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Varma M, Bhandari R, Sarkar A, Jain M, Paliwal JK, Medhi B, Kuhad A. Exploring Astrocytes Involvement and Glutamate Induced Neuroinflammation in Chlorpyrifos-Induced Paradigm Of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04191-z. [PMID: 38896196 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders manifested mainly in children, with symptoms ranging from social/communication deficits and stereotypies to associated behavioral anomalies like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. While the patho-mechanism is not well understood, the role of neuroinflammation has been suggested. Nevertheless, the triggers giving rise to this neuroinflammation have not previously been explored in detail, so the present study was aimed at exploring the role of glutamate on these processes, potentially carried out through increased activity of inflammatory cells like astrocytes, and a decline in neuronal health. A novel chlorpyrifos-induced paradigm of ASD in rat pups was used for the present study. The animals were subjected to tests assessing their neonatal development and adolescent behaviors (social skills, stereotypies, sensorimotor deficits, anxiety, depression, olfactory, and pain perception). Markers for inflammation and the levels of molecules involved in glutamate excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation were also measured. Additionally, the expression of reactive oxygen species and markers of neuronal inflammation (GFAP) and function (c-Fos) were evaluated, along with an assessment of histopathological alterations. Based on these evaluations, it was found that postnatal administration of CPF had a negative impact on neurobehavior during both the neonatal and adolescent phases, especially on developmental markers, and brought about the generation of ASD-like symptoms. This was further corroborated by elevations in the expression of glutamate and downstream calcium, as well as certain cytokines and neuroinflammatory markers, and validated through histopathological and immunohistochemical results showing a decline in neuronal health in an astrocyte-mediated cytokine-dependent fashion. Through our findings, conclusive evidence regarding the involvement of glutamate in neuroinflammatory pathways implicated in the development of ASD-like symptoms, as well as its ability to activate further downstream processes linked to neuronal damage has been obtained. The role of astrocytes and the detrimental effect on neuronal health are also concluded. The significance of our study and its findings lies in the evaluation of the involvement of chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxicity in the development of ASD, particularly in relation to glutamatergic dysfunction and neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi Varma
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
- Division of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
- Director, AKB INNOVANT HEALHCARE PVT. LTD., Chandigarh, India.
| | - Ankan Sarkar
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Manish Jain
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Jyoti K Paliwal
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
- Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC- Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
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2
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Ruggiero RN, Marques DB, Rossignoli MT, De Ross JB, Prizon T, Beraldo IJS, Bueno-Junior LS, Kandratavicius L, Peixoto-Santos JE, Lopes-Aguiar C, Leite JP. Dysfunctional hippocampal-prefrontal network underlies a multidimensional neuropsychiatric phenotype following early-life seizure. eLife 2024; 12:RP90997. [PMID: 38593008 PMCID: PMC11003745 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain disturbances during development can have a lasting impact on neural function and behavior. Seizures during this critical period are linked to significant long-term consequences such as neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive impairments, and psychiatric symptoms, resulting in a complex spectrum of multimorbidity. The hippocampus-prefrontal cortex (HPC-PFC) circuit emerges as a potential common link between such disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying these outcomes and how they relate to specific behavioral alterations are unclear. We hypothesized that specific dysfunctions of hippocampal-cortical communication due to early-life seizure would be associated with distinct behavioral alterations observed in adulthood. Here, we performed a multilevel study to investigate behavioral, electrophysiological, histopathological, and neurochemical long-term consequences of early-life Status epilepticus in male rats. We show that adult animals submitted to early-life seizure (ELS) present working memory impairments and sensorimotor disturbances, such as hyperlocomotion, poor sensorimotor gating, and sensitivity to psychostimulants despite not exhibiting neuronal loss. Surprisingly, cognitive deficits were linked to an aberrant increase in the HPC-PFC long-term potentiation (LTP) in a U-shaped manner, while sensorimotor alterations were associated with heightened neuroinflammation, as verified by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, and altered dopamine neurotransmission. Furthermore, ELS rats displayed impaired HPC-PFC theta-gamma coordination and an abnormal brain state during active behavior resembling rapid eye movement (REM) sleep oscillatory dynamics. Our results point to impaired HPC-PFC functional connectivity as a possible pathophysiological mechanism by which ELS can cause cognitive deficits and psychiatric-like manifestations even without neuronal loss, bearing translational implications for understanding the spectrum of multidimensional developmental disorders linked to early-life seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Naime Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - Danilo Benette Marques
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - Matheus Teixeira Rossignoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - Jana Batista De Ross
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - Tamiris Prizon
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
| | - Ikaro Jesus Silva Beraldo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience (LANEC), Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | | | | | - Jose Eduardo Peixoto-Santos
- Neuroscience Discipline, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery,Universidade Federal de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Cleiton Lopes-Aguiar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience (LANEC), Federal University of Minas GeraisBelo HorizonteBrazil
| | - Joao Pereira Leite
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil
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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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Davies MR, Greenberg Z, van Vuurden DG, Cross CB, Zannettino ACW, Bardy C, Wardill HR. More than a small adult brain: Lessons from chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment for modelling paediatric brain disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:229-247. [PMID: 37858741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.013] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood is recognised as a period of immense physical and emotional development, and this, in part, is driven by underlying neurophysiological transformations. These neurodevelopmental processes are unique to the paediatric brain and are facilitated by augmented rates of neuroplasticity and expanded neural stem cell populations within neurogenic niches. However, given the immaturity of the developing central nervous system, innate protective mechanisms such as neuroimmune and antioxidant responses are functionally naïve which results in periods of heightened sensitivity to neurotoxic insult. This is highly relevant in the context of paediatric cancer, and in particular, the neurocognitive symptoms associated with treatment, such as surgery, radio- and chemotherapy. The vulnerability of the developing brain may increase susceptibility to damage and persistent symptomology, aligning with reports of more severe neurocognitive dysfunction in children compared to adults. It is therefore surprising, given this intensified neurocognitive burden, that most of the pre-clinical, mechanistic research focuses exclusively on adult populations and extrapolates findings to paediatric cohorts. Given this dearth of age-specific research, throughout this review we will draw comparisons with neurodevelopmental disorders which share comparable pathways to cancer treatment related side-effects. Furthermore, we will examine the unique nuances of the paediatric brain along with the somatic systems which influence neurological function. In doing so, we will highlight the importance of developing in vitro and in vivo paediatric disease models to produce age-specific discovery and clinically translatable research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Davies
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Zarina Greenberg
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory of Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dannis G van Vuurden
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, the weNetherlands
| | - Courtney B Cross
- Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cedric Bardy
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Laboratory of Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Hannah R Wardill
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Supportive Oncology Research Group, Precision Cancer Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
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5
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Ciancone-Chama AG, Bonaldo V, Biasini E, Bozzi Y, Balasco L. Gene Expression Profiling in Trigeminal Ganglia from Cntnap2 -/- and Shank3b -/- Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuroscience 2023; 531:75-85. [PMID: 37699442 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.08.028] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Sensory difficulties represent a crucial issue in the life of autistic individuals. The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders describes both hyper- and hypo-responsiveness to sensory stimulation as a criterion for the diagnosis autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Among the sensory domain affected in ASD, altered responses to tactile stimulation represent the most commonly reported sensory deficits. Although tactile abnormalities have been reported in monogenic cohorts of patients and genetic mouse models of ASD, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Traditionally, autism research has focused on the central nervous system as the target to infer the neurobiological bases of such tactile abnormalities. Nonetheless, the peripheral nervous system represents the initial site of processing of sensory information and a potential site of dysfunction in the sensory cascade. Here we investigated the gene expression deregulation in the trigeminal ganglion (which directly receives tactile information from whiskers) in two genetic models of syndromic autism (Shank3b and Cntnap2 mutant mice) at both adult and juvenile ages. We found several neuronal and non-neuronal markers involved in inhibitory, excitatory, neuroinflammatory and sensory neurotransmission to be differentially regulated within the trigeminal ganglia of both adult and juvenile Shank3b and Cntnap2 mutant mice. These results may help in disentangling the multifaced complexity of sensory abnormalities in autism and open avenues for the development of peripherally targeted treatments for tactile sensory deficits exhibited in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra G Ciancone-Chama
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Valerio Bonaldo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, TN, Italy
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, TN, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy; CNR Neuroscience Institute, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi Balasco
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy.
