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Salas-Lucia F, Escamilla S, Bianco AC, Dumitrescu A, Refetoff S. Impaired T3 uptake and action in MCT8-deficient cerebral organoids underlie Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e174645. [PMID: 38376950 PMCID: PMC11128209 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174645] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with mutations in the thyroid hormone (TH) cell transporter monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) gene develop severe neuropsychomotor retardation known as Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS). It is assumed that this is caused by a reduction in TH signaling in the developing brain during both intrauterine and postnatal developmental stages, and treatment remains understandably challenging. Given species differences in brain TH transporters and the limitations of studies in mice, we generated cerebral organoids (COs) using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from MCT8-deficient patients. MCT8-deficient COs exhibited (i) altered early neurodevelopment, resulting in smaller neural rosettes with thinner cortical units, (ii) impaired triiodothyronine (T3) transport in developing neural cells, as assessed through deiodinase-3-mediated T3 catabolism, (iii) reduced expression of genes involved in cerebral cortex development, and (iv) reduced T3 inducibility of TH-regulated genes. In contrast, the TH analogs 3,5-diiodothyropropionic acid and 3,3',5-triiodothyroacetic acid triggered normal responses (induction/repression of T3-responsive genes) in MCT8-deficient COs, constituting proof of concept that lack of T3 transport underlies the pathophysiology of AHDS and demonstrating the clinical potential for TH analogs to be used in treating patients with AHDS. MCT8-deficient COs represent a species-specific relevant preclinical model that can be utilized to screen drugs with potential benefits as personalized therapeutics for patients with AHDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Salas-Lucia
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sergio Escamilla
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Miguel Hernández-CSIC University, Sant Joan d’Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Antonio C. Bianco
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexandra Dumitrescu
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition
| | - Samuel Refetoff
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, and Committee on Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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CaMKIV mediates spine growth deficiency of hippocampal neurons by regulation of EGR3/BDNF signal axis in congenital hypothyroidism. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:482. [PMID: 36473844 PMCID: PMC9723595 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01270-4] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) will cause cognitive impairment in the condition of delayed treatment. The hippocampus is one of the most affected tissues by CH, in which the functional structures of hippocampal neurons manifest deficiency due to aberrant expression of effector molecules. The Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, CaMKIV, is downregulated in the hippocampal neurons, influencing the growth of dendritic spines in response to CH. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. In the present study, the early growth response factor 3 (EGR3) was regulated by CaMKIV in the hippocampal neurons of CH rat pups, as was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing and in vitro cell experiments. EGR3 localized within hippocampal neurons in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus regions. Deficient EGR3 in the primary hippocampal neurons significantly reduced the density of dendritic spines by downregulating the expression of BDNF, and such effects could be rescued by supplementing recombinant BDNF protein. Taken together, CH mediates cognitive impairment of pups through the inactivation of CaMKIV in the hippocampal neurons, which decreases the expression of EGR3 and further reduces the production of BDNF, thereby impairing the growth of dendritic spines. Identifying CaMKIV/EGR3/BDNF pathway in the hippocampal neurons in the context of CH will benefit the drug development of intellectual disability caused by CH.
