
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Koichiro Matsumoto
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kira
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa 831-8501, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center, Fukuoka Central Hospital, 2-6-11 Yakuin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0022, Japan
| | - Noriko Isobe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Chou HC, Lin HC, Huang KH, Chang YC. Response to "comment on associations between neonatal jaundice and autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Nationwide population based cohort study". J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00454-6. [PMID: 39341714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Lin
- Division of Neonatology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hua Huang
- Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chang
- Department of Long Term Care, College of Health and Nursing, National Quemoy University, Kinmen County, Taiwan; Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Li CY, Chang WC, Chen MH, Tu PC, Chen TL, Chen CC, Chang YT, Chen YY, Bai YM. Correlation of Disease Severity, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Reduced Brain Gray Matter Volumes in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatitis 2024; 35:489-497. [PMID: 38634841 DOI: 10.1089/derm.2023.0340] [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: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. However, few studies have investigated brain changes associated with chronic inflammation. We hypothesized that chronic inflammation might be related to brain structural alterations in patients with AD. Objectives: To investigate the association between disease severity (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]), proinflammatory cytokines, and differences in brain gray matter (GM) volume in patients with AD. Methods: Nineteen patients with AD and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. All participants underwent clinical assessment and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to analyze GM volume differences. Results: Patients with AD exhibited significantly decreased GM volume in many brain regions, such as bilateral precentral gyrus, right frontal pole, and right middle temporal gyrus (P < 0.001), compared with healthy subjects. Notably, in patients with AD, the GM volume in right middle temporal gyrus was negatively associated with both EASI score and proinflammatory cytokines (sIL-2R [soluble interleukin 2 receptor] and TNF-α receptor-1), whereas the GM volume in left precentral gyrus was negatively associated with both EASI score and proinflammatory cytokines (sIL-2R and CRP). Conclusion: Patients with AD demonstrated significant brain GM volume reduction in many brain regions, which is related to disease severity and proinflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yuan Li
- From the Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Philosophy of Mind and Cognition, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Li Chen
- From the Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chiang Chen
- From the Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ting Chang
- From the Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Qu L, Wang J. Comment on "Associations between neonatal jaundice and autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Nationwide population based cohort study": Neonatal jaundice and autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00392-9. [PMID: 39181748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiyan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shiyan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hubei, China.
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Elgenidy A, Gad EF, Shabaan I, Abdelrhem H, Wassef PG, Elmozugi T, Abdelfattah M, Mousa H, Nasr M, Salah-Eldin M, Altaweel A, Hussein A, Bazzazeh M, Elganainy MA, Ali AM, Ezzat M, Elhoufey A, Alatram AA, Hammour A, Saad K. Examining the association between autism spectrum disorder and atopic eczema: meta-analysis of current evidence. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03456-1. [PMID: 39128926 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03456-1] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and atopic eczema (AE), shedding light on potential associations and underlying mechanisms. METHODS A comprehensive review of literature was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to August 2023. Various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane, were searched using specific keywords related to ASD and AE. RESULTS The meta-analysis covered a total of 30 studies. The first analysis included 23 studies with a combined total of 147430 eczema patients in the ASD group and 8895446 eczema patients in non-ASD group. We calculated the risk ratio of eczema in ASD and non-ASD groups, which revealed a significantly higher risk of eczema in patients with ASD (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03, 1.76). The second analysis included seven studies with a combined total of 3570449 ASD patients in the AE group and 3253973 in the non-Eczema group. The risk ratio of ASD in the Eczema and Non-Eczema groups showed an insignificantly increased risk of ASD in patients with eczema (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.91, 3.06). CONCLUSION This study underscores the possible link between ASD and atopic eczema, shedding light on their potential association. IMPACT Our study conducted a meta-analysis on the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and atopic eczema (AE), shedding light on potential associations and underlying mechanisms. The review we conducted covered a total of 30 studies. This study underscores the possible link between ASD and atopic eczema, shedding light on their potential association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eman F Gad
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt
| | - Islam Shabaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | | | - Taher Elmozugi
- Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya
| | | | - Hisham Mousa
- Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Nasr
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Altaweel
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | | | | | - Ahmed M Ali
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ezzat
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Elhoufey
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Alddrab University College, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman A Alatram
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hammour
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled Saad
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt.
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Kissel LT, Pochareddy S, An JY, Sestan N, Sanders SJ, Wang X, Werling DM. Sex-Differential Gene Expression in Developing Human Cortex and Its Intersection With Autism Risk Pathways. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100321. [PMID: 38957312 PMCID: PMC11217612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100321] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sex-differential biology may contribute to the consistently male-biased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gene expression differences between males and females in the brain can indicate possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, although transcriptomic sex differences during human prenatal cortical development have been incompletely characterized, primarily due to small sample sizes. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of sex-differential expression and co-expression network analysis in 2 independent bulk RNA sequencing datasets generated from cortex of 273 prenatal donors without known neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the intersection between neurotypical sex differences and neuropsychiatric disorder biology, we tested for enrichment of ASD-associated risk genes and expression changes, neuropsychiatric disorder risk genes, and cell type markers within identified sex-differentially expressed genes (sex-DEGs) and sex-differential co-expression modules. Results We identified 101 significant sex-DEGs, including Y-chromosome genes, genes impacted by X-chromosome inactivation, and autosomal genes. Known ASD risk genes, implicated by either common or rare variants, did not preferentially overlap with sex-DEGs. We identified 1 male-specific co-expression module enriched for immune signaling that is unique to 1 input dataset. Conclusions Sex-differential gene expression is limited in prenatal human cortex tissue, although meta-analysis of large datasets allows for the identification of sex-DEGs, including autosomal genes that encode proteins involved in neural development. Lack of sex-DEG overlap with ASD risk genes in the prenatal cortex suggests that sex-differential modulation of ASD symptoms may occur in other brain regions, at other developmental stages, or in specific cell types, or may involve mechanisms that act downstream from mutation-carrying genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee T. Kissel
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Sirisha Pochareddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nenad Sestan
- Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Stephan J. Sanders
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Xuran Wang
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, New York, New York
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Donna M. Werling
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Liang ZK, Xiong W, Wang C, Chen L, Zou X, Mai JW, Dong B, Guo C, Xin WJ, Luo DX, Xu T, Feng X. Resolving neuroinflammatory and social deficits in ASD model mice: Dexmedetomidine downregulates NF-κB/IL-6 pathway via α2AR. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:84-95. [PMID: 38552922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that severely affects individuals' daily life and social development. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective treatments for ASD. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective agonist of α2 adrenergic receptor (α2AR) and is widely used as a first-line medication for sedation and hypnosis in clinical practice. In recent years, there have been reports suggesting its potential positive effects on improving emotional and cognitive functions. However, whether dexmedetomidine has therapeutic effects on the core symptoms of ASD, namely social deficits and repetitive behaviors, remains to be investigated. In the present study, we employed various behavioral tests to assess the phenotypes of animals, including the three-chamber, self-grooming, marble burying, open field, and elevated plus maze. Additionally, electrophysiological recordings, western blotting, qPCR were mainly used to investigate and validate the potential mechanisms underlying the role of dexmedetomidine. We found that intraperitoneal injection of dexmedetomidine in ASD model mice-BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice could adaptively improve their social deficits. Further, we observed a significant reduction in c-Fos positive signals and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression level in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) of the BTBR mice treated with dexmedetomidine. Enhancing or inhibiting the action of IL-6 directly affects the social behavior of BTBR mice. Mechanistically, we have found that NF-κB p65 is a key pathway regulating IL-6 expression in the PrL region. In addition, we have confirmed that the α2AR acts as a receptor switch mediating the beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine in improving social deficits. This study provides the first evidence of the beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine on core symptoms of ASD and offers a theoretical basis and potential therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Kai Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Xin Zou
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jing-Wen Mai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou 516000, PR China
| | - Bo Dong
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Chongqi Guo
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - De-Xing Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou 516000, PR China.