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6
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Rapti G. Regulation of axon pathfinding by astroglia across genetic model organisms. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1241957. [PMID: 37941606 PMCID: PMC10628440 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1241957] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia and neurons are intimately associated throughout bilaterian nervous systems, and were early proposed to interact for patterning circuit assembly. The investigations of circuit formation progressed from early hypotheses of intermediate guideposts and a "glia blueprint", to recent genetic and cell manipulations, and visualizations in vivo. An array of molecular factors are implicated in axon pathfinding but their number appears small relatively to circuit complexity. Comprehending this circuit complexity requires to identify unknown factors and dissect molecular topographies. Glia contribute to both aspects and certain studies provide molecular and functional insights into these contributions. Here, I survey glial roles in guiding axon navigation in vivo, emphasizing analogies, differences and open questions across major genetic models. I highlight studies pioneering the topic, and dissect recent findings that further advance our current molecular understanding. Circuits of the vertebrate forebrain, visual system and neural tube in zebrafish, mouse and chick, the Drosophila ventral cord and the C. elegans brain-like neuropil emerge as major contexts to study glial cell functions in axon navigation. I present astroglial cell types in these models, and their molecular and cellular interactions that drive axon guidance. I underline shared principles across models, conceptual or technical complications, and open questions that await investigation. Glia of the radial-astrocyte lineage, emerge as regulators of axon pathfinding, often employing common molecular factors across models. Yet this survey also highlights different involvements of glia in embryonic navigation or pioneer axon pathfinding, and unknowns in the molecular underpinnings of glial cell functions. Future cellular and molecular investigations should complete the comprehensive view of glial roles in circuit assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Rapti
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Rome, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Center of Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Bukatova S, Bacova Z, Osacka J, Bakos J. Mini review of molecules involved in altered postnatal neurogenesis in autism. Int J Neurosci 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37815399 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2023.2269304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The neurobiology of autism is complex, but emerging research points to potential abnormalities and alterations in neurogenesis. The aim of the present review is to describe the advances in the understanding of the role of selected neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and other compounds secreted by neuronal cells in the processes of postnatal neurogenesis in conjunction with autism. We characterize the fundamental mechanisms of neuronal cell proliferation, generation of major neuronal cell types with special emphasis on neurogenic niches - the subventricular zone and hippocampal areas. We also discuss changes in intracellular calcium levels and calcium-dependent transcription factors in the context of the regulation of neurogenesis and cell fate determination. To sum up, this review provides specific insight into the known association between alterations in the function of the entire spectrum of molecules involved in neurogenesis and the etiology of autism pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislava Bukatova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Osacka
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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8
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Liu D, Nanclares C, Simbriger K, Fang K, Lorsung E, Le N, Amorim IS, Chalkiadaki K, Pathak SS, Li J, Gewirtz JC, Jin VX, Kofuji P, Araque A, Orr HT, Gkogkas CG, Cao R. Autistic-like behavior and cerebellar dysfunction in Bmal1 mutant mice ameliorated by mTORC1 inhibition. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3727-3738. [PMID: 35301425 PMCID: PMC9481983 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although circadian and sleep disorders are frequently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it remains elusive whether clock gene disruption can lead to autistic-like phenotypes in animals. The essential clock gene Bmal1 has been associated with human sociability and its missense mutations are identified in ASD. Here we report that global Bmal1 deletion led to significant social impairments, excessive stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, as well as motor learning disabilities in mice, all of which resemble core behavioral deficits in ASD. Furthermore, aberrant cell density and immature morphology of dendritic spines were identified in the cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) of Bmal1 knockout (KO) mice. Electrophysiological recordings uncovered enhanced excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and reduced firing rates in the PCs of Bmal1 KO mice. Differential expression of ASD- and ataxia-associated genes (Ntng2, Mfrp, Nr4a2, Thbs1, Atxn1, and Atxn3) and dysregulated pathways of translational control, including hyperactivated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, were identified in the cerebellum of Bmal1 KO mice. Interestingly, the antidiabetic drug metformin reversed mTORC1 hyperactivation and alleviated major behavioral and PC deficits in Bmal1 KO mice. Importantly, conditional Bmal1 deletion only in cerebellar PCs was sufficient to recapitulate autistic-like behavioral and cellular changes akin to those identified in Bmal1 KO mice. Together, these results unveil a previously unidentified role for Bmal1 disruption in cerebellar dysfunction and autistic-like behaviors. Our findings provide experimental evidence supporting a putative role for dysregulation of circadian clock gene expression in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Carmen Nanclares
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Konstanze Simbriger
- Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Kun Fang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ethan Lorsung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Nam Le
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Inês Silva Amorim
- Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Salil Saurav Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gewirtz
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Victor X Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Harry T Orr
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christos G Gkogkas
- Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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9
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Stancioiu F, Bogdan R, Dumitrescu R. Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as a Biomarker for Autistic Spectrum Disease (ASD). Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1736. [PMID: 37629593 PMCID: PMC10455327 DOI: 10.3390/life13081736] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disease (ASD) is an increasingly common diagnosis nowadays with a prevalence of 1-2% in most countries. Its complex causality-a combination of genetic, immune, metabolic, and environmental factors-is translated into pleiomorphic developmental disorders of various severity, which have two main aspects in common: repetitive, restrictive behaviors and difficulties in social interaction varying from awkward habits and verbalization to a complete lack of interest for the outside world. The wide variety of ASD causes also makes it very difficult to find a common denominator-a disease biomarker and medication-and currently, there is no commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic strategy besides clinical evaluation and psychotherapy. In the CORDUS clinical study, we have administered autologous cord blood to ASD kids who had little or no improvement after other treatments and searched for a biomarker which could help predict the degree of improvement in each patient. We have found that the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was elevated above the normal clinical range (less than 16.3 ng/mL) in the vast majority of ASD kids tested in our study (40 of 41, or 97.5%). This finding opens up a new direction for diagnostic confirmation, dynamic evaluation, and therapeutic intervention for ASD kids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raluca Bogdan
- Medicover Hospital Bucharest, 013982 Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Liao X, Chen M, Li Y. The glial perspective of autism spectrum disorder convergent evidence from postmortem brain and PET studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101064. [PMID: 36889545 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to systematically and quantitatively review evidence derived from both postmortem brain and PET studies to explore the pathological role of glia induced neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD, and discuss the implications of these findings in relation to disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. METHOD An online databases search was performed to collate postmortem studies and PET studies regarding glia induced neuroinflammation in ASD as compared to controls. Two authors independently conducted the literature search, study selection and data extraction. The discrepancies generated in these processes was resolved through robust discussions among all authors. RESULT The literature search yielded the identification of 619 records, from which 22 postmortem studies and 3 PET studies were identified as eligible for the qualitative synthesis. Meta-analysis of postmortem studies reported increased microglial number and microglia density as well as increased GFAP protein expression and GFAP mRNA expression in ASD subjects as compared to controls. Three PET studies produced different outcomes and emphasized different details, with one reported increased and two reported decreased TSPO expression in ASD subjects as compared to controls. CONCLUSION Both postmortem evidences and PET studies converged to support the involvement of glia induced neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD. The limited number of included studies along with the considerable heterogeneity of these studies prevented the development of firm conclusions and challenged the explanation of variability. Future research should prioritize the replication of current studies and the validation of current observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liao
- Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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11
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Durankuş F, Budak K, Albayrak Y, Sever İH, Özkul B, Uyanıkgil Y, Albayrak N, Erbas O. Atorvastatin Improves the Propionic Acid-Induced Autism in Rats: The Roles of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Anti-inflammatory Action. Cureus 2023; 15:e36870. [PMID: 37123681 PMCID: PMC10147056 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of atorvastatin on the propionic acid-induced autism model via increasing sphingosine-1-phosphate and anti-inflammatory actions with imaging and brain tissue investigations. Materials and methods Twenty-five mg/kg/day/rat of propionic acid (PPA) was administered intraperitoneally to 20 male Wistar rats, and 10 male Wistar rats were fed orally. Study groups were designed as follows: Group 1: Control Group (orally fed control, n=10); Group 2 (PPA+saline, n=10); Group 3 (PPA+Atorvastatin, n=10). The brain biochemical and histopathology assessments and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were conducted across groups in order to compare them. Results The PPA+Atorvastatin group was found to have significantly lower levels of brain malondialdehyde, IL-2 level, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and lactate compared to the PPA+saline group. The PPA+Atorvastatin group had higher levels of nerve growth factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) and sphingosine-1-phosphate. In histopathology assessments, the PPA+Atorvastatin group was found to have significantly higher neuronal counts of CA1 and CA2 in the hippocampus, and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Conclusions Current findings suggest that atorvastatin increases sphingosine-1-phosphate levels and decreases inflammatory actions which characterize the autism rodent model implemented in this study. These preliminary results have to be confirmed by further experimental and clinical studies.