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Kim HK, Song J. Hypothyroidism and Diabetes-Related Dementia: Focused on Neuronal Dysfunction, Insulin Resistance, and Dyslipidemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062982. [PMID: 35328405 PMCID: PMC8952212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of dementia is steadily increasing worldwide. The risk factors for dementia are diverse, and include genetic background, environmental factors, sex differences, and vascular abnormalities. Among the subtypes of dementia, diabetes-related dementia is emerging as a complex type of dementia related to metabolic imbalance, due to the increase in the number of patients with metabolic syndrome and dementia worldwide. Thyroid hormones are considered metabolic regulatory hormones and affect various diseases, such as liver failure, obesity, and dementia. Thyroid dysregulation affects various cellular mechanisms and is linked to multiple disease pathologies. In particular, hypothyroidism is considered a critical cause for various neurological problems-such as metabolic disease, depressive symptoms, and dementia-in the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated the relationship between hypothyroidism and brain insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, leading to diabetes-related dementia. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between hypothyroidism and diabetes-related dementia, with a focus on major features of diabetes-related dementia such as insulin resistance, neuronal dysfunction, and dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Kyung Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 264 Seoyangro, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, 264 Seoyangro, Hwasun 58128, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-61-379-2706; Fax: +82-61-375-5834
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Salazar P, Villaseca P, Cisternas P, Inestrosa NC. Neurodevelopmental impact of the offspring by thyroid hormone system-disrupting environmental chemicals during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111345. [PMID: 34087190 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Everyday use chemicals have been demonstrated to be endocrine disruptors. Since normal thyroid function during pregnancy is transcendental for the neurodevelopment of the offspring, knowledge of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) is of main importance. The aim of our study is to recognize and describe EDC actions in pregnant women and focus on neurodevelopmental processes that can lead to neurotransmitter imbalance and cognitive impairment, and the possible clinical outcomes in the newborn and child. We searched PubMed databases for animal studies and clinical trials evaluating chemicals recognized as thyroid disruptors -perchlorate, phthalates, bisphenol A-, as well as chemicals with potential thyroid disruption activity -parabens, pesticides and persistent organic pollutants, on thyroid hormones (THs) levels and their bioavailability during pregnancy, and the outcome in newborns, infants and children. We also exhibit evidence from worldwide cohort studies to this regard. The publications reviewed show: 1) known endocrine disruptors have an association with hormonal thyroid levels, where an effect of increase or decrease in TH concentrations has been reported depending on the chemical exposed 2) associations between TH, EDCs and neurocognitive disorders have been addressed, such as ADHD, though no conclusive impact on potential related disorders as autism has been established, 3) perchlorate has demonstrated effects on thyroid levels on iodine uptake. In conclusion, detrimental risks and long-term consequences after in-utero exposure to EDCs are being reported in several cohort studies and further research must be conducted to establish a well-known cause-effect association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Salazar
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Villaseca
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Pedro Cisternas
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O'Higgins, Rancagua, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
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5
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Kummari E, Guo-Ross SX, Partington HS, Nutter JM, Eells JB. Quantitative Immunohistochemistry to Measure Regional Expression of Nurr1 in the Brain and the Effect of the Nurr1 Heterozygous Genotype. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:563854. [PMID: 33994958 PMCID: PMC8119777 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.563854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Nurr1 is a member of the steroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily. Ablation of Nurr1 expression arrests mesencephalic dopamine neuron differentiation while attenuation of Nurr1 in the subiculum and hippocampus impairs learning and memory. Additionally, reduced Nurr1 expression has been reported in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In order to better understand the overall function of Nurr1 in the brain, quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to measure cellular Nurr1 protein expression, across Nurr1 immunoreactive neuronal populations. Additionally, neuronal Nurr1 expression levels were compared between different brain regions in wild-type mice (+/+) and Nurr1 heterozygous mice (+/−). Regional Nurr1 protein was also investigated at various time points after a seizure induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Nurr1 protein is expressed in various regions throughout the brain, however, a wide range of Nurr1 expression levels were observed among various neuronal populations. Neurons in the parietal and temporal cortex (secondary somatosensory, insular, auditory, and temporal association cortex) had the highest relative Nurr1 expression (100%) followed closely by the claustrum/dorsal endopiriform cortex (85%) and then subiculum (76%). Lower Nurr1 protein levels were found in neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area (39%) followed by CA1 (25%) and CA3 (19%) of the hippocampus. Additionally, in the parietal and temporal cortex, two distinct populations of high and medium Nurr1 expressing neurons were observed. Comparisons between +/− and +/+ mice revealed Nurr1 protein was reduced in +/− mice by 27% in the parietal/temporal cortex, 49% in the claustrum/dorsal endopiriform cortex, 25% in the subiculum, 33% in substantia nigra pars compacta, 22% in ventral tegmental area, and 21% in CA1 region of the hippocampus. Based on these data, regional mechanisms appear to exist which can compensate for a loss of a Nurr1 allele. Following a single PTZ-induced seizure, Nurr1 protein in the dentate gyrus peaked around 2 h and returned to baseline by 8 h. Since altered Nurr1 expression has been implicated in neurologic disorders and Nurr1 agonists have showed protective effects, understanding regional protein expression of Nurr1, therefore, is necessary to understand how changes in Nurr1 expression can alter brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangel Kummari