| | - Ting Xu
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Xia Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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Thomas SD, Abdalla S, Eissa N, Akour A, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. Targeting Microglia in Neuroinflammation: H3 Receptor Antagonists as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:831. [PMID: 39065682 PMCID: PMC11279978 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Histamine performs dual roles as an immune regulator and a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The histaminergic system plays a vital role in the regulation of wakefulness, cognition, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis that are substantially disrupted in various neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists and inverse agonists potentiate the endogenous release of brain histamine and have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities in animal models of several brain disorders. Microglial activation and subsequent neuroinflammation are implicated in impacting embryonic and adult neurogenesis, contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acknowledging the importance of microglia in both neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment, as well as their regulation by histamine, offers an intriguing therapeutic target for these disorders. The inhibition of brain H3Rs has been found to facilitate a shift from a proinflammatory M1 state to an anti-inflammatory M2 state, leading to a reduction in the activity of microglial cells. Also, pharmacological studies have demonstrated that H3R antagonists showed positive effects by reducing the proinflammatory biomarkers, suggesting their potential role in simultaneously modulating crucial brain neurotransmissions and signaling cascades such as the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. In this review, we highlight the potential therapeutic role of the H3R antagonists in addressing the pathology and cognitive decline in brain disorders, e.g., AD, PD, and ASD, with an inflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabna Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, India
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Zhang S, Yang J, Ji D, Meng X, Zhu C, Zheng G, Glessner J, Qu HQ, Cui Y, Liu Y, Wang W, Li X, Zhang H, Xiu Z, Sun Y, Sun L, Li J, Hakonarson H, Li J, Xia Q. NASP gene contributes to autism by epigenetic dysregulation of neural and immune pathways. J Med Genet 2024; 61:677-688. [PMID: 38443156 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109385] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics makes substantial contribution to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may harbour a unique opportunity to prevent the development of ASD. We aimed to identify novel epigenetic genes involved in ASD aetiology. METHODS Trio-based whole exome sequencing was conducted on ASD families. Genome editing technique was used to knock out the candidate causal gene in a relevant cell line. ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq were performed to investigate the functional impact of knockout (KO) or mutation in the candidate gene. RESULTS We identified a novel candidate gene NASP (nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein) for epigenetic dysregulation in ASD in a Chinese nuclear family including one proband with autism and comorbid atopic disease. The de novo likely gene disruptive variant tNASP(Q289X) subjects the expression of tNASP to nonsense-mediated decay. tNASP KO increases chromatin accessibility, promotes the active promoter state of genes enriched in synaptic signalling and leads to upregulated expression of genes in the neural signalling and immune signalling pathways. Compared with wild-type tNASP, tNASP(Q289X) enhances chromatin accessibility of the genes with enriched expression in the brain. RNA-seq revealed that genes involved in neural and immune signalling are affected by the tNASP mutation, consistent with the phenotypic impact and molecular effects of nasp-1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. Two additional patients with ASD were found carrying deletion or deleterious mutation in the NASP gene. CONCLUSION We identified novel epigenetic mechanisms mediated by tNASP which may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and its immune comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipeng Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dandan Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chonggui Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin (NSCC-TJ), Tianjin, China
| | - Joseph Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hui-Qi Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuechen Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yichuan Liu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- The Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhanjie Xiu
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianghua Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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11
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Rowshan N, Anjomshoa M, Farahzad A, Bijad E, Amini-Khoei H. Gut-brain barrier dysfunction bridge autistic-like behavior in mouse model of maternal separation stress: A behavioral, histopathological, and molecular study. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:314-327. [PMID: 38584149 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10329] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a fast-growing neurodevelopmental disorder throughout the world. Experiencing early life stresses (ELS) like maternal separation (MS) is associated with autistic-like behaviors. It has been proposed that disturbance in the gut-brain axis-mediated psychiatric disorders following MS. The role of disruption in the integrity of gut-brain barrier in ASD remains unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, in this study we aimed to investigate role of the gut-brain barrier integrity in mediating autistic-like behaviors in mouse models of MS stress. To do this, mice neonates are separated daily from their mothers from postnatal day (PND) 2 to PND 14 for 3 hours. During PND58-60, behavioral tests related to autistic-like behaviors including three-chamber sociability, shuttle box, and resident-intruder tests were performed. Then, prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and colon samples were dissected out for histopathological and molecular evaluations. Results showed that MS is associated with impaired sociability and social preference indexes, aggressive behaviors, and impaired passive avoidance memory. The gene expression of CLDN1 decreased in the colon, and the gene expression of CLDN5, CLDN12, and MMP9 increased in the PFC of the MS mice. MS is associated with decrease in the diameter of CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. In addition, MS led to histopathological changes in the colon. We concluded that, probably, disturbance in the gut-brain barrier integrities mediated the autistic-like behavior in MS stress in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Rowshan
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Anjomshoa
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Anahita Farahzad
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Elham Bijad
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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12
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Su AX, Ma ZJ, Li ZY, Li XY, Xia L, Ge YJ, Chen GH. Serum levels of neurotensin, pannexin-1, and sestrin-2 and the correlations with sleep quality or/and cognitive function in the patients with chronic insomnia disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1360305. [PMID: 38803679 PMCID: PMC11128551 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1360305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To examine serum concentrations of neurotensin, pannexin-1 and sestrin-2, and their correlations with subjective and objective sleep quality and cognitive function in the patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Methods Sixty-five CID patients were enrolled continuously and fifty-six good sleepers in the same period were served as healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of neurotensin, pannexin-1 and sestrin-2 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and polysomnography, and mood was evaluated by 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. General cognitive function was assessed with the Chinese-Beijing Version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and spatial memory was evaluated by Blue Velvet Arena Test (BVAT). Results Relative to the HCs, the CID sufferers had higher levels of neurotensin (t=5.210, p<0.001) and pannexin-1 (Z=-4.169, p<0.001), and lower level of sestrin-2 (Z=-2.438, p=0.015). In terms of objective sleep measures, pannexin-1 was positively associated with total sleep time (r=0.562, p=0.002) and sleep efficiency (r=0.588, p=0.001), and negatively with wake time after sleep onset (r=-0.590, p=0.001) and wake time (r=-0.590, p=0.001); sestrin-2 was positively associated with percentage of rapid eye movement sleep (r=0.442, p=0.016) and negatively with non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 2 in the percentage (r=-0.394, p=0.034). Adjusted for sex, age and HAMD, pannexin-1 was still associated with the above objective sleep measures, but sestrin-2 was only negatively with wake time (r=-0.446, p=0.022). However, these biomarkers showed no significant correlations with subjective sleep quality (PSQI score). Serum concentrations of neurotensin and pannexin-1 were positively associated with the mean erroneous distance in the BVAT. Adjusted for sex, age and depression, neurotensin was negatively associated with MoCA score (r=-0.257, p=0.044), pannexin-1 was positively associated with the mean erroneous distance in the BVAT (r=0.270, p=0.033). Conclusions The CID patients had increased neurotensin and pannexin-1 and decreased sestrin-2 in the serum levels, indicating neuron dysfunction, which could be related to poor sleep quality and cognitive dysfunction measured objectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Xi Su
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
- Department of General Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Zi-Jie Ma
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Zong-Yin Li
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Xue-Yan Li
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Lan Xia
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Yi-Jun Ge
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
| | - Gui-Hai Chen
- Department of Neurology (Sleep Disorder), The Affiliated Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Chaohu, China
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13
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Allan NP, Yamamoto BY, Kunihiro BP, Nunokawa CKL, Rubas NC, Wells RK, Umeda L, Phankitnirundorn K, Torres A, Peres R, Takahashi E, Maunakea AK. Ketogenic Diet Induced Shifts in the Gut Microbiome Associate with Changes to Inflammatory Cytokines and Brain-Related miRNAs in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2024; 16:1401. [PMID: 38794639 PMCID: PMC11124410 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101401] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this interventional pilot study, we investigated the effects of a modified ketogenic diet (KD) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously observed improved behavioral symptoms in this cohort following the KD; this trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02477904). This report details the alterations observed in the microbiota, inflammation markers, and microRNAs of seven children following a KD for a duration of 4 months. Our analysis included blood and stool samples, collected before and after the KD. After 4 months follow up, we found that the KD led to decreased plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12p70 and IL-1b) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Additionally, we observed changes in the gut microbiome, increased expression of butyrate kinase in the gut, and altered levels of BDNF-associated miRNAs in the plasma. These cohort findings suggest that the KD may positively influence ASD sociability, as previously observed, by reducing inflammation, reversing gut microbial dysbiosis, and impacting the BDNF pathway related to brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina P. Allan
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Brennan Y. Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Braden P. Kunihiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Chandler K. L. Nunokawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Noelle C. Rubas
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Riley K. Wells
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Lesley Umeda
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
- Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Krit Phankitnirundorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Amada Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Rafael Peres
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Alika K. Maunakea
- Department of Biochemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (N.P.A.); (B.Y.Y.); (B.P.K.); (C.K.L.N.); (N.C.R.); (R.K.W.); (L.U.); (K.P.); (A.T.); (R.P.)