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12
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Stevens HE, Scuderi S, Collica SC, Tomasi S, Horvath TL, Vaccarino FM. Neonatal loss of FGFR2 in astroglial cells affects locomotion, sociability, working memory, and glia-neuron interactions in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:89. [PMID: 36906620 PMCID: PMC10008554 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02372-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is almost exclusively expressed in glial cells in postnatal mouse brain, but its impact in glia for brain behavioral functioning is poorly understood. We compared behavioral effects from FGFR2 loss in both neurons and astroglial cells and from FGFR2 loss in astroglial cells by using either the pluripotent progenitor-driven hGFAP-cre or the tamoxifen-inducible astrocyte-driven GFAP-creERT2 in Fgfr2 floxed mice. When FGFR2 was eliminated in embryonic pluripotent precursors or in early postnatal astroglia, mice were hyperactive, and had small changes in working memory, sociability, and anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, FGFR2 loss in astrocytes starting at 8 weeks of age resulted only in reduced anxiety-like behavior. Therefore, early postnatal loss of FGFR2 in astroglia is critical for broad behavioral dysregulation. Neurobiological assessments demonstrated that astrocyte-neuron membrane contact was reduced and glial glutamine synthetase expression increased only by early postnatal FGFR2 loss. We conclude that altered astroglial cell function dependent on FGFR2 in the early postnatal period may result in impaired synaptic development and behavioral regulation, modeling childhood behavioral deficits like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna E Stevens
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
| | - Soraya Scuderi
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Sarah C Collica
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Simone Tomasi
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Flora M Vaccarino
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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13
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Vakilzadeh G, Martinez-Cerdeño V. Pathology and Astrocytes in Autism. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:841-850. [PMID: 37077706 PMCID: PMC10106330 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s390053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A distinct pathology for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains elusive. Human and animal studies have focused on investigating the role of neurons in ASD. However, recent studies have hinted that glial cell pathology could be a characteristic of ASD. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell in the brain and play an important role in neuronal function, both during development and in adult. They regulate neuronal migration, dendritic and spine development, and control the concentration of neurotransmitters at the synaptic cleft. They are also responsible for synaptogenesis, synaptic development, and synaptic function. Therefore, any change in astrocyte number and/or function could contribute to the impairment of connectivity that has been reported in ASD. Data available to date is scarce but indicates that while the number of astrocytes is reduced, their state of activation and their GFAP expression is increased in ASD. Disruption of astrocyte function in ASD may affect proper neurotransmitter metabolism, synaptogenesis, and the state of brain inflammation. Astrocytes alterations are common to ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies about the role of astrocytes in ASD are required to better understand this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Vakilzadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Sacramento, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA, Tel +916 453-2163, Email
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14
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Freel BA, Kelvington BA, Sengupta S, Mukherjee M, Francis KR. Sterol dysregulation in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome causes astrocyte immune reactivity through microglia crosstalk. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049843. [PMID: 36524414 PMCID: PMC10655813 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049843] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the need for de novo cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol-enriched structures within the nervous system, cholesterol homeostasis is critical to neurodevelopment. Diseases caused by genetic disruption of cholesterol biosynthesis, such as Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, which is caused by mutations in 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7), frequently result in broad neurological deficits. Although astrocytes regulate multiple neural processes ranging from cell migration to network-level communication, immunological activation of astrocytes is a hallmark pathology in many diseases. However, the impact of DHCR7 on astrocyte function and immune activation remains unknown. We demonstrate that astrocytes from Dhcr7 mutant mice display hallmark signs of reactivity, including increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and cellular hypertrophy. Transcript analyses demonstrate extensive Dhcr7 astrocyte immune activation, hyper-responsiveness to glutamate stimulation and altered calcium flux. We further determine that the impacts of Dhcr7 are not astrocyte intrinsic but result from non-cell-autonomous effects of microglia. Our data suggest that astrocyte-microglia crosstalk likely contributes to the neurological phenotypes observed in disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis. Additionally, these data further elucidate a role for cholesterol metabolism within the astrocyte-microglia immune axis, with possible implications in other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany A. Freel
- Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Kelvington
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Sonali Sengupta
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Malini Mukherjee
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Kevin R. Francis
- Cellular Therapies and Stem Cell Biology Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
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15
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Mahony C, O'Ryan C. A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:985713. [PMID: 36506457 PMCID: PMC9732262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.985713] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular autism research is evolving toward a biopsychosocial framework that is more informed by autistic experiences. In this context, research aims are moving away from correcting external autistic behaviors and toward alleviating internal distress. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) are associated with high rates of depression, suicidality and other comorbid psychopathologies, but this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we integrate emerging characterizations of internal autistic experiences within a molecular framework to yield insight into the prevalence of psychopathology in ASC. We demonstrate that descriptions of social camouflaging and autistic burnout resonate closely with the accepted definitions for early life stress (ELS) and chronic adolescent stress (CAS). We propose that social camouflaging could be considered a distinct form of CAS that contributes to allostatic overload, culminating in a pathophysiological state that is experienced as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is thought to contribute to psychopathology via psychological and physiological mechanisms, but these remain largely unexplored by molecular researchers. Building on converging fields in molecular neuroscience, we discuss the substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in ASC to propose a novel role for mitochondrial allostatic load in the relationship between autism and psychopathology. An interplay between mitochondrial, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine signaling is increasingly implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, and these molecular players are also associated with neurodevelopmental, neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of ASC. Together, this suggests an increased exposure and underlying molecular susceptibility to ELS that increases the risk of psychopathology in ASC. This article describes an integrative framework shaped by autistic experiences that highlights novel avenues for molecular research into mechanisms that directly affect the quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals. Moreover, this framework emphasizes the need for increased access to diagnoses, accommodations, and resources to improve mental health outcomes in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen O'Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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16
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Tartaglione AM, Villani A, Ajmone-Cat MA, Minghetti L, Ricceri L, Pazienza V, De Simone R, Calamandrei G. Maternal immune activation induces autism-like changes in behavior, neuroinflammatory profile and gut microbiota in mouse offspring of both sexes. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:384. [PMID: 36104346 PMCID: PMC9474453 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a sex-biased neurodevelopmental disorder with a male to female prevalence of 4:1, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted-repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. Microbiota alterations as well as signs of neuroinflammation have been also reported in ASD. The involvement of immune dysregulation in ASD is further supported by evidence suggesting that maternal immune activation (MIA), especially during early pregnancy, may be a risk factor for ASD. The present study was aimed at characterizing the effects of MIA on behavior, gut microbiota and neuroinflammation in the mouse offspring also considering the impact of MIA in the two sexes. MIA offspring exhibited significant ASD-like behavioral alterations (i.e., deficits in sociability and sensorimotor gating, perseverative behaviors). The analysis of microbiota revealed changes in specific microbial taxa that recapitulated those seen in ASD children. In addition, molecular analyses indicated sex-related differences in the neuroinflammatory responses triggered by MIA, with a more prominent effect in the cerebellum. Our data suggest that both sexes should be included in the experimental designs of preclinical studies in order to identify those mechanisms that confer different vulnerability to ASD to males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Tartaglione
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy.