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Shirley X Guo-Ross
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - Heath S Partington
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Makenzie Nutter
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Jeffrey B Eells
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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O'Shaughnessy KL, Gilbert ME. Thyroid disrupting chemicals and developmental neurotoxicity - New tools and approaches to evaluate hormone action. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110663. [PMID: 31760043 PMCID: PMC8270644 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that thyroid hormone (TH) action is critical for normal brain development and is mediated by both nuclear and extranuclear pathways. Given this dependence, the impact of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals that interfere with thyroid signaling is a major concern with direct implications for children's health. However, identifying thyroid disrupting chemicals in vivo is primarily reliant on serum thyroxine (T4) measurements within greater developmental and reproductive toxicity assessments. These studies do not examine known TH-dependent phenotypes in parallel, which complicates chemical evaluation. Additionally, there exist no recommendations regarding what degree of serum T4 dysfunction is adverse, and little consideration is given to quantifying TH action within the developing brain. This review summarizes current testing strategies in rodent models and discusses new approaches for evaluating the developmental neurotoxicity of thyroid disrupting chemicals. This includes assays to identify adverse cellular effects of the brain by both immunohistochemistry and gene expression, which would compliment serum T4 measures. While additional experiments are needed to test the full utility of these approaches, incorporation of these cellular and molecular assays could enhance chemical evaluation in the regulatory arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Toxicity Assessment Division, Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Toxicity Assessment Division, Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
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7
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Gilbert ME, O'Shaughnessy KL, Axelstad M. Regulation of Thyroid-disrupting Chemicals to Protect the Developing Brain. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa106. [PMID: 32615585 PMCID: PMC8650774 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties are pervasive in the environment and are present in the bodies of humans and wildlife. As thyroid hormones (THs) control normal brain development, and maternal hypothyroxinemia is associated with neurological impairments in children, chemicals that interfere with TH signaling are of considerable concern for children's health. However, identifying thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs) in vivo is largely based on measuring serum tetraiodothyronine in rats, which may be inadequate to assess TDCs with disparate mechanisms of action and insufficient to evaluate the potential neurotoxicity of TDCs. In this review 2 neurodevelopmental processes that are dependent on TH action are highlighted, neuronal migration and maturation of gamma amino butyric acid-ergic interneurons. We discuss how interruption of these processes by TDCs may contribute to abnormal brain circuitry following developmental TH insufficiency. Finally, we identify issues in evaluating the developmental neurotoxicity of TDCs and the strengths and limitations of current approaches designed to regulate them. It is clear that an enhanced understanding of how THs affect brain development will lead to refined toxicity testing, reducing uncertainty and improving our ability to protect children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gilbert
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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8
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Talhada D, Santos CRA, Gonçalves I, Ruscher K. Thyroid Hormones in the Brain and Their Impact in Recovery Mechanisms After Stroke. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1103. [PMID: 31681160 PMCID: PMC6814074 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are of fundamental importance for brain development and essential factors to warrant brain functions throughout life. Their actions are mediated by binding to specific intracellular and membranous receptors regulating genomic and non-genomic mechanisms in neurons and populations of glial cells, respectively. Among others, mechanisms include the regulation of neuronal plasticity processes, stimulation of angiogenesis and neurogenesis as well modulating the dynamics of cytoskeletal elements and intracellular transport processes. These mechanisms overlap with those that have been identified to enhance recovery of lost neurological functions during the first weeks and months after ischemic stroke. Stimulation of thyroid hormone signaling in the postischemic brain might be a promising therapeutic strategy to foster endogenous mechanisms of repair. Several studies have pointed to a significant association between thyroid hormones and outcome after stroke. With this review, we will provide an overview on functions of thyroid hormones in the healthy brain and summarize their mechanisms of action in the developing and adult brain. Also, we compile the major thyroid-modulated molecular pathways in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke that can enhance recovery, highlighting thyroid hormones as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Talhada
- Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
- LUBIN Lab-Lunds Laboratorium för Neurokirurgisk Hjärnskadeforskning, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Cecília Reis Alves Santos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Karsten Ruscher
- Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- LUBIN Lab-Lunds Laboratorium för Neurokirurgisk Hjärnskadeforskning, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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O'Shaughnessy KL, Wood CR, Ford RL, Kosian PA, Hotchkiss MG, Degitz SJ, Gilbert ME. Thyroid Hormone Disruption in the Fetal and Neonatal Rat: Predictive Hormone Measures and Bioindicators of Hormone Action in the Developing Cortex. Toxicol Sci 2019; 166:163-179. [PMID: 30085217 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse neurodevelopmental consequences remain a primary concern when evaluating the effects of thyroid hormone (TH) disrupting chemicals. Though the developing brain is a known target of TH insufficiency, the relationship between THs in the serum and the central nervous system is not well characterized. To address this issue, dose response experiments were performed in pregnant rats using the goitrogen propylthiouracil (PTU) (dose range 0.1-10 ppm). THs were quantified in the serum and brain of offspring at gestational day 20 (GD20) and postnatal day 14 (PN14), two developmental stages included in OECD and EPA regulatory guideline/guidance studies. From the dose response data, the quantitative relationships between THs in the serum and brain were determined. Next, targeted gene expression analyses were performed in the fetal and neonatal cortex to test the hypothesis that TH action in the developing brain is linked to changes in TH concentrations within the tissue. Results show a significant reduction of T4/T3 in the serum and brain of the GD20 fetus in response to low doses of PTU; interestingly, very few genes were significantly different at any dose tested. In the PN14 pup significant reductions of T4/T3 in the serum and brain were also detected; however, twelve transcriptional targets were identified in the neonatal cortex that correlated well with reduced brain THs. These results show that serum T4 is a good predictor of brain THs, and offer several target genes that could serve as pragmatic readouts of T4/T3 dysfunction within the PN14 cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L O'Shaughnessy
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830
| | - Carmen R Wood
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Richard L Ford
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education, Oak Ridge, Tennesse 37830
| | - Patricia A Kosian
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota 55804
| | - Michelle G Hotchkiss
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Sigmund J Degitz
- Mid-Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota 55804
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- Toxicity Assessment Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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10
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Banik A, Kandilya D, Ramya S, Stünkel W, Chong YS, Dheen ST. Maternal Factors that Induce Epigenetic Changes Contribute to Neurological Disorders in Offspring. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E150. [PMID: 28538662 PMCID: PMC5485514 DOI: 10.3390/genes8060150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the regulation of epigenetic factors, including chromatic reorganization, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, is critical for the normal development and functioning of the human brain. There are a number of maternal factors influencing epigenetic pathways such as lifestyle, including diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking, as well as age and infections (viral or bacterial). Genetic and metabolic alterations such as obesity, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and thyroidism alter epigenetic mechanisms, thereby contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) such as embryonic neural tube defects (NTDs), autism, Down's syndrome, Rett syndrome, and later onset of neuropsychological deficits. This review comprehensively describes the recent findings in the epigenetic landscape contributing to altered molecular profiles resulting in NDs. Furthermore, we will discuss potential avenues for future research to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic epi-drugs to reverse these abnormalities in the brain as epigenetic marks are plastic and reversible in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avijit Banik
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Deepika Kandilya
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Seshadri Ramya
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
| | - Walter Stünkel
- Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 117609, Singapore.
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
| | - S Thameem Dheen
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117594, Singapore.
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11
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Strobl MTJ, Freeman D, Patel J, Poulsen R, Wendler CC, Rivkees SA, Coleman JE. Opposing Effects of Maternal Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism on the Stability of Thalamocortical Synapses in the Visual Cortex of Adult Offspring. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:3015-3027. [PMID: 27235101 PMCID: PMC6059113 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient or excessive thyroid hormone (TH) levels during fetal development can cause long-term neurological and cognitive problems. Studies in animal models of perinatal hypo- and hyperthyroidism suggest that these problems may be a consequence of the formation of maladaptive circuitry in the cerebral cortex, which can persist into adulthood. Here we used mouse models of maternal hypo- and hyperthyroidism to investigate the long-term effects of altering thyroxine (T4) levels during pregnancy (corresponding to embryonic days 6.5-18.5) on thalamocortical (TC) axon dynamics in adult offspring. Because perinatal hypothyroidism has been linked to visual processing deficits in humans, we performed chronic two-photon imaging of TC axons and boutons in primary visual cortex (V1). We found that a decrease or increase in maternal serum T4 levels was associated with atypical steady-state dynamics of TC axons and boutons in V1 of adult offspring. Hypothyroid offspring exhibited axonal branch and bouton dynamics indicative of an abnormal increase in TC connectivity, whereas changes in hyperthyroid offspring were indicative of an abnormal decrease in TC connectivity. Collectively, our data suggest that alterations to prenatal T4 levels can cause long-term synaptic instability in TC circuits, which could impair early stages of visual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Therese J. Strobl
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center, University RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Freeman