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14
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Saleki K, Alijanizadeh P, Javanmehr N, Rezaei N. The role of Toll-like receptors in neuropsychiatric disorders: Immunopathology, treatment, and management. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1267-1325. [PMID: 38226452 DOI: 10.1002/med.22012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders denote a broad range of illnesses involving neurology and psychiatry. These disorders include depressive disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, headaches, and epilepsy. In addition to their main neuropathology that lies in the central nervous system (CNS), lately, studies have highlighted the role of immunity and neuroinflammation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate receptors that act as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems via adaptor proteins (e.g., MYD88) and downstream elements; TLRs are classified into 13 families that are involved in normal function and illnesses of the CNS. TLRs expression affects the course of neuropsychiatric disorders, and is influenced during their pharmacotherapy; For example, the expression of multiple TLRs is normalized during the major depressive disorder pharmacotherapy. Here, the role of TLRs in neuroimmunology, treatment, and management of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed. We recommend longitudinal studies to comparatively assess the cell-type-specific expression of TLRs during treatment, illness progression, and remission. Also, further research should explore molecular insights into TLRs regulation and related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of e-Learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parsa Alijanizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Javanmehr
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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15
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Pall ML. Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca 2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations. Brain Sci 2024; 14:454. [PMID: 38790433 PMCID: PMC11119459 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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16
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Theoharides TC, Twahir A, Kempuraj D. Mast cells in the autonomic nervous system and potential role in disorders with dysautonomia and neuroinflammation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:440-454. [PMID: 37951572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MC) are ubiquitous in the body, and they are critical for not only in allergic diseases but also in immunity and inflammation, including having potential involvement in the pathophysiology of dysautonomias and neuroinflammatory disorders. MC are located perivascularly close to nerve endings and sites such as the carotid bodies, heart, hypothalamus, the pineal gland, and the adrenal gland that would allow them not only to regulate but also to be affected by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). MC are stimulated not only by allergens but also many other triggers including some from the ANS that can affect MC release of neurosensitizing, proinflammatory, and vasoactive mediators. Hence, MC may be able to regulate homeostatic functions that seem to be dysfunctional in many conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and Long-COVID syndrome. The evidence indicates that there is a possible association between these conditions and diseases associated with MC activation. There is no effective treatment for any form of these conditions other than minimizing symptoms. Given the many ways MC could be activated and the numerous mediators released, it would be important to develop ways to inhibit stimulation of MC and the release of ANS-relevant mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Assma Twahir
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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17
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Li K, Liang X, Liu X, Geng Y, Yan J, Tian L, Liu H, Lai W, Shi Y, Xi Z, Lin B. Early-life exposure to PM2.5 leads to ASD-like phenotype in male offspring rats through activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 274:116222. [PMID: 38503106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that early-life exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increasing risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, the specific sensitive period of ASD is unknown. Here, a model of dynamic whole-body concentrated PM2.5 exposure in pre- and early-postnatal male offspring rats (MORs) was established. And we found that early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats showed more typical ASD behavioral characteristics than maternal pregnancy exposure rats, including poor social interaction, novelty avoidance and anxiety disorder. And more severe oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were observed in early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats. Moreover, the expression level of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was down-regulated and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT were up-regulated in early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats. This study suggests that early postnatal exposure to PM2.5 is more susceptible to ASD-like phenotype in offspring than maternal pregnancy exposure and the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may represent underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yanpei Geng
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Binzhou Medical College, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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18
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Maltsev D, Solonko I, Sydorenko O. The assessment of microbial infection in children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic folate cycle deficiency. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:200. [PMID: 38515059 PMCID: PMC10956213 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The results of disparate clinical studies indicate abnormally frequent cases of certain microorganisms in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, these data require clarification and systematization. The study aims to study the structure of the microbial profile in children with ASD and genetic folate cycle deficiency (GFCD) and consider differences in diagnostic approaches for identifying microorganisms of different types. METHODS The study analyzed medical data from 240 children (187 boys and 63 girls) with GFCD aged 2 to 9 years. The children had clinical manifestations of ASD (the study group, SG). The control group (CG) included 53 clinically healthy children (37 boys and 16 girls) of the same age but without GFCD. Both groups of children were tested on active herpetic infections (HSV-1/2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8), ТТV, Streptococcus pyogenes, Candida albicans, Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Toxoplasma gondii, congenital CMV neuroinfection and postnatal HSV-1/2 encephalitis. The testing used diagnostic methods specified in PubMed-indexed studies. RESULTS In the SG, TTV was found in 196 children (82%), HHV-7 - in 172 (72%), HHV-6 - in 162 (68%), EBV - in 153 (64%), Streptococcus pyogenes - in 127 (53%), Candida albicans - in 116 (48%), Borrelia - in 107 (45%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae - in 94 (39%), Chlamydia pneumoniae - in 85 (35%), Yersinia entеrocolitica - in 71 (30%), Toxoplasma gondii - in 54 (23%), congenital CMV neuroinfection - in 26 (11%), and postnatal HSV-1/2 encephalitis - in 11 children (5% of cases) (p < p0.05; Z < Z0.05). In the SG, there was a higher microbial load in older children (p < p0.05; Z < Z0.05). No gender differences were found. CONCLUSIONS The study described and characterized a specific abnormal microbial spectrum with a predominance of viral opportunistic agents in children with ASD associated with GFCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Maltsev
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O'Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Iryna Solonko
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O'Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olena Sydorenko
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, O'Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
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19
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Nagata A, Onishi K, Masumoto T, Nakagawa T, Ishitsuka K, Kurozawa Y. Early childhood neurodevelopmental milestones in children with allergic diseases: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Sci Rep 2024; 14:6460. [PMID: 38499597 PMCID: PMC10948893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57210-y] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential link between early childhood allergic diseases and neurodevelopmental milestone attainment during the first 3 years of life. Utilizing data from a large-scale prospective birth cohort study in Japan, encompassing 87,986 children, we examined physician-diagnosed and caregiver-reported allergic conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and food allergy (FA). Neurodevelopmental milestones were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 years of age. Stabilized inverse probability-weighted generalized estimating equation models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Our analysis revealed no significant association of AD and asthma with delay in communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social skills during the initial 3 years of life. However, children with FA showed an increased likelihood of experiencing gross motor delay compared with that shown by those without FA (weighted adjusted OR: 1.14). Despite this, no significant association of FA with other developmental domains was observed. Early childhood allergies may not influence neurodevelopmental delays. However, there is a potential association between FA and delays, specifically in gross motor skills, that warrants routine developmental monitoring and additional investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir Nagata
- Department of Regenerative Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kazunari Onishi
- Division of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, 3-6-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Toshio Masumoto
- Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Nakagawa
- Department of Regenerative Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita-shi, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazue Ishitsuka
- Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Youichi Kurozawa
- Division of Health Administration and Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
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Kovacheva E, Gevezova M, Maes M, Sarafian V. Mast Cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder-The Enigma to Be Solved? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2651. [PMID: 38473898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disturbance of neurodevelopment with a complicated pathogenesis and unidentified etiology. Many children with ASD have a history of "allergic symptoms", often in the absence of mast cell (MC)-positive tests. Activation of MCs by various stimuli may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, contributing to the development of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge on the relationship between MCs and ASD by discussing key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Cytokines, essential marker molecules for MC degranulation and therapeutic targets, are also highlighted. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, are the main points contributing to solving the enigma. Key molecules, associated with MCs, may provide new insights to the discovery of drug targets for modeling inflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Kovacheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610072, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Fitness and Technology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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21
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Gillespie B, Houghton MJ, Ganio K, McDevitt CA, Bennett D, Dunn A, Raju S, Schroeder A, Hill RA, Cardoso BR. Maternal selenium dietary supplementation alters sociability and reinforcement learning deficits induced by in utero exposure to maternal immune activation in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:349-361. [PMID: 38142918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy increases the risk for the unborn foetus to develop neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia later in life. MIA mouse models recapitulate behavioural and biological phenotypes relevant to both conditions, and are valuable models to test novel treatment approaches. Selenium (Se) has potent anti-inflammatory properties suggesting it may be an effective prophylactic treatment against MIA. The aim of this study was to determine if Se supplementation during pregnancy can prevent adverse effects of MIA on offspring brain and behaviour in a mouse model. Selenium was administered via drinking water (1.5 ppm) to pregnant dams from gestational day (GD) 9 to birth, and MIA was induced at GD17 using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly-I:C, 20 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection). Foetal placenta and brain cytokine levels were assessed using a Luminex assay and brain elemental nutrients assessed using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry. Adult offspring were behaviourally assessed using a reinforcement learning paradigm, the three-chamber sociability test and the open field test. MIA elevated placental IL-1β and IL-17, and Se supplementation successfully prevented this elevation. MIA caused an increase in foetal brain calcium, which was prevented by Se supplement. MIA caused in offspring a female-specific reduction in sociability, which was recovered by Se, and a male-specific reduction in social memory, which was not recovered by Se. Exposure to poly-I:C or selenium, but not both, reduced performance in the reinforcement learning task. Computational modelling indicated that this was predominantly due to increased exploratory behaviour, rather than reduced rate of learning the location of the food reward. This study demonstrates that while Se may be beneficial in ameliorating sociability deficits caused by MIA, it may have negative effects in other behavioural domains. Caution in the use of Se supplementation during pregnancy is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Michael J Houghton
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia; Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Katherine Ganio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Christopher A McDevitt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Daniel Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Ariel Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sharvada Raju
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Anna Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Barbara R Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia.