| | - Annacandida Villani
- grid.413503.00000 0004 1757 9135Gastroenterology Unit IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, Hospital San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ajmone-Cat
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Minghetti
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Research Coordination and Support Service, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ricceri
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Pazienza
- grid.413503.00000 0004 1757 9135Gastroenterology Unit IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, Hospital San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Roberta De Simone
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Calamandrei
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
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17
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Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
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18
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Imam B, Rahmatinia M, Shahsavani A, Khodagholi F, Hopke PK, Bazazzpour S, Hadei M, Yarahmadi M, Abdollahifar MA, Torkmahalleh MA, Kermani M, Ilkhani S, MirBehbahani SH. Autism-like symptoms by exposure to air pollution and valproic acid-induced in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:59263-59286. [PMID: 35384534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19865-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution during prenatal or neonatal periods is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to epidemiology studies. Furthermore, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has also been found to be associated with an increased prevalence of ASD. To assess the association between simultaneous exposure to VPA and air pollutants, seven exposure groups of rats were included in current study (PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants exposed - high dose of VPA (PGE-high); PM2.5 and gaseous pollutants exposed - low dose of VPA (PGE-low); gaseous pollutants only exposed - high dose of VPA (GE-high); gaseous pollutants only exposed - low dose of VPA (GE-low); clean air exposed - high dose of VPA (CAE-high); clean air exposed - low dose of VPA (CAE-low) and clean air exposed (CAE)). The pollution-exposed rats were exposed to air pollutants from embryonic day (E0) to postnatal day 42 (PND42). In all the induced groups, decreased oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased oxytocin receptor (OXTR) levels, and increased the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were found. The volumes of the cerebellum, hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal decreased in all induced groups in comparison to CAE. Additionally, increased numerical density of glial cells and decreased of numerical density of neurons were found in all induced groups. Results show that simultaneous exposure to air pollution and VPA can cause ASD-related behavioral deficits and air pollution reinforced the mechanism of inducing ASD ̉s in VPA-induced rat model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahran Imam
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Rahmatinia
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahsavani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Air Quality and Climate Change Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
| | - Shahriyar Bazazzpour
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Hadei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Yarahmadi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, 010000
| | - Majid Kermani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Bove M, Schiavone S, Tucci P, Sikora V, Dimonte S, Colia AL, Morgese MG, Trabace L. Ketamine administration in early postnatal life as a tool for mimicking Autism Spectrum Disorders core symptoms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110560. [PMID: 35460811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) core symptoms include deficits of social interaction, stereotyped behaviours, dysfunction in language and communication. Beyond them, several additional symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety-like states and hyperactivity are often occurring, mainly overlapping with other neuropsychiatric diseases. To untangle mechanisms underlying ASD etiology, and to identify possible pharmacological approaches, different factors, such as environmental, immunological and genetic ones, need to be considered. In this context, ASD animal models, aiming to reproduce the wide range of behavioural phenotypes of this uniquely human disorder, represent a very useful tool. Ketamine administration in early postnatal life of mice has already been studied as a suitable animal model resembling psychotic-like symptoms. Here, we investigated whether ketamine administration, at postnatal days 7, 9 and 11, might induce behavioural features able to mimic ASD typical symptoms in adult mice. To this aim, we developed a 4-days behavioural tests battery, including Marble Burying, Hole Board, Olfactory and Social tests, to assess repetitive and stereotyped behaviour, social deficits and anxiety-like symptoms. Moreover, by using this mouse model, we performed neurochemical and biomolecular analyses, quantifying neurotransmitters belonging to excitatory-inhibitory pathways, such as glutamate, glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as immune activation biomarkers related to ASD, such as CD11b and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), in the hippocampus and amygdala. Possible alterations in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus and amygdala were also evaluated. Our results showed an increase in stereotyped behaviours, together with social impairments and anxiety-like behaviour in adult mice, receiving ketamine administration in early postnatal life. In addition, we found decreased BDNF and enhanced GFAP hippocampal expression levels, accompanied by elevations in glutamate amount, as well as reduction in GABA content in amygdala and hippocampus. In conclusion, early ketamine administration may represent a suitable animal model of ASD, exhibiting face validity to mimic specific ASD symptoms, such as social deficits, repetitive repertoire and anxiety-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bove
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy; Department of Pathology, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Stefania Dimonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Colia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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20
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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21
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Vakilzadeh G, Falcone C, Dufour B, Hong T, Noctor SC, Martínez-Cerdeño V. Decreased number and increased activation state of astrocytes in gray and white matter of the prefrontal cortex in autism. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4902-4912. [PMID: 35212358 PMCID: PMC9627019 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex presents with alterations in the number of specific cell types in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Astrocytes have many functions in the brain including a role in higher cognitive functions and in inflammatory brain processes. Therefore, an alteration in number, function, and/or activation state of astrocytes, could be present in ASD. We quantified astrocyte number in the gray and white matter of the prefrontal cortex-BA9, BA46, and BA47-in 15 ASD and 15 age- and sex-matched control cases. We labeled astrocytes with antibodies against the protein GFAP and S100β, markers of astrocytes. We found a significant decrease in the number of astrocytes in the gray and white matter of all prefrontal areas of interest with both markers. We also found an increased state of activation of GFAP+ astrocytes in all areas. A reduced number of astrocytes in the cerebral cortex in ASD could lead to impaired synaptic function and disrupted connectivity. An increased astrocyte activation may indicate a chronic mild inflammatory state of the cerebral cortex in ASD. Overall, we found that astrocytes are disrupted in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Vakilzadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Carmen Falcone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Brett Dufour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Tiffany Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Address correspondence to Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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22
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Downregulated Calcium-Binding Protein S100A16 and HSP27 in Placenta-Derived Multipotent Cells Induce Functional Astrocyte Differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:839-852. [PMID: 35061207 PMCID: PMC8930865 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLittle is known about genes that induce stem cells differentiation into astrocytes. We previously described that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) downregulation is directly related to neural differentiation under chemical induction in placenta-derived multipotent stem cells (PDMCs). Using this neural differentiation cell model, we cross-compared transcriptomic and proteomic data and selected 26 candidate genes with the same expression trends in both omics analyses. Those genes were further compared with a transcriptomic database derived from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Eighteen out of 26 candidates showed opposite expression trends between our data and the AD database. The mRNA and protein expression levels of those candidates showed downregulation of HSP27, S100 calcium-binding protein A16 (S100A16) and two other genes in our neural differentiation cell model. Silencing these four genes with various combinations showed that co-silencing HSP27 and S100A16 has stronger effects than other combinations for astrocyte differentiation. The induced astrocyte showed typical astrocytic star-shape and developed with ramified, stringy and filamentous processes as well as differentiated endfoot structures. Also, some of them connected with each other and formed continuous network. Immunofluorescence quantification of various neural markers indicated that HSP27 and S100A16 downregulation mainly drive PDMCs differentiation into astrocytes. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopic images showed the classical star-like shape morphology and co-expression of crucial astrocyte markers in induced astrocytes, while electrophysiology and Ca2+ influx examination further confirmed their functional characteristics. In conclusion, co-silencing of S100A16 and HSP27 without chemical induction leads to PDMCs differentiation into functional astrocytes.
Graphical abstract
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23
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He X, Tu Y, Song Y, Yang G, You M. The relationship between pesticide exposure during critical neurodevelopment and autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111902. [PMID: 34416252 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural pesticides have been one of the most extensively used compounds throughout the world. The main sources of contamination for humans are dietary intake and occupational exposure. The impairments caused by agricultural pesticide exposure have been a significant global public health problem. Recent studies have shown that low-level agricultural pesticide exposure during the critical period of neurodevelopment (pregnancy and lactation) is closely related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, gut microbiota, neural dendrite morphology, synaptic function, and glial cells are targets for the effects of pesticides during nervous system development. In the present review, we summarize the associations between several highly used and frequently studied pesticides (e.g., glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, pyrethroids, and avermectins) and ASD. We also discusse future epidemiological and toxicological research directions on the relationship between pesticides and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu He
- School of Public Heath, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, PR China
| | - Ying Tu
- School of Public Heath, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, PR China
| | - Yawen Song
- School of Public Heath, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, PR China
| | - Guanghong Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004, PR China.
| | - Mingdan You
- School of Public Heath, the Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, PR China.
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24
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The Effect of Valproic Acid Exposure throughout Development on Microglia Number in the Prefrontal Cortex, Hippocampus and Cerebellum. Neuroscience 2021; 481:166-177. [PMID: 34780921 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Microglia serve as resident immune cells in the brain, responding to insults and pathological developments. They have also been implicated in shaping synaptic development and regulation. The present study examined microglial cell density in a number of brain regions across select postnatal (P) ages along with the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on microglia density. Specifically, C57BL/6JCx3CR1+/GFP mice were examined for microglial cell number changes on P7, P14, P30, and P60 under baseline conditions and following 400 mg/kg VPA or saline. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and cerebellum were observed. Under control conditions, the results showed a shift in the number of microglia in these brain areas throughout development with a peak density in the hippocampus at P14 and an increase in PFC microglial numbers from P15 to P30. Interestingly, VPA treatment enhanced microglial numbers in a region-specific manner. VPA at P7 increased microglial cell number in the hippocampus and cerebellum whereas P14 VPA treatment altered microglial density in the cerebellum only. Cerebellar increases also occurred after VPA at P30, and were attended by an effect of increased numbers in the PFC. Finally, animals treated with VPA at P60 exhibited decreased microglia density in the hippocampus only. These results suggest rapid VPA-induced increases in microglial cell density in a developmentally-regulated fashion which differs across distinct brain areas. Furthermore, in the context of prior reports that early VPA causes excitotoxic damage, the present findings suggest early VPA exposure may provide a model for studying altered microglial responses to early toxicant challenge.