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jenica Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ryan Poulsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christopher C. Wendler
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Scott A. Rivkees
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jason E. Coleman
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute,University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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12
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Moog NK, Entringer S, Heim C, Wadhwa PD, Kathmann N, Buss C. Influence of maternal thyroid hormones during gestation on fetal brain development. Neuroscience 2017; 342:68-100. [PMID: 26434624 PMCID: PMC4819012 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play an obligatory role in many fundamental processes underlying brain development and maturation. The developing embryo/fetus is dependent on maternal supply of TH. The fetal thyroid gland does not commence TH synthesis until mid gestation, and the adverse consequences of severe maternal TH deficiency on offspring neurodevelopment are well established. Recent evidence suggests that even more moderate forms of maternal thyroid dysfunction, particularly during early gestation, may have a long-lasting influence on child cognitive development and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, these observed alterations appear to be largely irreversible after birth. It is, therefore, important to gain a better understanding of the role of maternal thyroid dysfunction on offspring neurodevelopment in terms of the nature, magnitude, time-specificity, and context-specificity of its effects. With respect to the issue of context specificity, it is possible that maternal stress and stress-related biological processes during pregnancy may modulate maternal thyroid function. The possibility of an interaction between the thyroid and stress systems in the context of fetal brain development has, however, not been addressed to date. We begin this review with a brief overview of TH biology during pregnancy and a summary of the literature on its effect on the developing brain. Next, we consider and discuss whether and how processes related to maternal stress and stress biology may interact with and modify the effects of maternal thyroid function on offspring brain development. We synthesize several research areas and identify important knowledge gaps that may warrant further study. The scientific and public health relevance of this review relates to achieving a better understanding of the timing, mechanisms and contexts of thyroid programing of brain development, with implications for early identification of risk, primary prevention and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Moog
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Entringer
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - C Heim
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, College of Health and Human Development, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - P D Wadhwa
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 3117 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 837 Health Sciences Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - N Kathmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Rudower Chaussee 18, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - C Buss
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Luisenstrasse 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Drive West, Suite 1200, Orange, CA 92868, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, 505 South Main Street, Suite 525, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
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Bernal J. Thyroid hormone regulated genes in cerebral cortex development. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R83-R97. [PMID: 27852726 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The physiological and developmental effects of thyroid hormones are mainly due to the control of gene expression after interaction of T3 with the nuclear receptors. To understand the role of thyroid hormones on cerebral cortex development, knowledge of the genes regulated by T3 during specific stages of development is required. In our laboratory, we previously identified genes regulated by T3 in primary cerebrocortical cells in culture. By comparing these data with transcriptomics of purified cell types from the developing cortex, the cellular targets of T3 can be identified. In addition, many of the genes regulated transcriptionally by T3 have defined roles in cortex development, from which the role of T3 can be derived. This review analyzes the specific roles of T3-regulated genes in the different stages of cortex development within the physiological frame of the developmental changes of thyroid hormones and receptor concentrations in the human cerebral cortex during fetal development. These data indicate an increase in the sensitivity to T3 during the second trimester of fetal development. The main cellular targets of T3 appear to be the Cajal-Retzius and the subplate neurons. On the other hand, T3 regulates transcriptionally genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins, involved in cell migration and the control of diverse signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bernal
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, and Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Chen C, Ma Q, Chen X, Zhong M, Deng P, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang K, Guo L, Wang L, Yu Z, Zhou Z. Thyroid Hormone-Otx2 Signaling Is Required for Embryonic Ventral Midbrain Neural Stem Cells Differentiated into Dopamine Neurons. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1751-65. [PMID: 25867707 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are essential for maintaining multiple brain functions. These neurons have also been implicated in relation with diverse neurological disorders. However, how these neurons are developed from neuronal stem cells (NSCs) remains largely unknown. In this study, we provide both in vivo and in vitro evidence that the thyroid hormone, an important physiological factor for brain development, promotes DA neuron differentiation from embryonic ventral midbrain (VM) NSCs. We find that thyroid hormone deficiency during development reduces the midbrain DA neuron number, downregulates the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the dopamine transporter (DAT), and impairs the DA neuron-dependent motor behavior. In addition, thyroid hormone treatment during VM NSC differentiation in vitro increases the production of DA neurons and upregulates the expression of TH and DAT. We also found that the thyroid hormone enhances the expression of Otx2, an important determinant of DA neurogenesis, during DA neuron differentiation. Our in vitro gene silencing experiments indicate that Otx2 is required for thyroid hormone-dependent DA neuron differentiation from embryonic VM NSCs. Finally, we revealed both in vivo and in vitro that the thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 is expressed in embryonic VM NSCs. Furthermore, it participates in the effects of thyroid hormone-induced Otx2 upregulation and DA neuron differentiation. These data demonstrate the role and molecular mechanisms of how the thyroid hormone regulates DA neuron differentiation from embryonic VM NSCs, particularly providing new mechanisms and a potential strategy for generating dopamine neurons from NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Chen