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22
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Gao Y, Cai L, Wu Y, Jiang M, Zhang Y, Ren W, Song Y, Li L, Lei Z, Wu Y, Zhu L, Li J, Li D, Li G, Luo C, Tao L. Emerging functions and therapeutic targets of IL-38 in central nervous system diseases. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14550. [PMID: 38334236 PMCID: PMC10853902 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14550] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-38 is a newly discovered cytokine of the IL-1 family, which binds various receptors (i.e., IL-36R, IL-1 receptor accessory protein-like 1, and IL-1R1) in the central nervous system (CNS). The hallmark physiological function of IL-38 is competitive binding to IL-36R, as does the IL-36R antagonist. Emerging research has shown that IL-38 is abnormally expressed in the serum and brain tissue of patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting that IL-38 may play an important role in neurological diseases. Important advances include that IL-38 alleviates neuromyelitis optica disorder (NMOD) by inhibiting Th17 expression, improves IS by protecting against atherosclerosis via regulating immune cells and inflammation, and reduces IL-1β and CXCL8 release through inhibiting human microglial activity post-ASD. In contrast, IL-38 mRNA is markedly increased and is mainly expressed in phagocytes in spinal cord injury (SCI). IL-38 ablation attenuated SCI by reducing immune cell infiltration. However, the effect and underlying mechanism of IL-38 in CNS diseases remain inadequately characterized. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics, pathophysiological role, and potential mechanisms of IL-38 in CNS diseases (e.g., NMOD, Alzheimer's disease, ASD, IS, TBI, and SCI), aiming to explore the therapeutic potential of IL-38 in the prevention and treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryPennsylvania State University College of MedicineState CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Forensic ScienceWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Luwei Cai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yulu Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wenjing Ren
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yirui Song
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent HealthcareChildren's Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Ziguang Lei
- Department of Forensic ScienceWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Youzhuang Wu
- Department of Forensic ScienceWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Luwen Zhu
- Department of Forensic ScienceWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Dongya Li
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryPennsylvania State University College of MedicineState CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Chengliang Luo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Biological SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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23
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Taheri F, Joushi S, Esmaeilpour K, Ebrahimi MN, Taherizadeh Z, Taheri P, Sheibani V. Transmission of behavioral and cognitive impairments across generations in rats subjected to prenatal valproic acid exposure. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2309. [PMID: 38343145 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents an inheritable neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Numerous studies have underscored the significant roles played by genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of ASD, and these factors are known to perpetuate behavioral impairments across generations. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to assess the behavioral and cognitive attributes in the second filial (F2) generation of male and female rats, with a particular focus on those whose parents had been exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during embryonic development. METHODS In this study, a cohort of 32 male and 32 female rats from the second filial (F2) generation, referred to as Mother.ASD, Father.ASD, or Both.ASD, was examined. These designations indicate whether the mother, father, or both parents had experienced embryonic exposure to valproic acid (600 mg/kg, i.p.). During adolescence, the F2 pups underwent behavioral and cognitive assessments, including open field testing, marble burying, social interaction evaluations, and Morris water maze tasks. RESULTS Our data revealed that while both the Mother.ASD and Father.ASD groups, regardless of sex, exhibited elevated anxiety-like behavior in the open field test. Only the Mother.ASD group displayed repetitive behaviors and deficits in social memory. Additionally, spatial memory impairments were observed in both sexes. These findings highlight the transmission of autistic-like behaviors in the offspring of Mother.ASD rats from both sexes. Nevertheless, future research endeavors should be more targeted in identifying the specific genes responsible for this transmission. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings underscore the transmission of autistic-like behaviors, including anxiety-like behavior, repetitive actions, impairments in social interactions, and deficits in memory, to the offspring of the Mother.ASD group, irrespective of their sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Public health school, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Navid Ebrahimi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Taherizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Parichehr Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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24
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Cao S, Zhang Z, Liu L, Li Y, Li W, Li Y, Wu D. Causal relationships between atopic dermatitis and psychiatric disorders: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:16. [PMID: 38172785 PMCID: PMC10763185 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have suggested the potential associations between atopic dermatitis (AD) and psychiatric disorders. However, the causal relationship between them remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the potential bidirectional causal relationship between AD and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), anorexia nervosa (AN), Tourette syndrome (TS), schizophrenia, and anxiety. METHODS Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to elucidate the causality between AD and psychiatric disorders, using summary statistics from the most comprehensive genome-wide association studies conducted on AD (Ncases = 60,653, Ncontrols = 804,329). Psychiatric disorders were derived from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and were independent of AD data sources. The MR analysis entailed the implementation of multiple methods, including the inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression method, weighted median method, simple mode method, and weighted mode method. RESULTS Bidirectional two-sample MR analysis uncovered significant causal associations between AD and severe psychiatric disorders. Specifically, liability to AD was associated with increased risk of ADHD (OR = 1.116; 95% CI: [1.009, 1.234]; P = 0.033) and ASD (OR = 1.131; 95% CI: [1.023, 1.251]; P = 0.016). Additionally, evidence suggested that liability to ADHD (OR = 1.112; 95% CI: [1.094, 1.130]; P = 9.20e-40), liability to AN (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: [1.068, 1.134]; P = 4.45e-10) and liability to BD (OR = 1.067; 95% CI: [1.009, 1.128]; P = 0.023) were associated with an increased risk of AD. Only the causal association between AD and ASD was independent of the reverse effect bias. These causal associations were robust and not affected by biases of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasizes the significant causal association between AD and an increased risk of ASD, and also identifying BD and AN as risk factors for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqi Cao
- National Center, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, People's Republic of China
| | - Zicheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
- Hainan Institute of Real World Data, Haikou, 570228, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, The Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunling Li
- Department of Dermatology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310053, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dingfeng Wu
- National Center, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Croen LA, Ames JL, Qian Y, Alexeeff S, Ashwood P, Gunderson EP, Wu YW, Boghossian AS, Yolken R, Van de Water J, Weiss LA. Inflammatory Conditions During Pregnancy and Risk of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:39-50. [PMID: 38045769 PMCID: PMC10689278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal inflammation can result from immune dysregulation and metabolic perturbations during pregnancy. Whether conditions associated with inflammation during pregnancy increase the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders (DDs) is not well understood. Methods We conducted a case-control study among children born in California from 2011 to 2016 to investigate maternal immune-mediated and cardiometabolic conditions during pregnancy and risk of ASD (n = 311) and DDs (n = 1291) compared with children from the general population (n = 967). Data on maternal conditions and covariates were retrieved from electronic health records. Maternal genetic data were used to assess a causal relationship. Results Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that mothers with asthma were more likely to deliver infants later diagnosed with ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.15-2.29) or DDs (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64). Maternal obesity was also associated with child ASD (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.13). Mothers with both asthma and extreme obesity had the greatest odds of delivering an infant later diagnosed with ASD (OR = 16.9, 95% CI: 5.13-55.71). These increased ASD odds were observed among female children only. Polygenic risk scores for obesity, asthma, and their combination showed no association with ASD risk. Mendelian randomization did not support a causal relationship between maternal conditions and ASD. Conclusions Inflammatory conditions during pregnancy are associated with risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. These risks do not seem to be due to shared genetic risk; rather, inflammatory conditions may share nongenetic risk factors with neurodevelopmental disorders. Children whose mothers have both asthma and obesity during pregnancy may benefit from earlier screening and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Jennifer L. Ames