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25
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Mahony C, O’Ryan C. Convergent Canonical Pathways in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Proteomic, Transcriptomic and DNA Methylation Data. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910757. [PMID: 34639097 PMCID: PMC8509728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with extensive genetic and aetiological heterogeneity. While the underlying molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear, significant progress has been facilitated by recent advances in high-throughput transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic technologies. Here, we review recently published ASD proteomic data and compare proteomic functional enrichment signatures with those of transcriptomic and epigenomic data. We identify canonical pathways that are consistently implicated in ASD molecular data and find an enrichment of pathways involved in mitochondrial metabolism and neurogenesis. We identify a subset of differentially expressed proteins that are supported by ASD transcriptomic and DNA methylation data. Furthermore, these differentially expressed proteins are enriched for disease phenotype pathways associated with ASD aetiology. These proteins converge on protein–protein interaction networks that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, metabolism, and inflammation, which demonstrates a link between canonical pathways, biological processes and the ASD phenotype. This review highlights how proteomics can uncover potential molecular mechanisms to explain a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodevelopmental pathology.
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26
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Soria-Ortiz MB, Reyes-Ortega P, Martínez-Torres A, Reyes-Haro D. A Functional Signature in the Developing Cerebellum: Evidence From a Preclinical Model of Autism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727079. [PMID: 34540842 PMCID: PMC8448387 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental conditions detected during childhood when delayed language onset and social deficits are observed. Children diagnosed with ASD frequently display sensorimotor deficits associated with the cerebellum, suggesting a dysfunction of synaptic circuits. Astroglia are part of the tripartite synapses and postmortem studies reported an increased expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the cerebellum of ASD patients. Astroglia respond to neuronal activity with calcium transients that propagate to neighboring cells, resulting in a functional response known as a calcium wave. This form of intercellular signaling is implicated in proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural precursors. Prenatal exposure to valproate (VPA) is a preclinical model of ASD in which premature migration and excess of apoptosis occur in the internal granular layer (IGL) of the cerebellum during the early postnatal period. In this study we tested calcium wave propagation in the IGL of mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Sensorimotor deficits were observed and IGL depolarization evoked a calcium wave with astrocyte recruitment. The calcium wave propagation, initial cell recruitment, and mean amplitude of the calcium transients increased significantly in VPA-exposed mice compared to the control group. Astrocyte recruitment was significantly increased in the VPA model, but the mean amplitude of the calcium transients was unchanged. Western blot and histological studies revealed an increased expression of GFAP, higher astroglial density and augmented morphological complexity. We conclude that the functional signature of the IGL is remarkably augmented in the preclinical model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Berenice Soria-Ortiz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Pamela Reyes-Ortega
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Ataúlfo Martínez-Torres
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Daniel Reyes-Haro
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Campus Juriquilla, Querétaro, Mexico
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27
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Chen J, Ma XL, Zhao H, Wang XY, Xu MX, Wang H, Yang TQ, Peng C, Liu SS, Huang M, Zhou YD, Shen Y. Increasing astrogenesis in the developing hippocampus induces autistic-like behavior in mice via enhancing inhibitory synaptic transmission. Glia 2021; 70:106-122. [PMID: 34498776 PMCID: PMC9291003 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized primarily by impaired social communication and rigid, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors. Many studies implicate abnormal synapse development and the resultant abnormalities in synaptic excitatory–inhibitory (E/I) balance may underlie many features of the disease, suggesting aberrant neuronal connections and networks are prone to occur in the developing autistic brain. Astrocytes are crucial for synaptic formation and function, and defects in astrocytic activation and function during a critical developmental period may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. Here, we report that increasing hippocampal astrogenesis during development induces autistic‐like behavior in mice and a concurrent decreased E/I ratio in the hippocampus that results from enhanced GABAergic transmission in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Suppressing the aberrantly elevated GABAergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal CA1 area rescues autistic‐like behavior and restores the E/I balance. Thus, we provide direct evidence for a developmental role of astrocytes in driving the behavioral phenotypes of ASD, and our results support that targeting the altered GABAergic neurotransmission may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Qi Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Liu
- Core Facilities, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Man Huang
- Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,National Human Brain Bank for Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Traetta ME, Uccelli NA, Zárate SC, Gómez Cuautle D, Ramos AJ, Reinés A. Long-Lasting Changes in Glial Cells Isolated From Rats Subjected to the Valproic Acid Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:707859. [PMID: 34421599 PMCID: PMC8374432 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.707859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic alterations concomitant with neuroinflammation have been described in patients and experimental models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the role of microglia and astroglia in relation to synaptic changes is poorly understood. Male Wistar rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA, 450 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (control) at embryonic day 10.5 were used to study synapses, microglia, and astroglia in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) at postnatal days 3 and 35 (PND3 and PND35). Primary cultures of cortical neurons, microglia, and astroglia isolated from control and VPA animals were used to study each cell type individually, neuron-microglia and microglia-astroglia crosstalk. In the PFC of VPA rats, synaptic changes characterized by an increase in the number of excitatory synapses were evidenced at PND3 and persisted until PND35. At PND3, microglia and astroglia from VPA animals were morphologically similar to those of age-matched controls, whereas at PND35, reactive microgliosis and astrogliosis were observed in the PFC of VPA animals. Cortical neurons isolated from VPA rats mimicked in vitro the synaptic pattern seen in vivo. Cortical microglia and astroglia isolated from VPA animals exhibited reactive morphology, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a compromised miRNA processing machinery. Microglia from VPA animals also showed resistance to a phagocytic challenge. In the presence of neurons from VPA animals, microglia isolated from VPA rats revealed a non-reactive morphology and promoted neurite outgrowth, while microglia from control animals displayed a reactive profile and promoted dendritic retraction. In microglia-astroglia co-cultures, microglia from VPA animals displayed a reactive profile and exacerbated astrocyte reactivity. Our study indicates that cortical microglia from VPA animals are insensitive or adapted to neuronal cues expressed by neurons from VPA animals. Further, long-term in vivo microgliosis could be the result of altered microglia-astroglia crosstalk in VPA animals. Thus, our study highlights cortical microglia-astroglia communication as a new mechanism implicated in neuroinflammation in ASD; consequently, we propose that this crosstalk is a potential target for interventions in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Farmacología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nonthué Alejandra Uccelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Cristina Zárate
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dante Gómez Cuautle
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis" (IBCN), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Farmacología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Baj J, Flieger W, Flieger M, Forma A, Sitarz E, Skórzyńska-Dziduszko K, Grochowski C, Maciejewski R, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. Autism spectrum disorder: Trace elements imbalances and the pathogenesis and severity of autistic symptoms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:117-132. [PMID: 34339708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers as diagnostic tools and predictors of response to treatment of neurological developmental disorders (NDD) such as schizophrenia (SZ), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), still remains an important challenge for clinical medicine. Metallomic profiles of ASD patients cover, besides essential elements such as cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, also toxic metals burden of: aluminum, arsenic, mercury, lead, beryllium, nickel, cadmium. Performed studies indicate that children with ASD present a reduced ability of eliminating toxic metals, which leads to these metals' accumulation and aggravation of autistic symptoms. Extensive metallomic studies allow a better understanding of the importance of trace elements as environmental factors in the pathogenesis of ASD. Even though a mineral imbalance is a fact in ASD, we are still expecting relevant tests and the elaboration of reference levels of trace elements as potential biomarkers useful in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Flieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Flieger
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Skórzyńska-Dziduszko
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwillowska Street 11, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Cezary Grochowski
- Laboratory of Virtual Man, Chair of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Maciejewski
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8b, 20-400, Lublin, Poland
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland; Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439, Lublin, Poland
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30
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Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: Exercise as a "pharmacological" tool. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:63-74. [PMID: 34310976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of ASD is around 1%. Although the pathogenesis of ASD is not entirely understood, it is recognized that a combination of genetic, epigenetics, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction can play an essential role in its development. It has been suggested that autism results from the central nervous system derangements due to low-grade chronic inflammatory reactions associated with the immune system activation. ASD individuals have increased microglial activation, density, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the several brain regions. Autism has no available pharmacological treatments, however there are pedagogical and psychotherapeutic therapies, and pharmacological treatment, that help to control behavioral symptoms. Recent data indicate that exercise intervention programs may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Exercise can also modify inflammatory profiles that will ameliorate associated metabolic disorders. This review highlights the involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on managing ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities.