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Qinglong Ma
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhong
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Deng
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqi Yang
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Guo
- 3 Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Wang
- 4 Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
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Hoerder-Suabedissen A, Molnár Z. Development, evolution and pathology of neocortical subplate neurons. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:133-46. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Navarro D, Alvarado M, Navarrete F, Giner M, Obregon MJ, Manzanares J, Berbel P. Gestational and early postnatal hypothyroidism alters VGluT1 and VGAT bouton distribution in the neocortex and hippocampus, and behavior in rats. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:9. [PMID: 25741243 PMCID: PMC4330898 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are fundamental for the expression of genes involved in the development of the CNS and their deficiency is associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases including mental retardation, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. We examined in rat whether developmental and early postnatal hypothyroidism affects the distribution of vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGluT1; glutamatergic) and vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (VGAT; GABAergic) immunoreactive (ir) boutons in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex, and the behavior of the pups. Hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.02% methimazole (MMI) and 1% KClO4 to the drinking water starting at embryonic day 10 (E10; developmental hypothyroidism) and E21 (early postnatal hypothyroidism) until day of sacrifice at postnatal day 50. Behavior was studied using the acoustic prepulse inhibition (somatosensory attention) and the elevated plus-maze (anxiety-like assessment) tests. The distribution, density and size of VGluT1-ir and VGAT-ir boutons in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex was abnormal in MMI pups and these changes correlate with behavioral changes, as prepulse inhibition of the startle response amplitude was reduced, and the percentage of time spent in open arms increased. In conclusion, both developmental and early postnatal hypothyroidism significantly decreases the ratio of GABAergic to glutamatergic boutons in dentate gyrus leading to an abnormal flow of information to the hippocampus and infragranular layers of the somatosensory cortex, and alter behavior in rats. Our data show cytoarchitectonic alterations in the basic excitatory hippocampal loop, and in local inhibitory circuits of the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus that might contribute to the delayed neurocognitive outcome observed in thyroid hormone deficient children born in iodine deficient areas, or suffering from congenital hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Navarro
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
| | - Mayvi Alvarado
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad VeracruzanaXalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasAlicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Giner
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Obregon
- Instituto de investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasAlicante, Spain
| | - Pere Berbel
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
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Berbel P, Navarro D, Román GC. An evo-devo approach to thyroid hormones in cerebral and cerebellar cortical development: etiological implications for autism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:146. [PMID: 25250016 PMCID: PMC4158880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological alterations of cortical lamination observed in mouse models of developmental hypothyroidism prompted the recognition that these experimental changes resembled the brain lesions of children with autism; this led to recent studies showing that maternal thyroid hormone deficiency increases fourfold the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), offering for the first time the possibility of prevention of some forms of ASD. For ethical reasons, the role of thyroid hormones on brain development is currently studied using animal models, usually mice and rats. Although mammals have in common many basic developmental principles regulating brain development, as well as fundamental basic mechanisms that are controlled by similar metabolic pathway activated genes, there are also important differences. For instance, the rodent cerebral cortex is basically a primary cortex, whereas the primary sensory areas in humans account for a very small surface in the cerebral cortex when compared to the associative and frontal areas that are more extensive. Associative and frontal areas in humans are involved in many neurological disorders, including ASD, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, and dyslexia, among others. Therefore, an evo-devo approach to neocortical evolution among species is fundamental to understand not only the role of thyroid hormones and environmental thyroid disruptors on evolution, development, and organization of the cerebral cortex in mammals but also their role in neurological diseases associated to thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Berbel
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gustavo C. Román
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, USA
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