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Yinge Qian
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Stacey Alexeeff
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and the MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Erica P. Gunderson
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
| | - Yvonne W. Wu
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew S. Boghossian
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert Yolken
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Judy Van de Water
- Division of Rheumatology/Allergy/Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California
| | - Lauren A. Weiss
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Kyriatzis G, Khrestchatisky M, Ferhat L, Chatzaki EA. Neurotensin and Neurotensin Receptors in Stress-related Disorders: Pathophysiology & Novel Drug Targets. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:916-934. [PMID: 37534788 PMCID: PMC10845085 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230803101629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the CNS that has been involved in the pathophysiology of many neural and psychiatric disorders. There are three known neurotensin receptors (NTSRs), which mediate multiple actions, and form the neurotensinergic system in conjunction with NT. NTSR1 is the main mediator of NT, displaying effects in both the CNS and the periphery, while NTSR2 is mainly expressed in the brain and NTSR3 has a broader expression pattern. In this review, we bring together up-to-date studies showing an involvement of the neurotensinergic system in different aspects of the stress response and the main stress-related disorders, such as depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its associated symptoms, such as fear memory and maternal separation, ethanol addiction, and substance abuse. Emphasis is put on gene, mRNA, and protein alterations of NT and NTSRs, as well as behavioral and pharmacological studies, leading to evidence-based suggestions on the implicated regulating mechanisms as well as their therapeutic exploitation. Stress responses and anxiety involve mainly NTSR1, but also NTSR2 and NTSR3. NTSR1 and NTSR3 are primarily implicated in depression, while NTSR2 and secondarily NTSR1 in PTSD. NTSR1 is interrelated with substance and drug abuse and NTSR2 with fear memory, while all NTSRs seem to be implicated in ethanol consumption. Some of the actions of NT and NTSRs in these pathological settings may be driven through interactions between NT and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) in their regulatory contribution, as well as by NT's pro-inflammatory mediating actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Kyriatzis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Institute of Neurophysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Michel Khrestchatisky
- Institute of Neurophysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Lotfi Ferhat
- Institute of Neurophysiopathology, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Ekaterini Alexiou Chatzaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, University Research Centre, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
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27
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El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi L. Effects of Walnut and Pumpkin on Selective Neurophenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4564. [PMID: 37960217 PMCID: PMC10647375 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214564] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Special diets or nutritional supplements are regularly given to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The increased consumption of particular foods has been demonstrated in numerous trials to lessen autism-related symptoms and comorbidities. A case study on a boy with moderate autism who significantly improved after three years of following a healthy diet consisting of pumpkin and walnuts was examined in this review in connection to a few different neurophenotypes of ASD. We are able to suggest that a diet high in pumpkin and walnuts was useful in improving the clinical presentation of the ASD case evaluated by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered gut microbiota, all of which are etiological variables. Using illustrated figures, a full description of the ways by which a diet high in pumpkin and nuts could assist the included case is offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 110281, United Arab Emirates
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Yu X, Mostafijur Rahman M, Carter SA, Lin JC, Zhuang Z, Chow T, Lurmann FW, Kleeman MJ, Martinez MP, van Donkelaar A, Martin RV, Eckel SP, Chen Z, Levitt P, Schwartz J, Hackman D, Chen JC, McConnell R, Xiang AH. Prenatal air pollution, maternal immune activation, and autism spectrum disorder. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108148. [PMID: 37595536 PMCID: PMC10792527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) risk is highly heritable, with potential additional non-genetic factors, such as prenatal exposure to ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and maternal immune activation (MIA) conditions. Because these exposures may share common biological effect pathways, we hypothesized that synergistic associations of prenatal air pollution and MIA-related conditions would increase ASD risk in children. OBJECTIVES This study examined interactions between MIA-related conditions and prenatal PM2.5 or major PM2.5 components on ASD risk. METHODS In a population-based pregnancy cohort of children born between 2001 and 2014 in Southern California, 318,751 mother-child pairs were followed through electronic medical records (EMR); 4,559 children were diagnosed with ASD before age 5. Four broad categories of MIA-related conditions were classified, including infection, hypertension, maternal asthma, and autoimmune conditions. Average exposures to PM2.5 and four PM2.5 components, black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), nitrate (NO3-), and sulfate (SO42-), were estimated at maternal residential addresses during pregnancy. We estimated the ASD risk associated with MIA-related conditions, air pollution, and their interactions, using Cox regression models to adjust for covariates. RESULTS ASD risk was associated with MIA-related conditions [infection (hazard ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.18), hypertension (1.30; 1.19-1.42), maternal asthma (1.22; 1.08-1.38), autoimmune disease (1.19; 1.09-1.30)], with higher pregnancy PM2.5 [1.07; 1.03-1.12 per interquartile (3.73 μg/m3) increase] and with all four PM2.5 components. However, there were no interactions of each category of MIA-related conditions with PM2.5 or its components on either multiplicative or additive scales. CONCLUSIONS MIA-related conditions and pregnancy PM2.5 were independently associations with ASD risk. There were no statistically significant interactions of MIA conditions and prenatal PM2.5 exposure with ASD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yu
- Spatial Science Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Md Mostafijur Rahman
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, USA
| | - Sarah A Carter
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jane C Lin
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Zimin Zhuang
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ting Chow
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael J Kleeman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA,USA
| | - Mayra P Martinez
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Aaron van Donkelaar
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Randall V Martin
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhanghua Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Keck School of Medicine, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Hackman
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiu-Chiuan Chen
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anny H Xiang
- Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Gambadauro A, Foti Randazzese S, Currò A, Galletta F, Crisafulli G, Caminiti L, Germanò E, Di Rosa G, Nicotera AG, Manti S. Impact of the Allergic Therapeutic Adherence in Children with Allergic Rhinitis and ADHD: A Pilot Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1346. [PMID: 37763113 PMCID: PMC10533111 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091346] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic allergic disease in children. Several studies have shown an association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and allergies, especially AR. Patients with ADHD usually have poor therapeutic adherence, and untreated AR symptoms may worsen the quality of life of patients. METHODS The aim of our study was to analyse therapeutic adherence in patients with ADHD and AR and estimate the impact of the adherence on ADHD symptoms. Total Nasal Symptoms Score (TNSS), Paediatric or Adolescent Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ 6-12 years; ARQLQ 13-17 years), Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham version IV scale (SNAP-IV), and Medication Assessment Questionnaire (MGL MAQ) were recorded. RESULTS In the AR-ADHD group, a positive correlation between TNSS and SNAP-IV subscales was found: worse AR symptoms were related to a negative effect on ADHD scores. AR-ADHD patients with better ADHD therapeutic adherence showed higher AR symptoms and higher oppositional defiant disorder scores in the SNAP-IV questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that better adherence to AR therapy (oral antihistamines and/or intranasal corticosteroids, INCS) is associated with a reduction in inattention symptoms in children with ADHD. This data could prove to be fundamental for the psychic outcome of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Gambadauro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Simone Foti Randazzese
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Arianna Currò
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Francesca Galletta
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Crisafulli
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Lucia Caminiti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Eva Germanò
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.C.); (E.G.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (S.F.R.); (F.G.); (G.C.); (L.C.); (S.M.)