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31
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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Neudecker V, Perez-Zoghbi JF, Martin LD, Dissen GA, Grafe MR, Brambrink AM. Astrogliosis in juvenile non-human primates 2 years after infant anaesthesia exposure. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:447-457. [PMID: 34266661 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infant anaesthesia causes acute brain cell apoptosis, and later in life cognitive deficits and behavioural alterations, in non-human primates (NHPs). Various brain injuries and neurodegenerative conditions are characterised by chronic astrocyte activation (astrogliosis). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte-specific protein, increases during astrogliosis and remains elevated after an injury. Whether infant anaesthesia is associated with a sustained increase in GFAP is unknown. We hypothesised that GFAP is increased in specific brain areas of NHPs 2 yr after infant anaesthesia, consistent with prior injury. METHODS Eight 6-day-old NHPs per group were exposed to 5 h isoflurane once (1×) or three times (3×), or to room air as a control (Ctr). Two years after exposure, their brains were assessed for GFAP density changes in the primary visual cortex (V1), perirhinal cortex (PRC), hippocampal subiculum, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). We also assessed concomitant microglia activation and hippocampal neurogenesis. RESULTS Compared with controls, GFAP densities in V1 were increased in exposed groups (Ctr: 0.208 [0.085-0.427], 1×: 0.313 [0.108-0.533], 3×: 0.389 [0.262-0.652]), whereas the density of activated microglia was unchanged. In addition, GFAP densities were increased in the 3× group in the PRC and the subiculum, and in both exposure groups in the amygdala, but there was no increase in the OFC. There were no differences in hippocampal neurogenesis among groups. CONCLUSIONS Two years after infant anaesthesia, NHPs show increased GFAP without concomitant microglia activation in specific brain areas. These long-lasting structural changes in the brain caused by infant anaesthesia exposure may be associated with functional alterations at this age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Neudecker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose F Perez-Zoghbi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren D Martin
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Gregory A Dissen
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Marjorie R Grafe
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ansgar M Brambrink
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Gozal E, Jagadapillai R, Cai J, Barnes GN. Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2021. [PMID: 34169527 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15081.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Gozal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rekha Jagadapillai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Gregory N Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Gozal E, Jagadapillai R, Cai J, Barnes GN. Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2021; 159:15-28. [PMID: 34169527 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Gozal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rekha Jagadapillai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Gregory N Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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Impaired calcium signaling in astrocytes modulates autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3321. [PMID: 34059669 PMCID: PMC8166865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. Astrocyte alterations are noted in ASD patients and animal models. However, whether astrocyte dysfunction is causal or consequential to ASD-like phenotypes in mice is unresolved. Type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 6 receptors (IP3R2)-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores results in the activation of astrocytes. Mutations of the IP3R2 gene are associated with ASD. Here, we show that both IP3R2-null mutant mice and astrocyte-specific IP3R2 conditional knockout mice display ASD-like behaviors, such as atypical social interaction and repetitive behavior. Furthermore, we show that astrocyte-derived ATP modulates ASD-like behavior through the P2X2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex and possibly through GABAergic synaptic transmission. These findings identify astrocyte-derived ATP as a potential molecular player in the pathophysiology of ASD. Astrocytes contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology. Here, the authors show that IP3R2 conditional KO mice show ASD-like behaviours and identify astrocyte-derived ATP as a modulator of these behaviours in mice.
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36
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Moradi K, Ashraf-Ganjouei A, Tavolinejad H, Bagheri S, Akhondzadeh S. The interplay between gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorders: A focus on immunological pathways. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110091. [PMID: 32891667 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social and cognitive activities, stereotypical and repetitive behaviors and restricted areas of interest. A remarkable proportion of ASD patients represent immune dysregulation as well as gastrointestinal complications. Hence, a novel concept has recently emerged, addressing the possible intercommunication between the brain, the immune system, the gut and its commensals. Here, we provide an overview of how gut microbes and their metabolites are associated with neurobehavioral features of ASD through various immunologic mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic options that could modify these features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Moradi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ashraf-Ganjouei
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Tavolinejad
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayna Bagheri
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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37
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Fernández-Blanco Á, Dierssen M. Rethinking Intellectual Disability from Neuro- to Astro-Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9039. [PMID: 33261169 PMCID: PMC7730506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from genetic and/or from environmental factors and are characterized by different degrees of intellectual disability. The mechanisms that govern important processes sustaining learning and memory, which are severely affected in intellectual disability, have classically been thought to be exclusively under neuronal control. However, this vision has recently evolved into a more integrative conception in which astroglia, rather than just acting as metabolic supply and structural anchoring for neurons, interact at distinct levels modulating neuronal communication and possibly also cognitive processes. Recently, genetic tools have made it possible to specifically manipulate astrocyte activity unraveling novel functions that involve astrocytes in memory function in the healthy brain. However, astrocyte manipulation has also underscored potential mechanisms by which dysfunctional astrocytes could contribute to memory deficits in several neurodevelopmental disorders revealing new pathogenic mechanisms in intellectual disability. Here, we review the current knowledge about astrocyte dysfunction that might contribute to learning and memory impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders, with special focus on Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Microglia mediated neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:167-176. [PMID: 32823050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the precise pathophysiologies underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been fully clarified, growing evidence supports the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of this disorder, with microglia being particular relevance in the pathophysiologic processes. OBJECTIVE The present review aimed to systematically characterize existing literature regarding the role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the etiology of ASD. METHODS A systematic search was conducted for records indexed within Pubmed, EMBASE, or Web of Science to identify potentially eligible publications. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two authors, and the discrepancies in each step were settled through discussions. RESULTS A total of 14 studies comprising 1007 subjects met the eligibility criteria for this review, including 8 immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies, 5 genetic analysis studies, and 1 positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Although small in quantity, the included studies collectively pointed to a role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD. CONCLUSION Findings generated from this review consistently supported the involvement of neuroinflammation in the development of ASD, confirmed by the activation of microglia in different brain regions, involving increased cell number or cell density, morphological alterations, and phenotypic shifts.
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Solmaz V, Erdoğan MA, Alnak A, Meral A, Erbaş O. Erythropoietin shows gender dependent positive effects on social deficits, learning/memory impairments, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the lipopolysaccharide induced rat model of autism. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102073. [PMID: 32736811 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of EPO in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced rat model of autism in terms of social deficits, learning and memory impairments, as well as their neurochemical correlates. Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats randomly distributed into two equel groups, then were caged with fertile males for mating. At the 10th day of pregnancy, 0.5 ml %0,9 NaCl saline was given to first group, 100 μg/kg LPS was given to second group to induce autism. On postnatal 21th day, forty-eight littermates were divided into four groups as; 8 male, 8 female controls, 16 male and 16 female LPS-exposed. Then, LPS groups were also divided in to two groups as saline (1 mg/kg/day) and EPO 600 U/kg/day groups, and animals were treated 45 days. At 50th day, after behavioral evaluations, brain levels of TNF-α, nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured. Histologically, hippocampal neuronal density and GFAP expression were assessed. Three-chamber sociability and social novelty test, passive avoidance learning test were revealed significant differences among the EPO and control groups. Histologically, hippocampal CA1 & CA3 regions displayed significant alterations regarding gliosis (GFAP-positive cells) and regarding frontal cortical thickness in EPO groups compare to controls. Biochemical measurements of the brain levels of TNF-α and NGF levels showed significant differences between controls and EPO groups. According to our findings EPO treatment has beneficial effects on ASD-like symptoms, learning and memory processes, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the LPS induced rat model of autism, with some gender differences through inflammatory and neurotrophic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Solmaz
- Memorial Hizmet Hospital, department of Neurology, İstanbul, Turkey..
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Katip Celebi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, İzmir, Turkey..
| | - Alper Alnak
- Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit. Sakarya, Turkey..
| | - Ayfer Meral
- Yuzuncü Yıl University, Medical Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Van, Turkey..
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Demiroğlu Bilim University, Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, İstanbul, Turkey
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Solmaz V, Tekatas A, Erdoğan MA, Erbaş O. Exenatide, a GLP-1 analog, has healing effects on LPS-induced autism model: Inflammation, oxidative stress, gliosis, cerebral GABA, and serotonin interactions. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:601-612. [PMID: 32745285 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of Exenatide in the central nervous system. Since these mechanisms are thought to have important roles in the pathophysiology of autism, we hypothesized that Exenatide may have healing effects in autism. We tested this hypothesis by examining the effects of Exenatide in an experimental autism model created by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in the womb, with behavioral tests, histopathological examinations, and biochemical measurements. The autism model was created by administration of LPS (i.p) to pregnant rats on the 10th day of their pregnancy at a dose of 100 µg/kg. On postnatal 21st day, a total of four groups were formed from offspring with regard to sex distribution and treatment. After a 45-day treatment, behavioral analysis tests were performed on rats. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical analysis [superoxide dismutase, tumor necrotizing factor alpha, nerve growth factor, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and glutamic acid decarboxylase-67] and histopathological analysis were performed. On the 10th day of the intrauterine period, LPS exposure was found to disrupt behavioral findings, increase inflammation and hippocampal gliosis, and decrease 5-HIAA, GAD-67, and NGF, especially in male rats. However, among the rats exposed to LPS in the intrauterine period, recipients of Exenatide demonstrated significant amelioration of findings. Exenatide therapy shows positive effects on behavioral disorders in an LPS-induced autism model. This agent probably exerts its effects by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress and reducing hippocampal gliosis. In addition, Exenatide has also been shown to positively affect cerebral serotonergic and GABAergic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Solmaz
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Hizmet Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslan Tekatas
- Department of Neurology, Medikent Hospital, Lüleburgaz, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Mümin Alper Erdoğan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Katip Celebi University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbaş
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Demiroğlu Bilim University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Maes M, Anderson G, Betancort Medina SR, Seo M, Ojala JO. Integrating Autism Spectrum Disorder Pathophysiology: Mitochondria, Vitamin A, CD38, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Melatonergic Alterations in the Placenta and Gut. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4405-4420. [PMID: 31682209 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102165459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diverse array of data has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), reflecting the complexity of its pathophysiology as well as its heterogeneity. Two important hubs have emerged, the placenta/prenatal period and the postnatal gut, with alterations in mitochondria functioning crucial in both. METHODS Factors acting to regulate mitochondria functioning in ASD across development are reviewed in this article. RESULTS Decreased vitamin A, and its retinoic acid metabolites, lead to a decrease in CD38 and associated changes that underpin a wide array of data on the biological underpinnings of ASD, including decreased oxytocin, with relevance both prenatally and in the gut. Decreased sirtuins, poly-ADP ribose polymerase-driven decreases in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), hyperserotonemia, decreased monoamine oxidase, alterations in 14-3-3 proteins, microRNA alterations, dysregulated aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, suboptimal mitochondria functioning, and decreases in the melatonergic pathways are intimately linked to this. Many of the above processes may be modulating, or mediated by, alterations in mitochondria functioning. Other bodies of data associated with ASD may also be incorporated within these basic processes, including how ASD risk factors such as maternal obesity and preeclampsia, as well as more general prenatal stressors, modulate the likelihood of offspring ASD. CONCLUSION Such a mitochondria-focussed integrated model of the pathophysiology of ASD has important preventative and treatment implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna O Ojala
- Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Postmortem Studies of Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:3424-3438. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Esshili A, Manitz MP, Freund N, Juckel G. Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in activated microglia and astrocytes following pre- and postnatal immune challenge in an animal model of schizophrenia. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 35:100-110. [PMID: 32439226 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, activated microglia and astrocytes produce proinflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cytokines. Uncontrolled release of these mediators induced by immune challenge can lead to increased vulnerability to complex brain disorders such as schizophrenia. In this study, BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid (poly(I:C)) or saline. At postnatal day 30 (PND0), the animals were sacrificed and the hippocampus, corpus callosum, striatum, cortex, fimbria and ventricle were immunostained for Iba-1, a microglial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astrocyte marker, and iNOS, an activation marker for NO. Additionally, serum cytokine profiling (Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL- 4, IL-6, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), IL-17A and IL-10) was determined using serum samples from poly(I:C)-treated and control mice. Our results demonstrated that poly(I:C) induced overactivation of differential proinflammatory responses in microglia and astrocytes, which could be strongly enhanced by a postnatal poly(I:C) administration before PND 30 in one part of the animals investigated. Specifically, there was significant iNOS upregulation in hippocampus, cortex and corpus callosum of poly(I:C)-affected off-springs. These inflammatory alterations were accompanied by increased circulating levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This study provides insight into the role of microglia and astrocytes in an animal model of schizophrenia and an understanding of the regulation of iNOS expression in glial cells and cytokine networks. This knowledge could help identify novel targets for anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory therapeutic schizophrenia intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awatef Esshili
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Laboratoire de génétique, biodiversité et valorisation des bioressources, Institut supérieur de biotechnologie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Tunisie
| | - Marie-Pierre Manitz
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- Laboratory of Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry, LWL-University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Sciara AN, Beasley B, Crawford JD, Anderson EP, Carrasco T, Zheng S, Ordway GA, Chandley MJ. Neuroinflammatory Gene Expression Alterations in Anterior Cingulate Cortical White and Gray Matter of Males With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:870-884. [PMID: 32129578 PMCID: PMC7540672 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for putative pathophysiological mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including peripheral inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, white matter alterations, and abnormal synaptic overgrowth, indicate a possible involvement of neuroinflammation in the disorder. Neuroinflammation plays a role in the development and maintenance of the dendritic spines involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, and also influences blood-brain permeability. Cytokines released from microglia can impact the length, location or organization of dendritic spines on excitatory and inhibitory cells as well as recruit and impact glial cell function around the neurons. In this study, gene expression levels of anti- and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules, as well as oligodendrocyte and astrocyte marker proteins, were measured in both gray and white matter tissue in the anterior cingulate cortex from ASD and age-matched typically developing (TD) control brain donors, ranging from ages 4 to 37 years. Expression levels of the pro-inflammatory gene, HLA-DR, were significantly reduced in gray matter and expression levels of the anti-inflammatory gene MRC1 were significantly elevated in white matter from ASD donors as compared to TD donors, but neither retained statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Modest trends toward differences in expression levels were also observed for the pro-inflammatory (CD68, IL1β) and anti-inflammatory genes (IGF1, IGF1R) comparing ASD donors to TD donors. The direction of gene expression changes comparing ASD to TD donors did not reveal consistent findings implicating an elevated pro- or anti-inflammatory state in ASD. However, altered expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory gene expression indicates some involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 870-884. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The anterior cingulate cortex is an integral brain region in modulating social behaviors including nonverbal communication. The study found that inflammatory gene expression levels were altered in this brain region. We hypothesize that the inflammatory changes in this area could impact neuronal function. The finding has future implications in using these molecular markers to identify potential environmental exposures and distinct cell differences in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey N. Sciara
- Department of Biological SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennessee
| | - Brooke Beasley
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Jessica D. Crawford
- Department of Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Emma P. Anderson
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Tiffani Carrasco
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Shimin Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Gregory A. Ordway
- Department of Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesEast Tennessee State University, Johnson CityJohnson CityTN
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Leinster V, Phillips T, Jones N, Sanderson S, Simon K, Hanley J, Case C. Cortical cells are altered by factors including bone morphogenetic protein released from a placental barrier model under altered oxygenation. Neuronal Signal 2020; 4:NS20190148. [PMID: 32714599 PMCID: PMC7363303 DOI: 10.1042/ns20190148] [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: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Episodes of hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation during foetal development have been associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions presenting in later life. The mechanism for this is not understood; however, several authors have suggested that the placenta plays an important role. Previously we found both placentas from a maternal hypoxia model and pre-eclamptic placentas from patients release factors lead to a loss of dendrite complexity in rodent neurons. Here to further explore the nature and origin of these secretions we exposed a simple in vitro model of the placental barrier, consisting of a barrier of human cytotrophoblasts, to hypoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. We then exposed cortical cultures from embryonic rat brains to the conditioned media (CM) from below these exposed barriers and examined changes in cell morphology, number, and receptor presentation. The barriers released factors that reduced dendrite and astrocyte process lengths, decreased GABAB1 staining, and increased astrocyte number. The changes in astrocytes required the presence of neurons and were prevented by inhibition of the SMAD pathway and by neutralising Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) 2/4. Barriers exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation also released factors that reduced dendrite lengths but increased GABAB1 staining. Both oxygen changes caused barriers to release factors that decreased GluN1, GABAAα1 staining and increased GluN3a staining. We find that hypoxia in particular will elicit the release of factors that increase astrocyte number and decrease process length as well as causing changes in the intensity of glutamate and GABA receptor staining. There is some evidence that BMPs are released and contribute to these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J. Phillips