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Dumitriu D, Baldwin E, Coenen RJ, Hammond LA, Peterka DS, Heilbrun L, Frye RE, Palmer R, Norrman HN, Fridell A, Remnelius KL, Isaksson J, Austin C, Curtin P, Bölte S, Arora M. Deciduous tooth biomarkers reveal atypical fetal inflammatory regulation in autism spectrum disorder. iScience 2023; 26:106247. [PMID: 36926653 PMCID: PMC10011823 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Atypical regulation of inflammation has been proposed in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, measuring the temporal profile of fetal inflammation associated with future ASD diagnosis has not been possible. Here, we present a method to generate approximately daily profiles of prenatal and early childhood inflammation as measured by developmentally archived C-reactive protein (CRP) in incremental layers of deciduous tooth dentin. In our discovery population, a group of Swedish twins, we found heightened inflammation in the third trimester in children with future ASD diagnosis relative to controls (n = 66; 14 ASD cases; critical window: -90 to -50 days before birth). In our replication study, in the US, we observed a similar increase in CRP in ASD cases during the third trimester (n = 47; 23 ASD cases; -128 to -21 days before birth). Our results indicate that the third trimester is a critical period of atypical fetal inflammatory regulation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Dumitriu
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Elena Baldwin
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Roozie J.J. Coenen
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Luke A. Hammond
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Darcy S. Peterka
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Lynne Heilbrun
- Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
| | - Raymond Palmer
- Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hjalmar Nobel Norrman
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Anna Fridell
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research Center, Center for Psychiatry Research, Region Stockholm, Stockholm 104 31, Sweden
| | - Karl Lundin Remnelius
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Johan Isaksson
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Christine Austin
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Paul Curtin
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorder (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research Center, Center for Psychiatry Research, Region Stockholm, Stockholm 104 31, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Manish Arora
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
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31
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Usui N, Kobayashi H, Shimada S. Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065487. [PMID: 36982559 PMCID: PMC10049423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and hyperesthesia/hypesthesia caused by genetic and/or environmental factors. In recent years, inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. In this review, we discuss the inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of ASD, particularly focusing on maternal immune activation (MIA). MIA is a one of the common environmental risk factors for the onset of ASD during pregnancy. It induces an immune reaction in the pregnant mother’s body, resulting in further inflammation and oxidative stress in the placenta and fetal brain. These negative factors cause neurodevelopmental impairments in the developing fetal brain and subsequently cause behavioral symptoms in the offspring. In addition, we also discuss the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants in basic studies on animals and clinical studies of ASD. Our review provides the latest findings and new insights into the involvements of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-668-79-3124
| | - Hikaru Kobayashi
- SANKEN (Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Suita 567-0047, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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Jiang P, Zhou L, Du Z, Zhao L, Tang Y, Fei X, Wang L, Li D, Li S, Yang H, Fan X, Liao H. Icariin alleviates autistic-like behavior, hippocampal inflammation and vGlut1 expression in adult BTBR mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114384. [PMID: 36889463 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated, heterogeneous disorder characterized by social interaction deficits and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Neuroinflammation and synaptic protein dysregulation have been implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Icariin (ICA) has proven to exert neuroprotective function through anti-inflammatory function. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of ICA treatment on autism-like behavioral deficits in BTBR mice and whether these changes were related to modifications in the hippocampal inflammation and the balance of excitatory/inhibitory synapses. ICA supplementation (80 mg/kg, once daily for ten days, i.g.) ameliorated social deficits, repetitive stereotypical behaviors, and short-term memory deficit without affecting locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors of BTBR mice. Furthermore, ICA treatment inhibited neuroinflammation via decreasing microglia number and the soma size in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, as well as the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. In addition, ICA treatment also rescued excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein imbalance by inhibiting the increased vGlut1 level without affecting the vGAT level in the BTBR mouse hippocampus. Collectively, the observed results indicate that ICA treatment alleviates ASD-like features, mitigates disturbed balance of excitatory-inhibitory synaptic protein, and inhibits hippocampal inflammation in BTBR mice, and may represent a novel promising drug for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Jiang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lianyu Zhou
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Zhulin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Linyang Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yexi Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xinghang Fei
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dabing Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Huiling Liao
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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Li Q, Perera D, Cao C, He J, Bian J, Chen X, Azeem F, Howe A, Au B, Wu J, Yan J, Long Q. Interaction-integrated linear mixed model reveals 3D-genetic basis underlying Autism. Genomics 2023; 115:110575. [PMID: 36758877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Genetic interactions play critical roles in genotype-phenotype associations. We developed a novel interaction-integrated linear mixed model (ILMM) that integrates a priori knowledge into linear mixed models. ILMM enables statistical integration of genetic interactions upfront and overcomes the problems of searching for combinations. To demonstrate its utility, with 3D genomic interactions (assessed by Hi-C experiments) as a priori, we applied ILMM to whole-genome sequencing data for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and brain transcriptome data, revealing the 3D-genetic basis of ASD and 3D-expression quantitative loci (3D-eQTLs) for brain tissues. Notably, we reported a potential mechanism involving distal regulation between FOXP2 and DNMT3A, conferring the risk of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Deshan Perera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jingni He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jiayi Bian
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Feeha Azeem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Aaron Howe
- Heritage Youth Researcher Summer Program, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Billie Au
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Quan Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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Roles of the Notch signaling pathway and microglia in autism. Behav Brain Res 2023; 437:114131. [PMID: 36174842 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is mainly involved in the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation, survival and differentiation during the development of the central nervous system. As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism is associated with an abnormal increase in the number of microglia in several brain regions. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of autism may be related to the Notch signaling pathway and microglia. In this review, we discuss how Notch pathway activity leads to behavioral abnormalities such as learning and memory impairment by influencing neuronal biological activities. An increase in microglial protein synthesis and abnormal autophagy can affect synaptic development and lead to behavioral abnormalities, and all of these changes can lead to autism. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway regulates the activation and differentiation of microglia and promotes inflammatory responses, leading to the occurrence of autism. When excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) secreted by microglia cannot be cleared by autophagy in a timely manner, Notch signaling pathway activity is affected, possibly further increasing susceptibility to autism. This review reveals the mechanism underlying the role of the Notch signaling pathway, microglia and their interaction in the pathogenesis of autism and provides a theoretical reference for targeted clinical therapies for autism.
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Lampiasi N, Bonaventura R, Deidda I, Zito F, Russo R. Inflammation and the Potential Implication of Macrophage-Microglia Polarization in Human ASD: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2703. [PMID: 36769026 PMCID: PMC9916462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous collection of neurodevelopmental disorders, difficult to diagnose and currently lacking treatment options. The possibility of finding reliable biomarkers useful for early identification would offer the opportunity to intervene with treatment strategies to improve the life quality of ASD patients. To date, there are many recognized risk factors for the development of ASD, both genetic and non-genetic. Although genetic and epigenetic factors may play a critical role, the extent of their contribution to ASD risk is still under study. On the other hand, non-genetic risk factors include pollution, nutrition, infection, psychological states, and lifestyle, all together known as the exposome, which impacts the mother's and fetus's life, especially during pregnancy. Pathogenic and non-pathogenic maternal immune activation (MIA) and autoimmune diseases can cause various alterations in the fetal environment, also contributing to the etiology of ASD in offspring. Activation of monocytes, macrophages, mast cells and microglia and high production of pro-inflammatory cytokines are indeed the cause of neuroinflammation, and the latter is involved in ASD's onset and development. In this review, we focused on non-genetic risk factors, especially on the connection between inflammation, macrophage polarization and ASD syndrome, MIA, and the involvement of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Lampiasi
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica IRIB, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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Syu GD, Sutandy FXR, Chen K, Cheng Y, Chen CS, Shih JC. Autoantibody profiling of monoamine oxidase A knockout mice, an autism spectrum disorder model. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:193-200. [PMID: 36243286 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.001] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) is the critical enzyme to degrade serotonin in the brain and the knockout mouse exhibits hyperserotonemia and abnormalities that are observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thus, the MAO A knockout mouse is a valuable model for studying neurological and behavioral impairments in ASD. Based on the immune dysfunction hypothesis, dysregulated humoral immunity may cause neurological impairments. To address this hypothesis, we use high-density proteome microarray to profile the serum antibodies in both wild-type and MAO A knockout mice. The distingue autoantibody signatures were observed in the MAO A knockout and wild-type controls and showed 165 up-regulated and 232 down-regulated autoantibodies. The up-regulated autoantibodies were prone to target brain tissues while down-regulated ones were enriched in sex organs. The identified autoantibodies help bridge the gap between ASD mouse models and humoral immunity, not only yielding insights into the pathological mechanisms but also providing potential biomarkers for translational research in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Da Syu
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - F X Reymond Sutandy
- Institute for Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Yawei Cheng
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan; Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Sheng Chen
- Department of Food Safety/Hygiene and Risk Management, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA; USC-Taiwan Center for Translational Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA; Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
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Beopoulos A, Géa M, Fasano A, Iris F. RNA epitranscriptomics dysregulation: A major determinant for significantly increased risk of ASD pathogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101422. [PMID: 36875672 PMCID: PMC9978375 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are perhaps the most severe, intractable and challenging child psychiatric disorders. They are complex, pervasive and highly heterogeneous and depend on multifactorial neurodevelopmental conditions. Although the pathogenesis of autism remains unclear, it revolves around altered neurodevelopmental patterns and their implications for brain function, although these cannot be specifically linked to symptoms. While these affect neuronal migration and connectivity, little is known about the processes that lead to the disruption of specific laminar excitatory and inhibitory cortical circuits, a key feature of ASD. It is evident that ASD has multiple underlying causes and this multigenic condition has been considered to also dependent on epigenetic effects, although the exact nature of the factors that could be involved remains unclear. However, besides the possibility for differential epigenetic markings directly affecting the relative expression levels of individual genes or groups of genes, there are at least three mRNA epitranscriptomic mechanisms, which function cooperatively and could, in association with both genotypes and environmental conditions, alter spatiotemporal proteins expression patterns during brain development, at both quantitative and qualitative levels, in a tissue-specific, and context-dependent manner. As we have already postulated, sudden changes in environmental conditions, such as those conferred by maternal inflammation/immune activation, influence RNA epitranscriptomic mechanisms, with the combination of these processes altering fetal brain development. Herein, we explore the postulate whereby, in ASD pathogenesis, RNA epitranscriptomics might take precedence over epigenetic modifications. RNA epitranscriptomics affects real-time differential expression of receptor and channel proteins isoforms, playing a prominent role in central nervous system (CNS) development and functions, but also RNAi which, in turn, impact the spatiotemporal expression of receptors, channels and regulatory proteins irrespective of isoforms. Slight dysregulations in few early components of brain development, could, depending upon their extent, snowball into a huge variety of pathological cerebral alterations a few years after birth. This may very well explain the enormous genetic, neuropathological and symptomatic heterogeneities that are systematically associated with ASD and psychiatric disorders at large.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Géa
- Bio-Modeling Systems, Tour CIT, Paris, France
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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Vidriales-Fernández R, Plaza-Sanz M, Hernández-Layna C, Verde-Cagiao M, Benito-Ruiz G, Carvajal-Molina F. Characterizing the physical and mental health profile of children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder in Spain. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1088727. [PMID: 36970262 PMCID: PMC10031816 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1088727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autistic men and women are more likely to experience health issues than the general population, although the available epidemiological studies addressing co-occurrence conditions are limited. This is the first Spanish epidemiologic study addressing the health profile and poor-health exacerbating factors in individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods We analyzed 2,629 registries extracted from Autism Spain's sociodemographic registry (November 2017-May 2020). A descriptive health data analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of other conditions associated to ASD in the Spanish population. Nervous system disorders (12.9%), mental health diagnoses (17.8%), and other comorbidities (25.4%) were reported. Men-to-women ratio was 4:1. Results Women, elder individuals and those with intellectual disability (ID) were at an increased risk of health comorbidities and psychopharmacological exposure. Women were also more prone to severe intellectual and functional impairment. Nearly all individuals had difficulties in their adaptative functioning, especially those with ID (50% of the population). Almost half of the sample received psychopharmacological treatments starting from infancy and early childhood, mostly antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. Discussion This study represents an important first approach to the health status of autistic people in Spain and can contribute to the development of public policies and innovative health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guillermo Benito-Ruiz
- Confederación Autismo España, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Isabel I, Burgos, Spain
- *Correspondence: Guillermo Benito-Ruiz,
| | - Fernando Carvajal-Molina
- Facultad de Psicología, Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Błażewicz A, Grabrucker AM. Metal Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Crosstalk between Toxic and Essential Metals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010308. [PMID: 36613749 PMCID: PMC9820494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since hundreds of years ago, metals have been recognized as impacting our body's physiology. As a result, they have been studied as a potential cure for many ailments as well as a cause of acute or chronic poisoning. However, the link between aberrant metal levels and neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), is a relatively new finding, despite some evident ASD-related consequences of shortage or excess of specific metals. In this review, we will summarize past and current results explaining the pathomechanisms of toxic metals at the cellular and molecular levels that are still not fully understood. While toxic metals may interfere with dozens of physiological processes concurrently, we will focus on ASD-relevant activity such as inflammation/immune activation, mitochondrial malfunction, increased oxidative stress, impairment of axonal myelination, and synapse formation and function. In particular, we will highlight the competition with essential metals that may explain why both the presence of certain toxic metals and the absence of certain essential metals have emerged as risk factors for ASD. Although often investigated separately, through the agonistic and antagonistic effects of metals, a common metal imbalance may result in relation to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Błażewicz
- Department of Pathobiochemistry and Interdisciplinary Applications of Ion Chromatography, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-61-237756
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Keim SA, Jude A, Smith K, Khan AQ, Coury DL, Rausch J, Udaipuria S, Norris M, Bartram LR, Narayanan AR, Rogers LK. Randomized Controlled Trial of Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Reduce Inflammatory Markers in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:5342-5355. [PMID: 35013866 PMCID: PMC9271516 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This double-blind, randomized controlled trial, tested fatty acid (FA) supplementation in children (ages 2- < 6 years) recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants received daily oral FA supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 FA, or a placebo for 90 days based on participant weight. Erythrocyte FAs and the cytokines, IL-1β, IL-2, IFNγ, were measured in plasma obtained from serial blood collections. Treatment increased omega-3 and omega-6 FA levels (1.40 mol% for EPA and 1.62 mol% for DHA) and reduced IL-2 levels compared to placebo (- 0.17 pg/mL, 95% CI - 0.31, - 0.02, d = - 0.62). Omega 3-6 treatment was tolerable and adherence was greater than 70%. Future research will assess the effects of Omega 3-6 treatment on ASD symptoms. Registered on 06/08/2018 with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03550209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Keim
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Abigail Jude
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Katie Smith
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Aiman Q Khan
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Daniel L Coury
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joseph Rausch
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shivika Udaipuria
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Megan Norris
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lindsay R Bartram
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anita R Narayanan
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lynette K Rogers
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Beopoulos A, Géa M, Fasano A, Iris F. Autism spectrum disorders pathogenesis: Toward a comprehensive model based on neuroanatomic and neurodevelopment considerations. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:988735. [PMID: 36408388 PMCID: PMC9671112 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.988735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves alterations in neural connectivity affecting cortical network organization and excitation to inhibition ratio. It is characterized by an early increase in brain volume mediated by abnormal cortical overgrowth patterns and by increases in size, spine density, and neuron population in the amygdala and surrounding nuclei. Neuronal expansion is followed by a rapid decline from adolescence to middle age. Since no known neurobiological mechanism in human postnatal life is capable of generating large excesses of frontocortical neurons, this likely occurs due to a dysregulation of layer formation and layer-specific neuronal migration during key early stages of prenatal cerebral cortex development. This leads to the dysregulation of post-natal synaptic pruning and results in a huge variety of forms and degrees of signal-over-noise discrimination losses, accounting for ASD clinical heterogeneities, including autonomic nervous system abnormalities and comorbidities. We postulate that sudden changes in environmental conditions linked to serotonin/kynurenine supply to the developing fetus, throughout the critical GW7 - GW20 (Gestational Week) developmental window, are likely to promote ASD pathogenesis during fetal brain development. This appears to be driven by discrete alterations in differentiation and patterning mechanisms arising from in utero RNA editing, favoring vulnerability outcomes over plasticity outcomes. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive model of the pathogenesis and progression of ASD neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessio Fasano
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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Evaluation of emotional, Behavioral, and clinical characteristics of children aged 1-5 with a history of food-related anaphylaxis. Pediatr Neonatol 2022; 64:154-159. [PMID: 36210301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aimed to investigate emotional, behavioral, and social characteristics assessed with internationally validated psychometric scales and their relationship with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data in children with a history of food-related anaphylaxis. METHOD The study included patients aged 1-5 who were followed up in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of food-related anaphylaxis. All participants were evaluated during admission to the clinic using a study questionnaire, which was prepared by the authors, consisting of three parts: a sociodemographic information form, a clinical evaluation form, and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) for psychiatric evaluation. Parents answered the questionnaires regarding the patients' emotional and behavioral health. RESULTS Thirty patients aged between 12 and 62 months were included in the study. The data were compared with 30 healthy controls with similar age and gender distribution. The total ABC score (p = 0.015), and the stereotypic behavior (p = 0.003) and hyperactivity (p = 0.002) subscale scores were significantly higher in patients with anaphylaxis history compared to the controls. CONCLUSION Emotional and behavioral status assessments and the clinical follow-up of food allergies of patients who experienced anaphylaxis in early childhood are useful for the holistic management and early recognition of possible pathologies.