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, U.K
- Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Nicola Jones
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, U.K
| | - Sharon Sanderson
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, NIHR BRC, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, U.K
| | - Katja Simon
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, NIHR BRC, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, U.K
| | - Jon Hanley
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
| | - Charles Patrick Case
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, U.K
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K
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Kong XJ, Liu J, Li J, Kwong K, Koh M, Sukijthamapan P, Guo JJ, Sun ZJ, Song Y. Probiotics and oxytocin nasal spray as neuro-social-behavioral interventions for patients with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot randomized controlled trial protocol. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:20. [PMID: 32082606 PMCID: PMC7017510 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-0557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Oxytocin (OXT), as a neuropeptide, plays a role in emotional and social behaviors. Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) supplementation led to an OXT-dependent behavioral improvement in ASD mouse models. Despite some promising results from animal studies, little is known about the efficacy of supplementation with L. reuteri, alone or with exogenous OXT therapy, on social-behavioral functions in ASD patients. This paper presents a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full trial comparing oral supplementation of L. reuteri probiotics and intranasal OXT spray to placebo on the effect of social and behavioral functions in ASD patients. The study will also capture preliminary estimates of the efficacy of the proposed interventions in ASD patients. Methods This pilot trial is a two-staged, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Throughout the study (0-24 weeks), 60 patients with ASD will be randomly assigned to receive either oral L. reuteri probiotics or placebo. In the second study stage (13-24 weeks), all participants will receive intranasal OXT spray. As primary outcomes, serum OXT levels will be assayed and social behaviors will be assessed via the Autism Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale which are validated questionnaires, an objective emotional facial matching test, and a new video-based eye-tracking test. Secondary outcomes include the GI-severity-index and Bristol Stool Chart to assess GI function and gut microbiome/short-chain fatty acids. All the outcomes will be assessed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24. Discussion This pilot study will provide important information on the feasibility of recruitment, blinding and concealment, treatment administration, tolerability and adherence, specimen collection, outcome assessment, potential adverse effects, and the preliminary efficacy on both primary and secondary outcomes. If successful, this pilot study will inform a larger randomized controlled trial fully powered to examine the efficacies of oral L. reuteri probiotics and/or intranasal OXT spray on social-behavioral improvement in ASD patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03337035. Registered 8 November 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jun Kong
- 1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA USA.,Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare, Boston, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- 1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA USA.,3Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jing Li
- 4Department of Biostatistics, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Kenneth Kwong
- 1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA USA
| | - Madelyn Koh
- 1Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA USA
| | | | - Jason J Guo
- 5Barnett Institute for Chemical and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Zhenyu Jim Sun
- 6Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Yiqing Song
- 7Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN USA
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Egorova O, Myte R, Schneede J, Hägglöf B, Bölte S, Domellöf E, Ivars A'roch B, Elgh F, Ueland PM, Silfverdal SA. Maternal blood folate status during early pregnancy and occurrence of autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a study of 62 serum biomarkers. Mol Autism 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32131900 PMCID: PMC6964211 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-0315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evolves from an interplay between genetic and environmental factors during prenatal development. Since identifying maternal biomarkers associated with ASD risk in offspring during early pregnancy might result in new strategies for intervention, we investigated maternal metabolic biomarkers in relation to occurrence of ASD in offspring using both univariate logistic regression and multivariate network analysis. METHODS Serum samples from 100 women with an offspring diagnosed with ASD and 100 matched control women with typically developing offspring were collected at week 14 of pregnancy. Concentrations of 62 metabolic biomarkers were determined, including amino acids, vitamins (A, B, D, E, and K), and biomarkers related to folate (vitamin B9) metabolism, lifestyle factors, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), the kynurenine-tryptophan ratio (KTR), and neopterin as markers of inflammation and immune activation. RESULTS We found weak evidence for a positive association between higher maternal serum concentrations of folate and increased occurrence of ASD (OR per 1 SD increase: 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.37, FDR adjusted P = 0.07). Multivariate network analysis confirmed expected internal biochemical relations between the biomarkers. Neither inflammation markers nor vitamin D3 levels, all hypothesized to be involved in ASD etiology, displayed associations with ASD occurrence in the offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that high maternal serum folate status during early pregnancy may be associated with the occurrence of ASD in offspring. No inference about physiological mechanisms behind this observation can be made at the present time because blood folate levels may have complex relations with nutritional intake, the cellular folate status and status of other B-vitamins. Therefore, further investigations, which may clarify the potential role and mechanisms of maternal blood folate status in ASD risk and the interplay with other potential risk factors, in larger materials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Egorova
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Robin Myte
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jörn Schneede
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bruno Hägglöf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Erik Domellöf
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Barbro Ivars A'roch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Elgh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Per Magne Ueland
- Bevital AS, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Homme KG, Geier MR. A ten year longitudinal examination of the incidence rate and age of childhood encephalopathy diagnoses in an autism spectrum disorder diagnosed cohort. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Baclofen as an adjuvant therapy for autism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 28:1619-1628. [PMID: 30980177 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-019-01333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that the function of the GABAergic system is abnormally low in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Baclofen, which functions as a selective agonist for GABAB receptors, does appear promising for the treatment of ASD. We conducted a 10-week randomized-controlled study aimed at evaluating the potential of baclofen as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effect of risperidone in children with ASD. Sixty-four children (3-12 years) with moderate-to-severe irritability symptoms of ASD were included. We used the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Edition (ABC-C) for the outcome measures on each of the follow-up visits (weeks 0, 5, and 10). Analysis of the combined data revealed significant improvement for all the ABC subscales (irritability: F = 51.644, df = 1.66, p < 0.001, lethargy: F = 39.734, df = 1.38, p < 0.001, stereotypic behavior: F = 25.495, df = 1.56, p < 0.001, hyperactivity: F = 54.135, df = 1.35, p < 0.001, and inappropriate speech: F = 19.277, df = 1.47, p = 0.004). Combined treatment with baclofen and risperidone exerted a greater effect on improvement of hyperactivity symptoms at both midpoint [Cohen's d, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 3.14, - 5.56 to - 0.72] and endpoint (d, 95% CI = - 4.45, - 8.74 to - 0.16) when compared with treatment with placebo plus risperidone. The two treatments achieved comparable results for other outcome measures. Our data support safety and efficacy of baclofen as an adjuvant to risperidone for improvement of hyperactivity symptoms in children with ASD.
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50
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Al-Haddad BJS, Oler E, Armistead B, Elsayed NA, Weinberger DR, Bernier R, Burd I, Kapur R, Jacobsson B, Wang C, Mysorekar I, Rajagopal L, Adams Waldorf KM. The fetal origins of mental illness. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:549-562. [PMID: 31207234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The impact of infections and inflammation during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain remains incompletely defined, with important clinical and research gaps. Although the classic infectious TORCH pathogens (ie, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus [CMV], herpes simplex virus) are known to be directly teratogenic, emerging evidence suggests that these infections represent the most extreme end of a much larger spectrum of injury. We present the accumulating evidence that prenatal exposure to a wide variety of viral and bacterial infections-or simply inflammation-may subtly alter fetal brain development, leading to neuropsychiatric consequences for the child later in life. The link between influenza infections in pregnant women and an increased risk for development of schizophrenia in their children was first described more than 30 years ago. Since then, evidence suggests that a range of infections during pregnancy may also increase risk for autism spectrum disorder and depression in the child. Subsequent studies in animal models demonstrated that both pregnancy infections and inflammation can result in direct injury to neurons and neural progenitor cells or indirect injury through activation of microglia and astrocytes, which can trigger cytokine production and oxidative stress. Infectious exposures can also alter placental serotonin production, which can perturb neurotransmitter signaling in the developing brain. Clinically, detection of these subtle injuries to the fetal brain is difficult. As the neuropsychiatric impact of perinatal infections or inflammation may not be known for decades after birth, our construct for defining teratogenic infections in pregnancy (eg, TORCH) based on congenital anomalies is insufficient to capture the full adverse impact on the child. We discuss the clinical implications of this body of evidence and how we might place greater emphasis on prevention of prenatal infections. For example, increasing uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine is a key strategy to reduce perinatal infections and the risk for fetal brain injury. An important research gap exists in understanding how antibiotic therapy during pregnancy affects the fetal inflammatory load and how to avoid inflammation-mediated injury to the fetal brain. In summary, we discuss the current evidence and mechanisms linking infections and inflammation with the increased lifelong risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in the child, and how we might improve prenatal care to protect the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Oler
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Blair Armistead
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington Seattle, WA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Nada A Elsayed
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Neuroscience, and McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD
| | - Raphael Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Raj Kapur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalization, Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Indira Mysorekar
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology and Immunology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Kristina M Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Global Health, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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