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Jameson C, Boulton KA, Silove N, Guastella AJ. Eczema and related atopic diseases are associated with increased symptom severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:415. [PMID: 36171195 PMCID: PMC9519885 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has diverse genetic, neurological, and environmental factors that contribute to its neurodevelopmental course. Interestingly, childhood ASD is often accompanied by skin disorders, such as eczema, and other related atopic manifestations. This link may be due to the shared embryonic origin of epidermal and neural tissue. Accordingly, we consider the potential influence of a skin-brain co-vulnerability and ensuing atopic cascade on ASD symptomatology by investigating whether atopic disorders (asthma, allergies, eczema and hay fever) are associated with increased symptom severity in children with ASD. Overall, 45 atopic and 93 non-atopic children with ASD were assessed using the ADOS-2 on scores of total, social and non-social symptoms. Differences in ASD symptom severity were further evaluated as a function of atopic disease type. Atopic children displayed greater symptom severity overall and in the social domain, relative to non-atopic participants. Atopic children were 2.4 times more likely to experience overall impairments classified within the ADOS-2 highest-level severity bracket and 2.7 times more likely to show social difficulties in this range. Moreover, those reporting comorbid eczema displayed increased symptom severity relative to both their non-atopic peers and those reporting asthma and allergies. Taken together, findings indicate that atopic disorders, and particularly comorbid eczema, are associated with increases in ASD symptom severity. Findings provide grounds for future investigations into this link between childhood skin diseases and ASD symptom severity to advance our understanding of neurodevelopment and to develop targeted assessment and intervention opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Jameson
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - K. A. Boulton
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - N. Silove
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia ,grid.413973.b0000 0000 9690 854XChild Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - A. J. Guastella
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XClinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XChild Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Sun Q, Xu W, Piao J, Su J, Ge T, Cui R, Yang W, Li B. Transcription factors are potential therapeutic targets in epilepsy. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4875-4885. [PMID: 36065764 PMCID: PMC9549512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Academics generally believe that imbalance between excitation and inhibition of the nervous system is the root cause of epilepsy. However, the aetiology of epilepsy is complex, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Many studies have shown that epilepsy is closely related to genetic factors. Additionally, the involvement of a variety of tumour‐related transcription factors in the pathogenesis of epilepsy has been confirmed, which also confirms the heredity of epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the existing research on a variety of transcription factors and epilepsy and present relevant evidence related to transcription factors that may be targets in epilepsy. This information is of great significance for revealing the in‐depth molecular and cellular mechanisms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihan Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingjing Piao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyun Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongtong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Hu W, Zhao M, Lian J, Li D, Wen J, Tan J. Lithium Cholesterol Sulfate: A Novel and Potential Drug for Treating Alzheimer's Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 22:CNSNDDT-EPUB-125841. [PMID: 36028968 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220825114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Recent studies have shown that lithium treatment can reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the present lithium salts clinically available have serious short-term and long-term side effects which requires frequent monitoring of blood chemistry and plasma lithium levels so as to avoid toxicity. Consequently, there is a demand for a safer and more effective lithium formulation to treat these diseases. METHODS Hence, we firstly synthesized lithium cholesterol sulfate (LiCS) and compared its pharmacological effects with that of lithium chloride (LiCl) and sodium cholesterol sulfate (NaCS) on markers of neurodegenerative disease in cell cultures. RESULTS LiCS was more potent than LiCl in increasing inhibitory GSK3β (Ser9) phosphorylation (pGSK3β) in both CHO and SH-SY5Y cells. These agents dose-dependently increased pGSK3β, starting at 10 µM for LiCS and 60µM for LiCl and maximally by approximately 100% at 60 µM for LiCS and 1.25 mM for LiCl, without altering total GSK3β levels. In HEK293/tau cells, LiCS reduced tau (Thr231) phosphorylation (ptau) starting at 10 µM and maximally by 63% at 40 µM without altering total tau levels, but ptau levels were not altered by LiCl at any dose between 60 µM and 1.25 mM. In BV2 cells, LiCS and LiCl decreased LPS-induced TNFα levels, starting at 20 µM for LiCS and 5 mM for LiCl, and maximally by approximately 30% at 80 µM for LiCS and 20 mM for LiCl. NaCS at any dose between 5 and 90 µM did not alter pGSK3β, ptau or LPS-induced TNFα. CONCLUSION LiCS may become a new drug with good pharmacological potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD and ASD by allowing lithium to more readily access intracellular pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Hu
- Department of GCP/Psychosomatic Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Menghua Zhao
- Department of GCP/Psychosomatic Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | | | - Dandan Li
- Huankui College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jinhua Wen
- Department of GCP/Psychosomatic Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, the Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang,550004, China
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Feinberg PA, Becker SC, Chung L, Ferrari L, Stellwagen D, Anaclet C, Durán-Laforet V, Faust TE, Sumbria RK, Schafer DP. Elevated TNF-α Leads to Neural Circuit Instability in the Absence of Interferon Regulatory Factor 8. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6171-6185. [PMID: 35790400 PMCID: PMC9374154 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0601-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor necessary for the maturation of microglia, as well as other peripheral immune cells. It also regulates the transition of microglia and other immune cells to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Irf8 is also a known risk gene for multiple sclerosis and lupus, and it has recently been shown to be downregulated in schizophrenia. While most studies have focused on IRF8-dependent regulation of immune cell function, little is known about how it impacts neural circuits. Here, we show by RNAseq from Irf8 -/- male and female mouse brains that several genes involved in regulation of neural activity are dysregulated. We then show that these molecular changes are reflected in heightened neural excitability and a profound increase in susceptibility to lethal seizures in male and female Irf8 -/- mice. Finally, we identify that TNF-α is elevated specifically in microglia in the CNS, and genetic or acute pharmacological blockade of TNF-α in the Irf8 -/- CNS rescued the seizure phenotype. These results provide important insights into the consequences of IRF8 signaling and TNF-α on neural circuits. Our data further suggest that neuronal function is impacted by loss of IRF8, a factor involved in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we identify a previously unknown and key role for interferon regulator factor 8 (IRF8) in regulating neural excitability and seizures. We further determine that these effects on neural circuits are through elevated TNF-α in the CNS. As IRF8 has most widely been studied in the context of regulating the development and inflammatory signaling in microglia and other immune cells, we have uncovered a novel function. Further, IRF8 is a risk gene for multiple sclerosis and lupus, IRF8 is dysregulated in schizophrenia, and elevated TNF-α has been identified in a multitude of neurologic conditions. Thus, elucidating these IRF8 and TNF-α-dependent effects on brain circuit function has profound implications for understanding underlying, therapeutically relevant mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Feinberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Shannon C Becker
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Leeyup Chung
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Loris Ferrari
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - David Stellwagen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec Canada H3G 1A4
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Violeta Durán-Laforet
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Travis E Faust
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Rachita K Sumbria
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California 92618
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, California 92868
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
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Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: potential target for mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by repetitive behaviours and impairments in communication, emotional and social skills. This review gives an overview of ASD, focusing on the aetiological and clinical aspects. It also discusses the role of neuroinflammation in ASD, critically examines the current evidence on the therapeutic effects of MSCs in ASD and consolidates key findings in this area of research.
Results
Many environmental and genetic factors have been linked to the aetiology of ASD. It has become increasingly evident that neuroinflammation plays a role in ASD. Conventional treatment of ASD revolves around psychosocial approaches whereas recent studies have turned to alternative approaches such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy, owing to the well-recognised immunomodulatory characteristics of MSCs. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that MSCs were able to exert anti-inflammatory effects and alleviate ASD symptoms.
Conclusions
There are many preclinical studies that support the use of MSCs in ASD. However, there are relatively fewer clinical studies concerning the safety and efficacy of MSCs in ASD, which warrants more large-scale clinical studies for future research.
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Delpire E, Ben-Ari Y. A Wholistic View of How Bumetanide Attenuates Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:2419. [PMID: 35954263 PMCID: PMC9367773 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The specific NKCC1 cotransporter antagonist, bumetanide, attenuates the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and many neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders in animal models and clinical trials. However, the pervasive expression of NKCC1 in many cell types throughout the body is thought to challenge the therapeutic efficacy of bumetanide. However, many peripheral functions, including intestinal, metabolic, or vascular, etc., are perturbed in brain disorders contributing to the neurological sequels. Alterations of these functions also increase the incidence of the disorder suggesting complex bidirectional links with the clinical manifestations. We suggest that a more holistic view of ASD and other disorders is warranted to account for the multiple sites impacted by the original intra-uterine insult. From this perspective, large-spectrum active repositioned drugs that act centrally and peripherally might constitute a useful approach to treating these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Delpire
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yehezkel Ben-Ari
- NeuroChlore, Campus Scientifique de Luminy, 163 Route de Luminy, 13273 Marseilles, France
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Mahdiani S, Omidkhoda N, Heidari S, Hayes AW, Karimi G. Protective effect of luteolin against chemical and natural toxicants by targeting NF-κB pathway. Biofactors 2022; 48:744-762. [PMID: 35861671 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to environmental, occupational, consumer and household products, food, and pharmaceutical substances. Luteolin, a flavone from the flavonoids family of compounds, is found in different fruits and vegetables. LUT is a strong anti-inflammatory (via inhibition of NF-κB, ERK1/2, MAPK, JNK, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and antioxidant agent (reducing ROS and enhancement of endogenous antioxidants). LUT can chelate transition metal ions responsible for ROS generation and consequently repress lipoxygenase. It has been proven that NF-κB, as a commom cellular pathway plays a considerable role in the progression of inflammatory process and stimulates the expression of genes encoding inducible pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This review summarizes the available literature discussing LUT and its potential protective role against pharmaceuticals-, metals-, and environmental compounds-induced toxicities. Furthermore, the review explains the involved protective mechanisms, especially inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Mahdiani
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Navid Omidkhoda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shadi Heidari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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